WHOA 🎵 Styx - Blue Collar Man REACTION

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  • Опубликовано: 5 сен 2024
  • Thanks for checking out our Styx reaction. Blue Collar Man is such an interesting song!
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Комментарии • 555

  • @davidpeck9834
    @davidpeck9834 2 года назад +8

    It's literal. He wants the dignity that comes from hard work, the life of a blue collar man.

  • @roccaclassico9028
    @roccaclassico9028 2 года назад +128

    Lex, this song is absolutely literal. The U.S. economy in the '70s was a dumpster fire; with high unemployment, high inflation, massive layoffs, and rationed gas. The Jimmy Carter years. These lyrics gave voice to the frustrations of the working people, especially Midwestern factory workers. But also the optimistic American spirit came through, that if he is given the opportunity, he knows that he'll make a better future.

    • @ronhale9868
      @ronhale9868 2 года назад +8

      Excellent comment. Spot on!

    • @markmurphy558
      @markmurphy558 2 года назад

      We had to pay for the clusterfuck that was The Vietnam War. Spending money on bombs with borrowed money and the check came due.

    • @douglasbuck8986
      @douglasbuck8986 2 года назад +15

      AND HERE WE ARE AGAIN......................................................

    • @SilentBob731
      @SilentBob731 2 года назад

      @@douglasbuck8986 Inflation is up globally, is that Biden's fault too?

    • @SilentBob731
      @SilentBob731 2 года назад

      And then Reagan came along, privatized everything, declared war on unions & the working class, and popularized "trickle down economics".
      This was the beginning of the end of the American Middle Class.

  • @Vaelsung1
    @Vaelsung1 2 года назад +208

    When hearing a great song like this, you can easily understand why Styx was the first band in history to achieve 4 triple platinum albums in a row. Not the Beatles, not the Stones. Styx. I'd also recommend Queen of Spades, Miss America, Castle Walls, Rockin' the Paradise, Snowblind, Suite Madame Blue, Midnight Ride, Light Up, Lorelei. Great reaction!

    • @jimo7593
      @jimo7593 2 года назад +2

      Hate to burst your bubble, but you might wanna check Pink Floyd's albums, from Dark Side thru The Wall. 4 albums in a row and Animals was the lowest at 4X Plat. Mainly due to the songs being too long for air play. Dark Side is like 19x, WYWH is 11x, Animals at 4x, and The Wall at 27x Platinum.

    • @Vaelsung1
      @Vaelsung1 2 года назад +7

      @@jimo7593 Big Pink Floyd fan too. But still, Styx was the first to do it. Research it or just go to the "Styxworld" website and you'll see it for yourself.

    • @anpweed
      @anpweed 2 года назад +8

      It's hard to believe they're not in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. What a shame!

    • @scottbenda7795
      @scottbenda7795 2 года назад +10

      @@anpweed the Rock and Roll hall of fame is a fucking joke.

    • @deandee8082
      @deandee8082 2 года назад +1

      Mirror Mirror .. :-) ahh the 80's .. where has all of Pablo's stash gone?

  • @ShaunHensley
    @ShaunHensley 2 года назад +56

    Styx is seriously underrated

    • @donkeech1081
      @donkeech1081 2 года назад +2

      Grievously underrated! Didn't they have something like 3 pretty-good lead singers in a 4 piece band?! Dennis DeYoung, Tommy Shaw, & Lawrence Gowan?! All pretty great vocalists, as well as incredible players! I even forgive them for "Killroy Was Here"...Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto! ;)

    • @smittygee003
      @smittygee003 2 года назад

      Dennis Deyoung is underrated. Styx without Dennis is just blah

    • @eschdaddy
      @eschdaddy Год назад

      @@smittygee003: You’re joking, right? How come they love Tommy Shaw songs? Don’t get me wrong, I love Dennis too, but to say Dennis DeYoung was what made Styx is just plain wrong.

    • @smittygee003
      @smittygee003 Год назад

      @@eschdaddy He was their sound. I could've phrased it better. But he was their number 1.

