Customer Reviews

Cyclorama

5 star:		(92)
4 star:		(34)
3 star:		(24)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(36)

 

 

Bands that have been around for 30 years just don't break new ground. It doesn't happen. If a band has had the mixture of talent and luck to still be making music 30 years after their first release, there is rarely much interest in breaking new ground, as their hits and fan favorites will easily fill a two hour concert.

Nobody told Styx.

Oh, they know. They just don't care.

Cyclorama is perhaps the best Styx album in the history of the band. At the very least it is the best recording proffered by Styx since The Grand Illusion/Pieces of Eight. For the first time in 25 years this is a Styx album through and through, from the opening rumble of Do Things My Way to the last strains of "Life of a Stranger" (a much too short hidden track at the end of the disc.

This is the first Styx album without founding member Dennis DeYoung. This may turn off some long-time fans, but the infusion of Lawrence Gowan and the re-infusion of Glen Burtnick have revived the energy and mojo that caused Rolling Stone magazine readers to crown Styx "the Best Band in the World" in 1981.

The album opens with "Do Things My Way", a rousing Tommy Shaw rocker that evokes classic Styx sounds while sounding cool enough to play on any Modern Rock station you could name. "Waiting For Our Time" (the first single, again sung by Shaw) follows and brings Styx clearly into the twenty-first century, but will please Styx fans old and new. "Fields of the Brave" is the first offering on the album from new member Larry Gowan, and evokes the magic that Dennis brought to the early days of Styx. This may well be the most poignant and beautiful song Gowan has written in his long career, and is destined to be a classic.

Cyclorama takes an interesting turn with track four, "Bourgeois Pig", which is something of a soliloquy with Billy Bob Thornton on lead vocals, and leads into "Kiss Your Ass Goodbye". Glen Burtnick sings his way into Modern Rock/College Radio heaven, while still retaining Styx signatures all over it. Next is James Young on vocals for "These Are The Times", an amazing song written about JY's brother. Styx then slows it down a little with a love song, "Yes I Can". Tommy Shaw and Glen Burtnick duet on a beautiful love song that will make those missing DeYoung melt. Next is "More Love For the Money", the second of two offerings from Lawrence Gowan, evoking thoughts of classic Styx and Queen all at once.

One more near-ballad, "Together" picks up the pace a bit with Tommy at the microphone, leading into an amazing arrangement of the Styx classic "Fooling Yourself", with background vocals by none other than the legendary Brian Wilson. This beautifully eerie trip back in time results into a slingshot into today with Captain America, where James Young proves that he is woefully under-represented in the vocal department. This song could be a classic in today's international environment, and could easily be a song of inspiration for US troops overseas. The song reprises some of the musical base of "Miss America" and takes the deep cynicism of that earlier offering and turns into a message of hope for the future.

Moving into the final phase of the album, Styx continues to wow you with "Killing the Thing That You Love". This Glen Burtnick vocal may well be the most controversial song on the album for long time Styx fans. Some have pointed to lyrical coincidences that make it sound as if it is directed at former member Dennis DeYoung, but the song was written in 1994 by Burtnick, who was not even a member of the band at the time. Regardless of who or what it was written about, it's an amazing song, worthy of the Styx name. Next up is a new Prog classic, "One With Everything". This is the song that old time Styx fans have been waiting for since The Grand Illusion. It rocks hard, and in between it slips into dreamy musical landscapes that are far beyond the ability and reach of the mere-mortal bands regularly "scene" on MTV, VH-1, and MuchMusic. The last listed track, Genki Desu Ka, plays over a drum loop developed by Styx drummer Todd Sucherman. The title means "how do you feel" in Japanese. It's a feel good meditation in much the same vein as the closing of Pieces of Eight, "Aku-Aku".

But they're not done. Oh, no.

I forgot to mention the background vocalists on "Kiss Your Ass Goodbye". They would be none other than Tenacious D. They also contribute a short skit in which they talk their way into getting onto the album, involving Tommy Shaw. It's good for a chuckle, and is somewhat reminiscent of old Cheech and Chong. And finally, "The Chosen One" (sic) is an untitled, unlisted track at the end that might serve as a dedication to the heroes of 9-11. This entirely vocal snippet is much too short, and is a beautiful elegy to leave on the palates of Styx fans, as it suggests that Cyclorama is not a one-time spike, but perhaps the beginning of an entirely exciting and musically fulfilling in the life of Styx.

