Styx Songs Ranked
Styx /stɪks/ is an American rock band from Chicago that formed in 1972 and became famous for its albums released in the late 1970s and early 1980s. They are best known for melding hard rock guitar balanced with acoustic guitar, synthesizers mixed with acoustic piano, upbeat tracks with power ballads, and incorporating elements of international musical theatre. The band established itself with a progressive rock sound in the 1970s and began to incorporate pop rock and soft rock elements in the 1980s.
Styx had eight songs that hit the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100: “Lady”, “Come Sail Away”, “Babe”, “The Best of Times”, “Too Much Time on My Hands”, “Mr. Roboto”, “Don’t Let It End”, and “Show Me the Way”. Other notable songs include “Renegade”, “The Grand Illusion”, “Blue Collar Man”, “Crystal Ball”, “Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)”, “Rockin’ the Paradise”, “Boat on the River”, and “Suite Madame Blue”. Styx has had four consecutive albums certified multi-platinum by the RIAA, as well as 16 top-40 singles in the US, eight of which hit the top 10. Seven of their eight Top 10 singles were written and sung by founding member and former lead singer Dennis DeYoung, including their No. 1 chart-topper, “Babe”. DeYoung has not been part of the band since 1999, after being ousted by guitarists James “J.Y.” Young and Tommy Shaw in an acrimonious split. Styx has sold over 54 million records worldwide. Here are all of Styx’s songs ranked.
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20. Rockin’ the Paradise (Paradise Theatre, 1981)
“This song is such a rock anthem. When I went to seem them is april 2013 in Springfield Mass they opened with this song and it was so powerful. This song is a mighty rock and roll classic in my book.”
19. Light Up (Equinox, 1975)
“I love this song so much, ever since I heard it, it was my favorite song by Styx. Since I have heard every Styx song, I will keep this one as my favorite for all of eternity!”
18. Boat on the River (Cornerstone, 1979)
“The lyrics are very peaceful, telling a story about a man’s journey, and the instruments used were perfectly chosen. Renegade is another awesome song but by far overrated compared to Boat on the River.”
17. Show Me the Way (Edge of the Century, 1990)
“I love this song. The words are powerful and have so much meaning to me. One of the most versatile bands ever! It might not be the best, but it is certainly up there. If you have not heard it yet, listen to it now. You will agree.”
See more: Styx Albums Ranked
16. The Best of Times (Paradise Theatre, 1981)
“Just rediscovered this song after many years. Probably my favorite Styx song of all time. This should be a bar anthem right next to don’t Stop Believin!”
15. Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man) (The Grand Illusion, 1977)
“Why must you be such an angry young man, when your future looks quite bright to me.” This line has stuck with me and taught me to stay optimistic and thankful and not take anything for granted.”
14. Castle Walls (The Grand Illusion, 1977)
“While not the best Styx song, this is perhaps the most underrated. I love how the tension builds during the instrumental part, and the guitar right after the chorus. This has always been my favorite. Their building melodies and they reach a brilliant finish. They tell a great tale. This was a great song in the concert.”
13. Lorelei (Equinox, 1975)
“Driving guitar is what rock is all about and this song has it. Roll the windows down, crank it up and rock on. I love the upbeat tempo of this song! Definitely deserves to be higher up possibly top 5!”
12. Crystal Ball (Crystal Ball, 1976)
“While I am completely a fan, this is truly the best Styx song ever. How different would our lives be if we could only have a Crystal Ball to help us through our difficulties… Or would it only make the pain worse.”
11. Don’t Let It End (Kilroy Was Here, 1983)
“This song is probably their most progressive rocklike. As a Prog Rock fan it’s natural that this one is my favorite. Throughout the song it shows off: vocals, instrumentation, quick tempo and slow tempo. What’s not to like?”
10. Clair de Lune/Ballerina (Crystal Ball, 1976)
“This has to be the most beautiful Styx song. I love how it starts out with a soft, classical piano intro, but then the singing starts and the song changes completely. At that point it gets more and more awesome. It’s such a sentimental song, with such poignant lyrics, and he song builds and builds, with Dennis DeYoung continuing to wail the the lyrics alongside the screaming guitars. It’s the perfect power ballad.”
9. Babe (Cornerstone, 1979)
“Babe captures my emotional greatest love song, it takes me back to the time I have spent with someone I loved. Still makes me cry sometimes at night when I’m listening to it in the middle of the night Love this song. Great music and lyrics. Takes me back to a great memory of someone I loved and now is gone.”
8. The Grand Illusion (The Grand Illusion, 1977)
“I was sixteen when I first fell in love with their music. It always brings back wonderful nostalgic memories. This is an awesome album. I used to listen to their music on an eight track tape player in my car until it had worn out. Such a wonderful combination sounds & words. This is a magically musical album.”
7. Too Much Time on My Hands (Paradise Theatre, 1981)
“I really like this one! I can’t believe it’s not in the top ten! It is more outside the box for these guys! They get away from the ballads with this one. It’s got a strong groove and a great beat! Tommy Shaw at his finest. Excellent chorus and guitar work”
See more: Todd Rundgren Albums Ranked
6. Suite Madame Blue (Equinox, 1975)
“This song is basically everything good about the band packed into one epic song. It’s even better with Prelude 12 added to it. Honestly, I love all of Styx’s songs, but I feel that this one is especially underappreciated.”
5. Lady (Styx II, 1973)
“You can’t think of my all time favorite band without mentioning this song as a favorite. This was always the first song people would mention. If you mention videos,most would say Mr Roboto. I myself loved Paradise Theatre. “
4. Blue Collar Man (Long Nights) (Pieces of Eight, 1978)
“I remember it when it first came out, and even today, I play the ass off it. It resonates with raw energy, and our Country relies on it’s Blue Collar Work Force’s energy, to be a Country. Blue Collar man is a song that’s message still applies today. Also, the introduction is outstanding.”
3. Mr. Roboto (Kilroy Was Here, 1983)
“Such a great stride in the rock and roll era, and greatest by Styx. Very distinctive Piano riff and Dennis Deyoung’s amazing Voice. You can’t ask much more from a band.”
2. Renegade (Pieces of Eight, 1978)
“Renegade is Styx’s greatest song. How could it not be #1? Renegade is my favorite song ever. I love how it starts out kind of on the slow side & then Tommy Shaw yells out, “Yeah! ” & the song just keeps getting better at that point. It just keeps getting better, & better. I hope Styx keeps going on making more songs like this.”
1. Come Sail Away (The Grand Illusion, 1977)
“AWESOME man, I mean the piano is just amazing to begin with, and the strong strengthens when the guitar enters and it just freaks me out how the hell do people do awesome songs like those bands in the 80’s. However, I wouldn’t say that Styx doesn’t have better song like boat on a river (surprisingly still about water and sailing) and Renegade with an awesome riff, but this one speaks to me the most.”