Circling From Above - (new Styx album)

[LtVanish]

I got my copy yesterday, very fast delievery! I like the song "King of Love" and "Blue Eyed Raven" those 2 tracks jumped out at me right away. I'd say this album is on par with the last 2 albums so far, time will tell, need to listen more.

[ChicagoSTYX]

This album feels more personal and up close if that makes sense. Where as The Mission and COTC feel like massive productions this is more relatable on a personal level. I love all 3 of the albums from the last 8 years. Circling From Above is a great album but with a different attitude than the previous 2 albums. My 35 cents.

[ChicagoSTYX]

https://www.rockdnamag.com/post/single-review-styx-builds-hype-for-new-album-with-lead-single-build-and-destroy

Single Review: Styx Builds Hype For New Album With Lead Single "Build and Destroy"

Rachel Cholko
2 days ago
4 min read
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Rejoice, Styx nation!

You have been waiting for fresh Styx material since 2021 with unbroken patience, and -at long last- you've finally got it. On May 28th, the American rock monarchs released the lead single from their forthcoming album Circling From Above, after teasing the song's release on their social pages with little-to-no warning. Styx has been masters of their craft since the early 1970s, and if you believed they were slowing down anytime soon, they've got just the song to prove you wrong.

The instant classic, titled "Build and Destroy", can be best described as a masterful merge of the group's two most recent albums: 2017's The Mission and 2021's Crash of the Crown. The sound held by each of those records is distinctly reflective of their trademark mid-to-late 70s flair, but also shows daring evolution in the band's creative process. In other words, they continue to grow, but still stand firmly in their roots. I like to think of The Mission and Crash of the Crown as the trunk and branches of the "modern Styx discography" tree, and- if this single says anything about their next album- Circling From Above must be the leaves and the flowers.

Will Evankovich (as a producer and band member) has been essential to the crafting of Styx's unique 21st century sound, and dare I say his producing defines the modern 2017-2025 era of the band’s music. With a band as popular as Styx, there’s no doubt that staying true to their musical fingerprint is important to them. Since Styx actively ruled the late 1970s, it's also no surprise that some remnants of that irreplaceable era come to light in this new single. That, and having Evankovich (a child of the 70s) in close quarters seems to round out the present lineup quite well. The excellence of their artistry together is demonstrated to its full potential in "Build and Destroy".

Right away, as a listener, I was teleported back to 1976. Specifically, I was taken back to "Breakdown" by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, and "Space Intro/Fly Like An Eagle" from the Steve Miller Band. 24 hours later, and I think I'm hearing even more of 1976 on this track with slight nods to "Crystal Ball" from Styx's 1976 album of the same name. The more I continue to listen, the more I find myself naming groups that it vaguely reminds me of. Even with the teaser of "Build and Destroy" before it was formally released, the first thing I felt was a beautiful kind of deja vu. It was so unique of a bouncy keyboard intro, yet I couldn't help but feel I had heard it in a past life.

It was Todd Sucherman's infallible percussion that really pulled me into this one; it was the first thing that grabbed my attention. It’s sassy, it’s groovy, it’s urgent- it’s epic. This isn’t your typical Styx song that’s driven by epic guitar riffs and heart-soaring solos; it’s piloted by the combination of Sucherman’s expert drumming and Lawrence Gowan’s keyboard that figuratively (and literally) spins you around. It made me twirl around my room and bop hard on the first listen. The way “Build and Destroy” is built is quite simple: Sucherman’s drums are the backbone, Gowan’s keys are the glitter, and Tommy Shaw’s harmonies are the lightning. Equally dreamy and confident, it’s safe to say I indulged in it 16 times just on its release date alone.

Lyrically, the song instantly made my imagination revisit the storyline that accompanied The Mission. Based on just the first line, I was questioning if this could possibly be a continuation of one of my favorite creations of theirs. "Now here we are, back with the stars, improving all of our moves," they sing, perhaps hinting at a general theme or tale told throughout the album. I'm a sucker for a good concept album, so my mind always tends to head down that path of interpretation. With both The Mission and Crash of the Crown fitting the definition of concept and/or themed albums, I can imagine the folks in Styx might still be riding the high of those treasures they created.

