Hi there. I actually have known Styx's biggest hit for decades. They will be on rotation for the entire life of my channel. And here is a playlist of the 5 or so Styx songs I've already reacted to! ruclips.net/p/PL7SqQkBAxc6a0lN-mUtDx1ES3ClFqwsCC
Conjures up memories of lying in the dark in my parents’ basement in the 70s listening to this. Fantastic build up to the song from the acoustic Prelude intro into guitar and vocal and then full tilt. A winner for sure.
Styx at their proggiest and most theatrical. This is their best song, hands down. Still fresh and moving. Even better live(been to 4 Styx shows), this ALWAYS brings the house down, minutes-long ovations. Dennis DeYoung as a solo artist has a version or two here on RUclips, worth a listen. Lyrically, powerful,and, sadly, still relevant
In my opinion, Suite Madame Blue needs to be watched on their 1996 Return to Paradise tour. That's probably one of my favorite live performances to watch of all time by just about any classic rock band.
The fact that Styx is not in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, and hasn't even been nominated., is ridiculous. Everyone in the 70s and 80s grew up with them being one of the biggest bands on Earth.
The song builds slowly, but sure picked up steam as it moved along. It's such a beautiful piece of music from Styx. Although I'm familiar with this song, I honestly don't recall the meaning of the lyrics being a Love letter to America. I can see it now through your review. Thanks for the insight.
Hello! Glad you enjoyed. Just my take of course but I think I read that one of the band members at least said it was about the changing of America over time. Thanks for watching!
@@retroreactions.... Makes perfect sense. I use to think the song was about a woman. Ha, I have to say it, this suite shows America ain't as sweet as she use to be 😉 Seriously, it's sad how the whole world is changing & not for the better. Thanks
@@JavierParede *Musically, a suite is a series of distinct instrumental movements or sections with some element of unity, usually intended to be performed as a single unit.* Thank you Oxford.
The guitar-only part at the beginning is very reminiscent of ELP's "From the Beginning." Styx was my first rock concert. They were touring "Grand Illusion."
bonjours . Super Music Styx c'est vraiment cool. Je connais ce groupe depuis les années 70 en France. Je te conseil d'écouter le prélude suivi de ballerine sur l'album "Crystal Ball".
Epic!! There are two songs I find myself drawn to every 4th of July. This one and "Brothers in Arms" by Dire Straits... well, probably more Memorial Day for BIA . This is Styx at their very best. They're hitting on all cylinders with this one. Timeless. Why oh why could they not continue down this vein? Their 'Paradise' album came close for me. Timeless Rock anthem. Nice job and kudos on that backdrop Brandon!! Perfect!! 👍🤟
Yes, would have been cool to release it on 7/4 but of course I didn't know the subject when I chose it. So they don't have too many songs like this I take it. The good thing for me is that I love all the styles I've heard from them, even Mr. Roboto!!
@@retroreactions.... They don't have anything else this epic but a lot of the mid-seventies stuff was straight-up rock. Then they went the romantic ballad route and the rest is history. Not terrible but not classic Styx either. As for Mr. Roboto, welp, that pretty much destroyed their career. Pretty much ripped the band apart. They never really recovered from that. Awful. sorry.
@@JavierParedet was a very sad attempt at concept rock. Dennis was no Roger, that's for sure. Of course they made a lot of money off of it but, it came at a cost.
Another great choice my friend! I’ve been hoping for some more Styx, and this certainly didn’t disappoint! Epic song, I’ve heard it live at least a half dozen times. I know you’re aware of another Styx song I’ve been suggesting with the pipe organ on it. I know those you’ll love as well. This week is starting out great…. can you keep up with the bar being set so high so far? Lol
I can’t think of a past week that I didn’t like!! I’m just a loyal R.R. Crew member that happens to enjoy that ‘70s - ‘90s era, and also gets to see you react to all of these epic songs.
Thank you! Thank You! THANK YOU! These two songs were always meant to be together but rarely played together by reactors! Your the second on RUclips to do it!! Now if you could be soo kind to react to another little known but outstanding band I would appreciate it! Theocracy the hidden gem! Their masterpiece is from the album of the same name " Mirror of Souls"! Thank you!
Beautiful mural! Of circumstance since "Suite: Madame Blue" was composed in commemoration of the bicentenary of the independence of the United States. From STYX, "The Grand Illusion" (1977) album is by far my favorite. However, I must admit that this band was never one of my top, although I have always recognized the great merit of their production. Thanks.