Whether you've loved Styx from days of old, or hated them with a passion, or never heard of them at all, this is an album that is worth your careful attention. In this day and age of corporate radio and mass-production rock music, Cyclorama is an amazingly organic aural experience.

Sit back and relax. Styx is about to blow you away.

I am a fan of the lineup of Styx that most of us are familiar with from the early 70's through the mid 80's. I couldnt wait for "Brave New World" a few years back and was admittedly a bit disappointed in it. It was obvious everyone was doing their own thing musically at that time. It wasnt a 'group' album as much as it was three solo albums in one. It wasnt long after that I heard of the problems going on and Dennis DeYoung wasnt going to be touring with them first...and later that he was replaced altogether in the band. Because of ongoing health concerns with Chuck Panozzo he would no longer be a full time member of the group as well. That left only Tommy Shaw and James Young of the linuep that I enjoyed so much. Because of those reasons I wasnt looking forward to any future releases from Styx at all.

I was wrong. CYCLORAMA is filled with the elements of what first drew me to Styx. Great vocal harmonies, very catching choruses, first rate musicianship and for the first time in a long time the feeling of a truly 'group' album. They take some potshots at Dennis DeYoung in two songs on the album it seems, "Kiss Your Ass Goodbye" and especially in "Killing The Thing That You Love". The tunes are all catchy in their own right. After listening to this cd what its missing is much of the 'signature' DDY tunes and this is a good thing indeed. Gone are many of the ballads and odd tempo tunes more suited to a broadway show. In their place are numbers more in line with the grandiose anthems from the Crystal Ball or Grand Illusion time period.

There is no doubt that their sound has evolved along with the personel changes, but they remain true to the roots of the group, which to me has always been strong songwriting, powerful choruses that you just have to sing along with and small musical touches that bring a smile to my face. Granted, not every song on it is a winner and two of them are more like intros into the next song rather then songs in their own right. There are a few tunes though that carry the album for me, "One With Everything", "These Are The Times" and "Together". I also have to say that Lawrence Gowan's "Fields Of The Brave" makes me want to say Dennis who?

This is really a return to what made the band work early on. Overall a very solid outing by a new and improved Styx. I am finding myself looking forward to their next studio release based on this one. Give it a chance and you might be pleasantly surprised.

This was a much better effort then the horrid "Brave New World" album. I would still say this album has little to resemble classic Styx. Numerous guests can be heard on the album...something that is typical of a Tommy Shaw solo effort, but not Styx.

Musically, quite a bit more creative then anything Styx has written in the last 20 years (but that isn't saying much). Three songs stand out on this album with JY's epic "These are the Times" leaping to the top. I consider it the best song JY has ever done. The other two songs that stand out, but not as far, are Glen's "Kiss Your A** Goodbye" and Tommy's "Together".

Newest member, Lawrence Gowan, (replacing ejected founder Dennis DeYoung) has very little vocal impact on the album, in my opinion, but his keyboards and piano add tremendously to the album. It is obvious the band does indeed have new life since the ousting of DeYoung whose recent showtunish and love ballad style (not to mention the Kilroy stuff) really alienated many of the harder rock fans the band had.

Again, I feel drummer Todd Sucherman is under used on the album, as he was on Brave New World. He is a tremendous talent who first blew Styx fans away with his studio performance on the song "Little Susie" from the GHII album. Seeing this guy drum live is quite a treat.

I have felt that one thing that has held the current lineup back was the fact they had now released a new studio album since their formation 4 years ago. It is now here, and while it lacks in some areas it is a good effort that indeed legitimizes this group as being Styx. Hardcore fans of the current lineup will obviously think this is the best Styx album ever, fans of Dennis will obviously hate it or consider this not a real Styx album.

Now I think I'll sit back and listen to "These are the Times" again...just a wonderful song; one of Styx's finest.

Can STYX survive without Dennis DeYoung? That is the question.

The answer to that is an emphatic YES THEY CAN!!