Often I wonder what Styx would’ve sounded like in the mid-80s, don't you? Had they not gone their separate ways and given us one masterpiece solo album after the other, who knows what their material would have sounded like? While “Build and Destroy” is not entirely the definition of fulfilling this fantasy, its chorus gives me almost a whisper of what that non-existent era of Styx may have held in another universe. This is just another reason why the overall feel of this track is both nostalgic and futuristic.

If you're looking to find "the path to hope and joy", look no further than the new Styx tune. Both hopeful and promising of the upcoming record's sound, it’s a joy to behold for the first time. It’s worth a bit more than just a quick listen. Jam-packed with a plethora of sounds of the 70s, the overall sounds as if it were a beautiful color scheme, but for your eardrums.

If the rest of this upcoming record is just as profound as its lead single, I'd say we have another masterpiece that’s about to be in our hands.

“Build and Destroy” is available for streaming right now, and Circling From Above will be formally released everywhere on July 18th. Copies are available right now in person if you catch Styx on The Brotherhood of Rock Tour with The Kevin Cronin Band and Don Felder. The album is also available for preorder on CD and vinyl formats via styxworld.com.

[ChicagoSTYX]

I won’t be surprised if they release a version on colored vinyl on July 18th. The vinyl that’s available now says black vinyl on the hype sticker. Don’t know why you would need to specify that if there is only version.

[ChicagoSTYX]

I plan to post a detailed description of each song later this evening. I will make sure to list it with a spoiler alert.

[yogi]

My tracking info now shows my delivery date delayed til June 4.

Not happy

[ChicagoSTYX]

Spoiler Alert…

My take on each song from Circling From Above.


1 Circling From Above
A two minute laid back opening as on Paradise Theater but this sounds more like Pink Floyd.

2 Build And Destroy
We’ve all heard this one…

3 Michigan
Tommy takes the lead here. Mid tempo song with an acoustic feel, would have fit nicely on The Mission.

4 King Of Love
JY and Tommy on lead vocals, cool vibe, updated Snow Blind. Has a definite Queen twist near the end. Nice solo by JY. Could have fit on Kilroy.

5 It’s Clear
Tommy, Gowan, and Will share lead vocals here. Similar to Mission and COTC type songs with a Spanish twist at the end.

6 Forgive
Tommy and Gowan do a great job here in this laid back song. When the acoustic guitar started I thought of Led Zeppelin. Has a Beatle feel to it.

7 Everybody Raise A Glass
Gowan sings lead here in a Queen/Beatle type song that starts side 2 in the fashion of side 2 of Paradise Theater with sound effects.

8 Blue Eyed Ravin
Tommy on lead vocals in a more upbeat Boat On The River type song. Remove the accordion and add a fiddle. Sounds like it’s ending and then kicks into high gear.

9 She Knows
This is all Will, I needed to adjust to his voice in the way I first heard Tommy on Crystal Ball in 1976 or Gowan in 2003 on Cyclorama. He sounds a little like Gowan at times. Has a definite Beatle Sgt. Pepper vibe and a clarinet solo.

10 Ease Your Mind
Short passage song with Gowan on the keys.

11 The Things That You Said
Tommy and Gowan on lead vocals.
Mid tempo with a nice synth solo. There is a nod to The Mission at the end of the solo. The end reminds me of the end of She’s So Heavy by The Beatles.

12 We Lost The Wheel Again
Will sings this one and sounds a little like Roger Doltrey, it could have been a Who song. Acoustic guitar driven. Gowan also sings lead towards the end and adds some nice Styx synth sounds.

13 Only You Can Decide
Laid back closer to the album sung by Tommy. Similar to how COTC ends.

This album is a nice addition to COTC and The Mission. It’s different than both of them in a good way. Except the unexpected is the best way to describe it. But no doubt it sounds like Styx. Isn’t that what this band has always given us? The unexpected! Enjoy!!

