Styx - Crystal Ball | REACTION

[@susanoneill370]

One of my favorite songs of all time! Says a lot. Go down the rabbit hole, boys!! "Suite Madame Blue" next....

[@ilabelle1]

The four albums, Equinox, Crystal Ball, The Grand Illusion and Pieces of Eight are all excellent albums from start to finish.

[@richardrader6427]

Styx is the river (from Greek mythology) of the underworld. Or hell

[@VersinKettorix]

Yeah, it's "south" somewhere. 🙂

[@jwine4145]

Their first album with Tommy Shaw. A classic

[@StevePerrysMyMan]

Tommy is an MFing STUD!!!

[@RonaldCanfield-m2r]

One of my favorite Styx tunes (penned by Tommy Shaw)! Another great Styx tune penned by Tommy Shaw is "Man in the Wilderness," which also gets deep in the lyrics.

[@petermacnab1871]

Man in the Wilderness is one of my favourite songs from Styx and is relatively unknown as far as radio play and attention.

[@RaymondBCrisp]

Shaw is on record in an interview as saying this song came out of a rough period in his life, where he wasn't sure music was going to be able to carry him through life as a profession. Indeed, he was seeking reassurance.

[@davidbresser804]

Hard to believe Tommy Shaw wrote this classic as a teenager what an unbelievable talent, such a masterpiece of music ❤

[@thegorn68]

What an addition Tommy Shaw was to the band. Great first album with him as a member.

[@tommarks3726]

Gotta love those harmonies.

[@Vaelsung1]

A Styx signature for sure. When you have 3 lead vocalists, all tenors, it makes for some beautiful soaring harmonies.

[@gregj1295]

What a song! Great Album. Next song "Miss America"

[@Coowallsky]

Yes!....because that was sung by James (J.Y.) Young.

[@dawnpatrol700]

The LIVE Caught In the Act version is best

[@deannacruz2108]

When Styx performed their songs were masterpieces. They arranged each part of the song. You should listen to “Man in the Wilderness” and “Castle Walls”.

[@gregsilver8312]

This is MY favorite Styx song

[@myratatano9530]

Next Styx song needs to be their first big hit, Lady! Banger of a love song!

[@ewancarmichael3412]

Great review of a brilliant song. Tommy has been killing it for decades now, writing and performing for Styx, Damn Yankees, solo, and even writing for bands like Aerosmith. He also appeared on the latest Alan Parsons album.

[@sirrobin4394]

I never understood why this song didn't make it bigger back in the day, but that's what discographies are for. You pick one of the all time great bands (like this one) dig through their catalog, and gems like this one come up. :)

[@xtrmfc]

A Styx fave of mine … 👍🏼

[@mrbaseballpb]

Listen to the Live version! It will knock your socks off!

[@Vaelsung1]

What a pleasant surprise to see you guys reacting to this great Styx classic. It's Dennis DeYoung's turn next time with "Come Sail Away" or "Castle Walls" or James "JY" Young's turn with "Miss America". All 3 of these highly recommended tracks come from their 1977 album "The Grand Illusion" which is an absolute masterpiece.

[@jwine4145]

Just what I was going to suggest. Castle Walls and the rocking banger Miss America.

[@kyleturner1359]

@@jwine4145 both are incredible.

[@sopdox]

Dennis DeYoung, I’d consider the “main lead singer”. James Young (JY) also sings lead. Snowblind and Miss America are great songs with JY taking lead. Along with those two songs, Come Sail Away, Too Much Time on My Hands, The Grand Illusion, Blue Collar Man, Foolin’ Yourself, are a must. There’s also a bunch of ballads in their discography.

[@toddmichelfelder3417]

I wore this out when it came out! I was a young teenager and something about it just hit. I am a big Tommy Shaw fan...

[@Deborahtunes]

Tommy was the reason why I became a Styx fan...

[@benatone5633]

Went to my first Styx concert when Tommy Shaw came out by himself with a twelve string acoustic guitar and played this song. Has been one of my favorites ever since.

