FIRST TIME REACTING TO | "Suite Madame" - Styx

[@RonaldCanfield-m2r]

The song was released in 1975 and was looking to America's upcoming bicentennial (1976), where the country has been, and the hope for a new start.

[@funkster007]

This song only got more relevant over time. A Styx masterpiece!

[@garse70]

Seriously

[@djknox2]

Not only a Styx masterpiece, but an American Rock masterpiece.

[@vickybolsby9153]

I have seen Styx live 23 times! They are timeless! "Renegade"is my favorite from them but also luv "too much time on my hands" and "come sail away" some of their stuff is from the 70s and I blame the uniqueness to the time frame lol luved the reaction!! 🤗

[@bwhite963]

Dennis DeYoung wrote this in 1975 as America was gearing up for its bicentennial celebration in 1976. The song is not a celebration of the event, but a look at how it was being exploited. He explained in Classic Rock Revisited: "The 200th anniversary of America was being totally taken over by commercialization in a rather unceremonious fashion. I had a moment of reflection. I had grown up in the so-called glory days of the United States of America, which was post World War II until 1970. To live in this country at that time was really the golden age. The fallibility of the United States was something that struck me and that set the tone for 'Suite Madam Blue.' Maybe I was fearful of being literal - I think I probably was."

[@dananema2074]

Totally agree. I don't know if it was meant to be prophetic but I think he was pointing to the stuff that was coming over the last 50 years. We are not a child anymore in fact we are aging quickly and we are not aging well.

[@SueKay-rq1lr]

I could listen to Dennis daily. Such an awesome singer and songwriter.❤

[@custercrazyhorse8616]

Killer music with purpose back in the day.

[@mewzishun]

A "suite" is a musical composition containing multiple elements or songs with varied styles.

[@mikemiller3069]

Another example being "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" by CSN. And it's more common in classical music.

[@lalapo5304]

In rock you wont find a suite that isn't 3 parts.

[@mikemiller3069]

@@lalapo5304 Suite Judy Blue Eyes is more than 3. And arguably this song is too. I don't know who told you about this 3 parts nonsense but they were wrong.

[@lalapo5304]

@@mikemiller3069 I've performed the song many times, not to mention CSN actually said it is 3 parts. And if you look at the sheet music it's 3 parts.

[@jwichman9]

Madame Blue is The U.S.

[@RJ-oy7cq]

Yes--about America...about how America is struggling and singer hoping America finds it ideals and glory once again.

[@lesliespeck8717]

To me this was their stairway to heaven. Masterpiece.

[@josephmanno4514]

Either this or "Claire DeLune/Ballerina," which is its equal.

[@michaelbaker3598]

Ballerina is epic​@@josephmanno4514

[@mongo20166]

This song is indeed about America-go back through the lyrics and it all makes sense. "you're not a child anymore" etc.

[@KentFreeman-k6j]

Dennis DeYoung says he wrote this song in 1975 about the The United States Bicentennial event coming in 1976

[@lindanichols3415]

A great epic band to see live in the 70's, now i feel privileged ✌🏼💖

[@friesen8690]

Dennis singing this song live and holding the note on more is incredible

[@tomeichenberg9648]

Madame Blue is the Statue of Liberty: she is symbolism. This song is incredibly important in American history because it encapsulated the view of the vast majority of americans. There was reverence for the symbolism of Freedom and Liberty which Madame Blue represented to the whole world. Americans were just coming out of the 60's funk where we began to question corruption in government, and the abuses perpetrated in her name. Eisenhower's Military Industrial Complex was starting to come into focus for americans, although a bit late to the party. The end of the song is a pleading for Madame Blue to lead us away from here, back to the purity of the original patriots and the revolution. Today, we still struggle with the issues discussed in the song, but our perception of a "good" outcome are indeed jaded. People are always looking for a vessel to fill with their hopes, dreams, and ideals. In the 70's, we wanted the vessel to be our common respect for the symbol Madame Blue represents. Sadly, things have not gotten better over the decades, and now those "deplorables" place their hopes in men, rather than GOD.