In my opinion……This album ranks among the best of Styx albums! It’s so versatile and fun. I look forward to reading your thoughts!

[RumTumJM]

Spoiler Alert…

My take on each song from Circling From Above.


1 Circling From Above
A two minute laid back opening as on Paradise Theater but this sounds more like Pink Floyd.

2 Build And Destroy
We’ve all heard this one…

3 Michigan
Tommy takes the lead here. Mid tempo song with an acoustic feel, would have fit nicely on The Mission.

4 King Of Love
JY and Tommy on lead vocals, cool vibe, updated Snow Blind. Has a definite Queen twist near the end. Nice solo by JY. Could have fit on Kilroy.

5 It’s Clear
Tommy, Gowan, and Will share lead vocals here. Similar to Mission and COTC type songs with a Spanish twist at the end.

6 Forgive
Tommy and Gowan do a great job here in this laid back song. When the acoustic guitar started I thought of Led Zeppelin. Has a Beatle feel to it.

7 Everybody Raise A Glass
Gowan sings lead here in a Queen/Beatle type song that starts side 2 in the fashion of side 2 of Paradise Theater with sound effects.

8 Blue Eyed Ravin
Tommy on lead vocals in a more upbeat Boat On The River type song. Remove the accordion and add a fiddle. Sounds like it’s ending and then kicks into high gear.

9 She Knows
This is all Will, I needed to adjust to his voice in the way I first heard Tommy on Crystal Ball in 1976 or Gowan in 2003 on Cyclorama. He sounds a little like Gowan at times. Has a definite Beatle Sgt. Pepper vibe and a clarinet solo.

10 Ease Your Mind
Short passage song with Gowan on the keys.

11 The Things That You Said
Tommy and Gowan on lead vocals.
Mid tempo with a nice synth solo. There is a nod to The Mission at the end of the solo. The end reminds me of the end of She’s So Heavy by The Beatles.

12 We Lost The Wheel Again
Will sings this one and sounds a little like Roger Doltrey, it could have been a Who song. Acoustic guitar driven. Gowan also sings lead towards the end and adds some nice Styx synth sounds.

13 Only You Can Decide
Laid back closer to the album sung by Tommy. Similar to how COTC ends.

This album is a nice addition to COTC and The Mission. It’s different than both of them in a good way. Except the unexpected is the best way to describe it. But no doubt it sounds like Styx. Isn’t that what this band has always given us? The unexpected! Enjoy!!

In my opinion……This album ranks among the best of Styx albums! It’s so versatile and fun. I look forward to reading your thoughts!

So, now Will is singing lead vocals? At this point...not that I'm saying I believe it's true...but I understand, more & more, why people think there's an effort to push JY out so that Will can take his place.

[danielb]

JY's role has diminished over time and his contributions to TM and COTC are quite limited, wouldn't you agree?

[RumTumJM]

JY's role has diminished over time and his contributions to TM and COTC are quite limited, wouldn't you agree?

I agree 110%! And, I think that the music, while excellent, isn't the same because of this.

Ever since The Mission, I've been trying to pinpoint why the harmonies, while very Styx-like, sound different. Now, it just recently hit me: Yes! Dennis DeYoung is not in the mix anymore. But, also...and I think more importantly...JY isn't in the vocal mix like he once was. I firmly believe that his gloriously-obnoxious, bombastic vocals were the secret sauce to those classic Styx harmonies. (Dennis often took the comparatively lower notes; Tommy took the sky-high notes; and while JY took high notes too, he sung them with that unique tone of his: the tone that made Styx's harmonies bombastic & grand!) - Yes, I've noticed him doing less of them in concert for years. (Only in recent years, since Lawrence starting singing it, has the high part in Crystal Ball's chorus become noticable.) But, the lack of JY's signature tone from the recordings is what has greatly changed the Styx vocal sound!

