11 most impactful Styx songs

[rajah2165]

This is not the category "best" Styx songs, but the ones that had the most impact on American Culture.. And ok, I put them all out there and realize I had 11 so call this the "11 most impactful Styx songs"

11. Don't Let It End - Top 10 single (#6) and a major slow song for many a high school dance. Video was also prominently featured on VH-1/MTV.

10. AD 1928/Rockin'The Paradise - Top 10 Rock Track (#8), the title song off Styx's only #1 album, and the first Styx video ever played on MTV. Ironically the only song off GH Pt 2 to make the list (why did it not make GH part 1?)

9. The Grand Illusion - Title track off Styx's best selling and widely acknowledged critically "best" album. Classic rock staple, but rock chart did not exist in 1977/78 so no way to verify this with chart position.

8. Too Much Time on My Hands - Top 10 single, massive radio play, and frequently played video on MTV

7. The Best of Times - Top single off Paradise Theatre; synonymous with Styx "sound". Went all the way to #3 on the top 100 chart. Frequently played, if not exciting, MTV video. May not have stood the test of time as well as some of the others which is why it remains toward the bottom of the list.

6. Show Me The Way - Styx's comeback single that became the theme to Gulf War #1. Went all the way to #3 on the charts and was victimized only by the war ending in its quest to reach #1. War ended - song fell like a rock. I have heard it played in numerous genres - from marching bands to being played in churches. (and yes even though I am Indian I am a converted Christian) Heavily religious undertones.

5. Lady - Started the whole train a rollin' with a peak chart position of #6. Ironically went to #1 in many markets, but due to discrepancy in its release in multiple markets (it was truly an organic growth single), it never hit #1 on the national chart. Styx's first single and first ballad.

4. Babe - Wow it is getting hard now! All of these next four could make a legitimate claim as #1. Here is Babe, Styx's only #1 single and a People's Choice Award winner. Appears to have stood the test of time as still gets frequent airplay, especially on AC stations despite being 26 years old. The quinticential Styx ballad.

3. Renegade - The ultimate Styx rocker. Ironically was a ballad in the likes of CSN&Y (and the first two bars of the song), before band decides to Styx-a-fy it. Although only peaked at #16, it has stood the test of time as seen by its inclusion in American Idol, the Steelers pre-game show, and numerous advertisements and movies. Styx at its Rock and roll finest.

2. Come Sail Away - What doesn't this song have? Balladesque beginning, theatrical flair, religious undertones, synthesizer middle, cranking guitars, Stygian harmonies, positive message. If any song represents Styx, this is it. A top 10 single (#8), but almost bigger in its post chart period 80s onward than duirng the late 70s. Have heard marching bands crank on this song and Karokee singers completely screw it up. I've heard it in movies and millions of times on the radio. It will be 30 years old next year and has aged beautifully. This is Styx's anthem, their masterpiece, their nominee as one of Classic Rock's greatest songs of all time.

1. Mr. Roboto - No song is more loved by some, more hated by others, but no song in the Styx catalog is as well known by more people. A song that inspired a dance all into itself. A song that represents the decade of the 80s with its soaring vocals, high harmonies, pop oriented sensibilities, and techno sound and feel. Its not my favorite Styx song - probably wouldn't rank it in my personal top 10, but you play it for almost anybody - from a 6 year old to a 86 year old, and they know the song immediately. A gold single, #3 charter, but most importantly, whether you love it or hate it, an unarguable jewel of pop culture...

[Jodes]

Well Rajah, I see that you put a lot of time and effort into this list, and it was quite well done. I can tell you from a non-American there's one song us Canadians would put in that list, because face it.. if it wasn't for that song we wouldn't be here today still talking about this band..

Ladies and gentleman we know that Lady was Styx's first big hit in parts of the US, but Suite Madame Blue OWNED the airwaves in Canada. It lead to Equinox and Crystal Ball going multiplatinum here in Canada before accomplishing that feet in the US.

It was Styx's groundwork in this country due to their hard work ethic (if an American band headlines venues in Canada, the US venues are soon to follow) and they did.. in droves.

Ask Dennis, Tommy, JY or Chuck about playing in Montreal opening for Bad Company.. you'll see that look on their faces of being totally and completely awed by the reaction, then realizing.. they'd done it. They were going to be huge.

Thanks again for reading..

[bugsymalone]

I would have added Suite Madame Blue to this list, and high up, too, Jodes. I appreciate your take on it. I find it to be a classic example of a masterful blend of the ballad and the rock and the soaring synth and the power guitars. Not to mention being one of Dennis' greatest vocal accomplishments and still-to-this-day meaningful lyrics.

It still gives me chills to hear it in concert today.

Rajah. I agree with your list. Good choices.

Bugsy

[yogi]

GREAT LIST!!! You REALLY did your homework on this one.

I am sure that in Europe Boat On The River would be in the top five. Otherwise I would:

Substitute Suite Madame Blue for Rockin The Paradise @ #10. Suite Madame Blue has been an FM rock staple for as long as I can remember. It is a classic Styx track.

At #9 I would insert Blue Collar Man (top 20 hit) over The Grand Illusion. Blue Collar Man was the first release off of Pieces Of Eight and it garnered heavy radio play. It was a very strong single to lead off their new album after the massive success of The Grand Illusion album.

Finally I would change the order of Come Sail Away and Roboto. Come Sail Away was the ultimate Styx hit. Even today many young people know that song.

As much as I cant stand Roboto I do realize that it was and still is a HUGE hit for Styx, and is part of pop culture.

Shit, just last week one of our quarterbacks said domo arigoto to our TE after he made a block in practice. I didnt say a word I just laughed to myself.

Excellent list!!!!!