The List of Styx Albums in Order of Release
Styx Albums in Order: In the bustling musical landscape of Chicago, Illinois, in 1972, the iconic American rock band Styx embarked on a journey that would forever redefine the boundaries of rock and roll.
Styx, the iconic American rock band hailing from the vibrant city of Chicago, Illinois, embarked on their musical journey in the year 1972. Renowned for their eclectic fusion of melodic hard rock guitar and acoustic melodies, synthesizers harmonizing with acoustic pianos, and a captivating blend of upbeat tracks and power ballads, Styx etched their mark in the annals of rock history. Notably, they ventured into the realm of international musical theatre, adding a unique dimension to their sonic tapestry.
The band initially carved its niche in the world of progressive rock during the 1970s, subsequently embracing the nuances of pop rock and soft rock as the 1980s dawned. The original lineup featured the talents of Dennis DeYoung, James “J.Y.” Young, John “J.C.” Curulewski, and the Panozzo brothers, Chuck and John. A prolific discography characterized Styx’s career, with an album released almost annually throughout the 1970s, catapulting them to chart-topping success. Styx’s North American commercial breakthrough was solidified with “The Grand Illusion” in 1977, followed by a string of multi-platinum albums, including “Pieces of Eight” and “Cornerstone.”
Their musical prowess resonated globally, with chart-topping hits like “Come Sail Away,” “Renegade,” and “Babe.” With eight top 10 Billboard Hot 100 songs and over 20 million records sold, Styx left an indelible mark on the rock landscape, forever remembered as pioneers of their unique sound. So, if you are a die heart fan of Styx Albums then check out here we have list of Styx albums in order of release so far.
All Styx Albums Available on: Apple Music
How many albums does Styx have?
The discography of American rock band Styx has released 17 studio albums, 9 live albums, 16 compilation albums, 39 singles, and 3 extended plays.
All Styx Albums in Order: Check Out The List of Styx Albums in Order of Release Here!
Here is the list of Styx Album in Order of Release Date:
- Styx — August 31, 1972
- Styx II — July 1, 1973
- The Serpent Is Rising — October 1, 1973
- Man of Miracles — November 8, 1974
- Equinox — December 1, 1975
- Crystal Ball — October 1, 1976
- The Grand Illusion — July 7, 1977
- Pieces of Eight — September 1, 1978
- Cornerstone — October 19, 1979
- Paradise Theatre — January 16, 1981
- Kilroy Was Here — February 28, 1983
- Edge of the Century — October 9, 1990
- Brave New World — June 29, 1999
- Cyclorama — February 18, 2003
- Big Bang Theory — May 10, 2005
- The Mission — June 16, 2017
- Crash of the Crown — June 18, 2021
All Styx Albums List in Order
1. Styx (1972)
Track
- Right Away
- What Has Come Between Us
- Best Thing
- Quick Is the Beat of My Heart
- After You Leave Me
- Movement for the Common Man
• a. Children of the Land
• b. Street Collage
• c. Fanfare for the Common Man
• d. Mother Nature’s Matinee
Styx’s origin story is one of humble beginnings and musical evolution. They started as a cover band in 1961, performing at events like weddings and birthdays under the name “The Tradewinds.” The core trio comprised 12-year-old Chuck Panozzo on bass, his brother John Panozzo on drums, and 14-year-old Dennis DeYoung on keyboards and vocals. By 1968, they became TW4, with the addition of college friend John Curulewski, and in 1970, they welcomed James “J.Y.” Young as guitarists, songwriters, and singers.
Their debut album showcased a blend of progressive-art rock and ’60s garage rock, featuring notable tracks like the 13-minute opus “Movement for the Common Man” and the upbeat pop rocker “Best Thing.” However, the album also included cover songs suggested by their record label. In 1979, it was reissued as “Styx I,” and in 2012, it saw a digital re-release alongside their early albums, marking the genesis of a legendary rock journey.
2. Styx II (1973)
Track
- You Need Love
- Lady
- A Day
- You Better Ask
- Little Fugue in G
- Father O.S.A
- Earl of Roseland
- I’m Gonna Make You Feel It
Styx II, the second album by American rock band Styx, made its debut in July 1973, marking a pivotal moment in the band’s musical evolution. Following their eponymous debut, this album showcased their growing prowess in crafting captivating melodies and memorable tunes. Notably, it featured the sleeper hit “Lady,” a power ballad that soared to No. 6 on the US charts, solidifying their presence in the rock scene. With this release, Styx began to establish their signature blend of rock elements, foreshadowing their future success and the enduring impact they would make on the music industry.