[@laurakali6522]

Fooling Yourself , Come Sail Away and The Grand Illusion. 9th grade memories. So good.

[@lisaeddins5291]

The River Styx is the main underworld river that the ferryman Charon would take the souls of the dead across into Hades

[@castlew4162]

Tommy Shaw wrote an all-acoustic version of this song when he was back in Alabama after leaving his first band and wondering what direction his life would go. "Crystal Ball" was the first Styx studio album since Tommy joined the band, and the band re-worked it to be a Styx song. How many bands title their next album with a song by the new guy? When "Crystal Ball" is performed live, Tommy does an extended guitar solo "walkabout" the stage(instead of the fade-out for radio) and then they do another Chorus. Also, live they rock this harder (like most songs done live). Some rare times, Tommy will go back to the acoustic 12-string and do the additional verse from the version before he joined Styx. Styx has a lot of good/great songs that were either minor hits or just deep cuts but fan favorites. One of those deep cuts is "CASTLE WALLS". Another is "Man In The Wilderness", and a third is "Queen Of Spades". You can even go back to the early days with a jazz-rock fusion track by John Curulewski (the guy before Tommy Shaw) called "A Day". For some top-tier rockin' Tommy, check out "Come Again" by Damn Yankees: Tommy Shaw, Jack Blades(Night Ranger), Ted Nugent, Michael Cartellone(now with Lynyrd Skynyrd).

[@jeffhogland8953]

A Day is killer

[@kittiecoast]

I want to KISS all 3 of you for doing this Y'ALL ROCK 💖

[@beauqc5587]

There is no sound for a crystal ball, so watching you try to find one was H I L A R I O U S! You guys had a case of the sillies on this one and I LOVED it. You guys are everything. Thanks for your endlessly entertaining reviews.

[@johnouimette6702]

...and how is it they are not in the Hall of Fame?!

[@jeffcobb2734]

"Renegade" "Blue Collar Man" "Crystal Ball" "Fooling Yourself" "Man in the Wilderness" Tommy Shaw wrote/sang most of my favorite Styx songs.

[@kittiecoast]

YEAH! my fave Styx tune ..Tommy Shaw phenomenal awesome guys 💖

[@timwirasnik5878]

This is my All - Time favorite Styx Track, well this and Loreli

[@Deborahtunes]

Styx has always had 3 singer/songwriters, and briefly had 4. James (JY) Young is their 3rd lead vocalists, and plays lead guitar. And very different still. I would suggest his track "Miss America", studio version. This particular song is my 3rd favorite Styx tune of all time. Tommy wrote it before joining Styx in December of 1975, replacing John Curulewski on guitar. The original recording was simply acoustic guitar, with an extra verse which was removed to fit in the keyboards section on this version. It might be on KZbin, by Shaw's band named 'Harvest', if you're interested in hearing it...

[@Lillie31966]

My favorite Styx song.

[@jamesgoldman6942]

That song is FIRE!!! Thanks Bevis great review of a GREAT GREAT song that's FIRE!!

[@PeloJase]

From the album die-hard Styx fan claims to hate (but secretly loves) = Kilroy was here: Check out "Haven't We Been Here Before" where Tommy Shaw and Dennis DeYoung sing wonderfully together (it's a full on ballad, not a power ballad).

[@kingvii7250]

My favorumite album from Styx. "Shooz" is one I like from the album and"Ballerina"

[@montemurdoch5032]

Hidden gems are " Ballerina "; " This Old Man "; " come Sail Away "

[@jeffp3415]

The Crystal Ball album was the first Styx album to include Tommy Shaw. Their next album is "The Grand Illusion", which you definitely need to hit. It was the breakout album that made them superstars and the favorite album of most Styx fans. My favorites from that album are "Fooling Yourself" and "Man in the Wilderness", both Tommy Shaw compositions.

[@beadybaby]

This and sing for the day and pretty much all of Paradise theater are my favorites

[@Anautistictherapist]

You should try Castle Walls. It’s a throwback to their older stuff like Crystal Ball.

