The Styx sound

[ek88]

Reading through one of the other posts, I thought it would be interesting to hear everyone's definition (for lack of a better word) of the Styx sound . . .

One thing that strikes me is the diversity of songs found on nearly every album. There are flat-out rockers on every album (I think). Many albums have ballads. There seems to be electric guitar, acoustic guitar, and keyboard/synthesizer/piano driven songs on every album. Something unexpected can usually be found, whether it's the techno of Mr. Roboto, the off-the-beaten path lyrics of songs like Just Fell In or Plexiglass Toilet, or the modern rock sound of Kiss Your Ass Goodbye.

Another thing would be the use of at least three lead singers on all their albums. Interestingly enough, this trend continues despite the various changes in membership. I can't think of too many other bands that have two vocalists with the top-notch quality of Dennis DeYoung and Tommy Shaw, a trademark of the "classic" era.

I would imagine the over-the-top harmony vocals fit in to nearly everyone's definition.

I think Styx lyrics tend to be a bit more intelligent than the average rock band. They certainly don't tend to get into lyrical ruts, that's for sure.

Finally, I think the ability to regularly incorporate so many different musical elements into a single song is a Styx specialty. For example, depending on which 30 second clip of Come Sail Away you listen to for the first time, you could very possibly come away with two drastically different impressions.

Well, those are my random thoughts. What are yours?

[Zan]

Harmonic guitars, wicked synths, and inspiring lyrics - in some cases, a very "magestic" sound: fantasy-like. All of which are still there...hence, why I still like the band the way it is now. I did not think some of the later songs had the signature Styx sound (to me), but I didn't think they were necessarily crap either (well, some were). LOL

[evileyes]

In addition to what's already been mentioned, I've always been struck by the way so many of their songs start out as a ballad but end totally rockin'

[bugsymalone]

We did this one once before, I think....but .... :

The vocals of Dennis DeYoung

Airtight harmonies

Killer synth/keyboard work

Dual guitar leads

Solid rhythm -- bass and drums

Original (and I mean that in every sense of the word) music. A very distinctive sound. All their own.

Intelligent lyrics. Not your everyday average words and rhymes, even on the simpler songs.

Bugsy