Styx II Songs Ranked
Styx II is the second album by American band Styx, released in July 1973. After releasing their debut album, which consisted mostly of cover songs, the band intended to write some strong original new material; Dennis DeYoung was particularly in favor of this. DeYoung had written a song by himself on an electric piano in the band’s garage, and had originally intended for it to be on the first album. He later decided to play it on an acoustic piano. However, Bill Traut wanted to save it for the second album. The result was Lady, written about DeYoung’s wife Suzanne. Here are all of Styx II songs ranked.
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8. You Need Love
“A tune Dennis should be singing. The “bump, bomp…” harmonies at the beginning could have been done on synth or horns and probably just as effective or in addition to boost it. Lyrics are actually pretty week for as good of a song this is. The Beatles had the original “All You Need is Love” and this is kind of on the same line, but the lyrics just babble on with meaningless words until “all you really need is love”.”
7. A Day
“JC’s masterpiece really. Nice synthesizer work, experimental and really a nice melody with “listen to the flowing streams…” very familiar sounding and soothing. Interesting change to a jazz/swing section in the middle and then back to the ballad. I remember falling asleep to this in the middle of the day in summertime. Nice tune.”
6. Little Fugue in “G”
“Little Fugue in “G” -**** Classic by Bach is the 2nd of a few attempts by Dennis DeYoung to educate rock fans of the classical side of music (Fanfare for the Common Man was the first). Well done on a real pipe organ and a nice prelude to Father OSA.”
See more: Styx Albums Ranked
5. Earl of Roseland
“I like the reference to John Panozzo on this “clicking his sticks” and two men “rehearsing electric string tricks” Nice also to use the name of the neighborhood where Styx was born “Roseland” The harmonies on the chorus are not really typical Styx, but more of a smooth, thin harmony that works, but I believe could have been arranged for more of a Styx sound. Not a fan of the beatles scream in the middle or ending.”
4. I’m Gonna Make You Feel It
“Great tune.Very Styx in harmony and a catchy chorus/hook. Dennis should have been lead vocal on this song. Nice work on organ/guitar. Nice feel. Wonder if this wouldn’t have been a better 1st track on the album and put “You Need Love” at the End or ?”
See more: Styx Songs Ranked
3. Father O.S.A.
“O.S.A. stands for Order of Saint Augustine. A little weak lyrically and the meaning is a little lost other than the cool lyric of “life’s a ship that’s never been to sea” followed by the reference of a bottle (ship in a bottle). Interesting to say the least. Typical Styx harmonies on the Ba, ba, ba, ba at the end. Definitely stays with you more than any other part of the song.”
2. You Better Ask
“Reminds me a lot of Styx I material and although JC’s songwriting is better than that of many of the writers of Styx I, it lacks a smoothness and harmonic cohesiveness. Funny story, though.”
1. Lady
“One of Styx’ best songs and obviously the signature sound debut of a string of Styx hits written and sung by Dennis DeYoung. Also the initial example of the Power Ballad. The alberti bass in the piano just sets this song up for success along the whistle or whatever it is. Dennis’ solo voice soars and resonates throughout the song. The only drawback to the sound of this song is the raw sound of the Styx harmonies on the chorus.”