Loved Styx back in the day, saw them live several times, but gradually became less interested in them over time. This was definitely one of my favorites by them, and hearing it again got those juices flowing once more.
For sure! Oh I have heard that live version of Hotel California many times... stunning like you said. Sadly I doubt I will ever include Eagles on my channel, as they issue strikes here on RUclips on channels that use their music. That can lead to a channel being shut down... thanks for watching though!
Styx definitely flirts with prog. Anything off of the Grand Illusion album is gold. I suggest "Fooling Yourself (Angry Young Man)" "Man in the Wilderness" or "Castle Walls" from that album.
Their early material definitely did. I lost them when Kilroy came out, but really liked a lot of their catalog prior to that. Comparing their older proggy stuff to the Kilroy material was like comparing Led Zeppelin to Milli Vanilli. But regardless of their later missteps the early material like this was gold.
Yea, it is a bit strange but widely accepted to use America to equal USA. The word America does sound better than USA in a song though! (looks at Kansas and Neil Diamond etc.)
Awesome, epic, masterpiece! Live performances from 1983 and 1996 are great also, but without "Prelude 12" - not easy to play, especially with such quality on a 12-string. Dennis' guitarist Jimmy Leahey learned it and does a good job ( ruclips.net/video/-jA1hmJuNmg/видео.html ). Back in the late 70's there was "Smoke On The Water" and this as must-learn power chords. "Castle Walls" or "Queen Of Spades" I'd suggest next - deep tracks but fan favorites. For more here's a copy of my suggestions from your "Renegade" & "Boat On The River" reaction. Tommy songs: "Man In The Wilderness", "Crystal Ball", "Fooling Yourself", and "Blue Collar Man". Note that there's an extended version of "Man In The Wilderness" ( ruclips.net/video/biKrDFBp0ns/видео.html ). Dennis songs: "CASTLE WALLS", "Queen Of Spades", "Prelude 12/Suite: Madame Blue"(DONE), "Lady", "Pieces Of Eight", and "Claire De Lune/Ballerina". James "JY" Young songs: "Snowblind", "Miss America", "Young Man", and "Man Of Miracles". John Curulewski was also very talented - check out his "A Day" which is jazz-rock fusion.
Hello! How funny I just read all your suggestions above yesterday when I was choosing the Styx song, so they are all on the list no worries. Thanks for the reminder, and for watching of course!
A sad and powerful love letter to America.. Thanks for watching! 🥰
On point! It sure is.
The message of this song has never been more relevant than it is today, right now.
Very true....thanks so much for watching Javier!
I was lucky enough to grow up with Styx, always a favorite of mine. If this is a first hearing don't stop. Styx has many great albums.
Hi there. I actually have known Styx's biggest hit for decades. They will be on rotation for the entire life of my channel. And here is a playlist of the 5 or so Styx songs I've already reacted to! ruclips.net/p/PL7SqQkBAxc6a0lN-mUtDx1ES3ClFqwsCC
Conjures up memories of lying in the dark in my parents’ basement in the 70s listening to this. Fantastic build up to the song from the acoustic Prelude intro into guitar and vocal and then full tilt. A winner for sure.
Thanks for sharing David. Great mini review! Appreciate you watching and commenting as always..
Styx at their proggiest and most theatrical. This is their best song, hands down. Still fresh and moving. Even better live(been to 4 Styx shows), this ALWAYS brings the house down, minutes-long ovations. Dennis DeYoung as a solo artist has a version or two here on RUclips, worth a listen. Lyrically, powerful,and, sadly, still relevant
Yes, very prog when I listened back. Nice, will have to hear a live version. Thanks for being first today! 🥇
Not even close to how theatrical they were - literally - with Kilroy Was Here tour!!
In my opinion, Suite Madame Blue needs to be watched on their 1996 Return to Paradise tour. That's probably one of my favorite live performances to watch of all time by just about any classic rock band.
Another reason why Styx is my Fav
Agree! Thanks so much for watching!
The song is memorizing...the solo is vicious ...
What a masterpiece!! ❤❤
Wow what a fantastic song! The arrangement is phenomenal.
For sure.. love the structure and emotions evoked here! Thanks for watching!
Equinox is just a monster album start to finish!