If you don't get what I'm trying to say, just watch this video. You can hear 2 voices on the backing vocals & harmonies, while Tommy is focusing on the leads. (Dennis's warm tone is very obvious. Then, in contrast is JY!): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ker1_iXz98

[GrandIllusionist725]

REALLY LOVE THIS ONE! Just like COTC, it will take a couple of listens more but I love just about everything here. Fits nicely with The MIssion and COTC.

[Jodes]

Spoiler Alert…

My take on each song from Circling From Above.


1 Circling From Above
A two minute laid back opening as on Paradise Theater but this sounds more like Pink Floyd.

2 Build And Destroy
We’ve all heard this one…

3 Michigan
Tommy takes the lead here. Mid tempo song with an acoustic feel, would have fit nicely on The Mission.

4 King Of Love
JY and Tommy on lead vocals, cool vibe, updated Snow Blind. Has a definite Queen twist near the end. Nice solo by JY. Could have fit on Kilroy.

5 It’s Clear
Tommy, Gowan, and Will share lead vocals here. Similar to Mission and COTC type songs with a Spanish twist at the end.

6 Forgive
Tommy and Gowan do a great job here in this laid back song. When the acoustic guitar started I thought of Led Zeppelin. Has a Beatle feel to it.

7 Everybody Raise A Glass
Gowan sings lead here in a Queen/Beatle type song that starts side 2 in the fashion of side 2 of Paradise Theater with sound effects.

8 Blue Eyed Ravin
Tommy on lead vocals in a more upbeat Boat On The River type song. Remove the accordion and add a fiddle. Sounds like it’s ending and then kicks into high gear.

9 She Knows
This is all Will, I needed to adjust to his voice in the way I first heard Tommy on Crystal Ball in 1976 or Gowan in 2003 on Cyclorama. He sounds a little like Gowan at times. Has a definite Beatle Sgt. Pepper vibe and a clarinet solo.

10 Ease Your Mind
Short passage song with Gowan on the keys.

11 The Things That You Said
Tommy and Gowan on lead vocals.
Mid tempo with a nice synth solo. There is a nod to The Mission at the end of the solo. The end reminds me of the end of She’s So Heavy by The Beatles.

12 We Lost The Wheel Again
Will sings this one and sounds a little like Roger Doltrey, it could have been a Who song. Acoustic guitar driven. Gowan also sings lead towards the end and adds some nice Styx synth sounds.

13 Only You Can Decide
Laid back closer to the album sung by Tommy. Similar to how COTC ends.

This album is a nice addition to COTC and The Mission. It’s different than both of them in a good way. Except the unexpected is the best way to describe it. But no doubt it sounds like Styx. Isn’t that what this band has always given us? The unexpected! Enjoy!!

In my opinion……This album ranks among the best of Styx albums! It’s so versatile and fun. I look forward to reading your thoughts!

So, now Will is singing lead vocals? At this point...not that I'm saying I believe it's true...but I understand, more & more, why people think there's an effort to push JY out so that Will can take his place.

But yet on Cylorama there were FOUR singers, yet nobody said Glen was kicking out anyone

[ChicagoSTYX]

Spoiler Alert…

My take on each song from Circling From Above.


1 Circling From Above
A two minute laid back opening as on Paradise Theater but this sounds more like Pink Floyd.

2 Build And Destroy
We’ve all heard this one…

3 Michigan
Tommy takes the lead here. Mid tempo song with an acoustic feel, would have fit nicely on The Mission.

4 King Of Love
JY and Tommy on lead vocals, cool vibe, updated Snow Blind. Has a definite Queen twist near the end. Nice solo by JY. Could have fit on Kilroy.

5 It’s Clear
Tommy, Gowan, and Will share lead vocals here. Similar to Mission and COTC type songs with a Spanish twist at the end.

6 Forgive
Tommy and Gowan do a great job here in this laid back song. When the acoustic guitar started I thought of Led Zeppelin. Has a Beatle feel to it.

7 Everybody Raise A Glass
Gowan sings lead here in a Queen/Beatle type song that starts side 2 in the fashion of side 2 of Paradise Theater with sound effects.