"Cyclorama" returns STYX to their heavy metal/prog rock roots and it rocks hard! From the first track to the last, the CD is jammed packed with their strongest and best studio recording they've done since "Paradise Theatre". "DO THINGS MY WAY" is a strong opener that's radio friendly. Has a sound somewhat akin to a Damn Yankees tune but a chorus that'll remind [] Styx fans of such vintage albums as "Equinox" or "Man Of Miracles". WAITING FOR OUR TIME is an accoustic pop rock style tune sporting a sound simular to something off of "Crystal Ball" but a powerful "Peices Of Eight" style harmonized rock chorus and deep Creed-like chords keeps up the pace. FIELDS OF THE BRAVE and MORE LOVE FOR THE MONEY are the two tunes sang by Gowan and they are amazing - think The Beatles meets Queen!!Glen Burtnik's KISS YOUR ASS GOODBYE comes right of left field blazing like a Blink 182 inspired monster. However, the real gems on Cyclorama are YES I CAN which has hit single written all over it, the prog rock magnum opus ONE WITH EVERYTHING, and the 7 minute "Grand Illusion"-esque head swirler entitled THESE ARE THE TIMES sung by JY, which is an oddity considering that except for "Snowblind", JY's songs seldomly stand out and define an overall Styx CD.

Overall, "Cyclorama" returns STYX to the rocking band they once were yet it's powerful enough to make them relevant today if only they get the attention and exposure they truly deserve. It's a CD that proves a truth that some might argue with or find very hard to accept - STYX can indeed survive without Dennis DeYoung. In fact, I'd go so far as to say his departure helped the remaining members come together and returned STYX to what attracted fans long ago - hard-hitting, fist pumping, ROCK AND ROLL. What we have here is an unexpected treasure. The energy and vigor explode, and their creativity as a whole unit make "Cyclorama" - when compared against the last few releases sporting all new material (Brave New World, Edge Of The Century, and Kilroy Was Here) - beats them all hands down.

A timeless classic in the making!

i bought this one on the day it came out. that's unusual for me. but after looking at styxworld.com and drummer todd sucherman's own website, i got curious. tommy and JY were smart enough to find band replacements that do not have to stay in the shadows of those two! both glen burtnik and lawrence gowan have excellent voices (gotta have that for STYX) and play their instruments very well.
this is a true Band effort, where everyone worked together instead of a solo effort feel. the result is that the material is strong and the best styx CD in years. buy it...

Let me start by saying I think this is a fabulous album! My first Styx album was Grand Illusion way back in 1977. I became a big fan and picked up each new album as it was released. My all-time favorite has always been Pieces of Eight (1978). The combination of rock and prog was perfect for me.

Fast forward 25 years to 2003. It took a couple spins to grow on me, but Cyclorama has become my favorite new album of the last few years. The only blatantly prog song, "One With Everything", is definitely my favorite. However, all the other songs also have a perfect mix of instrumentation and vocals. Read Todd Sucherman's notes on the making of the album at Styxworld.com to get an inside look at the songs.

To really enjoy this album, you have to accept that this is not the same Styx without Dennis DeYoung. The production is different, the harmonies are higher, Larry and Glenn have their own voices, etc. Once you accept that, you're in for an awesome ride that gets better with each listen.

Support Styx and buy Cyclorama today!

Cyclorama not only harks back to the days of old, it does a pretty damn good job of bringing Styx into the future as well. The songs are amazingly well crafted with heavy doses of progressive-rock, alternative, punk, pop and bombastic rock n roll that Styx is famous for. This is definitely a CD that will win them back their old fans, and will win them new ones.

The CD kicks off with Tommy Shaw lead "Do Things My Way", a nicely polished modern sounding rocker that starts out with some "chanting" (I kid you not) then kicks it into gear with a song about a good relationship gone bad. Solid rocker!

I've always found Styx's music to be one of inspiration, hope and never giving up on a dream. "Waiting For My Time", the 1st single release, delivers in that aspect. The chorus is classic pompous Styx with big harmonies. Add James Young's crunching power chords which take over from the acoustic guitar of Tommy Shaw give the song a very modern, almost Creedish feel to it.

Fields of The Brave is possibly one of the most beautiful songs Larry Gowan has ever written and it's one of many that stand out on it's own on Cyclorama. Its meaningful and sentimental lyrics make you stop and think about how things were and the sacrifices our ancestors made so that we can have a better life today.

Styx gets back to rocking again, this time with special guest Billy Bob Thornton doing the lead vocals on "Bourgeois Pig". It's one of those songs that could be "dedicated" to the rock n roll egos of today (insert name here).

