Styx - Man in the Wilderness (Reaction)

[@kurtjanicki7325]

Tommy wrote this after their first night opening for Kansas in 1976. He was completely inspired the the "HUGE" sound Kansas brought to the stage and wanted to capture that - NAILED IT IN SPADES!

[@Michael-cf9cj]

I never heard that before. And I love Kansas too so it really works.

[@billyoliver4000]

That whole album is incredible. Check out Castle Walls.

[@viclagina347]

FAV song off this album.... Very Pink Floyd-esque

[@Whisper_292]

Castle Walls was definitely the best son on a fantastic album.

[@deshawnameer6406]

I guess I am kinda off topic but do anyone know a good website to watch newly released series online ?

[@amirmark5875]

yup, have been using flixportal for since march myself :)

[@playbassken]

Agreed! If you thought this was emotional you gotta hear 'Castle Walls'. You will be moved!

[@randybrady9936]

I can't believe Styx isn't in the rock and roll hall of fame but they have bands you never even hardly heard of like the Cure..... Styx was part of everyone youth in the 70s & 80s and they were incredible good

[@donjackson5522]

The Grand Illusion was the very first album I ever bought. Love every track. Still have it. Love that you reacted to this song.

[@darrenwozniak4364]

Tommy Shaw is criminally underrated

[@KennethN-v5h]

James”J.y”young is the bomb as well

[@Whisper_292]

Styx is one of the greatest theatrical bands ever. Every song you listen to is going to floor you. They're ALL unique.

[@tkblondish5820]

Tommy Shaw said he wrote this song in one night after a concert where they opened for Kansas. Part of this was about how big the world was and how small he felt in the grand scheme of things. He talks about thousands of people looking at him, but not knowing him at all, referencing the audience. There are many references to the fight to do better and being pushed to achieve and being lost in the midst of all of it, as an individual. He spoke on stage about feeling like a man in the wilderness when the reality of what they needed to live up to became more than he imagined it could be. The climb to stardom takes a tole.

[@csphoenix9]

Tommy Shaw was the singer and lead on this song. They did 2 albums live Grand Illusion and Pieces of Eight, worth your while.

[@doggystylez10]

The Return to Paradise reunion live album is also worth listening too

[@TheAmtwhite]

Three lead singer/songwriters in Styx. Amazing harmonies together!! They all contributed to the songs. Change in sound due to various tastes of the three and the change in decades to the 80’s.

[@kevint9125]

one of the most talented bands of all time...Great musicians and song writers...They have always been my favorite band despite all the other bands I love...

[@duster691]

Just turned 58 on November 14th, 2022. This album was my very first album, along with my new Teak sound system. Songs like this one, have always stood out to me. Love Styx!!

[@mellamell7441]

One of the things Styx was so good at was suspense and tension in their music. Love ❤️ it!

[@billcobb6447]

still are

[@bobdelp2023]

YOU NOTICE AND SEE HOW DIFFERENT BANDS SONGS WERE FROM THE 70'S TO THE 80'S??? :) AMAAAZINGGGGG GIRL!

[@richardmodglin3900]

We had... S...E...L...E...C...T...I...O...N!

[@danielgonzalez-dw4cq]

It's about a soldier coming back from the war in Vietnam and people not looking at them in a bad Way even though they were forced to go towar.

[@centuryrox]

Man, I haven't heard this song in a long long time! This came out back when I was in the 8th grade, and I wore this album out back then! I had forgotten how good this song was! You should really check out another song off that same album - "Miss America" - a great rocker! You'll love it!

[@garyhinsley3252]

Brilliant album grew up listening to it folk don't no what they are missing if never heard it great band

[@richardthorne2804]

Favorite Styx song all time.

[@elitemember1000]

I grew up in the 70's and this is my favorite song by Styx! Love it!

[@jamesharper3933]

I remember my brother buying this album when it came out. We wore it out. A true masterpiece album.

[@jimangela4589]

Tommy Shaw is the catalyst that Styx needed to put this band over the top. He wrote this song. This album and the following album "Pieces Of Eight", are the two best albums by this band and are easily top albums for anyone interested in 70s music. The next album from 1979, "Cornerstone" is pretty good too.

