Review:
“The 1972 self-titled album from Chicago-based quintet Styx could be considered an ambitious outing for any band’s debut. Clearly influenced by the primarily U.K-centered progressive rock scene” (Planer), what makes this debut “immediately striking is the strong musicianship that DeYoung and Curulewski – both classically trained – bring to the project. The four-part Movement for the Common Man is impressive considering the dynamics of its scope – ranging from the hard-hitting aggressive Children of the Land to the audio vérité Street Collage” (Planer).
“The latter section includes dialogue and conversations with everyday people and effortlessly flows into a chorus of Aaron Copeland’s Fanfare for the Common Man. The nearly quarter-hour suite concludes with the brisk and inspired Mother Nature’s Matinee” (Planer).
“Right Away is a mid-tempo bluesy number with formidable slide guitar licks from Young that could sit contently beside the smooth Southern comfort of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Gary Rossington. DeYoung's electric organ similarly takes on a soulful vibe recalling Booker T. Jones of Booker T. & the MG’s fame” (Planer).
“Although comparatively mellow, the ballad What Has Come Between Us is also more complex and intricate, providing an exceptional platform for their nascent vocal harmonies” (Planer).
“The catchy and propulsive Best Thing became Styx’s incipient excursion into the Pop singles chart, landing at 82 nationally and scoring even better regionally” (Planer).
“Perhaps the biggest surprise is the cover of George Clinton’s After You Leave Me, which is turned into a suitably open-throttled ending to Styx' commendable introductory affair” (Planer).
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