8 Blue Eyed Ravin
Tommy on lead vocals in a more upbeat Boat On The River type song. Remove the accordion and add a fiddle. Sounds like it’s ending and then kicks into high gear.

9 She Knows
This is all Will, I needed to adjust to his voice in the way I first heard Tommy on Crystal Ball in 1976 or Gowan in 2003 on Cyclorama. He sounds a little like Gowan at times. Has a definite Beatle Sgt. Pepper vibe and a clarinet solo.

10 Ease Your Mind
Short passage song with Gowan on the keys.

11 The Things That You Said
Tommy and Gowan on lead vocals.
Mid tempo with a nice synth solo. There is a nod to The Mission at the end of the solo. The end reminds me of the end of She’s So Heavy by The Beatles.

12 We Lost The Wheel Again
Will sings this one and sounds a little like Roger Doltrey, it could have been a Who song. Acoustic guitar driven. Gowan also sings lead towards the end and adds some nice Styx synth sounds.

13 Only You Can Decide
Laid back closer to the album sung by Tommy. Similar to how COTC ends.

This album is a nice addition to COTC and The Mission. It’s different than both of them in a good way. Except the unexpected is the best way to describe it. But no doubt it sounds like Styx. Isn’t that what this band has always given us? The unexpected! Enjoy!!

In my opinion……This album ranks among the best of Styx albums! It’s so versatile and fun. I look forward to reading your thoughts!

So, now Will is singing lead vocals? At this point...not that I'm saying I believe it's true...but I understand, more & more, why people think there's an effort to push JY out so that Will can take his place.

But yet on Cylorama there were FOUR singers, yet nobody said Glen was kicking out anyone

Excelent point!

[RumTumJM]

Spoiler Alert…

My take on each song from Circling From Above.


1 Circling From Above
A two minute laid back opening as on Paradise Theater but this sounds more like Pink Floyd.

2 Build And Destroy
We’ve all heard this one…

3 Michigan
Tommy takes the lead here. Mid tempo song with an acoustic feel, would have fit nicely on The Mission.

4 King Of Love
JY and Tommy on lead vocals, cool vibe, updated Snow Blind. Has a definite Queen twist near the end. Nice solo by JY. Could have fit on Kilroy.

5 It’s Clear
Tommy, Gowan, and Will share lead vocals here. Similar to Mission and COTC type songs with a Spanish twist at the end.

6 Forgive
Tommy and Gowan do a great job here in this laid back song. When the acoustic guitar started I thought of Led Zeppelin. Has a Beatle feel to it.

7 Everybody Raise A Glass
Gowan sings lead here in a Queen/Beatle type song that starts side 2 in the fashion of side 2 of Paradise Theater with sound effects.

8 Blue Eyed Ravin
Tommy on lead vocals in a more upbeat Boat On The River type song. Remove the accordion and add a fiddle. Sounds like it’s ending and then kicks into high gear.

9 She Knows
This is all Will, I needed to adjust to his voice in the way I first heard Tommy on Crystal Ball in 1976 or Gowan in 2003 on Cyclorama. He sounds a little like Gowan at times. Has a definite Beatle Sgt. Pepper vibe and a clarinet solo.

10 Ease Your Mind
Short passage song with Gowan on the keys.

11 The Things That You Said
Tommy and Gowan on lead vocals.
Mid tempo with a nice synth solo. There is a nod to The Mission at the end of the solo. The end reminds me of the end of She’s So Heavy by The Beatles.

12 We Lost The Wheel Again
Will sings this one and sounds a little like Roger Doltrey, it could have been a Who song. Acoustic guitar driven. Gowan also sings lead towards the end and adds some nice Styx synth sounds.

13 Only You Can Decide
Laid back closer to the album sung by Tommy. Similar to how COTC ends.

This album is a nice addition to COTC and The Mission. It’s different than both of them in a good way. Except the unexpected is the best way to describe it. But no doubt it sounds like Styx. Isn’t that what this band has always given us? The unexpected! Enjoy!!

