"Man in The Wilderness" also great, the entire album is great. I remember my teenage daughter telling me that the cover art scared her when she was young. "Pieces Of Eight" title song from the following album is also great, and "Queen Of Spades"
Yup, this is one of my favorite Styx songs along Man in the Wilderness and the amazing prog rocker Queen of Spades from Pieces of Eight. Thanks for this reaction!
I'll never forget my neighbor putting this album on after we puffed a bit. I was blown away! Mid seventies I believe. Seen Styx 6 times at least since then. High energy band... with talent. Great reaction!
Apropos background. Wish Styx had went prog a bit more often(although Dennis DeYoung prefers " theatrical " to " prog "). The Grand Illusion is considered their best album by many(Pieces of Eight is right there with it, my personal favorite Styx album is " Paradise Theater "- which is a concept album). The Grand Illusion is not usually considered a concept album, but, understandable to think it is, which makes it cooler, IMHO
@@retroreactions.... They always have one or two songs per album that could be considered prog/prog-adjacent/DeYoung's " theatrical" . If only they'd gone full on prog...sigh
An incredibly powerful song....first guitar solo courtesy of Tommy Shaw, second (power solo) was JY. Just for fun, take a look at Styx after reforming with three new band members without missing a beat - Tommy and James Young, with Lawrence Gowan on keys/vocals, Todd Sucherman on drums, and Ricky Phillips on bass. This is a kickass rocker - "Queen of Spades" (live): ua-cam.com/video/6yhOY0r-6R4/v-deo.html Then, "Man In The Wilderness" and "Castle Walls" - an absolute MUST watch: ua-cam.com/video/IYKwpWPOA5c/v-deo.html
Hello. Oh cool, they both had solos, even better. OK, I just watched the link for Castle Walls only, as I will be reacting to the other 2 eventually. This lineup sounds incredible, I see they have some live shows this week and onward!! Thanks William..
What did I tell you - this song is awesome! Other than the great music and vocals, Styx songs tend to have much deeper meaning. In this one you got the more general meaning that many can relate to, but there is also a deep personal meaning for Dennis DeYoung. Even in their early days of touring, Dennis never like being away from his wife and family for considerable periods of time. He was safe at home behind his castle walls from the choas and fray that is the music business and society. However, the minstrel in him kept calling and haunting him, and he knew that eventually he'd have to go back out on the road and meet his destiny. The breathing and music do take you on a journey from the quiet bass notes alone in your castle to the blaring keyboard and driving guitars of the battle out there in the world; and then to the reflection afterwards of the jazz guitar and held keyboard notes. "The Grand Illusion" album's songs have similar themes around the concept of fame and facade; and issues with the whole muscian/rock star profession. The title track, "The Grand Illusion", deals with the false facade of having it all made whether from others or advertising; or telling you how your life should be. "Fooling Yourself" is a call to not get down on yourself - get up, get back on your feet. Tommy wrote this about Dennis being not happy with how far the band had gotten (before this album with shot them way up). "Superstar" is a "I see you in the crowd - you too could be a star". "Come Sail Away" is a story of how your dreams maybe haven't come true yet, but come with me on a trip of hope and discovery. "Miss America" is about how shallow and unfulfilling fame can be. She's the darling of the country in her cage at the human zoo, next year what will you do when you have been forgotten. "Man In The Wilderness" is about how Tommy feels alone even after playing to 10,000 people(this is before he got married). The road can be a lonely place.
😀 Great analysis...thanks for sharing your insight on the deeper meanings of the words and music. OK, I see the related themes here now with your explanation. So the medieval storyline theme I read about is nonexistent I take it...
@@retroreactions.... The medieval imagery and mystical tone(harpsicord and all) are used as an analogy to Dennis's life and feelings - poetry not prose. Can a Roboto costume be used as a suit of armor? :) Now "Lords Of The Ring" off the "Pieces Of Eight" album (not referencing Tolkien stories, just maybe set in a similar universe) has a story that seems to be set in medieval times. It's message (IMO) is that there may be "good" misrepresentations by leaders that are best for their civilization/society even if you believe in truth telling and transparency in your government for the more numerous times where there are bad motives behind such dishonesty. In the song's story is the giving of hope, promise, and security to the people to easy their minds and lives so as to not have to worry too much and be able to work towards prosperity and happiness. Also, it is not an endorsement of a form of government with leaders by birth; afterall the storyteller becomes a Lord later in life where there was not an earlier mention of royal lineage.
