Another quite flattering analysis of my singing voice. Elizabeth, you know your stuff. Your breakdown of the various things I did on "Roboto" was spot on. I’d completely forgotten about all the nuances you point out and as time passed I only heard the performance as a whole Not being a trained singer I just do my thing depending on the situation. Not sure where my fixation on enunciation even comes from but people have always pointed that out. I’m certainly no Joe Cocker, though I loved Joe. I’m so glad you did this song because of its range and difficulty. And yes I am acting this song more than any other Styx song. Suzanne and I watched this vid at breakfast at the kitchen table and we high-fived. Lovely way to start the day. I was so inspired that I played the song on RUclips and sang along. The paramedic showed up an hour later and resuscitated me. The high scream caused a button on my jammies to fly off, bounce of my iMac screen and then temporarily lodge in my nostril. It was easily removed and now I’m back to abnormal. Never was normal ya see. If you’re interested, the range required in this tune is one note short of two octaves which is downright crazy. How could I know one day I’d be in my 70’s having to recreate it. Kinda like that long note in my live "Suite Madame Blue." Good grief! Once again, thanks Elizabeth for your support and kindness and by the way that guy Paul Braun who reached out to you on my behalf was not a serial killer he’s my webmaster. Or so he claims… Cheers and domo arigato, Dennis the charismatic robot.
I saw you guys in Casper, Wyoming in 1983 and it was awesome! In Wyoming, Friday nights were cruising Main Street with the windows down and the music up! I wore out my 8-Track of Paradise Theater and when I listen today I still hear the "click" between songs in my brain. Thanks for adding to the music experiences of my youth.
Is this really Dennis DeYoung? If so, it's awesome to see you here commenting! Thanks for so many amazing songs. Suite Madame Blue remains my all time favorite.
As someone who LOVES concept albums I think I've listened from start to finish hundreds of times and it never loses its impact. Kudos on one of the most amazing albums ever IMO.
Thank you Dennis for all the amazing music I listened to growing up. My daughter also became a big fan 35 years later. It would be so much fun if you and Elizabeth shared a Tea Time interview. Your fans would ♥️ it!!
This was Dennis' "Rock Opera" he was trying to sell to both the Band and the Label. This was such a different direction than the rest of the band's image. Styx became famous on ballads, telling a story, not just a song, but taking us on a journey, and Dennis was trying to take it to the next level, but it was not really what the rest of the band wanted. But they were professionals and went along to try it. And it was a success, but it began driving the Wedge in that eventually led to them pushing Dennis out of his own band. Victory and defeat, all in one song.
Yeah, it had truly come to a head between Dennis and Tommy with this album because Tommy and the guys still wanted to be a straightforward rock band while Dennis had the progressive/showy mindset of making a production. Luckily, Dennis has had a very successful solo career doing what he’d wanted to do with Styx.
@@RushFanatic87 they were both right, as the success of ALW proved in English Theatre and even, eventually, in American Theater, but it wasn't really Tommy, he was a new addition to the band, but it gave Dennis' brothers a way out. They had another lead singer to fall back on once Dennis was out. And the success of the band even after booting their lead singer proved both sides were right. But it was the Era of New Lead Singers. Eagles booted Randy Meisner, Styx, Van Halen replaced Dave with Sammy, Phil Collins replaced Peter Gabriel in Genesis, Ozzy replaced by Dio for Black Sabbath, Hell, even Chicago brought in Peter Cetera who then left to go Solo in '85 and they gave it to Jason Scheff! Between Substance abuse, creative differences and death, you needed a score card to keep track back then!
Actually, the band didn't push Dennis out over this song. Tommy quit on stage at the DC Capitol Center in 1983. The later push of Dennis from Styx in 1999 was because Dennis had a severe issue after a virus, and Tommy/JY gave him an ultimatum to tour when he couldn't. The biggest mistake Dennis ever made was not replacing Tommy in 1983.
It's wonderful to hear your analysis of Styx. Your unbridled joy at all types of music is infectious. I'd love to hear your comments about the other singers in the band, maybe Tommy Shaw on Man in the Wilderness and James Young on Miss America. Also, Suite, Madame Blue is a must.
Dennis DeYoung is a cool dude. I respect him for his creativity and willingness to blur the lines between art and music. I love this band to this day. They are amazing and made the soundtrack to my childhood so memorable.
Immediately smiled and chuckled when I saw her shirt read "wacka wacka", I've been watching this channel for a while now and I can picture her saying it. I am sure someone new to the channel may be slightly confused, but they shall soon find out!
Styx fan for 47yrs, and I have always loved the way Dennis takes chances! Roboto has gotten better over time! It's so funny that TS & JY are using it in the Styx shows! Lol
@@KostasHolopain Yes of course it's a harmonic feedback sound but very controlled somehow. The EBow was invented in the late 60s and introduced in 1976, I don't know if there were much other pieces of equipment capable of this.
They actually had a concert tour in the 80s, "Caught in the Act," in which this Rock Opera storyline was an integral part; it was really a great experience.
@francisseidel8014 I actually much prefer the studio version. Dennis himself wishes he had never held that note, because he said it became a gimmick and took away from the thrust and majesty of the song.
I highly prefer the studio version. Not only do you get the beautiful Prelude before it, but the climax of the song is the staggered 4-part vocal chant of "America" that in a live setting loses its magnificence and grandeur.
I have not heard this song in 30 years. Dennis had such an amazing vocal range. My brother was a huge Styx fan. Grew up hearing them over and over. Ty for reviewing this.
Dennis DeYoung is my all time favorite male voice and Karen Carpenter was my all time female favorite voice. Love, love, love. Hope you do a lot more Styx.
I am happy to see that this song is finally getting the credit it deserves. It was widely panned in the 80's and all but forgotten about by the 90's. Now that time has passed, the band and Dennis are being recognized for the boldness of their vision in this composition. Bringing this track to the level of iconic status that it so rightfully deserved from it's inception.
@@tonyshields3783Tommy supposedly hates it, or perhaps more accurately, hates DDY for writing it. DDY and the Panozzo brothers, the founding members of Styx, certainly don't hate the song.
I always considered it great even when it came out. Me and my circle loved it. It was a hit in the day. Talked about in schools. Man I was 14 and having some of the best years of my life then.
It has a special place in my heart for family reasons, and I've always loved it for what it is: music from an iconic band in the early/mid eighties. There are examples from Yes, Pink Floyd, Chicago, David Bowie, and probably 20 other artists during that time frame of continuing to experiment contemporaneously. Styx is in my top 3 all time, and Kilroy is one of my faves because they were evolving.
I love all your reactions to the variety of music you analyze Elizabeth! I would love to see your reaction to the late John Denver. I suggest “Annie’s Song”. I believe he had the purest voice of any artist.
John Denver had an amazing voice and he had a true appreciation for music and how it can affect us deeply. Rocky Mountain High was one of my favorite songs when I was young because I got to listen to it with my Dad as we drove around Montana and Glacier National Park together.
Oh my GOSH I was at the Domo Aragoto "Mister Roboto Concert 3 rows from the center stage back in the 70's ! ! It was completely Acted out like a play great props Nice and loud oh my goodness a blast from my past ! ! THE COSTUME WAS AWESOME ❣️ 🎉🎉 That was my Favorite concert ever😃 Thank you soooo much it's made my day and night , "my brain IBM"😅 Love Love Love I just keep singing it now ! ! ! Thanks for the memories, it was truly Incredible now I'm going digging out my pictures🤗there here somewhere... If I find them I'll send a few. Oh FUN !🎉 THANKS AGAIN! 70 yr old Grandma of 2 ❤️⚘️ ⛩️🕍⛩️
Thanks Elizabeth for bringing up this song. I was a Styx fan in the late 70´s and 80´s and this song was not one of my favorite Styx songs, but nowadays I must recognize it is a masterpiece. Dennis DeYoung and Styx are excellent musicians.
One of your very BEST episodes. Period. Dennis DeYoung is a genius. Sadly, his band mates did not recognize that and threw the baby out with the bathwater. It would have been so cool to see what direction the band went after this album if they had all stayed together. Thank you for this brilliant analysis of a song that was way ahead of its time!
Likewise, as someone who discovered music through MTV, I was surprised at how deep the catalog of the artists I was seeing went back. And how much amazing music never made the transition to music video.
I was lucky enough to see this concert live in Detroit. They began the show with a short film that ended with a concert beginning as part of the plot, then flowed into the concert itself, live on the stage and ended with a short stage play of future police raiding the stage and taking them away. Mid-concert, Tommy Shaw did a solo whilst hoisted up by wires and flying around Joe Louis Arena, above the audience's heads. Fun stuff! DO COME SAIL AWAY NEXT PLEEEEEASE! IT'S THEIR BIGGEST SONG AND YOU WILL LOVE IT! THE LYRICS AND STORY ALONE GIVE CHILLS DOWN THE SPINE! BEAUTIFUL!