[@markmcintosh2737]

Equinox was pretty good to

[@msaz2720]

Tommy Shaw wrote and sang this one, he has said that he drew inspiration from his brother, who was in the military, and also about himself, as he was a young man at the age of 24 when he wrote it. Yes, Tommy can saaanngg, I’ve seen them many times in concert, as recent as 2019 and at 67, Tommy sounds exactly the same. Their 1st four albums(with Tommy) went multi platinum. The guy is an amazing talent! And yeah, most Styx fans forgive them for Mr Roboto...🤣😂😂😂🤣

[@hunkahillbilly]

I've been a fan since the 70s when Grand Illusion came out. I never got to see them live until 2 years ago the day after they opened their tour for crash of the Crown An absolutely incredible show! And you are both right-Tommy had a wonderfully unique voice back then and still does today. He and JT are both still amazing. And I don't care what anyone says, Gowan is a great artist and performer as well!

[@catherineferguson7646]

That song took away from what they represented. Some band members weren't even in Dennis' little play. They wanted to write deep and crafted songs with their own recognizable sound.

[@ashiqurrohman7731]

One of the greatest albums in rock history by one of the most talented band out there. What a piece of art !

[@silentwood207]

Very first album I ever bought. The entire album is awesome.

[@bartondonnelly5293]

I am so glad that you liked this song. You get it. Every time I hear this song I cry because I can identify with what he is singing.

[@mattguitarwilson]

STYX is an AWESOME band!

[@Dreamstalker8002]

YES!

[@PeloJase]

Absolutely

[@shilohdaniels4213]

Tommy Shaw is the most amazing singer and musician. And can write the best songs. I love him.

[@NoLegalPlunder]

An incredibly talented band. Even their new stuff is awesome. Their old stuff, even way before this, is the stuff of legend.

[@SonnyThomasShow1]

I would totally agree with you on that one! 👍🏻

[@frankensteinlives5451]

The Styx that my friends and I loved was the Pieces of Eight or the Grand Illusion albums. Not a bad song on either album. This group rocked it well.

[@alhartkopf9455]

Kilroy Was Here, the album from which Mr. Roboto sprang, was Dennis DeYoung's vision of the direction of Styx. The rest of the band thought otherwise. Grand Illusion preceded Kilroy and captured the talent of the entire band. While touring for Kilroy, gigs fewer and they really faded from the coliseum rock scene. Years later Styx returned to the road without Dennis and found their fan base was still there and remain there to this day. I worked for them during the Grand Illusion tour and always felt it a high water mark. They have done a show where they do the entire album, take a break, then come back and do the entire Pieces of Eight album. Epic. Glad to see so many young brothers and sisters of all backgrounds discovering the music of the era.

[@Mongobbad]

My favorite band of all time. Seen them in concert 8 times from the the 70’s up till last year. 👍🏼

[@pamagnolia]

I love Styx! Thanks Tasha!! You must do Lady by them. 💐

[@rockerforlife194]

I have always loved STYX since High School in the 70s. Such an amazing and, rocking band when they wanna rock! Great reaction, love your channel! Kudos!

[@catherineferguson7646]

I really relate to this song in my interpretation. How your life can change over time and in a way you would never anticipate. Love it.

[@billcobb6447]

seen them in concert about 35 times.

[@Tanirocker]

Girl, you need to come with us Styx Chyx to a live show. You’ll love it!

[@dmCurator]

I used to crank this to the max all the time when I was 15. Love it.

[@joyceadams7426]

That's Styx.. just doing what they do !

[@castlew4162]

Styx has 3 songwriters 3 lead vocalists, and with it a wide variety of songs. As suggested, "Prelude 12/Suite: Madame Blue", "Fooling Yourself", "Castle Walls", "Crystal Ball", "Queen Of Spades", "Pieces Of Eight", "Snowblind", and "Clair De Lune/Ballerina"..

[@stromghouls]

pieces of eight is my favorite styx album. it has styx most bombastic song. great white hope. it was the first album i ever listened that made me want to become a drummer when i was 5 years old in 1978. it kinda changed my life.

[@jpbliss1]

Yes! The feeling of being lost is definitely captured here. The rest of the album is equally great. Love the emotion on your face as you worked through the song. That's what it's all about. Thanks, and keep rockin!

[@markoliver630]

This was their peak and it was a great one. Fantastic album and great concert @ the Chicago Theatre. Recommended.

[@gandalf679]

One of my all time favorite bands, saw them in the 70's, man what a show...and this strange green haze over the whole crowd, and I was up front, and diggin' these guys, what a fantastic show...but, still in my 60's I have no idea what that green haze was.....LOL!!!!

[@Pait728]

"Grand Illusion" is one of those "go on a journey" albums. Get a glass of wine or a bowl, put on the headphones, kick back and take off for an hour. Great LP.