3. The Serpent Is Rising (1973)
Track
- Witch Wolf
- The Grove of Eglantine
- Young Man
- As Bad as This
- Winner Take All
- 22 Years
- Jonas Psalter
- The Serpent Is Rising
- Krakatoa
- Hallelujah Chorus
“The Serpent Is Rising” marked Styx’s third album release in October 1973, an astonishingly short three months after their prior album, “Styx II,” dropped in July of the same year. Later reissued in 1980 as “Serpent” with updated artwork, the album reached a modest peak at #192 on the Billboard 200 chart, making it one of their lower-charting records. In terms of sales, “The Serpent Is Rising” has seen limited success, with fewer than 100,000 copies sold worldwide as of 2007. Despite its relatively modest commercial performance, the album remains an intriguing chapter in Styx’s musical evolution.
4. Man of Miracles (1974)
Track
- Rock & Roll Feeling
- Havin’ a Ball
- Golden Lark
- A Song for Suzanne
- A Man Like Me
- Lies
- Evil Eyes
- Southern Woman
- Christopher, Mr. Christopher
- Man of Miracles
“Man of Miracles,” Styx’s fourth album, graced the music scene in October 1974, making its Billboard Album chart debut on November 9, peaking at No. 154. This album marked a pivotal transition for the band as it represented their final original release under the independent Wooden Nickel Records label, rooted in their Chicago origins, before making the leap to the major label A&M. This shift signified a critical juncture in Styx’s journey, setting the stage for their future successes and cementing their legacy as a trailblazing rock outfit.
5. Equinox (1975)
Track
- Light Up
- Lorelei
- Mother Dear
- Lonely Child
- Midnight Ride
- Born for Adventure
- Prelude 12
- Suite Madame Blue
“Equinox,” the fifth studio album by American rock legends Styx, made its debut in December 1975. This release marked the band’s transition to A&M Records, prompted by the success of their 1973 hit “Lady.” Notably, “Equinox” featured the departure of original Styx guitarist John Curulewski, who chose to prioritize family commitments. In his stead, Tommy Shaw joined the lineup. While the album initially peaked at number 58 on the charts, it earned Gold certification in 1977, shortly before the monumental success of “The Grand Illusion” in 1977. “Light Up” from the album was commended for its infectious hooks and clean sound by Record World.
6. Crystal Ball (1976)
Track
- Put Me On
- Mademoiselle
- Jennifer
- Crystal Ball
- Shooz
- This Old Man
- Clair de Lune / Ballerina
Released in 1976, “Crystal Ball” marked Styx’s sixth studio album and an important milestone in their career. It introduced Tommy Shaw as the band’s new guitarist, showcasing his vocal talents on the Top-40 hit “Mademoiselle.” The album’s title track became a perennial favorite at Styx concerts during Shaw’s tenure. Notably, Claude Debussy’s “Clair de Lune” opened the closing ballad “Ballerina,” featuring Dennis DeYoung on piano with a key change from D flat to C. “Crystal Ball” exemplified Styx’s evolving sound and lineup, further solidifying their place in the annals of rock history.
7. The Grand Illusion (1977)
Track
- The Grand Illusion
- Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)
- Superstars
- Come Sail Away
- Miss America
- Man in the Wilderness
- Castle Walls
- The Grand Finale
“The Grand Illusion,” the seventh studio album by American rock band Styx, emerged from the creative depths of Paragon Recording Studios in Chicago. Released on the auspicious date of July 7, 1977, by A&M Records, its triple 7 release date seemed to bestow an extra touch of fortune. This musical masterpiece skyrocketed to worldwide acclaim, with the album alone selling three million copies in the US, reaching Triple Platinum status. Some estimates even put its global sales at over 6 million copies. The album’s chart-topping success was propelled by hit singles “Come Sail Away” and “Fooling Yourself.” Notably, the album cover art draws inspiration from Rene Magritte’s iconic painting, “The Blank Signature.”
8. Pieces of Eight (1978)
Track
- Great White Hope
- I’m O.K.
- Sing for the Day
- The Message
- Lords of the Ring
- Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)
- Queen of Spades
- Renegade
- Pieces of Eight
- Aku-Aku
“Pieces of Eight,” Styx’s eighth studio album, emerged in September 1978, marking another triumph for the American progressive rock band. This record, akin to its predecessor “The Grand Illusion,” achieved triple platinum status, propelled by the success of chart-topping singles “Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)” and “Renegade.” Recorded at Paragon Studios in Chicago by the band members themselves, alongside engineers Barry Mraz and Rob Kingsland, the album also includes the unique recording of “I’m O.K.” at St. James Cathedral. Notably, “Pieces of Eight” marked the end of an era as it became the last Styx album produced at Paragon Studios, adorned with a distinctive cover created by Hipgnosis, which even Dennis DeYoung learned to appreciate over time.