For many in the 80s this was the song that introduced them to Styx. The arc of their catalogue in terms of the different musical styles is truly staggering and unparalleled. From "Lady" to "Mr. Roboto" to "Boat On The River" to "Renegade". Styx has something for everybody, especially with 3 lead singers/3 songwriters. The vocals take center stage when it comes to Styx, especially with Dennis DeYoung, and Mr. Roboto is no exception. Ironically, even though KWH is often deemed responsible for the breakup of Styx, I think Tommy Shaw's best ever vocal performance for Styx is on the KWH album with "Just Get Through This Night." Thank you for reacting again to my favorite band!
There were some groups that were just consistent when it came to doing great songs that were singable in that era. Styx, Journey, ELO, Supertramp, Queen, Fleetwood Mac, and the list goes on... I really learned to sing by trying to duplicate - or at least keep up with these fantastic vocalists. I still belt them out when they come across my stream, or in the car, to my wife's eternal consternation.
Yanno what. I'm glad you are getting noticed by people like Dennis DeYoung, because you have such a genuine love and joy every time I watch you listening to a new song. Regardless of genre, regardless of style, you seem to be someone who just loves music. Unlike so many classically trained musician, you seem to have no pretensions to superiority and recognize skill and artistry in everything, and the world would truly be a better place if more people were like that.
This was the advent of the walkman, and so many songs from 1983-1984 were produced for walkmans because they knew what we were listening to on music at the time! This song may be 40 years old, but it still sounds like it came from the future! I can remember listening to Mr. Roboto and other heavy synth productions, i.e. The Cars, at the time and playing video games on my Atari 5200 and it all flowed together. For us 40 years ago it felt like the future had become now! The 80s were truly awesome to live in! This is just one number in Dennis DeYoung's musical, but touring wise the old fandom didn't like the new sound, threw beer at the band on stage, and Tommy got made over it and left. For all its success and Dennis' genius, it brought about the end of Styx! For me, I still love the album, and I never really ventured into the beer-swilling concert venues with ill-attitude attenders, just wasn't my cup of tea! My walkman and my music I listened to was enough for me, especially at age 15 in 1983, since I didn't have a car yet to be able to drive to concerts! Still stayed away from the Rock Concert venues in my college days, unless it was Christian Rock, where I didn't have to worry about a bad crowd showing up and ruining the concert.
"For us 40 years ago it felt like the future had become now! The 80s were truly awesome to live in!" - absolutely. I got my first computer (a TI 99-a) in 1981 and learned to program it and used my boombox to save programs when I wasn't listening to music (I later had a career as a software developer and technical architect). I was flying the Sublogic Flight Simulator (later bought by Microsoft to become the MS Flight Simulator still being updated and published today) in the late 1980s on my Amiga 800xl computer, and later got my pilot's license having familiarized myself with not only stick and rudder, but also avionics using that simulator. I had a motorcycle when I was 16 - so I could get around when I needed to - and I was a roadie - and did lights for a local metal cover band on the weekends (I remember one night when they were playing at a biker bar, and I turned up on my Yamaha, and parked it next to the Harley bikes out front...but that's another story). When the 90s and 2000s came along, I had already been online for a decade or more before everyone else, first on Fidonet, and later at college on ARPAnet, which became the commercial internet. Now my daughter who was born in 1987, has 50K followers on Twitch - insane. The 80's have much meaning for me.
Yes! Absolutely the reason I loved this song as a kid, it sounded just like it might break out into "by your command" or "destroy enemy viper" at any moment.
Kilroy Was Here drew me to Styx as a kid, which brought me to Grand Illusion and Pieces of Eight, and most happily to my favorite, Paradise Theater. It's sad that the band had such strife, but ultimately I loved them for the diversity of their sound -- including how different it was to listen to Dennis DeYoung, Tommy Shaw, and James Young sing. It's astonishing that they were able to do all of these flavors so well.
I saw them in concert for this album. It was an amazing experience. It had several "acts" and felt very much like an opera. The live performance sounded just as good as their album. Love these guys!!
I thought for sure that Dennis DeYoung had a trained voice. Amazing, really. Once again Elizabeth's ability to hear every nuance and explain it is SO appreciated.
Domo arigato, Elizabeth - domo arigato gozaimasu! Another great analysis of a song that's near and dear to me as Kilroy Was Here is one of the first albums I owned as a 12 year old kid. One of the little details that's fun in the video is when Dennis/Kilroy/Mr. Roboto is climbing the ladder (around 19:58 in your video is one of the places you'll see it), he winks as he's singing "...who hides behind a mask..." I for one (with many here I'm sure) would love to hear you do more Styx. Suite Madame Blue as many have suggested would be a great one to work with - so many great harmonies - or The Best of Times, which is quite a number as well. Thanks for all you do for those of us who like to geek out on the power of music!
"Kilroy Was Here" was one of my first vinyls as a kid and it's among my top 5 favourite alboums until this day. The intro from "Just get through this night" still gives me the goosebumps every time i hear it.
Styx was one of my first favorite rock bands growing up, and my first rock concert (with REO Speedwagon, naturally - another group you'd love to analyze, I'm sure). This was the first of their songs I really got into, though I think The Grand Illusion is now my favorite and bet you'd really enjoy it too. One of my favorite things about this one, though, is the sight ambiguity in the lyrics at the end - machines dehumanize, machines to humanize, machines to human eyes; you can just barely mishear the lyrics if you're not paying quite enough attention, but each option works for the song in a very different way. It was one of those moments where I started to really "get" music as a kid.
Dennis DeYoung is one of the most underrated “music-medium artists” of all time. He deserves to have his name said in the same veins as David Byrne, Peter Gabriel, and Laurie Anderson. He’s a genius who found himself in both the right and wrong place at the same time.
Absolutely one of the greatest American vocalists of the last half century. Such a beautiful tenor voice. My favorite song by him came out in the 90s during the first Persian gulf unpleasantness under daddy Bush right before the Soviet Union collapsed. It was, apparently, part of a reunion tour and his voice was just as absolutely spellbinding as ever. It’s called “show me the way” and I remember how deeply it touched me. I was worried the war would drag on and I would be sucked into it. Troubled times. Considering all the stuff going on now in Ukraine and in Israel and Gaza, it still hits.
It is such a shame that Dennis and the rest of the band couldn't get along. I always felt they were the best when together. I will say, seeing either current Styx or Dennis solo is a solid show with no end of talent.
along with Operation Mindcrime, this rock opera, concept album from Styx was a huge highlight of my teen years. "Kilroy Was Here" is a killer album and story, musical storytelling at it's finest! Mr Roboto deserves it's place in history as one of the best singles of all time imo
I had Mr. Roboto on 45, but went through a Styx obsession in the mid-2000's. It was NOT easy to get a hold of Kilroy Was Here (I want to say I had to get it on used vinyl; the CD either didn't exist or was out of print) and getting a VHS of the short film & associated concert was a comparatively expensive eBay purchase. It's sad that the band hated it so much. I get why; it's very Broadway & not very rock. But hey, if The Who can do it, why not Styx? I was also a huge Queensryche fan, & had the fortune to see the Operation: Livecrime tour, so I'm probably the exact niche target market, here. 😆
In my opinion, Styx's "Kilroy Was Here" was one of the best "concept albums" ever made. (No Auto-Tune; this was 1983.) It is also one of the best headphone albums of all time. Do yourself a favor; kick back in a comfy chair, with the lights low, headphones on, and just let this album run from start to finish.
Paradise Theater and Mister Roboto are in my humble opinion Styx's best and fit together like a double album. "Caught in the act" mixes them with some other tracks to create a full movie. Sort of.
No I'm going to have to say the best album was either Equinox are crystal ball. But I think a lot of you out there might not have been coming of age when that came out I was dating a girl named Lorelei that's why I love the equinox
As a Cal City Kid, I first heard the Angelic voice of @DennisDeYoungOfficial on WLS radio with the song Lady and Loreli, and my ears have been in love with those vibrations ever since. I loved your passionate analysis, Elizabeth. Dennis was on par with the greatest of the greats in rock history. His Suite Madam Blue is both beautiful and haunting, a true amazing display of vocal presence. His Come Sail Away will be played well into the 37th century because his voice is "out of this world". Thank you, Dennis for giving us the blessings to our ears, our brains, and our souls.
I went two Styx "Mr. Roboto" shows in the early 80's and they were both great - Dennis DeYoung was the vocal talent of the group. I later went to another Styx /Pat Benetar Concert in Orlando in the 90's and they were fantastic.
Welcome to the early days of MTV, when bands actually made an attempt at artistic expression, whether or not they should have. 😉 My first Styx album was "Pieces of Eight". "Blue Collar Man" was something of an anthem at the time.
Agreed,these songs ,along with ,The Grand illusion,were ,both classic LPs,with great songs ,harmonies ,and guitar/keyboard parts ,combined ,to produce their own sound.