    • @eschdaddy
      @eschdaddy Год назад +1

      @@smittygee003: No, I get it. He was one of the original 3 and was the writer/singer for their biggest hit. Still, since 3 of the 5 original play in the current Styx, (and it would be 4 if John was still alive), I still see Shaw/Young/Panozzo as the actual Styx. Lastly, I just thought it was kinda creepy how Dennis had look alikes in his band. I understand why, since he’s trying to recreate Styx for the audience’s sake, but it just comes off weird to me.
      Dennis is incredible and no one can replace him or his sound. As Dennis put it in an interview, Lawrence Gowan does a great Lawrence Gowan… but nobody can do a Dennis DeYoung. It’s true.

  • @brettkenschaft4239
    @brettkenschaft4239 2 года назад +85

    Hats off to Brad for catching the guitar mimicking the vocals thing! I'm honestly impressed! While Dennis DeYoung definitely has a great voice, no argument there, I always liked the Tommy Shaw lead songs like this one best!

  • @surlechapeau
    @surlechapeau 2 года назад +106

    "Too Much Time On My Hands" would be a good 5th song to check out from them.

    • @ursanator
      @ursanator 2 года назад +1

      here is link to lyric version ruclips.net/video/ORm0NwdbB2E/видео.html

    • @yelnek4548
      @yelnek4548 2 года назад +3

      My favorite Styx song

    • @sodone1843
      @sodone1843 2 года назад +1

      Oh Yes

    • @TonyM1961
      @TonyM1961 2 года назад

      There are SO many songs... truly excellent songs to work their way through that this rabbit hole is going to take a long time to explore

    • @leekrick6051
      @leekrick6051 Год назад +1

      Oh definitely, one of the best rocker songs

  • @danielstorm8931
    @danielstorm8931 2 года назад +50

    This was the "anthem" for us kids that didn't go to collage. Styx puts "rock" right in your face.. Love it!!

    • @peteseegiii3201
      @peteseegiii3201 2 года назад +12

      I can tell.

    • @sentinelmortgagecorp4291
      @sentinelmortgagecorp4291 2 года назад +6

      @@peteseegiii3201 lol, I was wondering how to make a tasteful joke there but I’ll just laugh at yours.

    • @masterofsparkshwy6974
      @masterofsparkshwy6974 2 года назад +8

      @@peteseegiii3201 so crual

    • @victorvisser403
      @victorvisser403 2 года назад

      I would like to see one of you Poindexters that know how to spell college fix your car when it breaks down. Last laugh to the blue collar man.

  • @tinahairston6383
    @tinahairston6383 2 года назад +74

    "This song tells the story of a man who is sick of being mocked for being jobless. He tries to get a job and when he is denied, he tries to persuade people into hiring him." Tommy Shaw often wrote/writes songs that are relatable so you get a great song but the lyrics are purposeful. Many of us can relate to being on unemployment and wanting that one person who finally hires you because you'd work even if it's manual labor sometimes than be considered a lazy person who would rather collect unemployment.
    There was an organ. Dennis De Young would switch between organ and piano. You should check out Too much Time on My Hands, The Best of Times, Babe and Lady.

    • @andrewburch1671
      @andrewburch1671 2 года назад +4

      They were actually living in Detroit where unemployment had hit the auto industry.

    • @JDOzzy37
      @JDOzzy37 2 года назад +2

      You also have to remember this song was recorded in the midst of high inflation and high unemployment during the Jimmy Carter years. Not starting a political discourse, just stating the truth.

  • @metalmark1214
    @metalmark1214 2 года назад +106

    Glad you got around to this Styx song. One of their best. Also check out Crystal Ball, The Grand Illusion, Pieces of Eight, Miss America, Queen of Spades, Fooling Yourself and Suite Madam Blue.

    • @RoadLessTraveledMedia
      @RoadLessTraveledMedia 2 года назад +8

      great recs, metal mark. I agree this is on the list of niche, but best, Styx tracks!

    • @72KingDavid
      @72KingDavid 2 года назад

      Agreed!

    • @McShaganpronouncedShaegen
      @McShaganpronouncedShaegen 2 года назад

      lol Made this exact rec months ago. I have to listen to Queen of Spades now. Swap out Castle walls for Pieces of Eight.

