Domo Arigato, Styx! Vocal ANALYSIS of "Mr. Roboto" for the first time!
Вставка
- Опубліковано 7 сер 2023
- I loved that my introduction to Styx came with analyzing "Lady" on my anniversary. Since that day, I've been longing for the chance to return to Dennis DeYoung's angelic vibrato and hear something a bit more funky and fresh. Now, let's find out the legend of Kilroy!
Join professional opera singer Elizabeth Zharoff, as she listens to Styx performing "Mr. Roboto" for the first time.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Performed by Styx - Words and Music by Dennis DeYoung
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I definitely recommend watching the original video without interruptions. Here's the link: • Styx - Mr. Roboto (Off...
Show Styx some love: / @styxtheband
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WE HAVE MERCH! Check-out the full line-up here: thecharismaticmerch.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
🎧 Elizabeth’s favorite headphones 🎧 : imp.i114863.net/zayoEM
Music Gear Questions? 🎤 See my list of recommendations: imp.i114863.net/yRyGoV
WANT MY CHAIR? I don’t blame you…and here’s a link to make it even sweeter:
secretlab.co/?rfsn=4692958.b2...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
🎙️Podcast: thecharismaticvoice.com/podcast/
🌐Website: thecharismaticvoice.com
📸Instagram: / thecharismaticvoice
🧑🤝🧑Patreon: / thecharismaticvoice
📺Twitch: / thecharismaticvoice
📰Our FREE Newsletter: eepurl.com/gz7Z_z
-------------------------------------COURSES------------------------------------------
🎵MUSIC APPRECIATION COURSE🎵
Want to understand how to listen to and appreciate music more? My Music Appreciation course is now live. Take a look at thecharismaticvoice.com
🎶DEMYSTIFYING SINGING🎶
My intensive 7-week course on vocal foundations includes weekly group sessions and private lessons. Learn more at thecharismaticvoice.com.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Elizabeth Zharoff is an international opera singer and voice coach, with 3 degrees in voice, opera, and music production. She's performed in 18 languages throughout major venues in Europe, America, and Asia. Currently based somewhere between Los Angeles and Tucson, Arizona, Elizabeth spends her days researching voice, singing, teaching, writing music, and recording TONS. She also plays Diablo and Dungeons & Dragons.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have a sister channel: THE SINGING HOLE. Join us there to examine how ordinary creatures create extraordinary sounds. / @thesinginghole
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
Non-profit, educational, or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#styx #Reaction #TheCharismaticVoice
------------- - Ігри
Another quite flattering analysis of my singing voice. Elizabeth, you know your stuff. Your breakdown of the various things I did on "Roboto" was spot on. I’d completely forgotten about all the nuances you point out and as time passed I only heard the performance as a whole
Not being a trained singer I just do my thing depending on the situation. Not sure where my fixation on enunciation even comes from but people have always pointed that out. I’m certainly no Joe Cocker, though I loved Joe. I’m so glad you did this song because of its range and difficulty. And yes I am acting this song more than any other Styx song.
Suzanne and I watched this vid at breakfast at the kitchen table and we high-fived. Lovely way to start the day. I was so inspired that I played the song on UA-cam and sang along. The paramedic showed up an hour later and resuscitated me. The high scream caused a button on my jammies to fly off, bounce of my iMac screen and then temporarily lodge in my nostril. It was easily removed and now I’m back to abnormal. Never was normal ya see.
If you’re interested, the range required in this tune is one note short of two octaves which is downright crazy. How could I know one day I’d be in my 70’s having to recreate it. Kinda like that long note in my live "Suite Madame Blue." Good grief!
Once again, thanks Elizabeth for your support and kindness and by the way that guy Paul Braun who reached out to you on my behalf was not a serial killer he’s my webmaster. Or so he claims…
Cheers and domo arigato,
Dennis the charismatic robot.
I saw you guys in Casper, Wyoming in 1983 and it was awesome! In Wyoming, Friday nights were cruising Main Street with the windows down and the music up! I wore out my 8-Track of Paradise Theater and when I listen today I still hear the "click" between songs in my brain. Thanks for adding to the music experiences of my youth.
Is this really Dennis DeYoung? If so, it's awesome to see you here commenting! Thanks for so many amazing songs. Suite Madame Blue remains my all time favorite.
Thank you for all the music, Mr. DeYoung! You helped shape my teen years. I've loved Styx from the first now I ever heard.
As someone who LOVES concept albums I think I've listened from start to finish hundreds of times and it never loses its impact. Kudos on one of the most amazing albums ever IMO.
Thank you Dennis for all the amazing music I listened to growing up. My daughter also became a big fan 35 years later. It would be so much fun if you and Elizabeth shared a Tea Time interview. Your fans would ♥️ it!!
This was Dennis' "Rock Opera" he was trying to sell to both the Band and the Label. This was such a different direction than the rest of the band's image. Styx became famous on ballads, telling a story, not just a song, but taking us on a journey, and Dennis was trying to take it to the next level, but it was not really what the rest of the band wanted. But they were professionals and went along to try it. And it was a success, but it began driving the Wedge in that eventually led to them pushing Dennis out of his own band. Victory and defeat, all in one song.
Yeah, it had truly come to a head between Dennis and Tommy with this album because Tommy and the guys still wanted to be a straightforward rock band while Dennis had the progressive/showy mindset of making a production. Luckily, Dennis has had a very successful solo career doing what he’d wanted to do with Styx.