[@Vaelsung1]

"Castle Walls" is without question one of their best songs ever.

[@Butterflies-are-free]

@@Vaelsung1I think so too 💕

[@thomasestrada1479]

Great Styx songs to listen to are Snowblind, “Miss America” and “Suite Madam Blue”.

[@alienlifeform7490]

Great reaction guys. It's always interesting to see 3 guys all react differently, but be "hooked" at the same time. I so enjoy when reactors get meditative while they're watching a song, especially like this one. Styx is an amazing grouop.

[@Pickles0607]

One of my favorite songs by Styx. If you get the chance to see them in concert you won't be dissapointed. Have seen them 5 times over the years.

[@lilpoohbear653]

Solid tune for many years...always good every friggin time :))))

[@dwoehrma]

This was Tommy's first contribution to Styx. He had been playing a short acoustic version of this in the bars. Styx then added all the rest and made it a classic. It did get airplay but it got overshadowed by their huge hits that came right after this album.

[@toddc.2029]

Crystal Ball slid under the radar It became my favorite song when I first listened to the album

[@TallyDrake]

I agree with Nick. How did I never hear this song before? Great song!😊🥰

[@lindastafford9548]

I hadn't heard this either! Great song.

[@markdicesare7936]

that made my day,thanks for that it's one of my favorites.

[@ronaldcardinali2809]

please do next from styx , these other's super hits "Miss America'' , ''Blue collar man'' , ''Too much times in my hands'' & ''Sweet madame blue''

[@michellejones-zu1kq]

Great song and album. You guys are not alone in saying this 1 slipped by. I had this album had used to fall asleep with my headphones on listening to it. Tommy shaw sung the song, rest of the guys were backup on this. Great reaction guys! P.s. styx is the river that surrounds the land of the dead. In mythology you must pay the ferry man to cross it or risk losing your soul forever in its waters.

[@elma4250]

Styx was simply excellent - Each piece was so well done. THIS REACTION was probably the very best because of the laughter involved..........Ryan? PLEASE CONTINUE LAUGHING!!!! LOL

[@janetnadeau690]

I gotta get my crystal ball out on this reaction. I like it!

[@emfer3010]

This is for now my favourite reaction. ❤ When I need a good laugh, I always come backto this one. Nick searching for his crystal ball, it is hilarious 😂😂😂 Thanks, guys ✌️

[@joelliebler5690]

A Hall of Fame worthy rock band that should have been elected many years ago! Songs like Come Sail Away, The Wall, and Suite Madame Blue are worth checking out as well! I saw them last year and Tommy can still sing with that magical voice all these years later!

[@Vaelsung1]

The Wall? Did you mean "Castle Walls"? If so, I couldn't agree more. "Castle Walls" is fire! 🔥

[@joelliebler5690]

@@Vaelsung1 Yes of course!I purchased the album around the time of it’s release and for some reason I forgot the name of that great song from one of my top 10 favorite albums!

[@markhaus2830]

@@Vaelsung1 Yes, The Wall is Kansas from Leftoverture.

[@Marcus-Oh-really-yes]

Great song! Check out the album full-length version of "Come Sail Away," which features a middle instrumental section with synthesizers that kinda mimic underwater dolphin and whale sounds.

[@jeffreypbrown4729]

The arrangements, production, playing ... Doesn't matter what you think of the band, their eminence in the rock world can't be denied.

[@paulwebster3417]

This was one of the songs of our generation

[@stevenscharmer1765]

Here are a couple top suggestions for the other 2 singers. The 2nd guitarist James Young sings on Miss America (a great hard rocker) and Snowblind (very moody). Keyboardist Dennis DeYoung sings on Queen of Spades (a dark edge to the singing, music, and lyrics on this heavy rocker), and a song (with intro) that gets my highest recommendation: Prelude 12/Suite Madame Blue. It's their masterpiece, a proggy tune that has 12-string guitar intro (please include this prelude), a sumptuous vocal harmony section, a synth solo leading into a metalized section, and a rousing big finish. All 4 of these songs would probably be new to all 3 of you guys.