    • @bobsacamano2948
      @bobsacamano2948 2 года назад +5

      suite madam blue

    • @PG-vw6gn
      @PG-vw6gn 2 года назад +2

      Absolutely, Queen of Spades & Suite Madam Blue would love to Lex react to those two songs.

  • @Knightveil
    @Knightveil 2 года назад +14

    Brad is correct, this is literally the singer (Tommy Shaw) expressing his desire to not be unemployed and seen as a loser by his family and friends and do whatever it takes to achieve the "good life".
    This is Styx at the height of their popularity and creativity. The addition of Tommy Shaw gave the band not only a solid tenor and a different guitar voice (that's Shaw playing the solo), but a new songwriting voice as well. Shaw tended to write songs that were *about* something, while Dennis DeYoung (keyboards and vocals) and James Young (guitar and vocals) tended to writer love songs or more metaphorical pieces. Not that any of those during this period were bad, but Shaw's fresh presence drove the band to new heights of success.

    • @rickvalentine7900
      @rickvalentine7900 7 месяцев назад

      Tommy Shaw doesn't sing lead vocal on this song.

  • @dannycasson1551
    @dannycasson1551 2 года назад +35

    This band is what they called an “arena band.”
    They had a big show and a big sound to match it. They sold
    out huge arenas and stadiums in their heyday.
    They’re still touring! Definitely one of my favorite groups.
    “Lady”…”Too Much Time On My Hands”…”Miss America.”

    • @MegaAlan54321
      @MegaAlan54321 2 года назад +2

      Yep just saw them a couple of days ago.

  • @EddieReischl
    @EddieReischl 2 года назад +48

    The great thing about Styx is having Tommy Shaw as a singer as well as Dennis DeYoung. They had a wide variety of songs. And yeah, the economy in the 1970s was crap, didn't start getting better till about 1983, the song is literal.

    • @CaptWalker
      @CaptWalker 2 года назад +1

      Now it's just the opposite but really the same, with Now Hiring signs everywhere promising high wages, but seems like nobody is really that eager to hire, at least not me. Wouldn't even surprise me if the Govt was really behind all this making it look a lot better than it really is, maybe even paying off some companies to post available jobs that don't exist? Nothing really surprises me anymore and seems like everyone is full of shit ever since Covid came on the scene.

  • @stevemariman8769
    @stevemariman8769 2 года назад +8

    Styx is on fire when they really get going! "The Best of Times" "Nothing Ever Goes as Planned" "Babe" "The Grand Illusion" "Come Sail Away" "Light Up" "Mr. Roboto" "Renegade" "Lady" "Love in the Midnight" "Why Me?" "Too Much Time On My Hands" "Show Me the Way" "Rockin' the Paradise"

  • @fishfood8719
    @fishfood8719 2 года назад +34

    Literally just repurchased this album "Pieces of Eight" on cd and mp3 a few days ago! Was jamming to it in my truck yesterday! Originally had it on vinyl decades ago.

    • @sammyholloway334
      @sammyholloway334 2 года назад +2

      Strong strong album,,
      My friend had it in 8 track,, we just let it run for days.

    • @trishyt62
      @trishyt62 2 года назад +2

      Still have my vinyl album

    • @CB-gr1uk
      @CB-gr1uk 2 года назад

      Next to Grand Illusion, I think Pieces of Eight is their 2nd best album.

  • @deadmeat_0152
    @deadmeat_0152 2 года назад +29

    back in the 70s, when a blue collar job could allow you to raise a family, have a house, & respectability as Styx sings

    • @larzakalazerath6655
      @larzakalazerath6655 2 года назад +3

      Blue collar jobs still allow all that. we may not drive the newest greatest cars and my house only has 1500 sq. ft. but it sits on a 1 and 3/4 lot and I have my shop out back my wife has her green house and in 2 more years we will have raised 5 kids all with at least a high school diploma and we can still catch a show in down town Atlanta or go up to the mountains for a week end ride and I have never made a three figure salary in my life. It's all about what you spend your money on and what is actually important to YOU.