“Don’t Let It End” from this album is a great ballad! So overlooked. ❤
@@RushFanatic87 they were both right, as the success of ALW proved in English Theatre and even, eventually, in American Theater, but it wasn't really Tommy, he was a new addition to the band, but it gave Dennis' brothers a way out. They had another lead singer to fall back on once Dennis was out. And the success of the band even after booting their lead singer proved both sides were right. But it was the Era of New Lead Singers. Eagles booted Randy Meisner, Styx, Van Halen replaced Dave with Sammy, Phil Collins replaced Peter Gabriel in Genesis, Ozzy replaced by Dio for Black Sabbath, Hell, even Chicago brought in Peter Cetera who then left to go Solo in '85 and they gave it to Jason Scheff! Between Substance abuse, creative differences and death, you needed a score card to keep track back then!
Actually, the band didn't push Dennis out over this song. Tommy quit on stage at the DC Capitol Center in 1983. The later push of Dennis from Styx in 1999 was because Dennis had a severe issue after a virus, and Tommy/JY gave him an ultimatum to tour when he couldn't. The biggest mistake Dennis ever made was not replacing Tommy in 1983.
It's wonderful to hear your analysis of Styx. Your unbridled joy at all types of music is infectious. I'd love to hear your comments about the other singers in the band, maybe Tommy Shaw on Man in the Wilderness and James Young on Miss America. Also, Suite, Madame Blue is a must.
"Cheers and domo arigato,
Dennis the charismatic robot."
I just love how interactive Dennis is with his fans 🥰
In case anyone was wondering, the intro lyrics are sung in Japanese. Here's what they mean
Dōmo arigatō misutā Robotto - Thank you, Mr. Roboto
Dōmo arigatō misutā Robotto - Thank you, Mr. Roboto
Mata au hi made - Until (the day) we meet again
Dōmo arigatō misutā Robotto - Thank you, Mr. Roboto
Himitsu wo shiritai - I want to know your secret
Good to know!
Arigato
This song was so prophetic, considering it was written 40 years ago. Long before auto-tune changed music.
Tommy Shaw: "it's a song about technology taking over, which is actually hitting the nail square on the head."
For the worse. Changed music for the worse.
Prophets!
Auto Tune, so pretty people can sing too.
I disagree, because I've the original laser etched album, and yep saw them..
I am happy to see that this song is finally getting the credit it deserves. It was widely panned in the 80's and all but forgotten about by the 90's. Now that time has passed, the band and Dennis are being recognized for the boldness of their vision in this composition. Bringing this track to the level of iconic status that it so rightfully deserved from it's inception.
@@tonyshields3783Tommy supposedly hates it, or perhaps more accurately, hates DDY for writing it. DDY and the Panozzo brothers, the founding members of Styx, certainly don't hate the song.
@@tonyshields3783 Yeah... but back then NONE of us would admit we actually liked it ! LMAO
It also got a boost by the tv-series "Mr. Robot"
I always considered it great even when it came out. Me and my circle loved it. It was a hit in the day. Talked about in schools. Man I was 14 and having some of the best years of my life then.
It has a special place in my heart for family reasons, and I've always loved it for what it is: music from an iconic band in the early/mid eighties. There are examples from Yes, Pink Floyd, Chicago, David Bowie, and probably 20 other artists during that time frame of continuing to experiment contemporaneously. Styx is in my top 3 all time, and Kilroy is one of my faves because they were evolving.
In my opinion, Styx's "Kilroy Was Here" was one of the best "concept albums" ever made. (No Auto-Tune; this was 1983.) It is also one of the best headphone albums of all time. Do yourself a favor; kick back in a comfy chair, with the lights low, headphones on, and just let this album run from start to finish.
... to this day, the ending synth of Mr Roboto is unnatural without the opening cymbal crash of Cold War folliowing... !
Paradise Theater and Mister Roboto are in my humble opinion Styx's best and fit together like a double album.
"Caught in the act" mixes them with some other tracks to create a full movie. Sort of.
I was wondering how far i would have to look for the reminder that there wasn't auto tune in 1983. 3rd comment down. Not very far!
I have to go with Paradise Theater and Grand Illusion.
No I'm going to have to say the best album was either Equinox are crystal ball. But I think a lot of you out there might not have been coming of age when that came out I was dating a girl named Lorelei that's why I love the equinox
Dennis DeYoung is a cool dude. I respect him for his creativity and willingness to blur the lines between art and music. I love this band to this day. They are amazing and made the soundtrack to my childhood so memorable.
@@JenSell1626 I was nine when it came out.
@@JenSell1626 Yes we were.
That "Theremin" sound, is electric guitar. Single note, high sustain.
The sound production of this album is phenomenal!
With an Ebow maybe?!
Feedback/harmonic.
@KostasHolopain - Yes, I too reckon that's a guitar. I was about to post a similar comment 🙂
@@DerEchteBold I doubt Ebows existed back then, although I may be wrong. Too clean to be a real bow, most likely Harmonic/Feedback as jjshred wrote.
@@KostasHolopain
Yes of course it's a harmonic feedback sound but very controlled somehow.
The EBow was invented in the late 60s and introduced in 1976, I don't know if there were much other pieces of equipment capable of this.
I would love for you to analyze Styx's live version of Suite Madame Blue. That song has so many twist and turns along with phenomenal vocals.
This is one song where I like the live version. Dennis hold a note for an unbelievably long time live.