What an amazing song!! Always loved this song.. thanks Brandon... can't find a bad song from Styx either.. seen them several times... awesome in concert
For a James Young track I'd suggest either Midnight Ride(deep cut), These Are The Times(music video is a powerful message for essential workers)Snowblind(shared with Tommy)or Miss America(his most well-known track).
In my opinion, "The Grand Illusion" is STYX's best album... with its particularly well-designed cover illustration based on a surrealist painting by René Magritte entitled (in French) "Le Blanc Seing"; the most creatively daring album of the band's output. Maybe also, and I have to admit, because it seems to me the most prog and it's the rock style that is dearest to me. Besides, it's the only STYX album I own. Thanks.
3:19 I was 17 when this album came out; I remember hearing this for the first time...Styx was well loved in those days; it's a shame they've drifted into obscurity, basically.
The Grand Illusion is the Holy Grail of Styx. My favorite album. Also love Equinox. It includes their masterpiece Suite Madam Blue. Also JY's Midnight Ride. And Lorelei.
Styx only really hit the big time with their epic 4th album, 'Equinox'. Before that, they were local Chicago favs but little known elsewhere in the world. But there was a little love song on 1973's 'Styx II' that kept getting airtime... so much so that they redid it and released it again, to everyone's delight. The song is "Lady". Mention Styx in your search, otherwise you might get a song with the same name by Supertramp. But if that happens, be sure to bookmark that page, it's awesome too! ;-]
Oh yes, I do know Lady! Great song. So Supertramp and Little River Band also have a Lady. Haven't heard those, but I do also love Kenny Rogers' Lady 🙂 Thanks for watching Robert
Thanks Brandon. This were probably one of those song I have listened back in my youth on a Vinyle LP. It's prog and straight forward too, like this introduction very soft like a bass beat with the breathing (could fit well for Halloween) the keyboard sound was probably an Elka Rhapsody that were used in the late 70's ( also in Supertramp ;) the big synthesizer sound in the middle bridge must have been an early Oberheim 8 voice, a very rare and expensive machine for the time ( first polyphonic Synth) great song, with power guitar solos. The ending guitar sound effect were probably a heavy "flanger" with echo chamber on the last chord. I recommend you to listen "Come sail away" that was maybe their biggest song, and also " Pieces of Eight" a beautiful piano prog song, still one of my favorites.
Great choice today buddy… I haven’t listened to this one in ages. I first saw Styx for the Grand Illusion tour while in high school!! I’ve seen them like 7-8 times, not sure if I’ve ever seen this song live. They have so many great albums for you to explore. Next time Styx is in the rotation, I again recommend “Little Fugue in “G”/Father O.S.A.” from Styx II. It’s great with the pipe organ. Looking forward to tomorrow’s choice!
Agree! Wow, that's quite a bit, you know something tells me I saw them live once but I'm not so sure...no way to know I guess. Thanks for the reminder. I think we got some more pretty left field choices tomorrow. I'm excited for 1 for sure!! Gnite!
A more recent live version of this following the song Man in the Wilderness, in a medley with other songs from the album is a fantastic watch. They know how to build the drama and create a real feeling of being in some kind of trip through music. Their last couple of concept albums are really good too. Crash of the Crown and The Mission.
Love the instrumental part at 3:!3... LOL. I remember many years ago Sting and Rock (The Ultimate Warrior) when they were the Blade Runners used that as their entrance music. Got to see Styx a couple times at the old Spectrum in Phil....
Most everything has been said on what other songs to do I've seen them three times. Twice with the original lineup. Including Jon 😇 They were better with Dennis DeYoung though "I'm a lonely sailor lost at sea. Drifting with the tide. Never quite knowing why" "Sometimes it makes no sense at all" You could compare them to REO SPEEDWAGON before REO changed. their sound. They're going to play with REO at The Nugget in Sparks Sep 29 2023. If you can see them, do it now before it's too late.