    • @razorfett147
      @razorfett147 2 года назад +2

      You can still make it blue collar. I have a house, 2 cars, and raised 2 kids on a factory job.
      Actually, as more n more kids steer towards white collar work...blue collar jobs are starting to pay more to try and convince ppl to do these jobs

  • @davidruland5519
    @davidruland5519 2 года назад +10

    Love Lex's expression when she knows its going to rock

  • @galenstone9097
    @galenstone9097 2 года назад +4

    Tommy Shaw has owned of the best voices in Rock Music.

  • @detomaso_6235
    @detomaso_6235 2 года назад +10

    Just a great, great, GREAT rock song! This is pretty much a PERFECT rock single. Styx's 70s guitar driven stuff was SO good.

  • @Jessica_Roth
    @Jessica_Roth 2 года назад +9

    What's interesting about the different styles within Styx is that even though Tommy Shaw's songs, such as this, are all rocking and fun-sounding, they deal with depressing subject matter. Unemployment, trouble with the law, drug addiction, lack of direction, wanting to run away from the world, the futility of activism, and so on.
    Whereas although many of Dennis DeYoung's songs sound wistful, they're almost all eventually about finding a positive outcome. Even "Mr. Roboto" is about rebelling against authority. Of course, Dennis's organ chords are all over this one.
    As for the divergent guitars, remember that Tommy was a replacement here; James Young was the lead guitarist, where Tommy had been the lead for Harvest (his previous group). So sometimes they did different things. (I would guess Tommy's keeping to the melody line here, while JY is improvising, but that's only a guess.)
    BTW, JY writes songs and sings lead, too, but I'll wait until you do one ("The Great White Hope", perhaps) until I comment further.
    Fun note: at one point, Tommy went through a breakup and so in live performances, he changed the lyric "my mother, my father, my wife and my friends, I see them laughing at me" to "my mother, my father, my DOG and my friends, etc."
    Man, when even your DOG is laughing at you…bad doggie! Shush!

  • @puppetmaster8551
    @puppetmaster8551 2 года назад +19

    Styx made some fantastic music, this is a great song. “Too much time on my hands”is a must react from them.

  • @klaptongroovemaster
    @klaptongroovemaster 2 года назад +11

    "Unison" is what it is called when multiple voices / instruments are playing exactly the same notes. "Octaves" is more accurate in this case, because the guitar is an octave lower.

  • @aulduronsmith5577
    @aulduronsmith5577 2 года назад +13

    This is one where Brad is right: it's literal. Unemployment was horrible back then.
    The riff came from the sound of a boat motor that wouldn't start.
    In the '80s, rock was changing. Everyone was trying to come up with a new sound. Mr Roboto was Styx's attempt at that. Most people hated it. That's why I call it "the song that killed Styx".

    • @TheRealMirCat
      @TheRealMirCat 2 года назад +2

      1978, 1 year into Jimmy Carter and 3 to go...

    • @MrNoclutch
      @MrNoclutch 2 года назад +4

      Stood in those lines that went out the building and around the corner. Kids graduating from schools while the economy was shrinking and environmentalism driving out industry, Fathers and sons unemployed. Was a dark time for many. Cities still look empty in spots like wounds that never healed. It still happens in the North East as production is replaced with service jobs. That song I would play in my car on the way to interviews.

  • @deboragill4756
    @deboragill4756 2 года назад +11

    Love Styx. In my prime. Partying. Pieces of Eight & Crystal Ball are good ,too. Babe. Loads of feel good songs to vibe to. I'm 64 & remember my "go to" bands from long ago. Still resonates in my ❤ & soul forever!

  • @jongiometti6595
    @jongiometti6595 2 года назад +15

    My brother got this album, PIECES OF EIGHT, on 8-track tape when it came out in 1978 and I totally stole it from him! Could not stop listening, and used all of my lawmmowing money to gradually buy their entire catalog, and I've seen almost every tour of theirs ever since. Great band. I still listen to them now, 43 years on! Thanks for the reaction.

  • @thomassherman61
    @thomassherman61 2 года назад +16

    You're right on , Brad . It's literal .

    • @fishfood8719
      @fishfood8719 2 года назад +2

      Yes, I think Tommy Shaw wrote it about his friend who had gotten laid off his job.