Yea but the ending is weird
@francisseidel8014 I actually much prefer the studio version. Dennis himself wishes he had never held that note, because he said it became a gimmick and took away from the thrust and majesty of the song.
I highly prefer the studio version. Not only do you get the beautiful Prelude before it, but the climax of the song is the staggered 4-part vocal chant of "America" that in a live setting loses its magnificence and grandeur.
@@stevenscharmer1765 Agreed.. .in fact the entire side two of Equinox is awesome. That and The Grand Illusion album are my favorite Styx 'records'.
Imagine being 12 years old and hearing this for the first time on the radio when it was released! This was the very first album I ever bought, on cassette. Gets me now as much as it did back then. Ach, those high notes you can feel in your soul!
Also, fun story, as an adult I was driving somewhere with my niece who was around 10, and this song came on the radio. I cranked it and started singing. She went all eyes and said, "Auntie! How do you know this song?!" She didn't realize how old it (and I) was!
Oh my GOSH I was at the
Domo Aragoto
"Mister Roboto
Concert 3 rows from the center stage back in the 70's ! !
It was completely
Acted out like a play great props
Nice and loud oh my goodness a blast from my past ! !
THE COSTUME WAS AWESOME ❣️ 🎉🎉
That was my Favorite concert ever😃
Thank you soooo much it's made my day and night , "my brain IBM"😅
Love Love Love I just keep singing it now ! ! !
Thanks for the memories, it was truly
Incredible now I'm going digging out my pictures🤗there here somewhere...
If I find them I'll send a few.
Oh FUN !🎉
THANKS AGAIN!
70 yr old Grandma of 2 ❤️⚘️
⛩️🕍⛩️
That robot voice is very similar to that used in the original Battlestar Galactica. Grabbed my attention quickly at that age.
Yes! Absolutely the reason I loved this song as a kid, it sounded just like it might break out into "by your command" or "destroy enemy viper" at any moment.
"I really think you should take look at the other Battlestar."
@@BoondockRoberts best line in that whole original series.
The mask is also super reminiscent of the original Cylons with maybe a bit of Cyberman from Dr. Who mixed in.
That's Tommy using the voice vocoder.
Welcome to the early days of MTV, when bands actually made an attempt at artistic expression, whether or not they should have. 😉
My first Styx album was "Pieces of Eight". "Blue Collar Man" was something of an anthem at the time.
Agreed,these songs ,along with ,The Grand illusion,were ,both classic LPs,with great songs ,harmonies ,and guitar/keyboard parts ,combined ,to produce their own sound.
My first album also, love Blue Collar Man
Blue Collar Man with Tommy Shaw on vocals is one of Styx best in my opinion. Same with Renegade but, I love Dennis as well.
The Grand Illusion and Paradise Theatre are both amazing concept albums if not Rock operas.
Sweet Madam Blue is a beautiful lament to the USA and what it once was. Too many to list really.
Pieces of Eight is way too good for Beth not to analyze (at least one of the albums like she did with The Dark Side of the Moon) in their entirety even if it takes an hour and a half 🤣
I saw Rush a few times but in the late 80s Tommy opened for them and, the response he got when he began Angry Young Man was intense .
The whole venue seemed to light their joints at the sound of the opening chords .. myself included and being it was the Hollywood Sportatorium (FL) , mainly a boxing and wrestling arena the acoustics weren't perfect but it was _the_ most patryingist place you could ever see a show in so none of the bands or the crowd cared a bit that it wasn't anything more than a big tin box🤣✌️❤️🎸🎶🙏
I was a Styx fan way before this, "Crystal Ball" and "Equinox" being fantastic albums (plus, I grew up with "Lady" on the radio a lot, lol). "Cornerstone" has always been a fave of mine which is not a popular viewpoint (hardly ever hear any of the cuts from it played on Classic Rock radio, lol).
@@Ashtrayred Youre a real fan ,going through all the best LPs ,and songs ,I feel like they havent been given a chance ,to show their best ,with these two songs ,Dennis is great,but I feel that Tommy Shaw completed the line up ,vocals guitar,and songs ,were the full package ,good for you.
This was the advent of the walkman, and so many songs from 1983-1984 were produced for walkmans because they knew what we were listening to on music at the time! This song may be 40 years old, but it still sounds like it came from the future! I can remember listening to Mr. Roboto and other heavy synth productions, i.e. The Cars, at the time and playing video games on my Atari 5200 and it all flowed together. For us 40 years ago it felt like the future had become now! The 80s were truly awesome to live in!
This is just one number in Dennis DeYoung's musical, but touring wise the old fandom didn't like the new sound, threw beer at the band on stage, and Tommy got made over it and left. For all its success and Dennis' genius, it brought about the end of Styx! For me, I still love the album, and I never really ventured into the beer-swilling concert venues with ill-attitude attenders, just wasn't my cup of tea! My walkman and my music I listened to was enough for me, especially at age 15 in 1983, since I didn't have a car yet to be able to drive to concerts! Still stayed away from the Rock Concert venues in my college days, unless it was Christian Rock, where I didn't have to worry about a bad crowd showing up and ruining the concert.
