What was Styx first hit song?
January 22, 2025
Uncover the origins of Styx’s success with their first breakthrough hit. Explore the story behind this iconic song.
Uncover the origins of Styx’s success with their first breakthrough hit. Explore the story behind this iconic song.
Starting life as a Chicago-based prog rock band, Styx sailed into superstardom in the 70’s and 80’s. Then Styx became known for their artistic style on both their album covers and their musical sound. Nowadays, Styx are a hitmaking machine, with 17 studio albums so far and 4 consecutive multi-platinum sellers in the 80’s and purveyors of stadium-blasting, Arena Rock sound. Their album artwork is unique (weird) as you can see on this graphic Styx Come Sail Away Tour 1977 T-Shirt, the faded print is intentional as if you bought it at a gig in the 80’s.
Styx’s lineup was basically a rock ‘n’ roll supergroup in disguise. You had Dennis DeYoung commanding those sweeping keyboard solos and belting out vocals with theatrical flair, while Tommy Shaw and James “JY” Young laid down guitar riffs that balanced melody with enough crunch to keep things edgy. Chuck Panozzo on bass and his twin brother John Panozzo on drums gave the band that perfect foundation, tight and dynamic. Together, they created a sound that was part prog, part classic rock, and entirely their own—a lineup that could shift from epic, keyboard-driven anthems to hard-hitting rockers in a heartbeat.
Styx’s music is a cosmic mix of classic rock, prog flair, and arena-worthy anthems. They weren’t afraid to experiment—one minute you’d have those majestic synthesizers taking you on a journey in “Come Sail Away,” and the next you’d be hit with the raw guitar punch of “Renegade.” Their harmonies felt massive, layering soulful vocals over tight, driving rhythms. Whether they were diving into epic storytelling or throwing a catchy pop hook your way, Styx always brought a sense of drama that bordered on theatrical. Yet through all the experimentation, they maintained an irresistible melodic core that’s still as captivating today as it was back in their heyday.