  • @ZFlyingVLover
    @ZFlyingVLover 2 года назад +3

    I love watching lexy's face when she hear a cool guitar riff. She get this naughty smile that so cute. lol

  • @floorticket
    @floorticket 2 года назад +12

    "The Best of Times" (1981), was pretty much the anthem of my 9th grade experience. That "Mr. Roboto" (1983) song was where Styx jumped the shark for me.

    • @ShaunHensley
      @ShaunHensley 2 года назад

      Turns out mr roboto was ahead of it's time. revisit it

  • @jimtaylor6905
    @jimtaylor6905 2 года назад +4

    This was written in the 80's when they started breaking the unions and the fear of "The Blue Collar Man"

  • @craigbillingsley9466
    @craigbillingsley9466 2 года назад +3

    Real Rock n' Roll... More Styx!! More Styx!!

  • @retiredfirelt586
    @retiredfirelt586 2 года назад +4

    The great Tommy Shaw... such a bad ass.

  • @Frostrazor
    @Frostrazor 2 года назад +7

    I think Brad would love Crystal Ball and Man in the Wilderness. And Lex will go bananas of the energy and guitars in Man In Wilderness (My #1 Fav song by Styx by far!) Both sung by same singer (tommy shaw), and both are about a man trying to find his way in life and figure out who he is and what is his purpose.
    It's very deep and profoundly nostalgic as i know most guys dwell on this as they're growing up.

  • @tims7077
    @tims7077 2 года назад +6

    I'd recommend "Half-Penny, Two-Penny" as your next Styx song. It features James Young on vocals, whom you haven't heard yet, and it's never been reacted to before either.

  • @kel5423
    @kel5423 2 года назад +5

    Their progressive rock years is their best music.

  • @jkbezo1
    @jkbezo1 2 года назад +2

    Stxy was a great prog rock band. They have tons of good songs and have been on many movies too

  • @pdbordelon
    @pdbordelon 2 года назад +14

    What a great song...to me its a song about wanting more in life and not being afraid to work hard for it. Its about believing in yourself. Simple. Ripping guitars and synth! Please review "The Grand Illusion" as your next Styx song.

  • @jeffreyaverett1800
    @jeffreyaverett1800 2 года назад +10

    Styx were fire in the 70's. They have such a huge catalog of incredible tunes. You were right about Mr. Roboto being a one off. Lady, Suite Madame Blue, Crystal Ball, Queen Of Spades, Fooling Yourself, Grand Illusion and Miss America are just a few you should check out. ✌️

    • @centuryrox
      @centuryrox 2 года назад +2

      And don't forget Lorelei, and Man in the Wilderness!

    • @jeffsandy5088
      @jeffsandy5088 2 года назад +2

      Lorelei is my favorite.

    • @jeffreyaverett1800
      @jeffreyaverett1800 2 года назад +1

      @Bookhouse Boy I totally forgot about that tune. It's probably been since the 70's that I broke out any of the first four (Wooden Nickel) LP's. Thanks for the flashback. Now I'm going to have to spin the black circle and gel. Love me some vinyl.

  • @bradsouthers7476
    @bradsouthers7476 2 года назад +2

    You can put any meaning to it that you feel. To me it's always been literal: "I have more pride and self worth than to collect unemployment when there are jobs available; I would rather be employed at a hard job than to take charity while holding out for a cushy one. I can make a better life for myself, I don't expect it to be handed to me".

  • @kdm71291
    @kdm71291 2 года назад +6

    No…it’s literal.
    Styx is a great band!
    This is from their album Pieces Of Eight…you should also listen to my favorite Styx song Come Sail Away, which is from their previous album to this called The Grand Illusion…..but NOT the video version, it’s edited, but the full album version.
    Those are the first two albums I ever bought!

    • @eppro2177
      @eppro2177 2 года назад

      They did a "Come Sail Away" reaction back in December.

  • @75yellowraven
    @75yellowraven 2 года назад +2

    One of the top three most influential bands for my life!! First rock band I got into when this came out in 78’!!!

  • @jamielandis4308
    @jamielandis4308 2 года назад +3

    Fooling Yourself, my favorite Styx song. Lady is so wonderful. So many great tunes!

  • @normbittner3762
    @normbittner3762 2 года назад +2

    My wife mentioned this morning that Styx played at her sister's prom in Mount Prospect, IL in the 70's- 😂

    • @mikeg.4211
      @mikeg.4211 2 года назад

      All us Chicago kids love Styx!