"For us 40 years ago it felt like the future had become now! The 80s were truly awesome to live in!" - absolutely. I got my first computer (a TI 99-a) in 1981 and learned to program it and used my boombox to save programs when I wasn't listening to music (I later had a career as a software developer and technical architect). I was flying the Sublogic Flight Simulator (later bought by Microsoft to become the MS Flight Simulator still being updated and published today) in the late 1980s on my Amiga 800xl computer, and later got my pilot's license having familiarized myself with not only stick and rudder, but also avionics using that simulator. I had a motorcycle when I was 16 - so I could get around when I needed to - and I was a roadie - and did lights for a local metal cover band on the weekends (I remember one night when they were playing at a biker bar, and I turned up on my Yamaha, and parked it next to the Harley bikes out front...but that's another story). When the 90s and 2000s came along, I had already been online for a decade or more before everyone else, first on Fidonet, and later at college on ARPAnet, which became the commercial internet. Now my daughter who was born in 1987, has 50K followers on Twitch - insane. The 80's have much meaning for me.
I have always loved this song! I never understood why it wasn't well received because I thought it was brilliant. Thanks for taking a closer look.
This song is an absolute classic, goofy as hell but man is it catchy. I’ll always love this goofy jam.
As a kid of the 80s this was the very first thing I ever heared from Styx and I was very surprised when I first listened to their older stuff.
Likewise, as someone who discovered music through MTV, I was surprised at how deep the catalog of the artists I was seeing went back. And how much amazing music never made the transition to music video.
Funny, I still automatically think of this as their new stuff, haha.
I assume that you were pleasantly surprised!
Yes, there is so much good music from the 70's and 80's to explore! 😊@@Texfire
@@jeffreyes6236 absolutly :)
Absolutely LOVE Styx!! I hope you listen to all their songs...you will love them, too!
I went two Styx "Mr. Roboto" shows in the early 80's and they were both great - Dennis DeYoung was the vocal talent of the group. I later went to another Styx /Pat Benetar Concert in Orlando in the 90's and they were fantastic.
STYX was an amazing band that kept reinventing themselves during their time. They were in great company in the 70's with other proggy bands like Kansas, Journey, Rush, Yes, Genesis. Being a very keyboard centric band with the standard rock elements they infused power ballads and pop/rock song standard of their time. Mr. Roboto was definitely a shift into the 80's demonstrating their ability to be contemporary (just as the other bands in the above list). They had so many amazing hits in their career
Excuse you sir they are still a great band! Obviously not exactly the same but still great!
@@lightningwolf77Yes they are still rocking and put on an amazing show!
I was lucky enough to see this concert live in Detroit.
They began the show with a short film that ended with a concert beginning as part of the plot, then flowed into the concert itself, live on the stage and ended with a short stage play of future police raiding the stage and taking them away.
Mid-concert, Tommy Shaw did a solo whilst hoisted up by wires and flying around Joe Louis Arena, above the audience's heads.
Fun stuff!
DO COME SAIL AWAY NEXT PLEEEEEASE!
IT'S THEIR BIGGEST SONG AND YOU WILL LOVE IT!
THE LYRICS AND STORY ALONE GIVE CHILLS DOWN THE SPINE!
BEAUTIFUL!
Come sail away!!!!! Yes, please.
"Queen of Spades" Elizabeth. The best song they ever recorded. It would be great to hear you analyze that masterpiece.
I thought that was The Police???🤔.... Oops 😬... I was thinking about "King of Pain".
But just imagine a Police cover...🎶"I'll always be QUEEN OF SPADES, I'll always be Queen of Spades...."🎶
😄
along with Operation Mindcrime, this rock opera, concept album from Styx was a huge highlight of my teen years. "Kilroy Was Here" is a killer album and story, musical storytelling at it's finest! Mr Roboto deserves it's place in history as one of the best singles of all time imo
I had Kilroy Was Here on cassette and wore it completely out.
I had Mr. Roboto on 45, but went through a Styx obsession in the mid-2000's. It was NOT easy to get a hold of Kilroy Was Here (I want to say I had to get it on used vinyl; the CD either didn't exist or was out of print) and getting a VHS of the short film & associated concert was a comparatively expensive eBay purchase. It's sad that the band hated it so much. I get why; it's very Broadway & not very rock. But hey, if The Who can do it, why not Styx?
I was also a huge Queensryche fan, & had the fortune to see the Operation: Livecrime tour, so I'm probably the exact niche target market, here. 😆
I still listen to Operation: Livecrime all the time. I gotta hear “ needle lies” at least 3x a. Week
I love all your reactions to the variety of music you analyze Elizabeth! I would love to see your reaction to the late John Denver. I suggest “Annie’s Song”. I believe he had the purest voice of any artist.
I second this, but it could also be a reaction tp "Rocky Mountain High" or "Sunshine on my Shoulders".
John D and Linda Ronstadt both
I vote for Calypso.
John Denver had an amazing voice and he had a true appreciation for music and how it can affect us deeply. Rocky Mountain High was one of my favorite songs when I was young because I got to listen to it with my Dad as we drove around Montana and Glacier National Park together.
Kilroy Was Here drew me to Styx as a kid, which brought me to Grand Illusion and Pieces of Eight, and most happily to my favorite, Paradise Theater. It's sad that the band had such strife, but ultimately I loved them for the diversity of their sound -- including how different it was to listen to Dennis DeYoung, Tommy Shaw, and James Young sing. It's astonishing that they were able to do all of these flavors so well.
Dennis DeYoung definitely had one of the best voices in rock music. I remember hearing Tommy Shaw, who has a decent voice himself, just being amazed with Dennis's voice and rightly so.
This is my favorite video of yours, ever! It meant so much to me. I remember every note of this song, from childhood, and yet - as usual - I’ve heard more, understood it more deeply tonight, thanks to you!