[@Vaelsung1]

I endorse all of these recommendations but I'd give the nod to "Queen of Spades". Menacing, elegant, towering, epic yet sublime.

[@jamesgoldman6942]

Man In The Wilderness, Suite Madame Blue & Just Get Thru This Night are all deep deep EPIC Styx tracks. Just Get Thru This Night gets ragged some because its off the Kilroy album but Tommy is on Fire on that song as he is with Man In The Wilderness. All 3 of these are FIRE FIRE!!!

[@mikemerck5701]

Gotta listen to Madame Blue from same period. Dennis sings this one.

[@glennj61]

Styx has had 3 main singers, Dennis DeYoung, Tommy Shaw and James Young. James Young didn't sing lead on very many songs. Probably his most well known song where he sang lead was Miss America from The Grand Illusion album. Dennis DeYoung's songs were usually Styx's biggest hits like Lady, Come Sail Away, and Babe.

[@Vaelsung1]

James Young sang more songs than Dennis DeYoung did on those 4 early RCA/Wooden Nickel albums but once Tommy joined the band JY's lead vocal contributions diminished significantly.

[@glennj61]

@@Vaelsung1 Yes, I meant to say Miss America was about the only song that James Young sang lead on that got any radio airplay.

[@johnhitchens2265]

Styx's song "Ballerina" from the same album has their ultimate dueling guitar fade-out

[@annewoodard6803]

I owned the album in High School. Classic early Styx.

[@keefmack]

I’ve always felt this was Styx’s greatest song. Really great song.

[@kimkovaly2393]

Same here. It's been my favorite since I first heard it

[@bcutler001]

Styx Paradise Theater is my favorite. Rockin' the Paradise, Too Much Time On My Hands, and The Best Of Times should be on your list. Crystal Ball... good stuff! Tommy Shaw - Girls With Guns and Damn Yankees - Can You Take Me Higher.

[@IllumeEltanin]

In the’70s, most Prog bands were from the UK. Some people feel Kansas and Styx are not Prog. At most they’ll grant them a “Prog-adjacent” nod. But, for ‘70s American Prog, in my opinion you can’t get much better than Kansas, Styx, and Starcastle.

[@FreeMTrider]

All super talented bands that could play with the best of them.

[@victor4truth]

Styx and Kansas are definitely Prog.

[@827dusty]

So many great Styx songs from the 70s. After that, they changed in the 80s to a far less desirable brand of music. The first 4 albums were great. "Man in The Wilderness," is a must reaction if you haven't already. Tanks guys

[@generoberts9151]

“Man in the Wilderness” is another almost sequel type piece with Shaw’s great vocals. Recommend a review. Another not so radio played tune.

[@robertcass7723]

One of my favorites. Another one of their great songs is Boat on the River

[@bobbyweber2011]

Styx is the river you cross to reach the underworld of the dead

[@lancewright8652]

You will love Suite Madame Blue.. by Styx..

[@paulwebster3417]

One of their best songs, because Tommy Shaw is singing.

[@Frostrazor]

Song obviously about a lost lonely soul unsure of himself and the world around him. Thought by many as the sequel to this song "Man In the Wilderness" from the Grand Illusion album (which is my fav Styx song and album ever), is a masterpiece song and really resonates with so many young people today with so much uncertainty about their life, their identity and the way forward. I highly recommend checking out that song - the guitars in that song are wicked fire!

[@DM-hk4cw]

" Man in the Wilderness " was inspired by Kansas' album " Leftoverture" according to Shaw. Styx and Kansas toured together and Shaw was floored by their lyrics and pretty much changed his life.

[@Vaelsung1]

@@DM-hk4cw True, both by their lyrics and musicianship.

[@donnafields2271]

Crystal Ball was not a best seller for Styx. Try Grand Illusion! That album was there best and plus more hits on it. You do need to listen to Dennis DeYoung his voice is awesome and unique. Lady, Grand Illusion, Come Sail Away, Sweet Madame Blue, Castle Walls, Mr. Roboto, Show Me The Way, Don’t Let It End are all sung by Dennis. Please check one of them out too!!