[@trishafoster8019]

Absolutely ❤ your reaction! One of my all time Styx songs.

[@buixrule]

This is probably my favorite Styx tune ever. There's so many but I love this one. The reason this sounds nothing like Mr. Roboto is because Tommy Shaw the singer of this tune as well as lead guitar on this tune, is a rocker through and through so his flavor came out in this tune.

[@mickmcmick8247]

Can't wait for you to hear more. Styx are one of the best bands of all time. "Come Sail Away" "Suite Madame Blue" to mention a few from their amazing catalogue.

[@viclagina347]

Tommy Shaw was singing and playing the lead guitar.... He also sang and played guitar in the Damn Yankees

[@thomasedward1319]

Styx deserve to be in the Hall of fame

[@stevengrant8668]

Note: Styx...3 different singers: Dennis did Mr. Robto...ballads...show tunes. Tommy: ballads...meaningful deep story songs..rockers. James Young : Rockers, hard edge, Hendrix fan. Two guitarists, keyboards, and rhythm section.

[@bradleysheakley5955]

Definitely my favorite Styx song!

[@StevesFunhouse]

Tasha, just gotta say ... luv ya, mean it !!! Such a great response and reaction/review !!! Always makes me smile.

[@michaelmartin9128]

This Is Their Greatest Album and they got some great ones. The Grand Illusion, Castle Walls, my Favorite, Miss America, Fooling Yourself are some that you have to do. You will not be disappointed. Looking forward to you reacting to them. 💗🤘

[@Smedley61]

Tommy Shaw did Styx hits "Renegade", "Fooling Yourself", "Blue Collar Man", and "Too Much Time On My Hands", but my favorite by him is his first with the band "Crystal Ball".

[@ChildofGod474]

Jy and then Tommy on that solo is amazing, and catches the mood of the song perfectly.

[@jasonwilliams6005]

My favorite Styx song.

[@missygatian1783]

Need more Styx. Great band!

[@jamesgoldman6942]

Fantastic Review I really enjoyed this. I love this Styx song. Like to suggest another Styx classic song 'Suite Madame Blue' off the Equinox album and the Video & Styx song 'Show Me The Way'. The video to this song is very powerful. You are spot on with this GREAT review.

[@TheCosmicGenius]

Mr. Robot was an experiment in the 80s, & was a huge departure from their earlier work. The 70s music is great, but sound like the 70s, & I like it all. Try the song, 'Renegade'; or, 'Born for Adventure'.

[@clayadkins9305]

Styx is NOT mr. Roboto! That was part of the rift that led to the other singer Dennis DeYoung being asked to leave. They've got a bunch of bangers: Suite Madame Blue, Renegade, Blue Collar Man, Crystal Ball, Snowblind, etc. You should really follow that rabbit hole! They've got impeccable singing and musicianship in this band. Ive been a fan since 1977!!

[@Ledzepnut]

My favorite song by them, by far

[@pamagnolia]

Tasha, you should put this on your list. A Whiter Shade of Pale, Live in Denmark 2006 by Procol Harum. You’ll love it!

[@DystOptimist]

But Percy did it better.

[@tsimmons12]

The Mr Roboto era was a huge change to their sound. Most people don't consider it to have been for the better. Check out the banger song Renegade and the softer song Come Sail Away to hear more of their classic stuff.

[@ozzy2475]

I am so glad you liked it, that was Styx before Mr. Roboto,

[@tomtatzel4829]

Your reaction was exactly what I felt when Styx left me on the roboto album. I was like WTF and haven’t listened to much of them ever again. When I hear this I think it’s time to go back and listen to their old stuff that I loved so much growing up.

[@darrylcarden1851]

Makes me want to dig out my copy of Styx doing the album this is from, “The Grand Illusion”, and the album “Pieces Of Eight” completely and in order live and give it a watch. 👍🏻

[@robbierobinson3966]

That's real Styx. Not the crap on the radio.

[@flautalee3090]

This is a great song! Thank you for sharing it ~~ great sound. Does it make anyone else think of Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young??

[@candicelitrenta8890]

Mr. Roboto was done at the in the 80's these songs were done in the 70's definitely their better days songs were pure back then not done commercially as the songs in the 80's were

[@JonEFever1]

The great vocals from Mr. Tommy Shaw

[@oddgriffin]

Styx was one of the few bands that met success mixing hard rock sounds with both classical and modern keyboard sounds. They could collectively hit all vocal ranges, and their songs had a mysterious element to them. That being said, they tried to create a concept album of a story in the future, and it failed miserably. Shit went downhill from there, and was never the same.