[@richardsilva1797]

Exactly, because man wants power & profit by taking GOD'S place so we can pay, & pay homage to him rather than to THE ALMIGHTY -SOS Same old story throughout history! 🙏

[@truthseeker3063]

Great summation! Nice work!

[@djknox2]

This is the greatest tune from Styx and one of the great Rock songs of all time. Great vocals and synthesizer by Dennis DeYoung, soothing acoustic guitar by John Curulewski (Tommy Shaw on tour), amazing guitar solo by James Young, and some great percussion by John Panozzo. The album Equinox came out when I was about 9 or 10 years old and despite all the Rock competition of the time (and there was a LOT), Styx became a long lasting favourite of mine. Great album that was followed up by three more great albums: Crystal Ball, Grand Illusion and Pieces of Eight. Very cool that you are reacting to this song Britt! And YES Madame Blue is America. And BTW, Queen's A Night at the Opera was released around the same time, and so although maybe you are thinking of Queen's power ballad Bohemian Rhapsody influencing Styx, the two albums would have been written in parallel. Interesting that Britt was making the connection, because Dennis DeYoung and Freddie Mercury were unquestionably two of the great power ballad singers of that era - AND of all time... Just listen to how penetrating DeYoung's vocals are...

[@brucefrank5556]

This song is not even in Styx’s top ten songs.

[@djknox2]

@@brucefrank5556 To each their own, but I feel sorry you have such an inability to appreciate good music. I know Styx's catalogue intimately for nearly 50 years now. Objectively, to not put this song in their top 10 I'm afraid speaks volumes. You're probably a Kiss fan too.

[@josephmanno4514]

@@brucefrank5556 Silence, Tasteless One.

[@scottrichter2865]

This was actually recorded before Shaw was in the band. Also, fun fact it was also just a demo and the demo recording made it on the album. Everyone thought it was perfect the way it was

[@djknox2]

@@scottrichter2865 Yes you're right that Shaw was only brought on to support the Equinox tour. So no Shaw on the LP, but only Shaw has performed it live on tour. I was 9 when Equinox was released. But I had an older brother - 7 years my senior - who introduced me very young to all the 60s and 70s rock. I was a giant Styx fan from 75 thru 81 and then lost interest. But during those years, I attended every tour, sometimes more than once. Tickets to concerts were like $30 back then...

[@steve9199]

Dennis De Young fancied himself a "Broadway" singer. His contributions to Styx cannot be undersold. Combine that with Tommy Shaw and James Young's rock voices, it made for an amazing group.

[@MountainSnowInc]

I love the emotion in this song.

[@Pickles0607]

Have seen Stxy about 5 times in concert, absolutely loved them growing up as a teenager in the 70's. One of my favorite songs is Crystal Ball.

[@RONCAROLLO]

Dennis Deyound of Styx wrote Suite Madame Blue for America's Bicentennial Celebration of 200 years

[@frankmj9631]

As many ya´ll know I´m actually stationed middle east and it´s being pretty rough sad days on our Base Camp....I want to dedicate this song if you don´t mind Britt to our three soldiers who lost their life couple days ago..serving our country; America. RIP and rest assure will stand the line here for all of ya´ll.🙁

[@lisamayerwille8752]

So sorry!!! Thankyou from Chicagoland for your service for our country!!!

[@danielcole4123]

Britt I love Styx alot since the 70s so I really enjoy you choosing them. Your reactions are the best and hilarious of any reaction channels. You make me laugh while I'm enjoying my favorite band. Blessings

[@philbaumgartner1776]

Looking glass is a mirror.

[@loveloochay]

🔥🔥♦️♦️ here you go Britt .. this is one of my favorite songs ... !!! If I see you at a karaoje night .. you and I are singing this !!! ♦️♦️🔥🔥

[@heshy14]

I just applaud YOU for reacting to this 💎 of a song 👏

[@jamesgoldman6942]

Suite Madame Blue is the USA. After 200 years we have totally lost our innocence and our way. That's what this Styx song is about.