Been a huge fan since mid 70 s still am
Awesome! I'm excited to discover much more from them on this channel! Thank you Kelly 😊
Major Yes influence
Not a bad act to draw inspiration from! Thanks for watching
The fact that Styx is not in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, and hasn't even been nominated., is ridiculous. Everyone in the 70s and 80s grew up with them being one of the biggest bands on Earth.
Love this song!! Love the band Styx!! They just ROCK!!!!!
I figured you'd like this!! Amazing song!
You have gotten that right!! The band YES also does a "Song for America". But they aren't American.🤔
Wow!
@@reneelyons6836 Yes, and then there is Song for America by Kansas, as you probably know. Another epic!
Ah yes, loved that one when I reacted...
The song builds slowly, but sure picked up steam as it moved along. It's such a beautiful piece of music from Styx. Although I'm familiar with this song, I honestly don't recall the meaning of the lyrics being a Love letter to America. I can see it now through your review. Thanks for the insight.
Hello! Glad you enjoyed. Just my take of course but I think I read that one of the band members at least said it was about the changing of America over time. Thanks for watching!
@@retroreactions.... Makes perfect sense. I use to think the song was about a woman. Ha, I have to say it, this suite shows America ain't as sweet as she use to be 😉 Seriously, it's sad how the whole world is changing & not for the better. Thanks
Madame Blue is definitely America. I'm not sure why they used "suite" instead of "sweet", but it's definitely symbolism of the good ol' US of A.
@@JavierParede *Musically, a suite is a series of distinct instrumental movements or sections with some element of unity, usually intended to be performed as a single unit.* Thank you Oxford.
Great reaction and incite. Subscribed. ✌
Ah, thank you so much for subscribing and for the compliment. I really appreciate that!
The guitar-only part at the beginning is very reminiscent of ELP's "From the Beginning." Styx was my first rock concert. They were touring "Grand Illusion."
Oh, I will have to listen again with that in mind! Awesome, not too shabby a band for your 1st concert 🙂
I knew you would like this one! I think it's their best. Cheers!
Ha, guess you know my musical taste well by now. Cheers!!
bonjours . Super Music Styx c'est vraiment cool. Je connais ce groupe depuis les années 70 en France. Je te conseil d'écouter le prélude suivi de ballerine sur l'album "Crystal Ball".
Merci beaucoup d'avoir regardé ! J'ai ajouté votre vote pour cette chanson à ma liste !
Cool back drop!! : )
Thanks!!
Your Welcome!! Been liking this week so far.😃❤🎼🎹🎵🎶🎶
Cool! Not sure if you like all the bands lined up, but you probably do haha....
Not many bands from the 70's,80's and 90's, that i don't like. So we're cool. 😎
😁 No wonder we get along so well haha!
Epic!! There are two songs I find myself drawn to every 4th of July. This one and "Brothers in Arms" by Dire Straits... well, probably more Memorial Day for BIA .
This is Styx at their very best. They're hitting on all cylinders with this one. Timeless. Why oh why could they not continue down this vein? Their 'Paradise' album came close for me. Timeless Rock anthem.
Nice job and kudos on that backdrop Brandon!! Perfect!! 👍🤟
Yes, would have been cool to release it on 7/4 but of course I didn't know the subject when I chose it. So they don't have too many songs like this I take it. The good thing for me is that I love all the styles I've heard from them, even Mr. Roboto!!
@@retroreactions.... They don't have anything else this epic but a lot of the mid-seventies stuff was straight-up rock. Then they went the romantic ballad route and the rest is history. Not terrible but not classic Styx either. As for Mr. Roboto, welp, that pretty much destroyed their career. Pretty much ripped the band apart. They never really recovered from that. Awful. sorry.
If only they had continued down this path. Kilroy might as well have been Styx going disco.
@@JavierParedet was a very sad attempt at concept rock. Dennis was no Roger, that's for sure. Of course they made a lot of money off of it but, it came at a cost.
Ironic that it's such a popular Styx song...didn't know it helped end their career as we knew it...
I suggest Father O.S.A. Sepent is rising album!❤
I added your vote for that one, thanks!
Father O.S.A. is off of Styx II, actually.
