Only Two

[BlackWall]

I actually think "Cyclorama" definitely had some tracks that had some commercial potential. I don't think there was anything of a "Come Sail Away" proportion, but had "Together" or "Kiss Your Ass Goodbye" been released by some of the bands that have been hot within recent years; possibly "Nickelback" for the former, I think they could have been pretty big hits. I also think had "These Are The Times" been done by a band like "Godsmack" or "Mudvayne"; even though it's a little more positive than the type of material either usually do, it could have been a success. I think it just came down to lack of promotion and the reputation of an older band.. I still believe, however, that "Waiting For Our Time" was a mistake.. not a bad song, but there's really nothing about it that would make someone stop and take notice; just my opinion.

[shaka]

I actually think "Cyclorama" definitely had some tracks that had some commercial potential. I don't think there was anything of a "Come Sail Away" proportion, but had "Together" or "Kiss Your Ass Goodbye" been released by some of the bands that have been hot within recent years; possibly "Nickelback" for the former, I think they could have been pretty big hits. I also think had "These Are The Times" been done by a band like "Godsmack" or "Mudvayne"; even though it's a little more positive than the type of material either usually do, it could have been a success. I think it just came down to lack of promotion and the reputation of an older band.. I still believe, however, that "Waiting For Our Time" was a mistake.. not a bad song, but there's really nothing about it that would make someone stop and take notice; just my opinion.

I agree with you and Stabbim and to a point Sterling. I thought Waiting For our Time was a dumb choice. I also think that the album had plenty to appeal to your average Styx fan. I thought Captain America and These are the times were the best rockers Styx has done since Half Penny Two Penny. I think KYAG and Killing the Thing That You Love were great songs as well.

The ball was really dropped when they didn't release KYAG as a single. That song had mass market appeal at that time. One bad thing about producing your own records is that an artist may not be able to overcome bias in order to pick the strongest singles. I truly think they band should have brought a third part or maybe done some market research when determining singles.

Eric

[AnnieOprah]

I actually think "Cyclorama" definitely had some tracks that had some commercial potential. I don't think there was anything of a "Come Sail Away" proportion, but had "Together" or "Kiss Your Ass Goodbye" been released by some of the bands that have been hot within recent years; possibly "Nickelback" for the former, I think they could have been pretty big hits. I also think had "These Are The Times" been done by a band like "Godsmack" or "Mudvayne"; even though it's a little more positive than the type of material either usually do, it could have been a success. I think it just came down to lack of promotion and the reputation of an older band.. I still believe, however, that "Waiting For Our Time" was a mistake.. not a bad song, but there's really nothing about it that would make someone stop and take notice; just my opinion.

I agree with you and Stabbim and to a point Sterling. I thought Waiting For our Time was a dumb choice. I also think that the album had plenty to appeal to your average Styx fan. I thought Captain America and These are the times were the best rockers Styx has done since Half Penny Two Penny. I think KYAG and Killing the Thing That You Love were great songs as well.

The ball was really dropped when they didn't release KYAG as a single. That song had mass market appeal at that time. One bad thing about producing your own records is that an artist may not be able to overcome bias in order to pick the strongest singles. I truly think they band should have brought a third part or maybe done some market research when determining singles.

Eric

My understanding was that if Tommy didn't sing on it, they weren't going to release it as a single - that is why KYAG never got its shot. Egos are a terrible thing...

[Zan]

My understanding was that if Tommy didn't sing on it, they weren't going to release it as a single - that is why KYAG never got its shot. Egos are a terrible thing...

Or alter-egos. Be that as it may, I think the decision to release Tommy-led songs was based more on what they thought was smart business, rather than egotism. This is not to say there was NO ego involved (we are talking about musicians, after all), but JY has stated time & time again (and again & again) that after DDY's departure, Tommy has the most recognizable voice in Styx, so by that token, it would seem the most "logical" choice to release his tracks first, even if the songs were weaker (also, relative in definition) than others on the CD.

[stabbim]

I actually think "Cyclorama" definitely had some tracks that had some commercial potential. I don't think there was anything of a "Come Sail Away" proportion, but had "Together" or "Kiss Your Ass Goodbye" been released by some of the bands that have been hot within recent years;

Absolutely. Put Sheryl Crow on "Together" or Blink 182 on "Kiss Your Ass Goodbye" and they would have been monsters. Lack of commercial songwriting was not the problem on Cyclorama.

I thought Waiting For our Time was a dumb choice.

Agreed.

One bad thing about producing your own records is that an artist may not be able to overcome bias in order to pick the strongest singles. I truly think they band should have brought a third part or maybe done some market research when determining singles.

Well...IMO, the thing about "Waiting For Our Time" is that it was a dumb choice because it was a safe choice. It's exactly the sort of middle-of-the-road, trying-to-please-everyone kind of track that market research or some consultant would have recommended. Assuming the choice was completely up to the band, they were already thinking like a bunch of suits.

I think it's very telling that the one song which has survived the longest from that album, received the most concert play, won a spot on a Best Of, got a DVD titled after it and so forth, is "One With Everything" -- a song that was nearly left on the cutting-room floor because some folks worried that it was too "out there" for the record.

[shaka]

One With Everything is an awesome song. Todd's monster fill alone warrant it being on the record.

Eric

[yogi]

I think Cyclorama is a GREAT GREAT CD!!

I like EVERY song on it except Fields Of The Brave & Gensik whatever( the last song).

Glens tunes are both classics. The Pig, leads into Kiss Your Ass Goodbye perfectly. Kiss Your Ass Goodbye should have brought this group back into the lime light. They DROPPED the ball BIG time on this gem. Killing The Thing That You Love is a progressive MONSTER!!

These are the Times is JY's best song ever, and Captain America doesnt suck.

All of Tommy's songs are decent. One With Everything is a Styx classic. Do Things My Way, Waiting For Our Time,and Yes I Can are all VERY good songs. Together is OK.

I also like the shit out of More Love For The Money.
' And why is it I by the shit that nobody wants to'. GREAT GREAT line!! Summerizes me!

GREAT GREAT effort. They should be VERY VERY disappointed that this CD didnt sell better. Had this baby been released back in the day..................................................HUGE HUGE seller!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's to damn bad that it's one of those things though that we will never know.