[@JoeMama-ke1fi]

My absolute favorite song ever written about Ameirca

[@MarcVanLaere-zr5im]

One of the best prog bands of the 70's. ❤

[@mikemorris7634]

Britt, they wrote the song because the U.S. was coming out of the stain of the Vietnam War and our bicentennial was coming up so they felt it was a great time to bring back the greatness it once had.

[@michealerickson4162]

This song rocks the house!

[@karengoodenough827]

I remember being 9 , listening to this on an 8 track player, loved it then, love it now, funny how it’s so relevant today as it was in ‘75, I would recommend you also try Golden Country by REO Speedwagon, and sadly also as relevant today as when released

[@9559tommy]

I was lucky I got to see them in the 70s. Incredible concert.

[@djknox2]

YUP. I had a brother 7 years my senior. He took me to a concert that part of their Equinox tour during the summer of 76 (Bad Company opened) - I was 10 years old and this was one of my first concerts (although I had already been to a WYWH Pink Floyd concert believe it or not). I saw them every summer for the next 4 or 5 years as they released Crystal Ball, The Grand Illusion, Pieces of Eight and Cornerstone. Very fond memories about Styx concerts in the late 70s!

[@keymack2477]

I love your channel for so many reasons, Britt, but one of them is because you are the only music video reactor out there who can refer to a song as a fun house! That was an awesome reaction, thank you for putting a smile on my face yet again!!

[@mikelunsford7462]

You did an excellent job. I'm 63 of course I grew up with this stuff you didn't. But you figured it out. Rock on Don't worry about those people that say you talk too much That's your job in this situation your critiquing, if they want to hear the song they can go play it.. you did very well.. Peace out sister

[@hemlock399]

In the song, the speaker fondly recalls his devotion to the naively idealized vision of America he had in his youth, but now feels that America has lost her way...or perhaps that she never was what she appeared to be, or presented herself as. So he exhorts America - Americans, really - to grow up and reflect on what you really are and where you're headed, and make a course correction. What an awesome composition. I love the satisfying transition into the heavy "America" section, and the vocal harmonies and melodies of that section, and the message is well worth paying attention to, no less now than when the song was written.

[@stevedahlberg8680]

That was such a great reaction, a mix of insightful comments and tension wondering what you would get and not get and then a lot of humor. And I love the little singing bits you do to interpret it, I've always loved that, and I think you should do it as much as you want. It makes it real to me anyway.

[@garydressel2035]

Blue caller man and lady are good songs by them.

[@victorplekter613]

Always great reactions! You got the meaning. We used to listen to these long interesting songs because there was usually no videos. The songs kind of had to be complex, with a lot of changes, to be considered good ear candy. 🌄

[@scottpatton8806]

DDY needs to watch this video, your facial reactions and comments were priceless!!

[@Mytwocentsisallicanafford]

This was one of my favorite bands growing up try to pick live versions that’s where they shine they also performed with the Chicago youth orchestra awesome production

[@hudsonhollow]

Suite as in a collection of different pieces of music performed as one.

[@davidherbert4508]

I never thought about it that way, but I think you're right. Suits madame blue is America. You taught me something. Never too old to learn

[@doubler8684]

So many good songs from Styx!

[@johngibby2026]

I enjoy watching your reactions to the songs I grew up on. I'll have to see if you reviewed Kansas, and Jackson Brown.

[@allengray5748]

Zall Good!! You figured it out! One of my fave by STYX! This song and the GRAND ILLUSION album specifically! Peace 🕊️☮️♾️♾️

[@thomasvlach4610]

I love Styx, Great Chicago area band.

[@robertfindley921]

You sure are in a goofy mood today! Excellent Styx song. Dennis likes to have multi-part songs with very different sounds. In my view, this song stands the test of time far better than some of their more popular tunes. But a great band with a deep catalog regardless.

[@franksullivan1873]

We all wish we could sing like this.

