Pieces of Eight Songs Ranked
Pieces of Eight is the eighth studio album by American progressive rock band Styx, released on September 1, 1978. Like the band’s previous album, The Grand Illusion (1977), it managed to achieve triple-platinum certification, thanks to the hit singles “Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)” and “Renegade”. The band members produced and recorded the album (like their previous three efforts) at Paragon Studios in Chicago with recording engineer Barry Mraz and mixing engineer Rob Kingsland. “I’m O.K.” was recorded at Paragon and St. James Cathedral. This would be the last album to be produced at Paragon Studios. The album’s cover was done by Hipgnosis. Dennis DeYoung stated in the 1991 interview with Redbeard on the “In the Studio” episode that he initially hated the cover but grew to like it as he got older. Here are all of Pieces of Eight songs ranked.
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10. Aku Aku
“The album closes with “Aku-Aku,” a simple but relaxing and rather sensual instrumental (well, instrumental except for a whispered “aku-aku.” I’m not sure what that means; if I am correct in thinking an aku to be some tropical fish, then that is quite a silly thing to say.) As this track fades, the listener is left tranquilized and satisfied. . .”
9. Lords of the Ring
“Written by Dennis and sung by JY. The song itself is cool. Slow, heavy song with interesting lyrics, but JY’s vocals aren’t very good. Would have been better if it were sung by Dennis.”
8. The Message
“The first half concluded with two Dennis compositions, the synthesizer collage instrumental “The Message” (which proved that Dennis is the greatest American rock keyboardist that ever walked, not bad for an accordion player)”
See more: Styx Albums Ranked
7. Pieces of Eight
“Great power ballad from Dennis. The lyrics are great. He should have stuck to these types of lyrics instead of the more fantasy type stuff. Excellent song. Written and sung by Dennis. A great song with a message. The piano solo is very nice.”
6. Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)
“Written and sung by Tommy Every instrument in this song just shines. Dennis keyboards are fantastic. Chuck supplies a really good bassline. JY’s rhythym guitar/solos are fantastic. The guitar solo and singing by Tommy is just plain inspiring. My favorite song of all-time.”
5. Great White Hope
“This is a great, heavy opener from JY. These are the songs where he is at his best, because he doesn’t have the greatest voice. The rockers are his strong suit. A Spectacular Hard Rocker written and sung by JY the guitar and drum work are excellent on this piece. Keep an ear on John Panozzo and his drums because he shines on this album.”
See more: Styx Songs Ranked
4. Sing for the Day
“A soft song to Tommy’s daughter. The keyboards are very well done onthis song. The keyboard solo is good. It’s a very nice upbeat song. A lighter song from Tommy. The lyrics are very romantic and the music is wonderful. One of the best songs on here.”
3. I’m O.K.
“Another great rocker that could have fit on The Grand Illusion. A great pipe organ solo from Dennis. One of his greatest vocals too. The Organ Solo on this song is spectacular. Guitar Work and solo is very good. Dennis’ vocals are great and so are John’s drums.”
2. Renegade
“One of Styx’ most well known songs. Heavy and aggressive song from Tommy. One of my personal favorites ever. Written and sung by Tommy the guitar solo is the best I have ever heard. The drums are good and the keyboard parts add a nice touch. Excellent.”
1. Queen of Spades
“”Queen of Spades” offers a chilling warning couched in some mighty hot playing. This thing starts off eerily icy, before suddenly bolting and galloping along like a mad horse bearing a headless rider; scary, but spellbinding. When DeYoung unleashes his otherworldly cackle, it will make the hairs on your neck wiggle.”
