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Styx - Equinox Audio CD

A fair review of the Styx "Equinox" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all Styx reviews here, or go back to the Styx tabs.

Styx Band: Styx
Title: Equinox
Rating:
Release Date: 2009-04-28
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: Light Up 2: Lorelei 3: Mother Dear 4: Lonely Child 5: Midnight Ride 6: Born for Adventure 7: Prelude 12 8: Suite Madame Blue

My personal favorite Styx album as a whole..


Equinox is a killer album from start to finish. This album is what brought Styx out of obscurity, for right about the time of its release, "Lady" had also become a belated hit.

1. Light Up--Great synths. Rewritten for a Pot festival (LOL) and probably their most uptempo song ever made. Reminds me of Jimmy Buffet-style partying! Sung by Dennis DeYoung, the bands signature and most talented voice/songwriter.

2. Lorelei--Great synths on this one too. I remember hearing this on the radio back in 1980, when I was just discovering the band, and I recognized Dennis's voice immediately, ran out and got this album, and just fell in love with it. This song has those Styx harmonies I love.

3. Mother Dear--This song has grown on me through the years! Written by John Curulewski and Dennis DeYoung, but sung by JC. Interesting synths on this one, and perhaps one of their LEAST mainstream songs ever done.

4. Lonely child--Beautiful ballad in the style of Lady. I know other fans don't like this song as well, but I've always loved it. Written and sung by Dennis DeYoung (what a surprise right?)

5. Midnight Ride--My least favorite on this record. Never been a fan of JY's voice. . . . although his guitar is pretty good. Sung and written by JY

6. Born for Adventure--Great rock song, with Dennis DeYoung in the harder rock guise than his usual mellower and more melodic nature. I like him in this role too. Great vocals here!

7. Prelude 12--instrumental. I think it's a 12 string acoustic, but cannot be sure (my musical instrument knowledge is not on par with some of these other serious reviewers =-) ) A beautiful piece, and a perfect segue into this albums signature track. . . .

8. Suite Madame Blue--The BEST song on this album. Written and sung by Dennis DeYoung, I could listen to this song a zillion times over and never get sick of it. Beautifully written and sung, and one of his QUINTESSENTIAL prog-rock songs, in my personal opinion. In concert, even now, some 34 years after it was written? Dennis can STILL sing it as well as it sounds here. Just blows me away!!! Awesome guitars and synths on this one also.

ANYONE who wishes to hear what style of music made Styx so appealing to its fans?? THIS is as great place to start. THIS is Styx. . . . NOT CYCLOBARFBAG.

My highest recommendations go to this album!!

.


Equinox by Styx a legendary rock album
S. Styx was recognized and respected as being a consistent, sophisticated Northern U. rock band, but more people are familiar with their albums Pieces of Eight or The Grand Illusion. And don't waste my time discussing their song "Mr. Roboto" with me. Ick!
If you're looking for a group of well-written, expertly-performed songs, the Equinox CD should be on your list for both musical satisfaction and historical perspective.
During the early to late 1970s, hard rock and metal bands were playing songs from Equinox in local clubs around the nation. 'Nuff said.


Styx - Major Label Debut And Last From The Original Band
This would also be the band's first album for major label A&M and probably the album where the band really developed their signature sound, a mix of progressive rock, straight ahead pop, and arena style rock. "Equinox" would prove to be the last album from the original lineup of Styx. I think this is one of the band's best and I enjoy every song on the disc. The album spawned two medium hits "Light Up" and "Lorelei" both written by Dennis Deyoung. Deyoung's mini epic "Suite Madam Blue" would also be a concert staple for years and remains one of the band's all time best compositions. The rest of the album, "Mother Dear", "Lonely Child", "Midnight Ride", and "Born For Adventure" are all solid album cuts as well. All but "Midnight Ride" (written by James Young) feature Dennis Deyoung as at least a co-writer. In fact this is one of Deyoung's strongest albums as a songwriter. "Equinox" is a must own album for Styx fans and remains one of the band's best works.


nice transition
It contains haunting reminders of The Serpent Is Rising, but with a slightly more straight ahead rock direction. This is considered to be Styx's transition album released shortly before Tommy Shaw arrived (JC plays on Equinox). Fortunately none of these songs were never really overplayed on the radio, therefore they have aged gracefully and have a refreshing sound. Favorite songs are Lorelei, Lonely Child, Midnight Ride, and the great classic Prelude 12 / Suite Madame Blue.


A superb record from Styx
Their last record with original guitarist John Curulewski, who left later in 1975, and would be replaced by Tommy Shaw, who would make his debut with the band on 1976's 'Crystal Ball' album. Styx's 'Equinox' is one of their most progressive oriented records.

But boy is 'Equinox' good! Every song on here is worth 5 stars. Dennis DeYoung sings on most songs, but also take note of James Young's vocal appearance on 'Midnight Ride' and Curulewski's on 'Mother Dear. '

My favorite song on the album is probably 'Mother Dear. ' It features some awesome slide guitar and some awesome keyboards from Dennis. John's vocals are surprisingly good; he could have easily sang lead for another band.

'Lorelei,' obviously, was the hit on the record. It is a superb song, and probably my second favorite on the album. Dennis' vocals are at their very best, and this song is definitely worth listening to.

'Suite Madame Blue,' 'Prelude 12,' 'Midnight Ride' and 'Light Up' are the other highlights here. And that's pretty much the whole record. Everything on this record is great.

Overall, 1975's 'Equinox' is one of Styx's best. Highly recommended for any Styx fan. This record is a masterpiece, plain and simple. Highly recommended. ENJOY!!!.


You can see a complete list of all Styx discography, or go back to the Styx tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.

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