Blue Collar Man with Tommy Shaw on vocals is one of Styx best in my opinion. Same with Renegade but, I love Dennis as well. The Grand Illusion and Paradise Theatre are both amazing concept albums if not Rock operas. Sweet Madam Blue is a beautiful lament to the USA and what it once was. Too many to list really. Pieces of Eight is way too good for Beth not to analyze (at least one of the albums like she did with The Dark Side of the Moon) in their entirety even if it takes an hour and a half 🤣 I saw Rush a few times but in the late 80s Tommy opened for them and, the response he got when he began Angry Young Man was intense . The whole venue seemed to light their joints at the sound of the opening chords .. myself included and being it was the Hollywood Sportatorium (FL) , mainly a boxing and wrestling arena the acoustics weren't perfect but it was _the_ most patryingist place you could ever see a show in so none of the bands or the crowd cared a bit that it wasn't anything more than a big tin box🤣✌️❤️🎸🎶🙏
I was a Styx fan way before this, "Crystal Ball" and "Equinox" being fantastic albums (plus, I grew up with "Lady" on the radio a lot, lol). "Cornerstone" has always been a fave of mine which is not a popular viewpoint (hardly ever hear any of the cuts from it played on Classic Rock radio, lol).
@@Ashtrayred Youre a real fan ,going through all the best LPs ,and songs ,I feel like they havent been given a chance ,to show their best ,with these two songs ,Dennis is great,but I feel that Tommy Shaw completed the line up ,vocals guitar,and songs ,were the full package ,good for you.
i was so excited as a kid when this album came out. i earned money to buy it. i was 10 years old and so proud. Styx had some amazing things throughout all of their music. i even sang this song for the school talent contest, not lip synched, but actually sang this at the top of my voice without a microphone. great memories. thanks for your reaction to this one!
I thought that was The Police???🤔.... Oops 😬... I was thinking about "King of Pain". But just imagine a Police cover...🎶"I'll always be QUEEN OF SPADES, I'll always be Queen of Spades...."🎶 😄
Dude. ... Dude! Just not enough adjectives to describe how awesome this is. So happy to see the long awaited follow up to ADiS coming at long last! I cannot wait to delve into it!
This song was on the radio all the time when I was a very young teen. I received a gift certificate to a record store at a pian recital in 8th grade, and Styx's "Killroy Was Here" was the album I chose. It was the first album I remember getting for myself. Still one of my favorite songs.
I have always loved the sound of Mr Roboto and will crank it up every time I control the volume. It is such a unique song. And Kilroy has such an interesting history in WWII.
When DeYoung sang Control, which Elizabeth described as yodeling, I got major Phantom of the Opera Vibes. Thank you, Elizabeth for all these wonderful detailed voice and music analysis reactions as you have helped me gain a greater appreciation for all these great classic rock songs which I grew up with. Although, I have no singing ability as unlike my wonderful wife whom truly has a beautiful trained soprano voice, I can't hold a tune to save my life. Yet, I just learning all the information you have shared in the many voice reactions you have done and shared with us. You wonderful joyous enthusiasm and positivity with all these songs is incredible and contagious. So, again thank you.
I know for a fact a plastic LEGO beats Auto-Tune because it can bring out human emotion and it'll come from the soul. All it takes is one barefooted step...
This song brings back one of the most fun experience. Two of my sons, two of my nieces, and I took a trip to Zions National Park, and it was a 4 hour trip. We made an agreement to listen their music (10 years ago), and listen to my music on the way back. I really didn't like most of my music, but an agreement is an agreement, but the return trip was awesome and very surprising. On the trip to Zions, the kids, they were teenagers, didnt sing very much, but the return was different. On the return trip, this was the first song I played, and all four kids just busted out singing. The had me replay it several times. They really enjoyed it. It surprised me they knew most of the words, and when I asked them why they knew this song, one of my nieces just rolled her eyes and said "Uncle Lynn, we're not idiots. For the rest of the return trip, the kids knew and sang many of the songs. Even though it was a four hour return trip, the kids were awesome, and they were rather sad when we got back.
And I agree Dennis DeYoung has a great voice and he's a great showman as you can see in the video and he's the same in concert he's very animated, active, fun to watch, he's great wish you never left styx.
The very first fanfiction I ever wrote was based on this album, lol. Styx is just amazing, and Dennis DeYoung's voice is phenomenal. Thanks for the awesome reaction and analysis.
Man, I REALLY love watching you listen to the music of my life for the first time. It brings tears to my eyes when you love and appreciate music that I’ve been loving for decades. I saw this tour from the 4th row (I may or may not have been under the influence of some….substances) and it was amazing to me. A lot of people, including part of the band, didn’t like it but I think it’s a great concept album. Thank you for this reaction - I already loved your channel, but now even more so…
They did 20 encores in Kitchener, Ontario. They ended with Mr. Roboto at 2:00am. Tommy Shaw was lead guitar, dancing on the seat-backs for Roboto, and Gowan was newly on keyboards. The idea for the vocoder and speech spectral analysis both came from Alexander Graham Bell when he was trying to make a hearing aid for his wife and daughter - both deaf.
I'm really happy that you analyzed and reacted to this song, it had such bad reviews when the song came out. I loved it from the start, I saw the tour and it was fantastic Styx has so many big hits I hope you continue to react to their songs.
I always hear people saying it had bad reviews - I don't remember hearing any when it came out. Bad reviews where? They played the song on the radio and rolling skating rings daily all the time.
Hey Elizabeth, I'm a little late to the party but I had to mention I saw this show live. It was a masterpiece of not just this album but how they integrated other songs of their previous catalog, I took some of the best photos of my life from way back on the floor seating section and the screen images were perfect. It's certainly in the top 5 shows I ever saw and I've been to hundreds of shows in the last 60 years. So cool that Dennis actually responded to you about Lady. His work with Styx has always been world class rock. Thanks for you analysis and your exciting onscreen personality.
I saw this analysis announcement when it first came out but it took me this whole week to listen and I wasn't sure why. I now understand. As a person who grew up with Styx (and now I understand this with other procrastnated listens), there's something so internal, so personal to our (my) own story, that it's hard to have someone "break down" our (my) experience. But, I finally understand that it's what Elizabeth finds in music that actually shakes a part of my core. There's something sacred about loving a song or a band that feels defining and having it broken down to words that feels impaling. But, there's also something about it that feels soooo validating. I'm being very vulnerable right now in sharing this. There's this very double-edged sword that I think only Elizabeth can wield where something so indelible can also be so diagnostic. She adds emotion, making the diagnostic the heart-felt thing we remember that we forgot.
Great reaction and breakdown! I'm hoping you dive into the band Saga. Michael Sadler's voice is unmistakable and brilliant! On the Loose and Wind Him Up are great examples of their songwriting!
I was living in Puerto Rico when "Worlds Apart" was released, moving back to the States just as it was charting here. Having already been a popular band in PR (as well as Europe) before the States, I kinda chuckled at the US reactions to the band, :) Like, "finally!" ;)
I have never understood the hatred for this song/album. I saw them in concert when I was in the Navy in 1983, while stationed in Orlando Florida, and I just loved it.
I took my little brothers to the "Kilroy Was Here" concert in St. Paul in 1983. They were 16 and 13 (I was 23). I already liked Styx, and this cemented them as one of my favorite bands. I heard a lot of reviews and comments that didn't like it, but it was great as far as I'm concerned. The video brings that whole concert back for me. Thanks for reviewing it!
This is my favorite video of yours, ever! It meant so much to me. I remember every note of this song, from childhood, and yet - as usual - I’ve heard more, understood it more deeply tonight, thanks to you!
Dennis DeYoung definitely had one of the best voices in rock music. I remember hearing Tommy Shaw, who has a decent voice himself, just being amazed with Dennis's voice and rightly so.
I have to giggle when I see you put up a new reaction/analysis! Knowing this song so well, I start giggling when you about to have one of YOUR signature giggles! I watch your face intently just knowing what note the singer will hit or when a really neat sound is coming up. When you stop the song before a really neat part is about to happen, I say out loud, "Oh, just wait for the next bit!" and cue giggles! Thank you for being so passionate about these songs!
Your best and most enthusiastic reaction since Rush "Spirit of Radio". Styx was such an amazing band, and Dennis DeYoung was clearly first among equals for his vision, singing, and songwriting!
The long-lost art of the rock opera/concept album. KWH was a big influence on me as a young kid in the 80's. So inventive (even though the story ended up being a little convoluted). I especially dug the song "Heavy Metal Poisoning" from that record. So glad you reminded me of this classic! 💜
Me: Nah, rock opera/concept album isn't dead, Green Day just did one with American Idiot! Wait, what do you mean American Idiot was 20 years ago? (God I feel so old, haha)
Concept albums definitely aren't a lost art. One of my favorite bands Coheed and Cambria have built their entire career on them! Check out one of their newest songs Window of the Waking Mind.
As many times as I heard this growing up, I never realized what absolute talent was going into it. I understand voices more now and realize this is just incredibly talented.