[@MarioButter]

Suite, as in music: "a modern instrumental composition in several movements of different character" is the definition that applies.

[@swamihuman9395]

- Song summary: Make America great again. [Predates, and has no relation to "that" guy.]

[@teedepefanio4974]

Styx was such a great band... this song is a masterpiece.. AMERICA! A force to be reckoned with... for realz...

[@PhonePole68]

I nailed this way back. Practice and opportunity is success.

[@edwinrohrer9441]

Britt, you can sing! Keep up the great and entertaining reactions!

[@johncocktose1086]

Check out “Madame Butterfly” by Malcolm McClaren. Interesting 80s blend of opera. The vocals are insane.

[@danielcole4123]

Britt, Dennis DeYoung has an album out called 10 on Broadway you might like as you stated you love Broadway music

[@denniscarter3657]

Fun to watch the light bulb light! 🇺🇸

[@maxnovax3948]

A song ahead of its time.

[@kimberlygarwood-jl5om]

A Styx masterpiece. My favorite of theirs. Dennis DeYoung's vocals are unmatched. James Young's guitar solo is fire. This was just before Tommy Shaw joined the group.

[@sopdox]

A looking glass is a mirror, not a crystal ball. By the way, Styx has a song called Crystal Ball.

[@farfromperfek]

The first part is a very common progression and style. The Beatles' "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" Led Zep's "Babe I'm going to leave you" Chicago "25 or 6 to four" Green Day "Brain Stew" and many others.

[@matteoedwardes2876]

Lady, Best of Times, and then Tommy as lead songs are my favs actually. These are first few by Styx are a definitely for the more theatrical listener.

[@mikeb36240]

M. S. G. (McAuley Schenker Group) "Anytime" 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

A suite is a series of musical movements. This is why you noticed so many changes in the song.

[@memorylane7068]

Suite is a collection of musical compositions, hence all of the changes.

[@pulpman1970]

I like what you do, when you stop and start the song so many times how do you truly get a feel of the song itself?

[@ivernik]

1:27 "Feels like a Queen song." More like Scorpions. :)

[@ChrisGravitt-l6e]

Hey Britt - If you are still not sure what the song "Suite Madame Blue" is about you should look up, here on KZbin - Dennis DeYoung (Formerly of Styx) - Performs and then Talks About "Suite Madam Blue". (If you have not seen this already) Dennis, along with Chuck and John Panozzo, was one of the founding members of Styx. He wrote the vast majority of their songs. As many here have pointed Dennis DeYoung is a Musical treasure. He was not just a singer and performer - he was a "Showman".

[@dananema2074]

Sweet Madame blue=the good old USA. You don't find out till the end. Then when you go back and listen to it it all makes sense. It's metaphorical and maybe a bit prophetic.

[@stephaniethurmer5370]

I always associated madame blue as the United States

[@kenneth2875]

From the Internet-The song metaphorically personifies America as “Madame Blue,” symbolizing the country’s essence and character. Through its lyrics, Suite Madame Blue invites listeners on a reflective journey-challenging them to question the state of their nation and society. By delving deep into the meaning behind this beloved song, we can gain a greater understanding of its significance and appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship that went into its creation

[@sudahb]

A looking glass can also be a mirror.

[@prettyboyfloydms]

Sweet Madam Blue is about the Statue Of Liberty/America!!

[@johnhayes3314]

The break is from the Prelude to the song

[@kswwhodat]

Read this in an article "The word “suite” in the title refers to a series of interconnected musical movements that flow seamlessly together. This choice of titling emphasizes the song’s composition as a cohesive whole, with each section contributing to the overall message and journey. “Madame Blue” symbolizes America, portraying the nation as a character with her own unique identity and complexities."

[@randyjohnston7749]

Written for bicentennial (1976) saying how strong America was and thought of around the world...now this song is more accurate than ever

[@Fonpol68]

This band inspired me singing.

[@mr.mojorisin1616]

Suite means a song with two or more parts to it. Madame Blue represents the Statue of Liberty.

