Customer Reviews

Styx II

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This has been digitally remastered by the Japanese, contains liner notes and full lyrics. The sound is incredible! And "Fugue" doesn't cut off on the begining like the US Version. These Japanese versions are must haves!

This album was my first taste of Styx. Ever since that time, I was hooked and a diehard fan. Styx used to play in Utah at a place called the Icehouse, before they really became famous. In Utah County, Lady became the top hit for several weeks while it remained unknown elsewhere around the country. From the organ solo on Little Fugue in G, to the youthful Earl of Roseland, Styx honed out a masterpiece. Curulewski was an incredible predecessor to Tommy Shaw and the team of DeYoung and Young, made up some of the most memorable lyrics on the album. It is a shame the present group doesn't do more from this original album. Even Dennis DeYoung (now solo), has forgotton the roots which made them famous. This is a must album if you can find it. I have an original LP version and still play it on the turntable and take myself back to the "Good old Days" playing sport with Davie.

The second album of Styx (innovatively called 'Styx II'), is a classic. It's filled with great songs from beginning to end, even if there are only 7 songs. There is simply not a weak or mediocre song.

The high points about Styx are their enthusiasm, their excellent singing ability and the wide range of styles they take on. This album also benefits from excellent production and inspired song-writing. On this album James Young tears through a couple of rockers, 'I'm gonna make you feel it' is a lot of fun. Other highlights include 'A Day', a hippie-prog anthem with beautiful singing from John Curulewski and a fast-paced jazz-rock instrumental interlude. Crulewski's other song, 'You'd better ask', is an hilarious send up of those southern rock songs glorifying one-night stands. In this song JC ends up fathering a child and getting a social disease!

The highlight, however, is 'Little Fugue in G/Father OSA'. At first this song seems repetitive, and like one of many attempts at recreating the 'Hey Jude' coda. But the riff in this song is so strong that each time it comes around is even better, man what a riff! They also vary the arrangement, with some choir-like singing, inspiring organ playing, heavy guitars and a good drum effect. The lyrics and vocal from Dennis DeYoung is heartfelt. All the other songs are good too, including 'Lady', which would become a hit later on.

So this is a fine outing from one of the most passionate bands of the 70's. In fact, it is one of their best albums, and, as I said before, great tracks from beginning to end.

I Love This Stuff And I Am A Huge Fan Of Styx Both The Early And Later Stuff. But As I Look At The Reviews Here I See That None Of You Know Why John Curulewski Left. JC Left To Family Problems He Wanted To Save His Family And His Marriage And He Is A Good Man For Doing That.


Anyway STYX II was Styx's sophmore album and they are really coming together on this one. If you listen to all the Styx albums in order you can constantly hear them making little steps to superstardom and getting better. My favorite songs on here are definetly "Lady", "You Need Love", and "I'm Gonna Make You Feel It". All the other songs on this are great too, especially "Father O.S.A.", "A Day", and "You Better Ask."


This is a great album to end your collection with. I highly suggest you buy it. It really is some great music to won. And if you really are a music lover you will buy this album.