Styx is serene, especially Dennis DeYoung's voice. Seeing them in concert is one of my favorite music memories. You really need to listen to Suite Madame Blue. The NOTES that man sings! Sublime. Their entire album of Paradise Theater is a story. I think I wore out at least three copies of the cassette tape when I was younger. Some of my favorite Styx songs: Come Sail Away, Suite Madame Blue, Lorelei, Too Much Time On My Hands (sung by Tommy Shaw), Babe, The Best of Times (Iconic!), The Grand Illusion, Renegade, Rockin' the Paradise, Blue Collar Man... so many more.
We used to have dance off's every Monday night at a bar I worked at and this was my favorite song to challenge people to dance to because one would have to be fully committed to getting real out there in order to dance out this whole song. I was excited to see your reaction.
I was in a fast food restaurant and I saw a guy in there with s Styx concert tour T-shirt that had all the dates and venues on it from 1977. We were instant friends.
A perfect song. Incredibly well constructed and performed. A lot of fun in itself and a lot of fun experiencing you react to it. :) I wish more artists would put that much effort into a song, its production and presentation than they did.
I remember being in 6th grade when this album came out. By the time the school year ended in May (this released in February), we had probably written "Kilroy was here" on the outside walls of the school (in chalk) at least 100 times! This song still takes me right back to that moment! Thanks for the amazing reaction as always, and for bringing back the nostalgia again!
At 4:22 "Too much autotune"... but there wasn't! They all hit every note spot on, and then ran it through like a flanger or something. (We're talking early 80s here... autotune didn't really exist...)
Yes, the vocoder and singing in Japanese is VERY different. The whole "Kilroy Was Here" album was one big concept. Loved "Haven't We Been Here Before?" from side B; the duet between Dennis and Tommy is really nice. Yes, Dennis has an incredible voice. Seen him in concert twice and ... yeah, he still sounded great DECADES after recording so many of my favorite sounds.
Great reaction and analysis as always!! Classic amazing song. Please do their song "Renegade" as well. You will noooot be dissapointed by the amazing vocals.
Imagine being 12 years old and hearing this for the first time on the radio when it was released! This was the very first album I ever bought, on cassette. Gets me now as much as it did back then. Ach, those high notes you can feel in your soul! Also, fun story, as an adult I was driving somewhere with my niece who was around 10, and this song came on the radio. I cranked it and started singing. She went all eyes and said, "Auntie! How do you know this song?!" She didn't realize how old it (and I) was!
I've always loved how technical she can break down the vocal and instrument aspects of each and every song she reacts to. How freaking awesome would it be if someone or some band tried to do their own Mr. Roboto this year!?
This song is so freaking iconic and is just really fun to dance around to. Thank you Dennis for pushing to create thisvsongband album. It was truly amazing.
Elizabeth as a drummer, you listen to music a little different from most people,, and bands such as Styx and Boston and rush, and a few others have always been an inspiration to me.. I learned to play the drums listening to their music..
Love when you do older songs like this. I know what’s coming and you inevitably pause just before something happens and builds the anticipation for your reaction.
STYX was an amazing band that kept reinventing themselves during their time. They were in great company in the 70's with other proggy bands like Kansas, Journey, Rush, Yes, Genesis. Being a very keyboard centric band with the standard rock elements they infused power ballads and pop/rock song standard of their time. Mr. Roboto was definitely a shift into the 80's demonstrating their ability to be contemporary (just as the other bands in the above list). They had so many amazing hits in their career
The album was Kilroy Was Here, it was 1983, and it was referred to as a "rock opera". For reference, I graduated HS in 1984. Styx was/is one of my all time favorite bands.
Elizabeth, it's time to introduce you to your next favorite band. You will definitely do a deep dive to the Little River Band after hearing any of their hit songs. Personally I recommend Take It Easy On Me.
I was excited to see this song get the praise it deserves. "Kilroy Was Here" tour was my first concert at 16. I was in the SRO pit, not 15 feet from James Young's mic stand. I will never forget it. The album was a rock opera telling a story. They played a 15-20 minute mini-movie that added to the story before the band started playing.
Elizabeth, Styx does all types of music. You MUST do "Come Sail Away". That is the quintessential Styx song among so many other great songs. The variety of the music is what made Styx so special. "I've Got a Secret" was an early 1950s TV Show and "circumstances beyond on our control" used to happen to TV broadcasts when they went "off the air" because of unknown reasons back in those days as well. "Kilroy was Here" was graffiti American soldiers used in World War II. This was the first Styx concert I saw. It was in 1983. Dennis was warning not to rely on technology for everything. It "dehumanizes" us, as he says. Plus we all learned how to say "thank you very much" in Japanese! en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/I%27ve_Got_a_Secret
Not hating but she literally likes every song. People don't watch these videos to see the person hate on them. They want validation, and she knows that.
@@perkinomics - I've seen reactors say "hey, this song isn't for me. Here's some positive aspects, but it's just not something that speaks to me." No foul, only snowflakes expect someone to like everything they like.
I love the research you've been doing in how different people's vocal folds go wacka wacka wacka in different registers and across registers. You're moving voice theory from the arts into hard science and laying a foundation for an actual scientific theory. Mata au hi made.
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
Another quite flattering analysis of my singing voice. Elizabeth, you know your stuff. Your breakdown of the various things I did on "Roboto" was spot on. I’d completely forgotten about all the nuances you point out and as time passed I only heard the performance as a whole
Not being a trained singer I just do my thing depending on the situation. Not sure where my fixation on enunciation even comes from but people have always pointed that out. I’m certainly no Joe Cocker, though I loved Joe. I’m so glad you did this song because of its range and difficulty. And yes I am acting this song more than any other Styx song.
Suzanne and I watched this vid at breakfast at the kitchen table and we high-fived. Lovely way to start the day. I was so inspired that I played the song on RUclips and sang along. The paramedic showed up an hour later and resuscitated me. The high scream caused a button on my jammies to fly off, bounce of my iMac screen and then temporarily lodge in my nostril. It was easily removed and now I’m back to abnormal. Never was normal ya see.
If you’re interested, the range required in this tune is one note short of two octaves which is downright crazy. How could I know one day I’d be in my 70’s having to recreate it. Kinda like that long note in my live "Suite Madame Blue." Good grief!
Once again, thanks Elizabeth for your support and kindness and by the way that guy Paul Braun who reached out to you on my behalf was not a serial killer he’s my webmaster. Or so he claims…
Cheers and domo arigato,
Dennis the charismatic robot.
I saw you guys in Casper, Wyoming in 1983 and it was awesome! In Wyoming, Friday nights were cruising Main Street with the windows down and the music up! I wore out my 8-Track of Paradise Theater and when I listen today I still hear the "click" between songs in my brain. Thanks for adding to the music experiences of my youth.
Is this really Dennis DeYoung? If so, it's awesome to see you here commenting! Thanks for so many amazing songs. Suite Madame Blue remains my all time favorite.
Thank you for all the music, Mr. DeYoung! You helped shape my teen years. I've loved Styx from the first now I ever heard.
As someone who LOVES concept albums I think I've listened from start to finish hundreds of times and it never loses its impact. Kudos on one of the most amazing albums ever IMO.
Thank you Dennis for all the amazing music I listened to growing up. My daughter also became a big fan 35 years later. It would be so much fun if you and Elizabeth shared a Tea Time interview. Your fans would ♥️ it!!
This was Dennis' "Rock Opera" he was trying to sell to both the Band and the Label. This was such a different direction than the rest of the band's image. Styx became famous on ballads, telling a story, not just a song, but taking us on a journey, and Dennis was trying to take it to the next level, but it was not really what the rest of the band wanted. But they were professionals and went along to try it. And it was a success, but it began driving the Wedge in that eventually led to them pushing Dennis out of his own band. Victory and defeat, all in one song.
Yeah, it had truly come to a head between Dennis and Tommy with this album because Tommy and the guys still wanted to be a straightforward rock band while Dennis had the progressive/showy mindset of making a production. Luckily, Dennis has had a very successful solo career doing what he’d wanted to do with Styx.
“Don’t Let It End” from this album is a great ballad! So overlooked. ❤
@@RushFanatic87 they were both right, as the success of ALW proved in English Theatre and even, eventually, in American Theater, but it wasn't really Tommy, he was a new addition to the band, but it gave Dennis' brothers a way out. They had another lead singer to fall back on once Dennis was out. And the success of the band even after booting their lead singer proved both sides were right. But it was the Era of New Lead Singers. Eagles booted Randy Meisner, Styx, Van Halen replaced Dave with Sammy, Phil Collins replaced Peter Gabriel in Genesis, Ozzy replaced by Dio for Black Sabbath, Hell, even Chicago brought in Peter Cetera who then left to go Solo in '85 and they gave it to Jason Scheff! Between Substance abuse, creative differences and death, you needed a score card to keep track back then!