In my opinion……This album ranks among the best of Styx albums! It’s so versatile and fun. I look forward to reading your thoughts!

So, now Will is singing lead vocals? At this point...not that I'm saying I believe it's true...but I understand, more & more, why people think there's an effort to push JY out so that Will can take his place.

But yet on Cylorama there were FOUR singers, yet nobody said Glen was kicking out anyone

Well said, Jodes! You got me on that one!

[Monker]

Spoiler Alert…

My take on each song from Circling From Above.


1 Circling From Above
A two minute laid back opening as on Paradise Theater but this sounds more like Pink Floyd.

2 Build And Destroy
We’ve all heard this one…

3 Michigan
Tommy takes the lead here. Mid tempo song with an acoustic feel, would have fit nicely on The Mission.

4 King Of Love
JY and Tommy on lead vocals, cool vibe, updated Snow Blind. Has a definite Queen twist near the end. Nice solo by JY. Could have fit on Kilroy.

5 It’s Clear
Tommy, Gowan, and Will share lead vocals here. Similar to Mission and COTC type songs with a Spanish twist at the end.

6 Forgive
Tommy and Gowan do a great job here in this laid back song. When the acoustic guitar started I thought of Led Zeppelin. Has a Beatle feel to it.

7 Everybody Raise A Glass
Gowan sings lead here in a Queen/Beatle type song that starts side 2 in the fashion of side 2 of Paradise Theater with sound effects.

8 Blue Eyed Ravin
Tommy on lead vocals in a more upbeat Boat On The River type song. Remove the accordion and add a fiddle. Sounds like it’s ending and then kicks into high gear.

9 She Knows
This is all Will, I needed to adjust to his voice in the way I first heard Tommy on Crystal Ball in 1976 or Gowan in 2003 on Cyclorama. He sounds a little like Gowan at times. Has a definite Beatle Sgt. Pepper vibe and a clarinet solo.

10 Ease Your Mind
Short passage song with Gowan on the keys.

11 The Things That You Said
Tommy and Gowan on lead vocals.
Mid tempo with a nice synth solo. There is a nod to The Mission at the end of the solo. The end reminds me of the end of She’s So Heavy by The Beatles.

12 We Lost The Wheel Again
Will sings this one and sounds a little like Roger Doltrey, it could have been a Who song. Acoustic guitar driven. Gowan also sings lead towards the end and adds some nice Styx synth sounds.

13 Only You Can Decide
Laid back closer to the album sung by Tommy. Similar to how COTC ends.

This album is a nice addition to COTC and The Mission. It’s different than both of them in a good way. Except the unexpected is the best way to describe it. But no doubt it sounds like Styx. Isn’t that what this band has always given us? The unexpected! Enjoy!!

In my opinion……This album ranks among the best of Styx albums! It’s so versatile and fun. I look forward to reading your thoughts!

So, now Will is singing lead vocals? At this point...not that I'm saying I believe it's true...but I understand, more & more, why people think there's an effort to push JY out so that Will can take his place.

But yet on Cylorama there were FOUR singers, yet nobody said Glen was kicking out anyone

Actually, 5....Billy Bob Thornton

Would say 6 with Jack Black, but that was background vocals only with Tenacious D.

People say Will is "kicking out" JY because they want to say anything the can that is negative about Styx. As long as JY isn't complaining and nobody else in the band cares....it's not an issue. Unless he sucks...and I don't know about that cuz I have not heard him sing the new songs. If he is not good...then, yes, one of the others should be singing.

[ChicagoSTYX]

Here is a YouTube review of Circling From Above

https://youtu.be/Cg39tXabc20?si=kM9z8L75dE7PNNKa

[yogi]

I’m thru the first 4 songs and pulled over my Tundra to type this. Love song # 3 Michigan. Is the song name even in the song? Doesn’t matter cause Tommy sounds great. I really like the song.
Now for the next song King of Love. I’ve listened to this one twice. I like it! Still all I can think of is if Glee puts out a full length movie or DDY writes another stage musical JY needs to be singing on this one. King Of Love is like the show tune Dennis needs to put his next musical to get his musical over the top and on Broadway. It’s a great song. It’s the song that people going to the theater are going to want to hear. JY’s singing his part will steal the show.

