Styx was founded in Chicago in 1970, and their discography has endured through the years with hits like “Come Sail Away” and “Show Me The Way”. Today, fans of the band are likely familiar with all 17 of their studio albums. But there are some songs that don’t get as much love as they deserve, even from diehards. Let’s look at four deep cuts from Styx that are essential listening for any fan of the band or progressive rock in general.
1. “22 Years”
“22 Years” comes from the 1973 record The Serpent Is Rising, a notably controversial album that was quite different from their previous works. It’s kind of a concept album kind of not; it’s an odd mix of hard rock, proto-metal, blues, and even poetry. Regardless of how fans might feel about the album, “22 Years” is an underrated song from the record that is just plain fun.
Videos by American Songwriter
2. “Born For Adventure”
This 1975 track from Equinox is just one of many beloved songs from the album. “Born For Adventure” is thought by many to be the best track from the album, and it also brings to mind a sad realization: This song was the last one that Dennis DeYoung, James Young, and John Curulewski would write together.
[Catch Styx Live On Tour In 2024]
3. “Half-Penny Two-Penny”
The 1981 album Paradise Theatre was quite a cohesive piece of work. “Half-Penny Two-Penny” is a Styx deep cut that didn’t get enough attention on the album. It’s a dark exploration of corrupt society, with rough vocals and a classically prog-rock sound. It definitely shows why Styx is simply one of the best prog-rock bands in history.
4. “All In A Day’s Work”
Edge of the Century came about after the band took a break for a while. And the result was a very pop-focused rock album that you’d expect from the early 1990s. For a reunion album, it ain’t half bad. “All In A Day’s Work” is one of a few gems from the record with a notable Beatles vibe to it. They still play this one live on occasion.
Photo by Jason Powell
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Most Viewed
-
Singer, songwriter and guitarist Don Barnes of .38 Special is shown performing on stage during a "live" concert appearance on June 26, 1994. (Photo by John Atashian/Getty Images) -
UNITED STATES – CIRCA 1958: New York City 1958. (Photo by Jess Rand/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) -
CIRCA 1959: (L-R) Billy Guy, Will 'Dub' Jones, Carl Gardner, Cornell Gunter, Adolphi Jacobs of the doo wop group "The Coasters" pose for a portrait in circa 1959. This lineup of the group was together from 1958-61. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) -
These 1980s rock artists earned one pop crossover and let it completely change their careers. Revisit their multi-genre hits. -
BERKELEY, CA – SEP 24: Elton John performs at the Berkeley Community Theater in Berkeley, California on September 24, 1979. (Photo by Ed Perlstein/Redferns/Getty Images) -
English guitarist Pete Townshend appears in Eric Clapton's Rainbow Concert at the Rainbow Theatre, London, 13th January 1973. He is playing a Gretsch 6120 Chet Atkins. (Photo by P. Floyd/Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) -
Close-up of American musician and actor Neil Diamond prior to his one?man show at the Winter Garden, New York, New York, October 1972. (Photo by Jack Mitchell/Getty Images) -
English rock group the Beatles hold a press conference at the Capitol Records Tower in Los Angeles before their live performance at the Dodger Stadium, California, 28th August 1966. From left to right, George Harrison, John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. (Photo by Archive Photos/Getty Images)