Actually, the band didn't push Dennis out over this song. Tommy quit on stage at the DC Capitol Center in 1983. The later push of Dennis from Styx in 1999 was because Dennis had a severe issue after a virus, and Tommy/JY gave him an ultimatum to tour when he couldn't. The biggest mistake Dennis ever made was not replacing Tommy in 1983.
It's wonderful to hear your analysis of Styx. Your unbridled joy at all types of music is infectious. I'd love to hear your comments about the other singers in the band, maybe Tommy Shaw on Man in the Wilderness and James Young on Miss America. Also, Suite, Madame Blue is a must.
"Cheers and domo arigato,
Dennis the charismatic robot."
I just love how interactive Dennis is with his fans 🥰
Dennis DeYoung is a cool dude. I respect him for his creativity and willingness to blur the lines between art and music. I love this band to this day. They are amazing and made the soundtrack to my childhood so memorable.
@@JenSell1626 I was nine when it came out.
@@JenSell1626 Yes we were.
Immediately smiled and chuckled when I saw her shirt read "wacka wacka", I've been watching this channel for a while now and I can picture her saying it. I am sure someone new to the channel may be slightly confused, but they shall soon find out!
This song was so prophetic, considering it was written 40 years ago. Long before auto-tune changed music.
Tommy Shaw: "it's a song about technology taking over, which is actually hitting the nail square on the head."
For the worse. Changed music for the worse.
Prophets!
Auto Tune, so pretty people can sing too.
I disagree, because I've the original laser etched album, and yep saw them..
Styx fan for 47yrs, and I have always loved the way Dennis takes chances! Roboto has gotten better over time! It's so funny that TS & JY are using it in the Styx shows! Lol
That "Theremin" sound, is electric guitar. Single note, high sustain.
The sound production of this album is phenomenal!
With an Ebow maybe?!
Feedback/harmonic.
@KostasHolopain - Yes, I too reckon that's a guitar. I was about to post a similar comment 🙂
@@DerEchteBold I doubt Ebows existed back then, although I may be wrong. Too clean to be a real bow, most likely Harmonic/Feedback as jjshred wrote.
@@KostasHolopain
Yes of course it's a harmonic feedback sound but very controlled somehow.
The EBow was invented in the late 60s and introduced in 1976, I don't know if there were much other pieces of equipment capable of this.
They actually had a concert tour in the 80s, "Caught in the Act," in which this Rock Opera storyline was an integral part; it was really a great experience.
I used to have the "movie" on Betamax.
There are so many wonderful songs on the "Killroy was here" album. I loved it once and still do!
I would love for you to analyze Styx's live version of Suite Madame Blue. That song has so many twist and turns along with phenomenal vocals.
This is one song where I like the live version. Dennis hold a note for an unbelievably long time live.
Yea but the ending is weird
@francisseidel8014 I actually much prefer the studio version. Dennis himself wishes he had never held that note, because he said it became a gimmick and took away from the thrust and majesty of the song.
I highly prefer the studio version. Not only do you get the beautiful Prelude before it, but the climax of the song is the staggered 4-part vocal chant of "America" that in a live setting loses its magnificence and grandeur.
@@stevenscharmer1765 Agreed.. .in fact the entire side two of Equinox is awesome. That and The Grand Illusion album are my favorite Styx 'records'.
Show Me The Way has a great message to it as well as another great vocal performance by Dennis.
I have not heard this song in 30 years. Dennis had such an amazing vocal range. My brother was a huge Styx fan. Grew up hearing them over and over. Ty for reviewing this.
Dennis Deyoung is genius with this song. One of my favorites from STYX. His voice is strong and powerful throughout the song.
Dennis DeYoung is my all time favorite male voice and Karen Carpenter was my all time female favorite voice. Love, love, love. Hope you do a lot more Styx.
My top 2 as well!! So different, but uniquely amazing singers!
I am happy to see that this song is finally getting the credit it deserves. It was widely panned in the 80's and all but forgotten about by the 90's. Now that time has passed, the band and Dennis are being recognized for the boldness of their vision in this composition. Bringing this track to the level of iconic status that it so rightfully deserved from it's inception.
@@tonyshields3783Tommy supposedly hates it, or perhaps more accurately, hates DDY for writing it. DDY and the Panozzo brothers, the founding members of Styx, certainly don't hate the song.
@@tonyshields3783 Yeah... but back then NONE of us would admit we actually liked it ! LMAO
It also got a boost by the tv-series "Mr. Robot"
I always considered it great even when it came out. Me and my circle loved it. It was a hit in the day. Talked about in schools. Man I was 14 and having some of the best years of my life then.
It has a special place in my heart for family reasons, and I've always loved it for what it is: music from an iconic band in the early/mid eighties. There are examples from Yes, Pink Floyd, Chicago, David Bowie, and probably 20 other artists during that time frame of continuing to experiment contemporaneously. Styx is in my top 3 all time, and Kilroy is one of my faves because they were evolving.
I love all your reactions to the variety of music you analyze Elizabeth! I would love to see your reaction to the late John Denver. I suggest “Annie’s Song”. I believe he had the purest voice of any artist.
I second this, but it could also be a reaction tp "Rocky Mountain High" or "Sunshine on my Shoulders".
John D and Linda Ronstadt both
I vote for Calypso.
John Denver had an amazing voice and he had a true appreciation for music and how it can affect us deeply. Rocky Mountain High was one of my favorite songs when I was young because I got to listen to it with my Dad as we drove around Montana and Glacier National Park together.
Oh my GOSH I was at the
Domo Aragoto
"Mister Roboto
Concert 3 rows from the center stage back in the 70's ! !
It was completely
Acted out like a play great props
Nice and loud oh my goodness a blast from my past ! !
THE COSTUME WAS AWESOME ❣️ 🎉🎉
That was my Favorite concert ever😃
Thank you soooo much it's made my day and night , "my brain IBM"😅
Love Love Love I just keep singing it now ! ! !
Thanks for the memories, it was truly
Incredible now I'm going digging out my pictures🤗there here somewhere...
If I find them I'll send a few.
Oh FUN !🎉
THANKS AGAIN!
70 yr old Grandma of 2 ❤️⚘️
⛩️🕍⛩️
Thanks Elizabeth for bringing up this song. I was a Styx fan in the late 70´s and 80´s and this song was not one of my favorite Styx songs, but nowadays I must recognize it is a masterpiece. Dennis DeYoung and Styx are excellent musicians.
Same here. I didn't care for it when it came out, but it's grown on me and I love it now!
One of your very BEST episodes. Period. Dennis DeYoung is a genius. Sadly, his band mates did not recognize that and threw the baby out with the bathwater. It would have been so cool to see what direction the band went after this album if they had all stayed together. Thank you for this brilliant analysis of a song that was way ahead of its time!
As a kid of the 80s this was the very first thing I ever heared from Styx and I was very surprised when I first listened to their older stuff.
Likewise, as someone who discovered music through MTV, I was surprised at how deep the catalog of the artists I was seeing went back. And how much amazing music never made the transition to music video.
Funny, I still automatically think of this as their new stuff, haha.
I assume that you were pleasantly surprised!
Yes, there is so much good music from the 70's and 80's to explore! 😊@@Texfire
@@jeffreyes6236 absolutly :)
I was lucky enough to see this concert live in Detroit.
They began the show with a short film that ended with a concert beginning as part of the plot, then flowed into the concert itself, live on the stage and ended with a short stage play of future police raiding the stage and taking them away.
Mid-concert, Tommy Shaw did a solo whilst hoisted up by wires and flying around Joe Louis Arena, above the audience's heads.
Fun stuff!
DO COME SAIL AWAY NEXT PLEEEEEASE!
IT'S THEIR BIGGEST SONG AND YOU WILL LOVE IT!
THE LYRICS AND STORY ALONE GIVE CHILLS DOWN THE SPINE!
BEAUTIFUL!
Come sail away!!!!! Yes, please.
For many in the 80s this was the song that introduced them to Styx. The arc of their catalogue in terms of the different musical styles is truly staggering and unparalleled. From "Lady" to "Mr. Roboto" to "Boat On The River" to "Renegade". Styx has something for everybody, especially with 3 lead singers/3 songwriters. The vocals take center stage when it comes to Styx, especially with Dennis DeYoung, and Mr. Roboto is no exception. Ironically, even though KWH is often deemed responsible for the breakup of Styx, I think Tommy Shaw's best ever vocal performance for Styx is on the KWH album with "Just Get Through This Night." Thank you for reacting again to my favorite band!
I agree
Just Get Through This Night is probably the best song on the record.....IMO
There were some groups that were just consistent when it came to doing great songs that were singable in that era. Styx, Journey, ELO, Supertramp, Queen, Fleetwood Mac, and the list goes on... I really learned to sing by trying to duplicate - or at least keep up with these fantastic vocalists. I still belt them out when they come across my stream, or in the car, to my wife's eternal consternation.