The next song is probably the most diverse, yet pleasantly surprising number since 73's stoner classic "Plexiglass Toilet". Glen Burtnik's "Kiss Your Ass Goodbye" is a high energy, up-tempo rocker in the style of Sum 41 and Blink 182, with a tip of the hat to Buddy Holly and Squeeze to make it work.

Up next is James Young's "These Are the Times". It catapults you back to 1977 with this endeavor. This is James Young at his best. Written as a tribute to James's late brother Rick and to give inspiration to Chuck Panozzo's fight against Aids, "These Are The Times" is a near seven minute rock opus that hooks its claws into you from its hypnotizing first notes to the spine tingling instrumental ending and doesn't let go. This is the song that Styx fans have been waiting for the past 20 or so years!

"Yes I Can". Wow. What can I say? It's beautiful song with a beautiful sentiment without being all mushy. Glen Burtnik and Tommy Shaw's vocals are the highlight of this unique sounding acoustic ballad. What also makes it work are the different instruments used on this song: not just guitars, but an upright acoustic bass, mandolin, dobro, tambourine, and harmonium. With the right timing, it can definitely be there biggest hit since Show Me The Way.

Larry Gowan returns for "More Love For The Money", a pure pomp-rock flavoured song that could have easily fit onto the Paradise Theatre album. It's definitely influenced by Queen and the Beatles, with a bit of Roger Waters lyrically speaking. The chorus again is pure Styx. The Hammond organ gives the song a nice touch as well; it doesn't overpower the feel and the message that the song tries to portray.

Tommy Shaw returns for the mid-tempo "Together". It's another one of those songs that's straight from the heart, and it gives a very positive message throughout it without sounding preachy. The cool part of it is it's sound in general. I'm a sucker for a waa waa pedal, and Tommy delivers the goods here, combined that with a Hammond organ, and the ever so uplifting Styx harmonies, you're almost in progressive rock heaven.

"Palm of Your Hand" is the accapela version of "Fooling Yourself" with special guest Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys helping out on background vocals. Some might find it redundant, but it's a refreshing little number, and vocal blend is second to none.

Captain America is another trip down memory lane. It's another heavy rocking number by James Young. Written to stir up patriotic feelings after 9-11 and fits in perfectly for the current situation in Iraq right now. Not only are the lyrics powerful, when James Young shares the bridge of the song with Tommy Shaw, it kicks this song up another notch. Again, fans of the old stuff will love it!

Killing The Thing That You Love is definitely the most controversial song on Cyclorama. The song itself is very dark, moody, and chilling power ballad, which surprising fits well with the rest of the CD. Glen honestly sings this song with everything he has. It is truly the most poignant and powerful song on the CD. Another great example of an epic rock song that only Styx can provide, clocking in at almost six minutes.

One With Everything is the perfect response to get the Styx fan back to the rocking side. This is going to be the song on this CD that everyone will want to hear live. It's definitely a stadium type rocker that grabs you, shakes you around and then asks you if you want more!

Cyclorama ends with the very poppy and artsy "Genki Desu Ka" that harks back to the "Aku-Aku" days of the Pieces of Eight album.

Styx does everything right for Cyclorama. Tommy Shaw and James Young have nailed it, especially with the inclusion of Glen Burtnik, Larry Gowan, and don't forget the amazing drum work of Todd Sucherman, it's definitely has paid off. They have brought so much more to this lineup than was ever thought possible.

Bands like Journey and Boston take note, this is the type of new CD your fans expect! You can learn a lesson from what Styx has done here.

Jodes

I will admit that I wrote off Styx after Dennis DeYoung split from the band several years ago. I just couldn't believe that anybody could replace his vocals that made up the heart of the Styx sound. I've avoided the live albums that have been issued after Dennis' departure, but when I heard a song from the new CD Cyclorama on the radio I was intrigued. A web search revealed some additional songs, all of which were good which made me decide to take the plunge and make the purchase.

A pretty good decision, I have to say.

Styx has decided not to use DeYoung replacement Lawrence Gowan as a one-for-one replacement of DeYoung, but instead uses him effectively in background vocals and keyboards. He only sings lead on two of the tracks (much less than DeYoung would have contributed had he been here). Gowan's voice is so-so on these tracks and they are probably the weakest on the CD, but his other talents can be heard thoughout. I now conclude that Gowan is a competent addition to the band.