Glam rock at its best, very cool vocals
Another great choice my friend! I’ve been hoping for some more Styx, and this certainly didn’t disappoint! Epic song, I’ve heard it live at least a half dozen times. I know you’re aware of another Styx song I’ve been suggesting with the pipe organ on it. I know those you’ll love as well. This week is starting out great…. can you keep up with the bar being set so high so far? Lol
My analytics will answer that question lol.... I'll assume you will like the lineup I picked for the week 😊
I can’t think of a past week that I didn’t like!! I’m just a loyal R.R. Crew member that happens to enjoy that ‘70s - ‘90s era, and also gets to see you react to all of these epic songs.
Sweet deal haha!
Thank you! Thank You! THANK YOU! These two songs were always meant to be together but rarely played together by reactors! Your the second on RUclips to do it!! Now if you could be soo kind to react to another little known but outstanding band I would appreciate it! Theocracy the hidden gem! Their masterpiece is from the album of the same name " Mirror of Souls"! Thank you!
Beautiful mural! Of circumstance since "Suite: Madame Blue" was composed in commemoration of the bicentenary of the independence of the United States. From STYX, "The Grand Illusion" (1977) album is by far my favorite. However, I must admit that this band was never one of my top, although I have always recognized the great merit of their production. Thanks.
Thanks! I thought it looked really nice too. Glad you enjoy the band and thanks for watching today!!
Loved Styx back in the day, saw them live several times, but gradually became less interested in them over time. This was definitely one of my favorites by them, and hearing it again got those juices flowing once more.
Nice!
Beautiful classic Styx. They have so many more! Say, you should try Hotel California by the Eagles but their Live 1994 version.... out of this world!
For sure! Oh I have heard that live version of Hotel California many times... stunning like you said. Sadly I doubt I will ever include Eagles on my channel, as they issue strikes here on RUclips on channels that use their music. That can lead to a channel being shut down... thanks for watching though!
Word is Eagles are ruthless with their copyright protections. Good luck.
Thanks..
Styx definitely flirts with prog. Anything off of the Grand Illusion album is gold. I suggest "Fooling Yourself (Angry Young Man)" "Man in the Wilderness" or "Castle Walls" from that album.
Love me some proggy Styx! Thanks for the suggestions Tim, will add them to my list!
Their early material definitely did. I lost them when Kilroy came out, but really liked a lot of their catalog prior to that. Comparing their older proggy stuff to the Kilroy material was like comparing Led Zeppelin to Milli Vanilli. But regardless of their later missteps the early material like this was gold.
God one, Brandon - powerful!
Thanks, I loved it!
_"You are NOT a damn continent!"_
-- The 165 million people who live in Canada and Mexico. ;-]
Yea, it is a bit strange but widely accepted to use America to equal USA. The word America does sound better than USA in a song though! (looks at Kansas and Neil Diamond etc.)
Official name, United States *of* America. America for short.
@@flubblertexactly. America is kinda a nickname.
Tommy Shaw joined Styx on this album.
Was this not on the Chrystal Ball album that was Tommy's debut. Chrystal Ball is Tommy's song
Yes, that's what Wiki and Ultimateclassicrock say..
Awesome, epic, masterpiece! Live performances from 1983 and 1996 are great also, but without "Prelude 12" - not easy to play, especially with such quality on a 12-string. Dennis' guitarist Jimmy Leahey learned it and does a good job ( ruclips.net/video/-jA1hmJuNmg/видео.html ).
Back in the late 70's there was "Smoke On The Water" and this as must-learn power chords.
"Castle Walls" or "Queen Of Spades" I'd suggest next - deep tracks but fan favorites.
For more here's a copy of my suggestions from your "Renegade" & "Boat On The River" reaction.
Tommy songs: "Man In The Wilderness", "Crystal Ball", "Fooling Yourself", and "Blue Collar Man". Note that there's an extended version of "Man In The Wilderness" ( ruclips.net/video/biKrDFBp0ns/видео.html ).
Dennis songs: "CASTLE WALLS", "Queen Of Spades", "Prelude 12/Suite: Madame Blue"(DONE), "Lady", "Pieces Of Eight", and "Claire De Lune/Ballerina".
James "JY" Young songs: "Snowblind", "Miss America", "Young Man", and "Man Of Miracles".
John Curulewski was also very talented - check out his "A Day" which is jazz-rock fusion.
Hello! How funny I just read all your suggestions above yesterday when I was choosing the Styx song, so they are all on the list no worries. Thanks for the reminder, and for watching of course!