[@Frostrazor]

MY #1 favorite song by this band. So part of the reason it doesn't sound like Mr. Roboto. 1, two different singers. This was Tommy Shaw, the other was Dennis DeYoung. The band had 3 different singers and each had their own sound. Tommy can def sing. If you want to hear another Styx song with this style - go for Crystal Ball. Man in Wilderness is said to be a 'sequel' of sorts to Crystal Ball. I was 17 hanging out with my best friend Corey's. We were chilling playing games on his Commodore 128, and he put on the Grand Illusion cassette but had set to play side 2, so he just put that in instead of rewinding. This song came on, and my jaw dropped. I was mesmerized, became an instant fan of Styx, borrowed that cassette that night and listened to it a dozen times in entirely over that weekend. And to this day 30+ years later, it's still my favorite song. If you want to hear Tommy at a later time but still rocking guitar and vocals - check out Damn Yankees "COME AGAIN". He was one of the members of that band after Styx broke up. That song is pure fire - but make sure to listen to the longer song (there are two on KZbin - the official video is truncated by a minute and lose some of the masterful guitar work).

[@Retromolarman]

After Tommy Shaw joined the band in 1976 the next year they came out with the Grand Illusion. Styx defining album and masterpiece! Nothing like Kilroy was Here? Absolutely! Mr. Roboto was from 1983 and the band was at odds with the direction they were headed. Soon after they broke up. Too bad really. They were very, very good. Saw them live 3 or 4 times by 1983. Their sound is definitely an original and recognizable one.

[@chasbastian6071]

I guess I could watch you sway to awesome music forever!😂

[@seann1857]

This is a Tommy Shaw song from '77, and Mr Roboto is an outlier of Styx. With 3 lead vocalists and songwriters (Dennis DeYoung - Classical/Prog, James "JY" Young - Hard Rock/Metal, and Tommy Shaw - Southern Rock). Before Tommy, John Curulewski - Jazz-Rock fusion/Rock. It's the blending of the different styles and vocals that made the best Styx songs. Here's my lists of songs to check out... Tommy: "Fooling Yourself", "Crystal Ball", "Love In The Midnight"; and for something completely different "Boat On A River" (also "Blue Collar Man", "Renegade" of course). Dennis: "Best Thing", "Prelude 12/Suite: Madam Blue", "Come Sail Away", "Castle Walls", "Queen Of Spades", "Pieces Of Eight", "Lady", "Show Me The Way" JY: "Young Man", "Lorelei (live)", "Midnight Ride", "Snowblind" John Curulewski: "A Day" (and "Prelude 12"). Damn Yankees: "Come Again", "High Enough" Shaw/Blades: "Your Move" (Yes cover, album is "Influence")

[@jscamp67]

"Snowblind" is a shared lead vocal song between JY and Shaw actually

[@jannorris4788]

Styx Rox! So many incredible songs! Listen on... Great review

[@dannomikos6334]

this is a tommy shaw song, he also sung and played lead guitar. he's the rocker in the band.

[@megarocks911]

Another banger 🔥 ain't heard this in years. Lol we said wow at the same time. Yea hell of a singer whole band awesome. Anyways great reaction my friend ❤️. Thanks Mr. Ozzy TaTa

[@independenceltd.]

The singer/keyboardist took them in the "Mr. Roboto" direction in the early 80s. It pretty much killed their career. This song is from '77, when they were at the peak of their rock powers.

[@raymondgordon8600]

Not True. MR Roboto was a huge successes, everyone love it. Wer played it at school dances and bought the album, it was on the radio a lot. Look at the sales. Ego of the signers killed the band.

[@independenceltd.]

@@raymondgordon8600 Yes, it was a "success". With kids at dances, but not with Styx fans. 1977's The Grand Illusion: triple platinum. 1978's Pieces of Eight: triple platinum. 1979's Cornerstone: double platinum. 1981's Paradise Theatre: triple platinum. 1983's Kilroy Was Here: platinum. And that was with all the airplay, and this new thing called MTV playing their video all day. Still their worst selling album in 6 years. They didn't release another album for seven years, in 1990. Regarding their headlining spot at the 1983 Texxas Jam: "[Sammy]Hagar came on just before Styx at the end. Ted Nugent and Rik Emmett [Triumph] joined Sammy Hagar on stage in Dallas for their version of Led Zeppelin's 'Rock 'n Roll.' Tommy Shaw recalls these shows as being some of the worst of his career. He claims to have feared for his life as his band was performing nothing but the rock opera 'Killroy Was Here' after some of the best hard rock bands of the day had performed. (This was the tour that essentially ended Styx.)"