  • @sammyholloway334
    @sammyholloway334 2 года назад +1

    Styx rocked.
    The late 70s,,they were the house music for every keg party the quadsters threw.

  • @mr.knowitall6440
    @mr.knowitall6440 2 года назад +1

    This has always been one of my favorite Styx songs... 👍🤘😎

  • @castlew4162
    @castlew4162 2 года назад

    Styx had a wide variety of music - not only from each writer but that there were 3 songwriters.
    Now that you've heard "Come Sail Away", "Renegade", and "Blue Collar Man" check out these: "Prelude 12/Suite: Madame Blue", "Castle Walls", "Man In The Wilderness", "Fooling Yourself", "Queen Of Spades", "Lorelei", "Crystal Ball", "Snowblind", "The Serpent Is Rising", and "Lady". There's lots and lots more - album rock.

  • @agatehuntress499
    @agatehuntress499 2 года назад +3

    I feel really lucky to have seen these dudes three times in concert.

  • @Williamswartz
    @Williamswartz 2 года назад +5

    Seen them live a couple years ago and they sound better than studio! Even at older ages!!!

  • @chriswildhaber35
    @chriswildhaber35 2 года назад +7

    Great song and great band love everything Styx has put out.

  • @Lonewolfmike
    @Lonewolfmike 2 года назад +4

    Mr. Roboto was a concept album that Styx did. I would recommend Suite Madam Blue to listen to.

  • @catherineferguson7646
    @catherineferguson7646 11 месяцев назад

    It is literal. His Father was a blue collar man. It like an ode to people who work hard. He has respect to them and he would do it and be a respectable man.

  • @famijher
    @famijher 2 года назад +1

    This is still my favorite song by Styx. That keyboard intro hits me every time.

  • @babylonsister118
    @babylonsister118 2 года назад +2

    Tommy Shaw and Contemporary Youth Orchestra version of this is stupendous, as well!

  • @Deborahtunes
    @Deborahtunes 2 года назад

    This song was about unemployment. In 1978 during "Pieces Of Eight's" release, unemployment was high, between 8%-10%.
    Tommy Shaw, the writer and vocalist said he had a close friend who was a "blue collar" worker, that couldn't find a job around this time.
    The beginning keyboard part, was inspired from the noise Tommy's boat motor made. It intrigued him, so he asked Dennis DeYoung (their keyboard player at the time) to try and "mimic" that sound.
    "Mr. Roboto" wasn't their typical track. Styx had tried the new wave genra, which was popular at the time.
    This here, and "Renegade" were more to what they were/are...

  • @mlg4035
    @mlg4035 2 года назад +2

    You got it right, Brad! It's a very straight-forward song about getting off of unemployment!

  • @Moonshinedave1
    @Moonshinedave1 2 года назад

    I have always liked this song, not only the sound, but what they are saying, it's like don't give me anything, I've got two powerful hands, and a strong back, by golly, I'll earn my way in life. I wish more people in this country had that attitude.

  • @TonyM1961
    @TonyM1961 2 года назад +1

    I would love to see how you two react to Styx - The Grand Illusion and pay special attention to the lyrics because this song is DEEP!

  • @hog7203
    @hog7203 2 года назад +1

    I had a friend in high school that only listened to this band. Almost drove me crazy 😆 But they do have great songs and are superb musicians.

  • @peimainepc
    @peimainepc Год назад

    I think this song is about kicking ass, getting yours. If you struggle, you OWN everything you have achieved. And you deserve it. Not just material, but spiritual wealth.

  • @tommythompson9565
    @tommythompson9565 9 месяцев назад

    Finally : Blue Collar Man -- the studio version.
    Great reaction, guys. As is usual .
    "Heck yeah!!" My reaction exactly -- in 1978 , and in 2023 .

  • @jamessmith-rd3sf
    @jamessmith-rd3sf Год назад

    Styx .. Another group i grew up with listening to them on my school buses 8 track player... Those were the good ole days..

  • @themasterrogerdelgado
    @themasterrogerdelgado 2 года назад +2

    James Young is a fantastic and underrated guitarist. I love that you guys like Styx. So many great songs even after Denis DeYoung left.