I saw them in concert for this album. It was an amazing experience. It had several "acts" and felt very much like an opera. The live performance sounded just as good as their album. Love these guys!!
It opened with a 20 min movie about who Mr Roboto was.
It was my 1st concert ever, and it is one of my fondest memories. ⚡⚡🤖⚡⚡
I saw the same tour in L.A.
I saw this same tour in NC.
I'm curious where you might find that 20 minute video.
You know Elizabeth loves the song when her reacting to the instrumental introduction takes longer than the entire song lol
Not hating but she literally likes every song. People don't watch these videos to see the person hate on them. They want validation, and she knows that.
@@perkinomics - I've seen reactors say "hey, this song isn't for me. Here's some positive aspects, but it's just not something that speaks to me." No foul, only snowflakes expect someone to like everything they like.
@@DerekScottBland but she doesn't, which contradicts your original comment
@@perkinomics - no it doesn't, but you want to be childish so I think this discussion is done.
@@DerekScottBland How am I being childish? I think you may be projecting. Which I should've realized when you leapt at the chance to use "snowflake"
Styx fan for 47yrs, and I have always loved the way Dennis takes chances! Roboto has gotten better over time! It's so funny that TS & JY are using it in the Styx shows! Lol
As a fan in the 70's and 80's i loved styx. I wish i could see them with Dennis and Tommy together! One of my all-time favorite bands.
As many times as I heard this growing up, I never realized what absolute talent was going into it. I understand voices more now and realize this is just incredibly talented.
For many in the 80s this was the song that introduced them to Styx. The arc of their catalogue in terms of the different musical styles is truly staggering and unparalleled. From "Lady" to "Mr. Roboto" to "Boat On The River" to "Renegade". Styx has something for everybody, especially with 3 lead singers/3 songwriters. The vocals take center stage when it comes to Styx, especially with Dennis DeYoung, and Mr. Roboto is no exception. Ironically, even though KWH is often deemed responsible for the breakup of Styx, I think Tommy Shaw's best ever vocal performance for Styx is on the KWH album with "Just Get Through This Night." Thank you for reacting again to my favorite band!
I agree
Just Get Through This Night is probably the best song on the record.....IMO
There were some groups that were just consistent when it came to doing great songs that were singable in that era. Styx, Journey, ELO, Supertramp, Queen, Fleetwood Mac, and the list goes on... I really learned to sing by trying to duplicate - or at least keep up with these fantastic vocalists. I still belt them out when they come across my stream, or in the car, to my wife's eternal consternation.
Back in the early 200s I managed a computer store. On Black Friday, we opened at midnight and had around 500 people waiting in line to get the special deals. By 3 AM we still had hundreds of people lined up for the checkouts, having not really gotten ahead of the crowd yet. Most were patient, having expected the lines for deals. We plugged in one of the salespeople's iPods into a computer speaker display so that we could have music all night. What's relevant to this reaction is that around 3 AM this song came on and the crowd started chanting "louder". So we cranked it up and almost everyone to a person in the store started to sing along. Both surreal and hilarious at the same time. Something I have never forgotten.
I listened to this song as a kid. It's no wonder I love bombastic rock operas as an adult now! His voice is amazing and there is so much drama! I've always admired this singer and how he tells a story :) thanks for such a wonderful video Elizabeth! I think we're all singing along!
If you are enjoying STYX, may I recommend Renegade, Blue Collar Man, Crystal Ball, to hear their other lead singer Tommy Shaw
Ohh the gifts they have to share.
Wait till you here Crystal Ball, come sail away, The grand Illusion.
Just masterfully put together.
Cheers
Am I the only one who would love to see Voiceplay cover this?😄
Yanno what. I'm glad you are getting noticed by people like Dennis DeYoung, because you have such a genuine love and joy every time I watch you listening to a new song. Regardless of genre, regardless of style, you seem to be someone who just loves music. Unlike so many classically trained musician, you seem to have no pretensions to superiority and recognize skill and artistry in everything, and the world would truly be a better place if more people were like that.
Show Me The Way has a great message to it as well as another great vocal performance by Dennis.
I'm surprised by the amount of pre-premier negativity being dumped on Mr. Roboto... it's a fun song, and since Elizabeth is such a fun personality, I think it's a great fit. I've been playing bass for over 40 years (mostly rather badly) and I gotta tell ya - it's the fun songs that keep me in it.
Thanks Elizabeth for bringing up this song. I was a Styx fan in the late 70´s and 80´s and this song was not one of my favorite Styx songs, but nowadays I must recognize it is a masterpiece. Dennis DeYoung and Styx are excellent musicians.
Same here. I didn't care for it when it came out, but it's grown on me and I love it now!
I have never understood the hatred for this song/album. I saw them in concert when I was in the Navy in 1983, while stationed in Orlando Florida, and I just loved it.
Great reaction and breakdown! I'm hoping you dive into the band Saga. Michael Sadler's voice is unmistakable and brilliant! On the Loose and Wind Him Up are great examples of their songwriting!
Agree about Sadler's voice, but I'd start with Bushy Moustache Michael Sadler and Don't Be Late.
Wind Him Up is phenomenal, lyrically and musically!
Don’t be late ❤❤❤
I was living in Puerto Rico when "Worlds Apart" was released, moving back to the States just as it was charting here. Having already been a popular band in PR (as well as Europe) before the States, I kinda chuckled at the US reactions to the band, :) Like, "finally!" ;)
Agreed. "Framed" is one of my favourites.