[@csphoenix9]

Please do Castle Walls from Grand Illusion.

[@MrJoseph6119]

STYX #1 this is their best album I feel....

[@TheMinster1960]

You need to check out the Styx songs Lorelei, Lady and Miss America. Lady was the band's first hit single. They did good stuff in the 70s.

[@digitalsoldier-1742]

Paradise Theater with "Mr. Roboto" was the end of Styx for me. Their best album was Grand Illusion and why you are floored. Check out Miss America, or most any other selection from that album. Yea, I still have the vinyl bought in the time.

[@JayTor2112]

This was the "real" Styx, they kind of jumped the shark with the album that Mr. Roboto is from.

[@nathanpeoples2319]

Agreed but there's one criminally underrated song on that album called Just Get Through This Night. That song is a masterpiece in my opinion.

[@martinlehotan8373]

Great reaction! This album is fantastic! Miss America is another great song!

[@genehall9837]

Crystal Ball, Sweet Madame Blue, Lorelei or anything on Grand Illsuion. Can’t miss on the early Styx!

[@ebenclukey7293]

It's funny you say "These are the people who sang Mr Roboto?" Yeah, there's a big difference. And that difference is what lead the band to sort of break up not once but twice. Tommy Shaw (who sang this), Jams White and the Panozzo brothers were into this kind of stuff. Dennis DeYoung, the keyboardist who wrote songs like Babe I Love You and Mr. Roboto was more into the theatrical thing. So they broke up in 1984. Then they reunited in 1990. I was lucky enough to see them in 92' right up front in a 5000 capacity outdoor venue. They did the Grand Illusion album start to finish and the opening act was Kansas. Two of my absolute favorite bands. Yeah, it was amazing. Oh yeah, they broke up again in 91" but all the original members are still performing Styx songs today.

[@mr.e8432]

Loved the guitar tones Tommy and James had on this album. That solo is awesome.

[@steve9199]

Tommy Shaw and Jimmy Young were rockers.... Dennis DeYoung was a "Broadway" style of singer. The blending of the two styles made for some of the most amazing music ever recorded!! The entire Grand Illusion album is well worth a listen.... great songs from start to finish. Some consider Paradise Theater a sequel.

[@RÅNÇIÐ]

ah yes, thats one of my favourites

[@behindenemylines9033]

I forgot how awesome this song is. Great review.

[@123lenny135]

STYX has sooooo many great songs. This one is great, but not as widely known. Roboto is more widely known, but not generally considered their biggest hit. Castle Walls is a great backup to this song. Come Sail Away, Babe (their #1 Hit), Renegade, Blue Collar Man and "The Best of times" and others are widely accepted as bit hits with their fans. Lesser known, but still amazing, are "Crystal Ball", "I'm Ok", and "Suite Madame Blue".

[@Mike-wh4oe]

Not a bad song on this album,put on the headphones kickback and close your eyes, this is my personal favorite and castle walls also.

[@rmproute66]

Also Suite Madame Blue and Crystal Ball (earlier songs).

[@jimc3786]

Castle Walls is another one that will make you think. Plus, you have to do Come Sail Away, but if you do . . .* YOU MUST MAKE SURE IT IS THE FULL VERSION*

[@cabowabodude]

all hail the great and timeless Tommy Shaw!!!

[@ejllamobeolan5025]

Styx is still going strong!!! Denise DeYoung was the force behind Mr roboto album now he's on Broadway.

[@mikemiller3069]

Check out "Too Much Time On My Hands", "Grand Illusion", "Fooling Yourself", "Lady".............

[@rmproute66]

Check out the Grand Illusion (title track) and Miss America (JY sings that song- starts side 2)

[@homerwimberly8693]

The song Grand illusion is Awesome too.

[@albertoperez7119]

Sweetheart you haven't heard the queen of spade from the album Pieces Of Eight listen to that song it will knock you off your feet

[@ltcolchemist4877]

Mr. Roboto has it's place but it's definitely an exception and not the rule for Styx's style. It was only meant to set up a story for the Kilroy Was Here album and the band wasn't super fond of it but it sort of took on a life of it's own. This song is much more like the typical late 70's master band that Styx really was. Fun Fact: This album was released (intentionally) on July 7, 1977 so we would always remember the date; 7/7/77. Really great reaction! Keep 'em coming.

[@rick5440]

Castle Walls on the same album continues the philosophical theme.