  • @riverlove6820
    @riverlove6820 2 года назад +1

    Suite Madame Blue is one of their finest. IMHO love n peace

  • @stephenbuster5061
    @stephenbuster5061 2 года назад

    Released in 1978. It's literal. Recession in full swing, very hard to find a decent job. That's why it's so relatable...

  • @tombaldwin1700
    @tombaldwin1700 2 года назад

    Loved the 2 lead vocals ( each brought a different feel!), then also when they combined voices and played w/ harmonies…great, great band!

  • @RyneMurray23
    @RyneMurray23 2 года назад +2

    I saw them live about 5 years ago. They were really great. 🙌🏼🔥

  • @Yotraj
    @Yotraj 2 года назад +3

    and they've just great stage presence too. Such a great Band.

  • @redeemed6955
    @redeemed6955 Год назад +1

    You two are great together, I would say a match made in Heaven, but you Lex, you could very well go down in history as Miss. Music Reaction Video Rocker of all time. Keep that woman happy Brad.

  • @williamburke1882
    @williamburke1882 2 года назад +4

    From what I understand "Mr. Roboto" is a real bone of contention between Dennis DeYoung and the band. I saw them a few years back and the crowd and Mr. DeYoung loved it the band not so much.

  • @ugaais
    @ugaais 2 года назад

    This is a great example of late 70’s early 80’s arena rock..think Foreigner, Journey, REO Speedwagon, Styx, Night Ranger…this sound slotted between Classic rock of the 60’s and 70’s and Hair Bands of the 80’s starting with Motley Crue in 1983…born in 1970 loved it all great time to be alive…and yes this is what the girls was listening too also..

  • @datkat1263
    @datkat1263 2 года назад +2

    So much more excellent Styx to dive into. The Equinox LP, Suite Madame Blue, Renegade, etc. The boys from the south 'burbs of Chicago (my original home turf) never fail to disappoint.

  • @neilgoldsmith5482
    @neilgoldsmith5482 2 года назад +1

    I saw Styx 7 times in the 70s they were great Lady, Crystal Ball, Suite Mademe Blue, Snowblind Renegade, Come sail Away.

    • @kenperk9854
      @kenperk9854 2 года назад +1

      And their best song, suite madammous!el

  • @elisacardenas3535
    @elisacardenas3535 2 года назад +1

    Great band Tommy Shaw was my first crush 🥰 Man in the Wilderness is a great emotional song

  • @kurtsaxton823
    @kurtsaxton823 2 года назад +13

    The album this came from ( Pieces of Eight) and Grand illusion are to me the very best from the band Styx, don't get me wrong there are Jem's on every album but every song on those two albums are amazing. Love y'all's reactions.

  • @deanepley3591
    @deanepley3591 2 года назад

    The frist band I got to see live in 1976. If you can go and see this band. They are still going as Good now as ever, after over 50 years of great music.

  • @mikekroft86
    @mikekroft86 Год назад

    saw styx with their entire lineup, except the drummer who died, in their return to the paradise theatre tour , best concert i ever attended

  • @Ritaholden1
    @Ritaholden1 Год назад

    Love Styx. Renegade, madam blue, miss America. Love their early music.

  • @yikesvikes
    @yikesvikes 2 года назад

    Having heard this songs literally thousands of times, I have always taken it literally; it is as he says. He's working to try and get ahead, trying for a better life, and it's a struggle.... Bear in mind, he never mentions love, never mentions a woman. Just the struggle.

  • @chrishornbostel9831
    @chrishornbostel9831 2 года назад +1

    Also in about 70% of the hockey rinks in America, the organist plays this when the penalty killers (the blue collar men) have to kill off a 2-minute minor.

  • @clare1061
    @clare1061 2 года назад

    this is one of their songs that you must watch live to appreciate it

  • @wen-nz3sk
    @wen-nz3sk 2 года назад

    Mentioned in your Mr Roboto reaction I commented but didn't hit like or dislike button.
    Dennis went in a direction others didn't want to venture, tried and bombed.
    Now you are into Styx b4 it and so happy you arrived. 🥳❤
    Brad, you hear the high pitch barely there, synth/electronic keyboards and the "crazy" all over guitar is both JY and Tommy ripping together and separately.
    I knew she'd love Styx!! Made my day Lex!! 👊🏽❤🥳

  • @williameller7002
    @williameller7002 2 года назад +2

    Thanks for this song ,needed to hear this today.