Yanno what. I'm glad you are getting noticed by people like Dennis DeYoung, because you have such a genuine love and joy every time I watch you listening to a new song. Regardless of genre, regardless of style, you seem to be someone who just loves music. Unlike so many classically trained musician, you seem to have no pretensions to superiority and recognize skill and artistry in everything, and the world would truly be a better place if more people were like that.
This was the advent of the walkman, and so many songs from 1983-1984 were produced for walkmans because they knew what we were listening to on music at the time! This song may be 40 years old, but it still sounds like it came from the future! I can remember listening to Mr. Roboto and other heavy synth productions, i.e. The Cars, at the time and playing video games on my Atari 5200 and it all flowed together. For us 40 years ago it felt like the future had become now! The 80s were truly awesome to live in!
This is just one number in Dennis DeYoung's musical, but touring wise the old fandom didn't like the new sound, threw beer at the band on stage, and Tommy got made over it and left. For all its success and Dennis' genius, it brought about the end of Styx! For me, I still love the album, and I never really ventured into the beer-swilling concert venues with ill-attitude attenders, just wasn't my cup of tea! My walkman and my music I listened to was enough for me, especially at age 15 in 1983, since I didn't have a car yet to be able to drive to concerts! Still stayed away from the Rock Concert venues in my college days, unless it was Christian Rock, where I didn't have to worry about a bad crowd showing up and ruining the concert.
"For us 40 years ago it felt like the future had become now! The 80s were truly awesome to live in!" - absolutely. I got my first computer (a TI 99-a) in 1981 and learned to program it and used my boombox to save programs when I wasn't listening to music (I later had a career as a software developer and technical architect). I was flying the Sublogic Flight Simulator (later bought by Microsoft to become the MS Flight Simulator still being updated and published today) in the late 1980s on my Amiga 800xl computer, and later got my pilot's license having familiarized myself with not only stick and rudder, but also avionics using that simulator. I had a motorcycle when I was 16 - so I could get around when I needed to - and I was a roadie - and did lights for a local metal cover band on the weekends (I remember one night when they were playing at a biker bar, and I turned up on my Yamaha, and parked it next to the Harley bikes out front...but that's another story). When the 90s and 2000s came along, I had already been online for a decade or more before everyone else, first on Fidonet, and later at college on ARPAnet, which became the commercial internet. Now my daughter who was born in 1987, has 50K followers on Twitch - insane. The 80's have much meaning for me.
That robot voice is very similar to that used in the original Battlestar Galactica. Grabbed my attention quickly at that age.
Yes! Absolutely the reason I loved this song as a kid, it sounded just like it might break out into "by your command" or "destroy enemy viper" at any moment.
"I really think you should take look at the other Battlestar."
@@BoondockRoberts best line in that whole original series.
The mask is also super reminiscent of the original Cylons with maybe a bit of Cyberman from Dr. Who mixed in.
That's Tommy using the voice vocoder.
Kilroy Was Here drew me to Styx as a kid, which brought me to Grand Illusion and Pieces of Eight, and most happily to my favorite, Paradise Theater. It's sad that the band had such strife, but ultimately I loved them for the diversity of their sound -- including how different it was to listen to Dennis DeYoung, Tommy Shaw, and James Young sing. It's astonishing that they were able to do all of these flavors so well.
I saw them in concert for this album. It was an amazing experience. It had several "acts" and felt very much like an opera. The live performance sounded just as good as their album. Love these guys!!
It opened with a 20 min movie about who Mr Roboto was.
It was my 1st concert ever, and it is one of my fondest memories. ⚡⚡🤖⚡⚡
I saw the same tour in L.A.
I saw this same tour in NC.
I'm curious where you might find that 20 minute video.
I thought for sure that Dennis DeYoung had a trained voice. Amazing, really. Once again Elizabeth's ability to hear every nuance and explain it is SO appreciated.
Domo arigato, Elizabeth - domo arigato gozaimasu! Another great analysis of a song that's near and dear to me as Kilroy Was Here is one of the first albums I owned as a 12 year old kid. One of the little details that's fun in the video is when Dennis/Kilroy/Mr. Roboto is climbing the ladder (around 19:58 in your video is one of the places you'll see it), he winks as he's singing "...who hides behind a mask..."
I for one (with many here I'm sure) would love to hear you do more Styx. Suite Madame Blue as many have suggested would be a great one to work with - so many great harmonies - or The Best of Times, which is quite a number as well. Thanks for all you do for those of us who like to geek out on the power of music!
Absolutely LOVE Styx!! I hope you listen to all their songs...you will love them, too!
"Kilroy Was Here" was one of my first vinyls as a kid and it's among my top 5 favourite alboums until this day. The intro from "Just get through this night" still gives me the goosebumps every time i hear it.
Styx was one of my first favorite rock bands growing up, and my first rock concert (with REO Speedwagon, naturally - another group you'd love to analyze, I'm sure). This was the first of their songs I really got into, though I think The Grand Illusion is now my favorite and bet you'd really enjoy it too.
One of my favorite things about this one, though, is the sight ambiguity in the lyrics at the end - machines dehumanize, machines to humanize, machines to human eyes; you can just barely mishear the lyrics if you're not paying quite enough attention, but each option works for the song in a very different way. It was one of those moments where I started to really "get" music as a kid.
Dennis DeYoung is one of the most underrated “music-medium artists” of all time. He deserves to have his name said in the same veins as David Byrne, Peter Gabriel, and Laurie Anderson. He’s a genius who found himself in both the right and wrong place at the same time.
Absolutely one of the greatest American vocalists of the last half century. Such a beautiful tenor voice. My favorite song by him came out in the 90s during the first Persian gulf unpleasantness under daddy Bush right before the Soviet Union collapsed. It was, apparently, part of a reunion tour and his voice was just as absolutely spellbinding as ever. It’s called “show me the way” and I remember how deeply it touched me. I was worried the war would drag on and I would be sucked into it. Troubled times. Considering all the stuff going on now in Ukraine and in Israel and Gaza, it still hits.
It is such a shame that Dennis and the rest of the band couldn't get along. I always felt they were the best when together. I will say, seeing either current Styx or Dennis solo is a solid show with no end of talent.
along with Operation Mindcrime, this rock opera, concept album from Styx was a huge highlight of my teen years. "Kilroy Was Here" is a killer album and story, musical storytelling at it's finest! Mr Roboto deserves it's place in history as one of the best singles of all time imo
I had Kilroy Was Here on cassette and wore it completely out.
I had Mr. Roboto on 45, but went through a Styx obsession in the mid-2000's. It was NOT easy to get a hold of Kilroy Was Here (I want to say I had to get it on used vinyl; the CD either didn't exist or was out of print) and getting a VHS of the short film & associated concert was a comparatively expensive eBay purchase. It's sad that the band hated it so much. I get why; it's very Broadway & not very rock. But hey, if The Who can do it, why not Styx?
I was also a huge Queensryche fan, & had the fortune to see the Operation: Livecrime tour, so I'm probably the exact niche target market, here. 😆
I still listen to Operation: Livecrime all the time. I gotta hear “ needle lies” at least 3x a. Week
In my opinion, Styx's "Kilroy Was Here" was one of the best "concept albums" ever made. (No Auto-Tune; this was 1983.) It is also one of the best headphone albums of all time. Do yourself a favor; kick back in a comfy chair, with the lights low, headphones on, and just let this album run from start to finish.
... to this day, the ending synth of Mr Roboto is unnatural without the opening cymbal crash of Cold War folliowing... !
Paradise Theater and Mister Roboto are in my humble opinion Styx's best and fit together like a double album.
"Caught in the act" mixes them with some other tracks to create a full movie. Sort of.
I was wondering how far i would have to look for the reminder that there wasn't auto tune in 1983. 3rd comment down. Not very far!
I have to go with Paradise Theater and Grand Illusion.
No I'm going to have to say the best album was either Equinox are crystal ball. But I think a lot of you out there might not have been coming of age when that came out I was dating a girl named Lorelei that's why I love the equinox
As a Cal City Kid, I first heard the Angelic voice of @DennisDeYoungOfficial on WLS radio with the song Lady and Loreli, and my ears have been in love with those vibrations ever since. I loved your passionate analysis, Elizabeth. Dennis was on par with the greatest of the greats in rock history. His Suite Madam Blue is both beautiful and haunting, a true amazing display of vocal presence. His Come Sail Away will be played well into the 37th century because his voice is "out of this world". Thank you, Dennis for giving us the blessings to our ears, our brains, and our souls.
DoubleYouEllEss-PersonAlITEE!!! (Dick Biondi just passed away...)
I went two Styx "Mr. Roboto" shows in the early 80's and they were both great - Dennis DeYoung was the vocal talent of the group. I later went to another Styx /Pat Benetar Concert in Orlando in the 90's and they were fantastic.
Welcome to the early days of MTV, when bands actually made an attempt at artistic expression, whether or not they should have. 😉
My first Styx album was "Pieces of Eight". "Blue Collar Man" was something of an anthem at the time.