Elizabeth, it's time to introduce you to your next favorite band. You will definitely do a deep dive to the Little River Band after hearing any of their hit songs. Personally I recommend Take It Easy On Me.
Oh yes, I wholeheartedly agree...one of my favorite bands!
I have not heard this song in 30 years. Dennis had such an amazing vocal range. My brother was a huge Styx fan. Grew up hearing them over and over. Ty for reviewing this.
I’ll never forget a night I was in Denton, TX at a place called The Quarter probably ten years or more ago when this came up for karaoke. A little emo kid came up who couldn’t have been much older than 18 and absolutely killed it. I would have sworn he was Dennis DeYoung.
Dennis had a voice (and sensibility) that was very much for musical theater.
Dennis still HAS a voice! Check out his UA-cam Channel. He sang some songs during the pandemic and he still sound great!
Styx made many must-own classic albums. Dennis DeYoung should be a more well known singer. Such a beautiful voice! And he could soar to the heavens when he wanted to. All the while giving the impression it was effortless to him. The gorgeous ballad called Babe is my favorite Styx song.
Yes! I believe no auto tune can mimick any human emotion! Sound from the soul is incomparable. I love your reactions ❤🔥
I know for a fact a plastic LEGO beats Auto-Tune because it can bring out human emotion and it'll come from the soul.
All it takes is one barefooted step...
Domo arigato, Elizabeth - domo arigato gozaimasu! Another great analysis of a song that's near and dear to me as Kilroy Was Here is one of the first albums I owned as a 12 year old kid. One of the little details that's fun in the video is when Dennis/Kilroy/Mr. Roboto is climbing the ladder (around 19:58 in your video is one of the places you'll see it), he winks as he's singing "...who hides behind a mask..."
I for one (with many here I'm sure) would love to hear you do more Styx. Suite Madame Blue as many have suggested would be a great one to work with - so many great harmonies - or The Best of Times, which is quite a number as well. Thanks for all you do for those of us who like to geek out on the power of music!
i was so excited as a kid when this album came out. i earned money to buy it. i was 10 years old and so proud. Styx had some amazing things throughout all of their music. i even sang this song for the school talent contest, not lip synched, but actually sang this at the top of my voice without a microphone. great memories. thanks for your reaction to this one!
I remember being in 6th grade when this album came out. By the time the school year ended in May (this released in February), we had probably written "Kilroy was here" on the outside walls of the school (in chalk) at least 100 times! This song still takes me right back to that moment!
Thanks for the amazing reaction as always, and for bringing back the nostalgia again!
Better go see Styx live before it is too late! Best live performance out there, the harmony of this band is amazing and 52 years going!
Except Dennis DeYoung hasn't been in Styx since 1999
It's not Styx without Dennis DeYoung.
I have seen Styx (without Dennis) and Dennis Deyoung in concert. Both fabulous shows but wish i could have seen the original line up together.
Its perfectly fine without him. He has a great voice, but if I get a chance to see Styx, I will do it.@@mournblade1066
!@@mournblade1066 Amen to that!
Great reaction and analysis as always!! Classic amazing song. Please do their song "Renegade" as well. You will noooot be dissapointed by the amazing vocals.
Yes! She totally needs to do Renegade!
"Kilroy Was Here" was one of my first vinyls as a kid and it's among my top 5 favourite alboums until this day. The intro from "Just get through this night" still gives me the goosebumps every time i hear it.
I thought for sure that Dennis DeYoung had a trained voice. Amazing, really. Once again Elizabeth's ability to hear every nuance and explain it is SO appreciated.
This was one of the first songs I remember hearing from the Styx and fell in love with it and them.
When this song was released, I was too young to recognize the sarcasm and irony pointed out by the lyrics. I hated it. Now I can at least listen to it. Your video helped along those lines too! Thanks!
DDY was always super in Styx!
This Styx album was my very first album I bought when it first came out. This song was why I bought the album after seeing the music video.
Yes, the vocoder and singing in Japanese is VERY different. The whole "Kilroy Was Here" album was one big concept. Loved "Haven't We Been Here Before?" from side B; the duet between Dennis and Tommy is really nice.
Yes, Dennis has an incredible voice. Seen him in concert twice and ... yeah, he still sounded great DECADES after recording so many of my favorite sounds.
I took my little brothers to the "Kilroy Was Here" concert in St. Paul in 1983. They were 16 and 13 (I was 23). I already liked Styx, and this cemented them as one of my favorite bands. I heard a lot of reviews and comments that didn't like it, but it was great as far as I'm concerned. The video brings that whole concert back for me. Thanks for reviewing it!
This was my very first concert! I was 13 years old. June 12, 1983 in Columbia SC. I immediately purchased all of their albums prior to Mr. Roboto every time I earned my allowance. This song is so....apropos now isn't it?
The very first fanfiction I ever wrote was based on this album, lol. Styx is just amazing, and Dennis DeYoung's voice is phenomenal. Thanks for the awesome reaction and analysis.
As a Cal City Kid, I first heard the Angelic voice of @DennisDeYoungOfficial on WLS radio with the song Lady and Loreli, and my ears have been in love with those vibrations ever since. I loved your passionate analysis, Elizabeth. Dennis was on par with the greatest of the greats in rock history. His Suite Madam Blue is both beautiful and haunting, a true amazing display of vocal presence. His Come Sail Away will be played well into the 37th century because his voice is "out of this world". Thank you, Dennis for giving us the blessings to our ears, our brains, and our souls.