A medieval surprise with several unexpected and special moments, delivered with that classic Styx power!! Thanks for watching! 🥰
One of my favorites from Styx! Concept, yeah, It's all a grand illusion.
Awesome! I can see why. Their music is special for sure....Thanks
It is a concept album. The whole thing is worthy of a listen. "Man In The Wilderness" and 'Miss America' are special.
Hello! I will add your votes for those 2. Thanks so much for watching!
dennis deyoung was so vital to the styx prog sound
It's been too long since I last listened to this. Thanks for sharing!
You're welcome! Glad I could bring the song back to your ears!
"Man in The Wilderness" also great, the entire album is great. I remember my teenage daughter telling me that the cover art scared her when she was young. "Pieces Of Eight" title song
from the following album is also great, and "Queen Of Spades"
Haha, the cover is a bit creepy...I will add your 3 suggestions to my list, thanks Michael!
I concur.
Thanks!
Yup, this is one of my favorite Styx songs along Man in the Wilderness and the amazing prog rocker Queen of Spades from Pieces of Eight. Thanks for this reaction!
Sweet, glad you love this one! Adding your votes for the others. You're welcome and thanks for watching!
Simply a great album.
Thanks so much for tuning in!
Yay, love hearing Styx. I was fortunate to see them in concert in the late 70's. As one can imagine, it was an absolutely incredible concert.
Nice! Can imagine all the energy at that concert! Hope you were screaming haha. Thanks for sharing and for watching!
Saw them a couple years ago and they still sound great!
got this album still remember buying it
Hi Annie. Cool, wise purchase, if the rest sounds anything like this!
🏰 💙💗🎼🎹🎸🥁🎤🎶🎶Banger!!!!
For sure!! I knew you'd be down with this one!!
I'll never forget my neighbor putting this album on after we puffed a bit. I was blown away! Mid seventies I believe.
Seen Styx 6 times at least since then. High energy band... with talent.
Great reaction!
Thank you so much for watching and for the compliments!
I bought this when it came out great album Brings back my high school days
Hi there! Great memories I bet...Thanks for watching and being first on this one today 🥇
2nd 8 track I ever bought. Boston's first was my first. Little Queen was 3rd, Leftoverture 4th. Amazing time for music.
Epic picks there!! 👍
Yes graduated HS in 1978, I can listen to music and it always takes me back!
One of their very best in my opinion.
Apropos background. Wish Styx had went prog a bit more often(although Dennis DeYoung prefers " theatrical " to " prog "). The Grand Illusion is considered their best album by many(Pieces of Eight is right there with it, my personal favorite Styx album is " Paradise Theater "- which is a concept album). The Grand Illusion is not usually considered a concept album, but, understandable to think it is, which makes it cooler, IMHO
Thanks. Prog Styx is the best! They didn't do that much right? I have a long journey with them here. Thanks!
@@retroreactions.... They always have one or two songs per album that could be considered prog/prog-adjacent/DeYoung's " theatrical" . If only they'd gone full on prog...sigh
Try their song A Day Its an older one but its awesome
Had every album. One of my all time favorite bands
Love this song. Badass backdrop!
Thanks man!
James Young played the incredible lead solo, while Tommy Shaw played the two beautiful harmony guitar sections.
Nice, thanks Michael!
I have seen a lot of concerts over the years and STYX on their Paradise Theater tour was my favorite concert
An incredibly powerful song....first guitar solo courtesy of Tommy Shaw, second (power solo) was JY. Just for fun, take a look at Styx after reforming with three new band members without missing a beat - Tommy and James Young, with Lawrence Gowan on keys/vocals, Todd Sucherman on drums, and Ricky Phillips on bass. This is a kickass rocker - "Queen of Spades" (live): ua-cam.com/video/6yhOY0r-6R4/v-deo.html
Then, "Man In The Wilderness" and "Castle Walls" - an absolute MUST watch: ua-cam.com/video/IYKwpWPOA5c/v-deo.html
Hello. Oh cool, they both had solos, even better. OK, I just watched the link for Castle Walls only, as I will be reacting to the other 2 eventually. This lineup sounds incredible, I see they have some live shows this week and onward!! Thanks William..