Agreed,these songs ,along with ,The Grand illusion,were ,both classic LPs,with great songs ,harmonies ,and guitar/keyboard parts ,combined ,to produce their own sound.
My first album also, love Blue Collar Man
Blue Collar Man with Tommy Shaw on vocals is one of Styx best in my opinion. Same with Renegade but, I love Dennis as well.
The Grand Illusion and Paradise Theatre are both amazing concept albums if not Rock operas.
Sweet Madam Blue is a beautiful lament to the USA and what it once was. Too many to list really.
Pieces of Eight is way too good for Beth not to analyze (at least one of the albums like she did with The Dark Side of the Moon) in their entirety even if it takes an hour and a half 🤣
I saw Rush a few times but in the late 80s Tommy opened for them and, the response he got when he began Angry Young Man was intense .
The whole venue seemed to light their joints at the sound of the opening chords .. myself included and being it was the Hollywood Sportatorium (FL) , mainly a boxing and wrestling arena the acoustics weren't perfect but it was _the_ most patryingist place you could ever see a show in so none of the bands or the crowd cared a bit that it wasn't anything more than a big tin box🤣✌️❤️🎸🎶🙏
I was a Styx fan way before this, "Crystal Ball" and "Equinox" being fantastic albums (plus, I grew up with "Lady" on the radio a lot, lol). "Cornerstone" has always been a fave of mine which is not a popular viewpoint (hardly ever hear any of the cuts from it played on Classic Rock radio, lol).
@@Ashtrayred Youre a real fan ,going through all the best LPs ,and songs ,I feel like they havent been given a chance ,to show their best ,with these two songs ,Dennis is great,but I feel that Tommy Shaw completed the line up ,vocals guitar,and songs ,were the full package ,good for you.
i was so excited as a kid when this album came out. i earned money to buy it. i was 10 years old and so proud. Styx had some amazing things throughout all of their music. i even sang this song for the school talent contest, not lip synched, but actually sang this at the top of my voice without a microphone. great memories. thanks for your reaction to this one!
"Queen of Spades" Elizabeth. The best song they ever recorded. It would be great to hear you analyze that masterpiece.
I thought that was The Police???🤔.... Oops 😬... I was thinking about "King of Pain".
But just imagine a Police cover...🎶"I'll always be QUEEN OF SPADES, I'll always be Queen of Spades...."🎶
😄
Dude.
... Dude!
Just not enough adjectives to describe how awesome this is.
So happy to see the long awaited follow up to ADiS coming at long last! I cannot wait to delve into it!
This song was on the radio all the time when I was a very young teen. I received a gift certificate to a record store at a pian recital in 8th grade, and Styx's "Killroy Was Here" was the album I chose. It was the first album I remember getting for myself. Still one of my favorite songs.
I have always loved the sound of Mr Roboto and will crank it up every time I control the volume. It is such a unique song. And Kilroy has such an interesting history in WWII.
When DeYoung sang Control, which Elizabeth described as yodeling, I got major Phantom of the Opera Vibes.
Thank you, Elizabeth for all these wonderful detailed voice and music analysis reactions as you have helped me gain a greater appreciation for all these great classic rock songs which I grew up with. Although, I have no singing ability as unlike my wonderful wife whom truly has a beautiful trained soprano voice, I can't hold a tune to save my life. Yet, I just learning all the information you have shared in the many voice reactions you have done and shared with us. You wonderful joyous enthusiasm and positivity with all these songs is incredible and contagious. So, again thank you.
Yes! I believe no auto tune can mimick any human emotion! Sound from the soul is incomparable. I love your reactions ❤🔥
I know for a fact a plastic LEGO beats Auto-Tune because it can bring out human emotion and it'll come from the soul.
All it takes is one barefooted step...
Saw Styx in the late 70's for Grand Illusion, then saw them again about 10 years ago at a river festival, both times were awesome and amazing.
This song brings back one of the most fun experience. Two of my sons, two of my nieces, and I took a trip to Zions National Park, and it was a 4 hour trip. We made an agreement to listen their music (10 years ago), and listen to my music on the way back.
I really didn't like most of my music, but an agreement is an agreement, but the return trip was awesome and very surprising. On the trip to Zions, the kids, they were teenagers, didnt sing very much, but the return was different.
On the return trip, this was the first song I played, and all four kids just busted out singing. The had me replay it several times. They really enjoyed it. It surprised me they knew most of the words, and when I asked them why they knew this song, one of my nieces just rolled her eyes and said "Uncle Lynn, we're not idiots.
For the rest of the return trip, the kids knew and sang many of the songs. Even though it was a four hour return trip, the kids were awesome, and they were rather sad when we got back.
And I agree Dennis DeYoung has a great voice and he's a great showman as you can see in the video and he's the same in concert he's very animated, active, fun to watch, he's great wish you never left styx.
Oh I thought he left to pursue solo career
@@LinkinVerbz44 thanks for the info..
The very first fanfiction I ever wrote was based on this album, lol. Styx is just amazing, and Dennis DeYoung's voice is phenomenal. Thanks for the awesome reaction and analysis.
Man, I REALLY love watching you listen to the music of my life for the first time. It brings tears to my eyes when you love and appreciate music that I’ve been loving for decades. I saw this tour from the 4th row (I may or may not have been under the influence of some….substances) and it was amazing to me. A lot of people, including part of the band, didn’t like it but I think it’s a great concept album. Thank you for this reaction - I already loved your channel, but now even more so…
“The music of my life….” Me too. Styx, Journey, REO. The holy trinity of 80’s radio rock.
They did 20 encores in Kitchener, Ontario. They ended with Mr. Roboto at 2:00am. Tommy Shaw was lead guitar, dancing on the seat-backs for Roboto, and Gowan was newly on keyboards. The idea for the vocoder and speech spectral analysis both came from Alexander Graham Bell when he was trying to make a hearing aid for his wife and daughter - both deaf.
I remember Mr. Roboto growing up. I saw them last year and they still Amazing
Ohh the gifts they have to share.
Wait till you here Crystal Ball, come sail away, The grand Illusion.
Just masterfully put together.
Cheers
One of my favorite vocal performances. Just legend. 👍
I'm really happy that you analyzed and reacted to this song, it had such bad reviews when the song came out. I loved it from the start, I saw the tour and it was fantastic Styx has so many big hits I hope you continue to react to their songs.
It was a very cool tour. With the cinematic videos to tell the story between songs, and the overall atmosphere they created.
I always hear people saying it had bad reviews - I don't remember hearing any when it came out. Bad reviews where?
They played the song on the radio and rolling skating rings daily all the time.
Hey Elizabeth, I'm a little late to the party but I had to mention I saw this show live. It was a masterpiece of not just this album but how they integrated other songs of their previous catalog, I took some of the best photos of my life from way back on the floor seating section and the screen images were perfect. It's certainly in the top 5 shows I ever saw and I've been to hundreds of shows in the last 60 years. So cool that Dennis actually responded to you about Lady. His work with Styx has always been world class rock. Thanks for you analysis and your exciting onscreen personality.
I saw this analysis announcement when it first came out but it took me this whole week to listen and I wasn't sure why. I now understand. As a person who grew up with Styx (and now I understand this with other procrastnated listens), there's something so internal, so personal to our (my) own story, that it's hard to have someone "break down" our (my) experience. But, I finally understand that it's what Elizabeth finds in music that actually shakes a part of my core. There's something sacred about loving a song or a band that feels defining and having it broken down to words that feels impaling. But, there's also something about it that feels soooo validating. I'm being very vulnerable right now in sharing this. There's this very double-edged sword that I think only Elizabeth can wield where something so indelible can also be so diagnostic. She adds emotion, making the diagnostic the heart-felt thing we remember that we forgot.
Great reaction and breakdown! I'm hoping you dive into the band Saga. Michael Sadler's voice is unmistakable and brilliant! On the Loose and Wind Him Up are great examples of their songwriting!
Agree about Sadler's voice, but I'd start with Bushy Moustache Michael Sadler and Don't Be Late.
Wind Him Up is phenomenal, lyrically and musically!
Don’t be late ❤❤❤
I was living in Puerto Rico when "Worlds Apart" was released, moving back to the States just as it was charting here. Having already been a popular band in PR (as well as Europe) before the States, I kinda chuckled at the US reactions to the band, :) Like, "finally!" ;)
Agreed. "Framed" is one of my favourites.
The guy is 77 and still sounds like that. It's crazy
I have never understood the hatred for this song/album. I saw them in concert when I was in the Navy in 1983, while stationed in Orlando Florida, and I just loved it.
I took my little brothers to the "Kilroy Was Here" concert in St. Paul in 1983. They were 16 and 13 (I was 23). I already liked Styx, and this cemented them as one of my favorite bands. I heard a lot of reviews and comments that didn't like it, but it was great as far as I'm concerned. The video brings that whole concert back for me. Thanks for reviewing it!
This is my favorite video of yours, ever! It meant so much to me. I remember every note of this song, from childhood, and yet - as usual - I’ve heard more, understood it more deeply tonight, thanks to you!