James Young has the highlight of the CD in my opinion with "These Are The Times", maybe his best song ever. It's long and bombastic is places, but the chorus has a great hook and I could listen to it several times in a row (I have, actually).

Tommy Shaw again does consistently good work both in songwriting and execution. Without the headaches of dealing with DeYoung (which have been chronicled often), he gets back to his rocking days when he was with Ted Nugent, which is obviously where his musical heart is. He has to be nearing 50, but he hasn't lost a step.

Glen Burtnik, who I thought was the star of the band's 1990's "Edge of the Century" when he replaced Shaw, brings a pop element into the mix with K.Y.A.G. A very talented musician who I'm glad the band kept in mind during its shakeup.

I see that with only a few exceptions, the song writing credits are given to the entire band, a strong show of teamwork that was missing on Styx's last studio effort 4 years ago when DeYoung did his thing and Shaw and Young did their thing and they hodge-podged it together with less than lukewarm results.

A fine return effort. I might even see a concert this summer!

I don't know what kind of recognition they will receive for this
album in today's industry where image is everything; but this is one of the best true rock albums i've heard in a long while. It is definately worth buying and you will not want to skip by any tracks on this album. They have just made a new fan out of me and
have bridged a gap I didn't think could be done. I love the energy level as well as the lyrics and messages of these songs.

I have been following Styx since their reunion with Dennis DeYoung in 1995 and have to say (having seen the DeYoung-led Styx live in '96 and the DeYoung-less Styx several times since) that the current touring version of the band is the strongest and most cohesive -- watching them in action, every movement, every chord, every joke, every smile just seems to click. Hence why the new Styx lineup's first studio effort "Cyclorama" plays as their strongest and most cohesive recording since the "Pieces of Eight" album. The rollicking guitars of J.Y. and soaring vocals of Tommy Shaw mesh well with the bass riffs of Glen Burtnik and the amazing piano/organ/synthesizer playing of Lawrence Gowan. (DeYoung, eat your heart out during some of Gowan's AMAZING playing on this album.)
Styx finds themselves in a "stycky" situation with "Cyclorama" because people who like the DeYoung-less Styx want it to succeed and fans broken up about DeYoung's departure want it to fail. If you, like me, are a fan of "Equinox," "The Grand Illusion," "Crystal Ball" and "Pieces of Eight," then "Cyclorama" is for you, replete with hard rock tunes and solid (non-shmaltzy) ballads that will make you think it's (grandly) 1977 all over again. If you were a bigger fan of Styx's devling into Barry Manilow/Bizarro Theater territory ("Babe" on "Cornerstone" and "Mr. Roboto" on "Kilroy Was Here"), then you are already preset for hating "Cyclorama" because it's missing Styx's former master of shmaltz (and isn't afraid to flaunt that loss).

The strongest songs on the album -- the single "Waiting for Our Time," "One With Everything," "Killing the Thing You Love The Most" and "Kiss Your Ass Goodbye." ("Kiss Your Ass..." poses the band's best chance at being looked at seriously by a younger generation -- think Blink 182 meets a post-Buddakan Cheap Trick.)

The album's biggest surprises -- "More Love For The Money" (showing heavy, entertaining reference to the sound of the Beatles) and "These Are The Times" (i.e. what it would have sounded like for J.Y. to have sung "Man In The Wilderness").

WORST song on the album -- "Captain America" (J.Y. heads into bad early '80s bombastic vocals and guitar riffs. Too "Heavy Metal Poisening" for my tastes.)

All in all -- a five star effor worthy of the good reviews it is recieving (the best reviews Styx has recieved on any album to date).

Even if you are skeptical, give "Cyclo" a few cycles in your CD player. Put the Dennis DeYoung ballad era out of your mind and recall the days of Studio 54, Star Wars and "The Grand Illusion."

You won't be dissapointed.

(A closing note -- I do like Dennis DeYoung's solo efforts, today and of yore. He is a wiz of musical theater and, as a solo artist, he can excell at his craft, without brining the rock-and-roll likes of J.Y. and Tommy Shaw down. To all those who won't listen to Styx without Dennis, it is your loss. You can listen to Styx and Dennis DeYoung's solo efforts, get the best of both worlds. The sarcasm of my review aside, I don't hold any hostility towards DeYoung and the music he continues to put out today.)