Kilroy Was Here

Styx | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: A&M
• ASIN: B000002GF6
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (139 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,328 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

A #3 LP in '83, this was one of the defining pop-rock concept albums of the '80s. The smash Mr. Roboto kicks off the album and its robot imagery, followed by the hit High Time and the smash ballad Don't Let It End . Domo arigato!

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 39 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A departure from the norm, but very well done October 16, 2004

By D. Hunter

Format:Audio CD

First, understand that I wasn't around in the beginning, so I don't know Styx from their Wooden Nickel days. I was still in diapers, so sue me. I came in when Styx was reaching the height of poularity with Pieces of Eight, Paradise Theatre, Grand Illusion, Crystal Ball, et al. So when someone mentions the band Styx to me, that's what jumps to mind.

Now, I'm guessing the detractors of this album were around from the beginning, because I really don't see how Kilroy was that big a departure for Styx. Yes, it was experimental, but lighter? As if to say "Just Get Through This Night" is lighter than "Man in the Wilderness?" Or "Haven't We Been Here Before" is lighter than "Suite Madame Blue?" Please. This *is* Styx!

And while I like Styx' racier stuff (I'm the only one I know that loves "Half-Penny Two-Penny") most of the tracks on Kilroy are very well arranged and performed. I say most, because "Heavy Metal Poisoning" does suffer far too much from the "goofiness factor" another reviewer mentions. It reminds me too much of a cross between hard rock and showtunes, which is *not* a good thing. They definitely would have been better off keeping that track serious. And frankly, I think Styx' live version of "Don't Let It End" is far superior than the album version. As for the rest:

<li>Mr. Roboto: Synth heavy, not unpleasant, thought provoking lyrics

<li>Cold War: Catchy rhythym; almost rap-like

<li>High Time: Best adrenaline song on the album

<li>Just Get Through...: Quite possibly the best song on the album; very mellow and heartfelt. Tommy pours his soul out on this one.

<li>Double Life: My personal fave from this album; nothing complex about it, but best harmonies on the album. "Masquerade...you know we all live a masquerade..."

<li>Haven't We Been...: Starts slow and soft but builds quickly into a powerful ballad purely on the strength of Tommy. If you are a Tommy Shaw fan, do not miss this one.

<li> Don't Let It End (reprise): A reprise with homage paid to the bands that came before. A nice salute but nothing earth-shattering.

I agree with the other reviewers that new listeners to Styx should not start with this album; start with Grand Illusion and Paradise Theatre at the minimum, then make your way to Kilroy. Different, oft times eclectic, but whole-heartedly Styx.

-DDH

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars I Was There...It Deserved To Be Trashed March 16, 2001

By Chess and Music

Format:Audio CD

I had been listening to Styx for 6 years and had all of their releases when Kilroy came crashing through with Mr Roboto. I'm not putting anybody down for liking that song, but it and the majority of the rest had such a negative impact on the longtime fans. Mr Roboto in retrospect isn't *horrible*, it just isn't Styx if you know what I mean. Cold War is absolutely the worst Styx song of all time. I can't believe Tommy would write or allow such garbage. Don't Let It End is respectable. High Time is more garbage. Heavy Metal Poisoning and Double Life are the best 2 songs (written by JY of course). Just Get Through the Night is actually pretty decent. Haven't We Been Here Before might be acceptable if there weren't so many light songs already here. The real shame is they had the talent, proven guitar work and awesome drumming by John to avoid such a quick fall from grace.

23 of 30 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars The final nail in Styx' coffin February 18, 2003

By Art E. Rocker

Format:Audio CD

What were they thinking? Or should I ask what was Dennis DeYoung thinking? His ever-expanding ego and arrogance finally took its toll on the band with this album which drove Tommy Shaw away for 13 years! He got away with the concept-driven Paradise Theater because the catchy "The Best of Times" and Tommy Shaw's "Too Much Time on My Hands" helped it sell a few million. Not to mention it was 1981 and popular music was at its worst.

But then along came 1983 and "Kilroy Was Here". It came with a storyline that could have easily been penned by a 7th grader, and a live show filled with some of the most vomit-inducing dialogue that ever graced a stage. Dennis' character was named Robert Orin Charles Kilroy. His initials were R.O.C.K. Get it??? Are you sure?

Dennis, Dennis, Dennis. This album was all you. All your idea, all your fault! This is why you've been kicked out of the band....TWICE. Long gone was the Dennis DeYoung of "Come Sail Away" and "Lady". We were introduced to the new persona that stays with us to this day. It started with the Paradise Theater's "Billy-Joel-meets-Liza-Minelli" persona, and on Kilroy became the "Andrew-Lloyd-Weber-swallows-a-robot" Dennis.

Why?