Dennis DeYoung definitely had one of the best voices in rock music. I remember hearing Tommy Shaw, who has a decent voice himself, just being amazed with Dennis's voice and rightly so.
I have to giggle when I see you put up a new reaction/analysis! Knowing this song so well, I start giggling when you about to have one of YOUR signature giggles! I watch your face intently just knowing what note the singer will hit or when a really neat sound is coming up. When you stop the song before a really neat part is about to happen, I say out loud, "Oh, just wait for the next bit!" and cue giggles! Thank you for being so passionate about these songs!
Your best and most enthusiastic reaction since Rush "Spirit of Radio". Styx was such an amazing band, and Dennis DeYoung was clearly first among equals for his vision, singing, and songwriting!
Geez I just found one of the most entertaining channels here on YT... kudos! Observations are spot on and outstanding content!
Saw Styx back in '05 alongside Alice Cooper and Cheap Trick. They were phenomenal live and blew me away with how masterful of musicians they are.
The long-lost art of the rock opera/concept album. KWH was a big influence on me as a young kid in the 80's. So inventive (even though the story ended up being a little convoluted). I especially dug the song "Heavy Metal Poisoning" from that record.
So glad you reminded me of this classic! 💜
Me: Nah, rock opera/concept album isn't dead, Green Day just did one with American Idiot! Wait, what do you mean American Idiot was 20 years ago? (God I feel so old, haha)
Concept albums definitely aren't a lost art. One of my favorite bands Coheed and Cambria have built their entire career on them! Check out one of their newest songs Window of the Waking Mind.
Ayreon and Avantasia make only rock/metal operas :)
As many times as I heard this growing up, I never realized what absolute talent was going into it. I understand voices more now and realize this is just incredibly talented.
Styx is serene, especially Dennis DeYoung's voice. Seeing them in concert is one of my favorite music memories. You really need to listen to Suite Madame Blue. The NOTES that man sings! Sublime. Their entire album of Paradise Theater is a story. I think I wore out at least three copies of the cassette tape when I was younger. Some of my favorite Styx songs: Come Sail Away, Suite Madame Blue, Lorelei, Too Much Time On My Hands (sung by Tommy Shaw), Babe, The Best of Times (Iconic!), The Grand Illusion, Renegade, Rockin' the Paradise, Blue Collar Man... so many more.
Come Sail Away would be a great Charismatic Voice review.
We used to have dance off's every Monday night at a bar I worked at and this was my favorite song to challenge people to dance to because one would have to be fully committed to getting real out there in order to dance out this whole song. I was excited to see your reaction.
I was in a fast food restaurant and I saw a guy in there with s Styx concert tour T-shirt that had all the dates and venues on it from 1977. We were instant friends.
A perfect song. Incredibly well constructed and performed. A lot of fun in itself and a lot of fun experiencing you react to it. :)
I wish more artists would put that much effort into a song, its production and presentation than they did.
You need to check out Iniko and her jeriko song 😁
Dennis had a voice (and sensibility) that was very much for musical theater.
Dennis still HAS a voice! Check out his RUclips Channel. He sang some songs during the pandemic and he still sound great!
I remember being in 6th grade when this album came out. By the time the school year ended in May (this released in February), we had probably written "Kilroy was here" on the outside walls of the school (in chalk) at least 100 times! This song still takes me right back to that moment!
Thanks for the amazing reaction as always, and for bringing back the nostalgia again!
As a fan in the 70's and 80's i loved styx. I wish i could see them with Dennis and Tommy together! One of my all-time favorite bands.
At 4:22 "Too much autotune"... but there wasn't! They all hit every note spot on, and then ran it through like a flanger or something. (We're talking early 80s here... autotune didn't really exist...)
This Styx album was my very first album I bought when it first came out. This song was why I bought the album after seeing the music video.
Yes, the vocoder and singing in Japanese is VERY different. The whole "Kilroy Was Here" album was one big concept. Loved "Haven't We Been Here Before?" from side B; the duet between Dennis and Tommy is really nice.
Yes, Dennis has an incredible voice. Seen him in concert twice and ... yeah, he still sounded great DECADES after recording so many of my favorite sounds.
Great reaction and analysis as always!! Classic amazing song. Please do their song "Renegade" as well. You will noooot be dissapointed by the amazing vocals.
Yes! She totally needs to do Renegade!
Imagine being 12 years old and hearing this for the first time on the radio when it was released! This was the very first album I ever bought, on cassette. Gets me now as much as it did back then. Ach, those high notes you can feel in your soul!
Also, fun story, as an adult I was driving somewhere with my niece who was around 10, and this song came on the radio. I cranked it and started singing. She went all eyes and said, "Auntie! How do you know this song?!" She didn't realize how old it (and I) was!
I was fortunate enough to see them on the Mr Roboto tour in Charlotte, NC and they opened with this. Full costume and everything. It was amazing.
I've always loved how technical she can break down the vocal and instrument aspects of each and every song she reacts to. How freaking awesome would it be if someone or some band tried to do their own Mr. Roboto this year!?
Welcome to the days when sound engineering was actually valued by studios.
Noting like this in current pop music.
This song is so freaking iconic and is just really fun to dance around to. Thank you Dennis for pushing to create thisvsongband album. It was truly amazing.
Elizabeth as a drummer, you listen to music a little different from most people,, and bands such as Styx and Boston and rush, and a few others have always been an inspiration to me..
I learned to play the drums listening to their music..
Love when you do older songs like this. I know what’s coming and you inevitably pause just before something happens and builds the anticipation for your reaction.
Better go see Styx live before it is too late! Best live performance out there, the harmony of this band is amazing and 52 years going!
Except Dennis DeYoung hasn't been in Styx since 1999
It's not Styx without Dennis DeYoung.
I have seen Styx (without Dennis) and Dennis Deyoung in concert. Both fabulous shows but wish i could have seen the original line up together.
Its perfectly fine without him. He has a great voice, but if I get a chance to see Styx, I will do it.@@mournblade1066
!@@mournblade1066 Amen to that!
STYX was an amazing band that kept reinventing themselves during their time. They were in great company in the 70's with other proggy bands like Kansas, Journey, Rush, Yes, Genesis. Being a very keyboard centric band with the standard rock elements they infused power ballads and pop/rock song standard of their time. Mr. Roboto was definitely a shift into the 80's demonstrating their ability to be contemporary (just as the other bands in the above list). They had so many amazing hits in their career
Excuse you sir they are still a great band! Obviously not exactly the same but still great!
@@lightningwolf77Yes they are still rocking and put on an amazing show!
The album was Kilroy Was Here, it was 1983, and it was referred to as a "rock opera". For reference, I graduated HS in 1984. Styx was/is one of my all time favorite bands.
I got to see Dennis deyoung over at Epcot at Disney Florida a few years ago
One of the greatest rock/pop male singers ever.
Elizabeth, it's time to introduce you to your next favorite band. You will definitely do a deep dive to the Little River Band after hearing any of their hit songs. Personally I recommend Take It Easy On Me.
Oh yes, I wholeheartedly agree...one of my favorite bands!
I was excited to see this song get the praise it deserves. "Kilroy Was Here" tour was my first concert at 16. I was in the SRO pit, not 15 feet from James Young's mic stand. I will never forget it. The album was a rock opera telling a story. They played a 15-20 minute mini-movie that added to the story before the band started playing.
Elizabeth,
Styx does all types of music.
You MUST do "Come Sail Away". That is the quintessential Styx song among so many other great songs. The variety of the music is what made Styx so special.
"I've Got a Secret" was an early 1950s TV Show and "circumstances beyond on our control" used to happen to TV broadcasts when they went "off the air" because of unknown reasons back in those days as well.
"Kilroy was Here" was graffiti American soldiers used in World War II. This was the first Styx concert I saw. It was in 1983.
Dennis was warning not to rely on technology for everything. It "dehumanizes" us, as he says.
Plus we all learned how to say "thank you very much" in Japanese!
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/I%27ve_Got_a_Secret
You know Elizabeth loves the song when her reacting to the instrumental introduction takes longer than the entire song lol
Not hating but she literally likes every song. People don't watch these videos to see the person hate on them. They want validation, and she knows that.
@@perkinomics - I've seen reactors say "hey, this song isn't for me. Here's some positive aspects, but it's just not something that speaks to me." No foul, only snowflakes expect someone to like everything they like.
@@DerekScottBland but she doesn't, which contradicts your original comment
@@perkinomics - no it doesn't, but you want to be childish so I think this discussion is done.
@@DerekScottBland How am I being childish? I think you may be projecting. Which I should've realized when you leapt at the chance to use "snowflake"
Another wonderful song by Styx is Show me the way!
I love the research you've been doing in how different people's vocal folds go wacka wacka wacka in different registers and across registers. You're moving voice theory from the arts into hard science and laying a foundation for an actual scientific theory.
Mata au hi made.