Wrong. The new version isn't good at all. No Dennis = No Styx.
@@BrandGuyTim Your opinion, to which you are entitled, is duly noted.
@@williamosborne6866 Not an opinion. New band doesn't draw or perform like classic lineup. Fact.
Brandon glad you finally got to this and now you can see why this is my number 1
Thanks for watching Jeff!
What did I tell you - this song is awesome!
Other than the great music and vocals, Styx songs tend to have much deeper meaning. In this one you got the more general meaning that many can relate to, but there is also a deep personal meaning for Dennis DeYoung. Even in their early days of touring, Dennis never like being away from his wife and family for considerable periods of time. He was safe at home behind his castle walls from the choas and fray that is the music business and society. However, the minstrel in him kept calling and haunting him, and he knew that eventually he'd have to go back out on the road and meet his destiny. The breathing and music do take you on a journey from the quiet bass notes alone in your castle to the blaring keyboard and driving guitars of the battle out there in the world; and then to the reflection afterwards of the jazz guitar and held keyboard notes.
"The Grand Illusion" album's songs have similar themes around the concept of fame and facade; and issues with the whole muscian/rock star profession.
The title track, "The Grand Illusion", deals with the false facade of having it all made whether from others or advertising; or telling you how your life should be.
"Fooling Yourself" is a call to not get down on yourself - get up, get back on your feet. Tommy wrote this about Dennis being not happy with how far the band had gotten (before this album with shot them way up).
"Superstar" is a "I see you in the crowd - you too could be a star".
"Come Sail Away" is a story of how your dreams maybe haven't come true yet, but come with me on a trip of hope and discovery.
"Miss America" is about how shallow and unfulfilling fame can be. She's the darling of the country in her cage at the human zoo, next year what will you do when you have been forgotten.
"Man In The Wilderness" is about how Tommy feels alone even after playing to 10,000 people(this is before he got married). The road can be a lonely place.
😀 Great analysis...thanks for sharing your insight on the deeper meanings of the words and music. OK, I see the related themes here now with your explanation. So the medieval storyline theme I read about is nonexistent I take it...
@@retroreactions.... The medieval imagery and mystical tone(harpsicord and all) are used as an analogy to Dennis's life and feelings - poetry not prose. Can a Roboto costume be used as a suit of armor? :)
Now "Lords Of The Ring" off the "Pieces Of Eight" album (not referencing Tolkien stories, just maybe set in a similar universe) has a story that seems to be set in medieval times. It's message (IMO) is that there may be "good" misrepresentations by leaders that are best for their civilization/society even if you believe in truth telling and transparency in your government for the more numerous times where there are bad motives behind such dishonesty. In the song's story is the giving of hope, promise, and security to the people to easy their minds and lives so as to not have to worry too much and be able to work towards prosperity and happiness. Also, it is not an endorsement of a form of government with leaders by birth; afterall the storyteller becomes a Lord later in life where there was not an earlier mention of royal lineage.
Thanks for the info!
This whole album is a masterpiece, IMO. It's got so much thematic consistency throughout that it's arguably a concept album,
Amazing album
Cool. thanks for watching!
What an amazing song!! Always loved this song.. thanks Brandon... can't find a bad song from Styx either.. seen them several times... awesome in concert
For a James Young track I'd suggest either Midnight Ride(deep cut), These Are The Times(music video is a powerful message for essential workers)Snowblind(shared with Tommy)or Miss America(his most well-known track).
In my opinion, "The Grand Illusion" is STYX's best album... with its particularly well-designed cover illustration based on a surrealist painting by René Magritte entitled (in French) "Le Blanc Seing"; the most creatively daring album of the band's output. Maybe also, and I have to admit, because it seems to me the most prog and it's the rock style that is dearest to me. Besides, it's the only STYX album I own. Thanks.
Cool, glad you love this album! Thanks for tuning in!
