BBT review Classic Rock Aug 2005

[gr8dane]

With half of the fanbase already estranged by the replacing DDY prior to the release of reputation renovating Cyclo,an albums of covers seems suicidal.Such meaningless albums are usually released due to lack of inspiration or rec labels demand for new product,so can Styx buck the trend?
Well,a reworked Blue Collar Man,and thumping versions of I can see for miles and Summer in the city are classy enough,but the remainder sound like the Dog & Duck on local band night.Styx remain an engaging live act,and as Cyclo proved,they are still capable of creating the rousing,anthem-ridden rock that made them stadium fillers.
This album belittles their legacy.

Rich wilson

6* out of 10.

[sadie65]

Ouch.

Cover albums are always a risky move. If you do a straight forward copy of the song you have people complain that you didn't make the song your own and why not listen to the original. If you "make the song your own", you have people upset that you didn't stay true to the original material.

Me, I think have the songs are okay, and the others do nothing for me on this album. But hey, they did it, they seem happy with it, so I guess that's what matters.

[bugsymalone]

What surprised me the most about this album was the negative reaction from a lot of fans of this current lineup. People who love Styx as it is now really were disappointed in this recording. Not all, mind you, but a surprising number.

Like Sadie, I found a few songs to my liking, but only a few.

Bugsy

[yogi]

I thought the CD was GREAT from a vocal standpoint. I just do not care for their selection of songs.

Gowan was by FARRRRRRRR the star of this effort.

The only way you can please people with covers is if you like the songs. For example: Tommy did a GREAT job with Summer In The City, but I dont like that song, and didnt like the orginal.

Styx is now pushing Cant Find My Way Home. Tommy's vocals on this song are tremendous, but the song bores the hell out of me. I compare this to DDY's Call Me. Great vocals, but a boring song.

Walrus, A Salty Dog, Talking About The Good Times, & Wishing Well are the only songs I care for on this CD. 3 of these 4 Gowan sings lead on. Go figure???????

[onestilllearning]

Styx could have chosen more commercially accepted songs. They did not and this says to me they are not as concerned with appeasing the masses as they are to being true to their musical influences. Lets face it this was never going to be a "hit record" so why not be true to your musical inclinations. Styx has earned the right to do what the want and to hell with the critics. I love this album.