[@brucemarshall9521]

That was a Magic Wand sound effect. 😁

[@kennelson6055]

Suite Madam Blue should be you guys next Styx tune. One of my favorite songs. Absolutely great guitar solo too!

[@Az777]

I've always loved their song 'Lorelei'

[@freeforever6971]

This band played a concert in my home town in 1975 before tommy shaw! Thanks for the song!

[@sizzledan31]

Other great tracks from them: Suite Madame Blue, Man in the Wilderness, Come Sail Away, Show Me The Way and Queen of Spades. There are plenty more, but that should be enough to get you started.

[@sonyaleduc6378]

I adore this song. Thanks boys for reacting

[@kel5423]

If you like the fantasy feel of this one, you've got to hear Castle Walls by Styx. My favorite song from them.

[@bbox5938]

Great reaction. Thank you. 11:45 in - Yes Tommy Shaw's vocals are really great. If you haven't heard him in "Damn Yankees"? Then you must check out: "High Enough", "Come Again". All star band with Jack Blades of Night Ranger bass/vocals and Ted Nugent, Michael Cartellone on drums. Much love

[@andrewgarin2486]

Nice review guys! I'd like to recommend "Lorelei" from the 1975 recording 'Equinox'. It was a special song that my older brother and sister played at their parties in the mid 70's.

[@emzirek]

The River Styx was where Achilles mother held her son by the heal to dip him into the river affording him protection but his heal didn't get dipped creating a vulnerability and the term Achilles Heal as a weak point in any defense and where we get the medical term the Achilles Tendon. Achilles was killed in battle when an arrow pierced his unprotected heal

[@eckman65]

May I suggest Miss America by Styx another one you didn’t hear often on the radio but rocks out!

[@Zane1962]

Styx: one of the rivers in the underworld, over which Charon ferried the souls of the dead

[@octaviogamboa6187]

Mann in the wilderness , too

[@MarkB-zu4fs]

Love this song. The song actually was written with one more verse. To hear the last verse check out Tommy Shaw with the Contemporary Youth Orchestra. A great video. The entire concert is a must see.

[@marybrant9586]

They're still touring. You should check them out. Tommy Shaw, James Young and the rest of the crew are amazing

[@johnlivingston6162]

I have 5,000 CDs.... this song is an absolute masterpiece and makes my top 10

[@BuccWylde]

Tons of quality tunes.. Blue Collar Man, Suite Madame Blue, Snowblind, Half Penny- Two Penny.

[@pamelaellis2291]

Try some Damn Yankees with Tommy Shaw, Ted Nugent, Jake Blades of Night Ranger and Michael Cartellone who currently is the drummer for Lynyrd Skynyrd. They were considered a supergroup.

[@lynosbourne2024]

BIG FAN OF THE 502!!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@jeffreyraines2572]

“Suite Madam Blue”

[@oh4sox]

Too funny!!

[@imsirius2]

In one of Styx's concert videos, Tommy tells the story of writing this song, explaining that they were on the road touring with Kansas and he was inspired by Kansas and sat down and wrote Crystal Ball in one night.

[@Vaelsung1]

Actually, "Crystal Ball" was written before TS joined Styx. The song you're referring to is "Man in the Wilderness" which is the sequel to "Crystal Ball".

[@ChataCovers]

check out "suite madam blue" , "lady" , " Lorelei"

[@Embur12]

The first power ballad...

[@FreeMTrider]

I can imagine back when Styx was making it happen in the '70s for the first time, on the road, never knowing what is going to happen on tour, you would like to have some hope that things are going to be alright. All of the hard rock bands back then were thrown into the industry without knowing how it would turn out. Crazy industry back then.

[@wen-nz3sk]

Tommy's first album with Styx and we ain't looked back... ❤🔥👍🏽 "Man In The Wilderness" please. 😊