The Grand Illusion is a concept album. It needs to be listened to all the way through. I did that throughout my early teenage years :)
3:19 I was 17 when this album came out; I remember hearing this for the first time...Styx was well loved in those days; it's a shame they've drifted into obscurity, basically.
Yes, excellent music. I see they are touring currently. No new recent albums?
They have released 2 albums since 2017. The Mission 2017 and Crash of the Crown 2021. Both great albums.
The Grand Illusion is the Holy Grail of Styx. My favorite album. Also love Equinox. It includes their masterpiece Suite Madam Blue. Also JY's Midnight Ride. And Lorelei.
Styx only really hit the big time with their epic 4th album, 'Equinox'. Before that, they were local Chicago favs but little known elsewhere in the world. But there was a little love song on 1973's 'Styx II' that kept getting airtime... so much so that they redid it and released it again, to everyone's delight. The song is "Lady". Mention Styx in your search, otherwise you might get a song with the same name by Supertramp. But if that happens, be sure to bookmark that page, it's awesome too! ;-]
Oh yes, I do know Lady! Great song. So Supertramp and Little River Band also have a Lady. Haven't heard those, but I do also love Kenny Rogers' Lady 🙂 Thanks for watching Robert
Thanks Brandon. This were probably one of those song I have listened back in my youth on a Vinyle LP. It's prog and straight forward too, like this introduction very soft like a bass beat with the breathing (could fit well for Halloween) the keyboard sound was probably an Elka Rhapsody that were used in the late 70's ( also in Supertramp ;) the big synthesizer sound in the middle bridge must have been an early Oberheim 8 voice, a very rare and expensive machine for the time ( first polyphonic Synth) great song, with power guitar solos. The ending guitar sound effect were probably a heavy "flanger" with echo chamber on the last chord. I recommend you to listen "Come sail away" that was maybe their biggest song, and also " Pieces of Eight" a beautiful piano prog song, still one of my favorites.
Hi. I know Come Sail Away pretty well, but I added your vote for Pieces....
Tommy shaw the star to come and take over. Perfection?!
Great choice today buddy… I haven’t listened to this one in ages. I first saw Styx for the Grand Illusion tour while in high school!! I’ve seen them like 7-8 times, not sure if I’ve ever seen this song live. They have so many great albums for you to explore. Next time Styx is in the rotation, I again recommend “Little Fugue in “G”/Father O.S.A.” from Styx II. It’s great with the pipe organ. Looking forward to tomorrow’s choice!
Agree! Wow, that's quite a bit, you know something tells me I saw them live once but I'm not so sure...no way to know I guess. Thanks for the reminder. I think we got some more pretty left field choices tomorrow. I'm excited for 1 for sure!! Gnite!
A more recent live version of this following the song Man in the Wilderness, in a medley with other songs from the album is a fantastic watch. They know how to build the drama and create a real feeling of being in some kind of trip through music. Their last couple of concept albums are really good too. Crash of the Crown and The Mission.
Love the instrumental part at 3:!3... LOL. I remember many years ago Sting and Rock (The Ultimate Warrior) when they were the Blade Runners used that as their entrance music. Got to see Styx a couple times at the old Spectrum in Phil....
Awesome! Was Dennis still there when you saw them?
@@retroreactions.... LOL. Yes. I hate saying that because I hate being old. I saw them in the early 80's so he never left yet back then....
It's OK, I'll be eligible for AARP membership in 2 years lol! Music keeps us young at heart... 😀
By the way.. love your background
Most everything has been said on what other songs to do
I've seen them three times. Twice with the original lineup. Including Jon 😇
They were better with Dennis DeYoung though
"I'm a lonely sailor lost at sea. Drifting with the tide. Never quite knowing why"
"Sometimes it makes no sense at all"
You could compare them to REO SPEEDWAGON before REO changed. their sound.
They're going to play with REO at The Nugget in Sparks Sep 29 2023. If you can see them, do it now before it's too late.
Crystal Ball!!
I did react to a live version of CB if interested!
Hello reactions Los jaivas song la poderosa muerte en machu pichu
Hello! I have added your vote, thank you!