DoubleYouEllEss-PersonAlITEE!!! (Dick Biondi just passed away...)
Dennis DeYoung is my all time favorite male voice and Karen Carpenter was my all time female favorite voice. Love, love, love. Hope you do a lot more Styx.
From time to time, there are these moments i find myself absolutely bewildered, when seeing a youtuber hearing/reacting "the first time" to a song i´m so familiar with. And i´m not talking about kids making fun of their parents music. I´m talking about full grown, matured persons like Elizabeth here. There´s always this thought in my head: "wait, how can you not know this? This was one of the most played tunes in the clubs where everybody hit the dancefloor in.....oh wait.....´85". Seeing that there are now already adult persons who don´t know this song.....man.
When DeYoung sang Control, which Elizabeth described as yodeling, I got major Phantom of the Opera Vibes.
Thank you, Elizabeth for all these wonderful detailed voice and music analysis reactions as you have helped me gain a greater appreciation for all these great classic rock songs which I grew up with. Although, I have no singing ability as unlike my wonderful wife whom truly has a beautiful trained soprano voice, I can't hold a tune to save my life. Yet, I just learning all the information you have shared in the many voice reactions you have done and shared with us. You wonderful joyous enthusiasm and positivity with all these songs is incredible and contagious. So, again thank you.
The album was Kilroy Was Here, it was 1983, and it was referred to as a "rock opera". For reference, I graduated HS in 1984. Styx was/is one of my all time favorite bands.
I was in a fast food restaurant and I saw a guy in there with s Styx concert tour T-shirt that had all the dates and venues on it from 1977. We were instant friends.
It makes so much sense this appeals to you, it's a little operetta, thematically. Musically, it's abolutely powerful.
Styx is serene, especially Dennis DeYoung's voice. Seeing them in concert is one of my favorite music memories. You really need to listen to Suite Madame Blue. The NOTES that man sings! Sublime. Their entire album of Paradise Theater is a story. I think I wore out at least three copies of the cassette tape when I was younger. Some of my favorite Styx songs: Come Sail Away, Suite Madame Blue, Lorelei, Too Much Time On My Hands (sung by Tommy Shaw), Babe, The Best of Times (Iconic!), The Grand Illusion, Renegade, Rockin' the Paradise, Blue Collar Man... so many more.
Come Sail Away would be a great Charismatic Voice review.
This was the first album I bought with my own $$ when I was a kid. I remember walking to K-Mart to buy it. Still brings me a smile. Sure it's a bit dated, and maybe even a little campy, but I love it. Thanks!
Absolutely one of the greatest American vocalists of the last half century. Such a beautiful tenor voice. My favorite song by him came out in the 90s during the first Persian gulf unpleasantness under daddy Bush right before the Soviet Union collapsed. It was, apparently, part of a reunion tour and his voice was just as absolutely spellbinding as ever. It’s called “show me the way” and I remember how deeply it touched me. I was worried the war would drag on and I would be sucked into it. Troubled times. Considering all the stuff going on now in Ukraine and in Israel and Gaza, it still hits.
There are so many wonderful songs on the "Killroy was here" album. I loved it once and still do!
And I agree Dennis DeYoung has a great voice and he's a great showman as you can see in the video and he's the same in concert he's very animated, active, fun to watch, he's great wish you never left styx.
Oh I thought he left to pursue solo career
@@LinkinVerbz44 thanks for the info..
Saw Styx back in '05 alongside Alice Cooper and Cheap Trick. They were phenomenal live and blew me away with how masterful of musicians they are.
Dear Elizabeth, please , I beg, return now to the beloved Diana, and see her transition over two years, she has just put out a stunningly beautiful song ( the day you) the climax is phenomenal, she has grown and now has probably the longest range of any female , the girl has matured, and will soon explode onto the world stage, she deserves world recognition, thank you😊it was you’re channel that brought me to her , two long years ago, I cannot escape
They did 20 encores in Kitchener, Ontario. They ended with Mr. Roboto at 2:00am. Tommy Shaw was lead guitar, dancing on the seat-backs for Roboto, and Gowan was newly on keyboards. The idea for the vocoder and speech spectral analysis both came from Alexander Graham Bell when he was trying to make a hearing aid for his wife and daughter - both deaf.
Man, I REALLY love watching you listen to the music of my life for the first time. It brings tears to my eyes when you love and appreciate music that I’ve been loving for decades. I saw this tour from the 4th row (I may or may not have been under the influence of some….substances) and it was amazing to me. A lot of people, including part of the band, didn’t like it but I think it’s a great concept album. Thank you for this reaction - I already loved your channel, but now even more so…
“The music of my life….” Me too. Styx, Journey, REO. The holy trinity of 80’s radio rock.
I'm really happy that you analyzed and reacted to this song, it had such bad reviews when the song came out. I loved it from the start, I saw the tour and it was fantastic Styx has so many big hits I hope you continue to react to their songs.
It was a very cool tour. With the cinematic videos to tell the story between songs, and the overall atmosphere they created.
I always hear people saying it had bad reviews - I don't remember hearing any when it came out. Bad reviews where?
They played the song on the radio and rolling skating rings daily all the time.
This is our favorite song with my boys (age 5 and 7), we play this in the car and headbang together. Thanks for reacting to this song.