9. Cornerstone (1979)
Track
- Lights
- Why Me
- Babe
- Never Say Never
- Boat on the River
- Borrowed Time
- First Time
- Eddie
- Love in the Midnight
Cornerstone marked a pivotal moment in Styx’s illustrious career. Released in 1979, it became the band’s third consecutive multi-platinum album and earned them their first Grammy nomination for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group. Produced by the band themselves, the album was recorded at Pumpkin Studios in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Its standout track, the power ballad “Babe,” soared to the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Styx’s sole chart-topper. The album also featured the folk rock hit “Boat on the River” in Europe, though it didn’t chart in the US. Cornerstone peaked at #2 on the Billboard album chart, marking a significant milestone in Styx’s journey.
10. Paradise Theatre (1981)
Track
- A.D. 1928
- Rockin’ the Paradise
- Too Much Time on My Hands
- Nothing Ever Goes as Planned
- The Best of Times
- Lonely People
- She Cares
- Snowblind
- Half-Penny, Two-Penny
- A.D. 1958
- State Street Sadie
“Paradise Theatre,” the tenth studio album by American rock legends Styx, graced the music scene on January 16, 1981, courtesy of A&M Records. This masterpiece soared to the pinnacle of success, claiming the #1 spot on the Billboard 200 for three non-consecutive weeks in April and May of 1981, securing its place as the band’s most commercially triumphant release. The RIAA also awarded it triple-platinum certification, marking Styx’s fourth consecutive album to achieve this feat. The album featured four singles, including “The Best of Times,” a Dennis DeYoung creation that climbed to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, and Tommy Shaw’s “Too Much Time on My Hands,” which became his sole top 10 hit with Styx, peaking at #9. The album showcased the band’s enduring musical prowess and solidified their place in rock history.
11. Kilroy Was Here (1983)
Track
- Mr. Roboto
- Cold War
- Don’t Let It End
- High Time
- Heavy Metal Poisoning
- Just Get Through This Night
- Double Life
- Haven’t We Been Here Before
- Don’t Let It End
“Kilroy Was Here,” released on February 22, 1983, stands as the eleventh studio album by the esteemed American rock band Styx. This concept album and rock opera ventures into a dystopian world where rock music is forbidden, drawing inspiration from the iconic World War II graffiti tag, “Kilroy was here.” This record marked the swan song for the “classic” lineup comprising Dennis DeYoung, Tommy Shaw, James “J.Y.” Young, John Panozzo, and Chuck Panozzo. Notably, it yielded two chart-topping singles, the synth-pop sensation “Mr. Roboto” and the stirring power ballad “Don’t Let It End.”
With platinum certification from the RIAA, “Kilroy Was Here” remains Styx’s most recent platinum-certified studio album, making its mark in the annals of rock history. In 2022, Rolling Stone recognized its significance, ranking it #50 among the 50 Greatest Concept Albums of All Time.
12. Edge of the Century (1990)
Track
- Love Is the Ritual
- Show Me the Way
- Edge of the Century
- Love at First Sight
- All in a Day’s Work
- Not Dead Yet
- World Tonite
- Carrie Ann
- Homewrecker
- Back to Chicago
“Edge of the Century,” the twelfth studio album by Styx, marked a significant transitional phase for the band in 1990. This release not only introduced A&M solo artist Glen Burtnik into the lineup but also represented the unique collaboration of Dennis DeYoung, James Young, Glen Burtnik, Chuck Panozzo, and John Panozzo, a lineup never before seen in Styx’s history. Tragically, it would also be the last album to feature John Panozzo on drums before his passing in 1996. The album spawned three singles, with “Show Me the Way” reaching #3 on the Hot 100 Pop Singles Chart. Despite achieving gold certification from the RIAA, poor album sales led to the end of Styx’s contract with A&M Records, marking the end of an era for the band.
13. Brave New World (1999)
Track
- I Will Be Your Witness
- Brave New World
- While There’s Still Time
- Number One
- Best New Face
- What Have They Done to You
- Fallen Angel
- Everything Is Cool
- Great Expectations
- Heavy Water
- High Crimes & Misdemeanors (Hip Hop-Cracy)
- Just Fell In
- Goodbye Roseland
- Brave New World
“Brave New World,” Styx’s thirteenth studio album released in 1999, marked a significant chapter in the band’s history. It introduced drummer Todd Sucherman, succeeding the late John Panozzo, and sadly, it was the farewell studio album for keyboardist/vocalist Dennis DeYoung. Bassist Chuck Panozzo transitioned to a part-time role after this release. The album’s chart performance, peaking at #175 on the Billboard 200, was the band’s lowest for a new material album since 1973. Notably, Jerry Goodman, renowned for his work with bands like The Flock and Mahavishnu Orchestra, contributed violin as a special guest, adding depth to the album’s strong science fiction theme, inspired by the eponymous book.