  • @chadwilson2176
    @chadwilson2176 2 года назад

    Favorite Styx song is "Babe". Really nice chill song.

  • @rogercisneros770
    @rogercisneros770 2 года назад +1

    Quote of the day goes to Brad- I've been wrong before.😂

  • @thebigrider1
    @thebigrider1 Год назад

    James Young and Tommy Shaw are music writing wizards. They are hook masters to the bone!

  • @chris882211
    @chris882211 Год назад

    My life.. And my husband sure did.. We made it.. Love this song starting from nothing and own two houses and live the life. Makes me cry every time I hear this song.. And yes.. proud to be a blue collar girl

  • @sidsnyder8043
    @sidsnyder8043 2 года назад +3

    Was fortunate to see Styx twice in concert, what a good band and fun time.

    • @ursanator
      @ursanator 2 года назад

      Saw the Paradise Theatre show in Germany while serving with Canadian Military

    • @sidsnyder8043
      @sidsnyder8043 2 года назад

      @@ursanator Nice, I saw them in Frankfurt in 1976, while in the U.S, Military, and in the U.S. in 1982, while in College.

  • @jamescarletta802
    @jamescarletta802 2 года назад +1

    When this song came out a lot of people were out of work I was one.

  • @michaelbeasley5783
    @michaelbeasley5783 2 года назад

    My fav Styx song. Sooo good. I've seen it live. Awesome.

  • @squidkid2
    @squidkid2 2 года назад

    Styx had so many talented musicians. My sister saw them live many times and she said they put on a great show. Great vocals too. They were so unique.

  • @joanndowers5080
    @joanndowers5080 2 года назад

    Anything Tommy Shaw sings is GOLD.

  • @sirrobin4394
    @sirrobin4394 2 года назад

    One of my fav Styx songs. Tommy Shaw really carries it for me in this band and is the main reason I followed them for years. Thanks for reacting.

  • @mikemarcotte5962
    @mikemarcotte5962 2 года назад

    The "Mr. Roboto" thing was a good illustration of what drove the band to ...part ways...with Dennis DeYoung. Dennis wanted to do more theatrical, concept pieces like Mr. Roboto and Tommy Shaw just wanted to play rock 'n roll. One of those true instances of "creative differences".

  • @montbob100
    @montbob100 2 года назад +2

    i was blessed to see them on this tour in 78.i was 15.one of the best shows i ever saw.

  • @astonsfan
    @astonsfan 2 года назад

    Styx gotta lot of great tunes with great lyrics........Thanks you two,you do a great thing here on the you tubes......

  • @randytorres8211
    @randytorres8211 2 года назад

    Tommy Shaw wrote this about a friend of that was laid off from the railroad. "He was having to go stand in line at the unemployment office. It just drove him nuts, because he’s like, ‘I wanna work! I don’t wanna be standing around here, asking for a handout…’ It really bugged him, and that was the inspiration for that song.”

  • @LostVampireNSFV
    @LostVampireNSFV 2 года назад +1

    This song was written in the ‘70s when Jimmy Carter was in office and we were experiencing a recession-high unemployment.

  • @Webrider357
    @Webrider357 2 года назад +1

    Sweet Madam Blue is the song all guitar players used to learn by Styx.

  • @spydude38
    @spydude38 2 года назад +4

    "Grand Illusion" is one of my favorites from Styx.

  • @thebigrider1
    @thebigrider1 Год назад

    When I am down I crank this up and groove a bit and it cleans my attitude.

  • @jimfussell5455
    @jimfussell5455 2 года назад

    Don't overthink it, Lex. Brad is right this time. It IS literal. And great comment by Brad about the guitar following the singer. Great observation.

  • @robr6787
    @robr6787 2 года назад

    It was written about a friend of Tommy Shaw the singer...his buddy had gotten laid off and it was about falling down and getting back up...I can relate...