Remember buying the single on it's release. Still love it. Brilliant. I am a synth music fanatic who grew up with prog rock in the 70s. Fell in love with the track as soon as I 1st heard it
Mr. Roboto, teaching an entire generation of people how to say "Thank You Very Much" in Japanese. The name Kilroy mostly came from WWII, when the graffiti (you have to look up a picture, it's hard to describe) "Kilroy was here" became a morale booster for the exhausted US troops. When soldiers landed on a beachhead, they would often find this graffiti on a wall or fence (probably done by an advance reconnaissance team). As WWII went on, the saying "Kilroy was here" became a symbol and statement of pride which carried the message that no place or country was beyond the reach of America's strength. They even had the saying painted on the side of missiles, which spooked the enemy. Supposedly Hitler and Stalin were rather paranoid of "Kilroy", Hitler thought "Kilroy" was a master spy since so many confiscated weapons had the saying on them, Stalin even told his special police to hunt down and shoot "Kilroy" when he found the graffiti in a bathroom stall.
Many die hard Styx fans were not happy when this song came out. I personally liked it. I just saw Styx live again on June 1st and they did this song as an encore and the audience went nuts. Go figure 🤘😉
When I saw them, they didn't do this one. As a kid who grew up in the 80's this song was one of my favorites. I was so mad, lol. I enjoyed the show tho.
correct. this was the beginning of the end. Paradise album the album before was a concept album didnt want another. never a fan prefer the proggy albums prior
Hypocrisy at best. All you ever heard was how much the band despise this album .
Thank You! I was one of those who hated the song...
The album did ok, but the stage show designed to promote it was reportedly ill conceived and alienated audiences and probably prompted Tommy to leave the band.
This song brings back one of the most fun experience. Two of my sons, two of my nieces, and I took a trip to Zions National Park, and it was a 4 hour trip. We made an agreement to listen their music (10 years ago), and listen to my music on the way back.
I really didn't like most of my music, but an agreement is an agreement, but the return trip was awesome and very surprising. On the trip to Zions, the kids, they were teenagers, didnt sing very much, but the return was different.
On the return trip, this was the first song I played, and all four kids just busted out singing. The had me replay it several times. They really enjoyed it. It surprised me they knew most of the words, and when I asked them why they knew this song, one of my nieces just rolled her eyes and said "Uncle Lynn, we're not idiots.
For the rest of the return trip, the kids knew and sang many of the songs. Even though it was a four hour return trip, the kids were awesome, and they were rather sad when we got back.
Just chiming in to say....Kilroy Was Here was published in 1983. (I had just joined the US Army, and this album got me thru basic training. Thank you, Styx. I'm forever grateful.)
That's 14 years BEFORE the invention of autotune.
We too easily forget that there was a time when vocalists had to work HARD to perfect their instrument, and not lean so heavily on modern technology.
I have always loved the sound of Mr Roboto and will crank it up every time I control the volume. It is such a unique song. And Kilroy has such an interesting history in WWII.
Styx - Come Sail Away next PLEASE!!!!
The VW commercial in the early 2000's with this song was awesome. Every car ride was like that when this song was playing.
9 year old me was OBSESSED with this song. First cassette I owned was thanks to this song. Widely panned as uncool the message really is waaaay ahead of its time. Great analysis!
The long-lost art of the rock opera/concept album. KWH was a big influence on me as a young kid in the 80's. So inventive (even though the story ended up being a little convoluted). I especially dug the song "Heavy Metal Poisoning" from that record.
So glad you reminded me of this classic! 💜
Me: Nah, rock opera/concept album isn't dead, Green Day just did one with American Idiot! Wait, what do you mean American Idiot was 20 years ago? (God I feel so old, haha)
Concept albums definitely aren't a lost art. One of my favorite bands Coheed and Cambria have built their entire career on them! Check out one of their newest songs Window of the Waking Mind.
Ayreon and Avantasia make only rock/metal operas :)
for anyone interested, the protomen do an incredible version of this song as well. definitely worth a listen.
Hey Elizabeth, I'm a little late to the party but I had to mention I saw this show live. It was a masterpiece of not just this album but how they integrated other songs of their previous catalog, I took some of the best photos of my life from way back on the floor seating section and the screen images were perfect. It's certainly in the top 5 shows I ever saw and I've been to hundreds of shows in the last 60 years. So cool that Dennis actually responded to you about Lady. His work with Styx has always been world class rock. Thanks for you analysis and your exciting onscreen personality.
It is such a shame that Dennis and the rest of the band couldn't get along. I always felt they were the best when together. I will say, seeing either current Styx or Dennis solo is a solid show with no end of talent.
This song is like Pink Floyd's the wall it can not be truly appreciated without the full context of the album and story. It is a masterpice in it's totality of the rock opera genre.
The Digital versus Analog tones in this song are so deep, even in the structure, vocals, and energy.
The ability to tell a story in modern music is a lost form of art.
For a long time the band simply never played this song, until sometime in 2018 when they suddenly brought it back.. but what changed to make that happen?
The answer: an INCREDIBLE cover was put out by a band from Nashville called The Protomen. A cover that is so good that Tommy Shaw has stated in interviews that Styx now bases their live performance off of this cover instead of the original recording! It's also been called out by Dennis DeYoung as being his favorite cover of all time!
I really encourage anyone who's even a little curious to go check out The Protomen's cover (and all their music!) because it's exceptionally good! Their lead singer, Panther, has an incredible voice as well and I think it would be great to see an analysis of one of their songs on the channel some day.