[@swamihuman9395]

- It's a "suite" song (composed of different parts) - and, it's also "sweet" :)

[@markswisher3709]

looking glass is a mirror.

[@castlew4162]

No problem - it is somewhat meant to have you discover the analogy during the song; and then you have to go back and listen to it again - clever, right? Dennis DeYoung wrote this in 1975 for the upcoming Bicentenial of 1976 as a reflection of how current things were going (Vietnam, energy crisis, politics, inflation) compared to his experience as a kid and teen; and then with hope for a better future. Musically, it was his writing an epic song along the lines of "Stairway To Heaven". Check out Dennis' performance live in 1983 or 1996 where he holds the "more" note for a long time - a signature he did when performing this live. A "suite" of music is a collection of multiple movements that are different but work together to tell the story of the song. On the "Equinox" album there is an intro track "Prelude 12" by John Curulewski on a 12-string acoustic guitar; and on the original vinyl record there is no gap between tracks - they should have made it all one track like with Boston's "Foreplay/Long Time".

[@jerryhenderson3542]

A looking glass is a mirror, not a crystal ball, but "Crystal Ball" is another song from the same album.

[@custercrazyhorse8616]

You liked it 😁

[@jameshoecker2646]

It's about "AMERICAN" 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸👍

[@brandonseyfried1251]

You dressed in your jewels and made your own rules you conquered the world and more......Heaven's door. Space program/nuclear arms race reference. Genius.

[@scottrichter2865]

You love them live! Check this song out from 1996

[@kevinvernon5851]

Wait for it, the song is about America.

[@clintlandrum9498]

I'm gonna go with America --- the song is about America.

[@RonaldCanfield-m2r]

"Crystal Ball"

[@edyarb]

Early Styx is the best! I would recommend LORELI and LONELY CHILD from the same album...

[@carlosvaladez2186]

Another 🔥 reaction

[@brittreacts]

Thank you!

[@kimdawcatgirl]

I love Grand Illusion.

[@STYXFRKS]

Please do more Styx. Enjoying your reactions to them.

[@brittreacts]

I’ll check them out!

[@doncarlton4858]

Have you ever noticed the blue-green color of the copper skin of the Statue of Liberty 🗽? Literally "Suite Madame Blue"!

[@teedepefanio4974]

The entire song is about the USA.... Gee... its killin me that noone ever showed you this song... i could spend a month showing you classic rock music that would completely blow your mind. When you wanna, i wanna... ❤🇺🇸

[@albangel1689]

You never disappoint. Thx for making me lmao

[@robertobonanzi4612]

Hi, I wanted to propose for your reaction two songs by Jimi Hendrix, which are not among the most well-known or famous, and which have only been performed live on a few occasions, but which will certainly be able to demonstrate how this artist has given us incredible things. This is "Dolly Dagger/Villanova Junction" performed in Maui-Hi, 07/30/1970. Listening ends at minute 10.38. Thanks for your consideration.

[@taramahoney2412]

Styx is from my state of Illinois.

[@BDUBZ49]

That's how we do in Chicago.

[@chrisbaldwin5676]

It is about the United States. But it is specifically about the US trying to host the Olympics in 1976.

[@victorjohnson7512]

This song was written for the US 1976 bicentennial. America was going through a hysterical patriotic fad. People were wearing red white and blue bell bottoms and crazy stuff like that. Styx was singing about the exploitation of history.

[@garywoolf2596]

Yep.... Madam blue is America

[@nealm6764]

Madame Blue is france, decayed in global stature after giving us Satue of Liberty, Red white and blue is America. Who ascended in global stature.

[@georgejetson1379]

Statue of Liberty was Suite Madame Blue.... It was just restore for the Bi-centenial celebration in 1976 as the blue color of the copper encasing cause from the elements over time... thus the reflective on this perspective was Styx's directive... Miss detective... ;)

[@BigTaterRay]

The beginning melody Sounds just like Led Zeppelin’s babe I’m gonna leave you