14. Cyclorama (2003)
Track
- Do Things My Way
- Waiting for Our Time
- Fields of the Brave
- Bourgeois Pig
- Kiss Your Ass Goodbye
- These Are the Times
- Yes I Can
- More Love for the Money
- Together
- Fooling Yourself (Palm of Your Hands)
- Captain America
- Killing the Thing That You Love
- One with Everything
- Genki Desu Ka
“Cyclorama,” the fourteenth studio album by Styx, marked a significant chapter in the band’s history when it was released in 2003. It signified the dawn of a new era as Lawrence Gowan took the reins, succeeding co-founder Dennis DeYoung. Glen Burtnik also played a role in this album, making it unique with a Lawrence Gowan/Tommy Shaw/James “JY” Young/Glen Burtnik/Chuck Panozzo/Todd Sucherman lineup. This configuration introduced four distinct singer-songwriters into the Styx repertoire. “Cyclorama” made a notable impact on the Billboard album charts, reaching No.
127, a substantial improvement over their previous release, “Brave New World” (1999). The album featured tracks like “Waiting for Our Time” and “Yes I Can,” each finding their place on different music charts. Additionally, it was among the early releases in the Dual Disc format, offering both music and visual content, and became available on streaming services in 2020, ensuring its enduring presence in Styx’s storied discography.
15. Big Bang Theory (2005)
Track
- I Am the Walrus
- I Can See for Miles
- Can’t Find My Way Home
- It Don’t Make Sense (You Can’t Make Peace)
- I Don’t Need No Doctor
- One Way Out
- A Salty Dog
- Summer in the City
- Manic Depression
- Talkin’ About the Good Times
- Locomotive Breath
- Find the Cost of Freedom
- Wishing Well
- Blue Collar Man @ 2120
“Big Bang Theory,” Styx’s fifteenth studio album, marked a departure from their signature sound, released in 2005. This unique offering saw the band delving into the world of classic rock covers, reimagining timeless hits. With a penchant for reinvention, Styx showcased their musical versatility by breathing new life into well-known tracks. The album celebrated their enduring presence in the music industry, offering fans a fresh perspective on the band’s capabilities. “Big Bang Theory” stands as a testament to Styx’s enduring creativity and willingness to explore new horizons while paying homage to the rock legends who came before them.
16. The Mission (2017)
Track
- Overture
- Gone Gone Gone
- Hundred Million Miles from Home
- Trouble at the Big Show
- Locomotive
- Radio Silence
- The Greater Good
- Time May Bend
- Ten Thousand Ways
- Red Storm
- All Systems Stable
- Khedive
- The Outpost
- Mission to Mars
“The Mission,” Styx’s sixteenth studio album, launched on June 16, 2017, via UMe, marking their return to original material after a 14-year hiatus. Following 2005’s “Big Bang Theory” and 2003’s “Cyclorama,” the album hit #45 on the Billboard 200, driven by pre-release sales, but had a short chart life. In an era of dwindling album sales, it sold around 15,000 copies in the U.S. Nevertheless, it briefly graced the Top 100 in four other countries. A concept album penned by Tommy Shaw and Will Evankovich, it narrates a mission to Mars in 2033.
The album was announced with the lead single “Gone Gone Gone” and includes hits like “Radio Silence” and “Hundred Million Miles from Home.” In 2018, it received a 5.1 surround sound re-release on Blu-ray, complete with visualizations and a “Making of the Mission” documentary.
17. Crash of the Crown (2021)
Track
- The Fight of Our Lives
- A Monster
- Reveries
- Hold Back the Darkness
- Save Us from Ourselves
- Crash of the Crown
- Our Wonderful Lives
- Common Ground
- Sound the Alarm
- Long Live the King
- Lost at Sea
- Coming Out the Other Side
- To Those
- Another Farewell
- Stream
“Crash of the Crown” marks the seventeenth studio album by the legendary American rock band, Styx. Released on June 18, 2021, under Universal Music Enterprises, the album made a brief but notable appearance on the US Billboard 200 album chart, peaking at No. 114 on July 3, 2021. As a testament to Styx’s enduring musical influence, “Crash of the Crown” showcases the band’s continued creativity and commitment to their signature sound, adding another chapter to their storied career that has spanned decades. The album’s brief chart presence underscores Styx’s ability to captivate audiences with their timeless rock offerings.
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