Back to the road to listen to the rest of Styx’s new album

[yogi]

Completed my first full listen plus Michigan X 2 and King Of Love X 3. Here's what I think:

This Styx album flows perfectly from one song to the next. The album flows just like Crash Of The Crown & The Mission did. But where as the songs on Crash Of The Crown: Hold Back The Darkness, Save Us From Ourselves, Sound The Alarm & Coming Out The Otherside & on The Mission: Locomotive and The Greater Good grabbed me immediately from the first listen, nothing on Circling From Above did.

Like many albums I really love, Circling From Above is gonna take far more listens from me, to grow on me. I'm thinking it will.

This is NOT to say Circling From Above wont be another GREAT Styx album but what I think I can say confidently from one full listen of the new Styx album its that: Tommy Shaw, James Young and Chuck Panozzo have NEVER been further away from the Styx album Pieces Of Eight as they are now with the Styx album Circling From Above.

[Jodes]

Completed my first full listen plus Michigan X 2 and King Of Love X 3. Here's what I think:

This Styx album flows perfectly from one song to the next. The album flows just like Crash Of The Crown & The Mission did. But where as the songs on Crash Of The Crown: Hold Back The Darkness, Save Us From Ourselves, Sound The Alarm & Coming Out The Otherside & on The Mission: Locomotive and The Greater Good grabbed me immediately from the first listen, nothing on Circling From Above did.

Like many albums I really love, Circling From Above is gonna take far more listens from me, to grow on me. I'm thinking it will.

This is NOT to say Circling From Above wont be another GREAT Styx album but what I think I can say confidently from one full listen of the new Styx album its that: Tommy Shaw, James Young and Chuck Panozzo have NEVER been further away from the Styx album Pieces Of Eight as they are now with the Styx album Circling From Above.

Yet if they tried to do a Grand illusion Part 2 or a Pieces of Eight part 2 they would be chastized no?

Damned if you do..

[yogi]

It’s a great conceptual album that flows perfectly like The Mission & Crash Of The Crown did.

You took it as a negative that all I said was this is the furthest thing from Pieces Of Eight as any album they’ve ever done.

I listened to the entire album again on my 55 minute ride home. I stand by my Pieces Of Eight comment. JY sounds great and haunting as a king on King Of Love. This song is the rockin type of showtune that might of gotten Dennis’s Hunchback play an extended Broadway run. I really like this song. No shit!

Still my favorite song with two full spins and 3 listens of it is Michigan. Why it’s titled Michigan, I haven’t a clue. Hopefully in upcoming interviews Tommy or someone will explain why it is. Tommy sounds great. His voice has never aged.

PSS: Styx already did Grand Illusion Part 2. It was titled Pieces Of Eight. A little less proggy then the Grand Illusion was but it rocked harder.

[ChicagoSTYX]

Side one of this album is great!! I love the entire album but side one is really special.

[yogi]

Why is the song called Michigan? Love the song don’t understand the title. Also don’t understand how Tommy’s voice is as pristine and perfect or maybe even stronger than when he first joined Styx. “Sometimes it makes no sense at all” TS

[ChicagoSTYX]

Why is the song called Michigan? Love the song don’t understand the title. Also don’t understand how Tommy’s voice is as pristine and perfect or maybe even stronger than when he first joined Styx. “Sometimes it makes no sense at all” TS

I know Tommy lived in Niles Michigan for a while around the time they were recording Paradise Theater and through the early 80s. Maybe it has something to do with that period in his life.

[Monker]

Why is the song called Michigan? Love the song don’t understand the title. Also don’t understand how Tommy’s voice is as pristine and perfect or maybe even stronger than when he first joined Styx. “Sometimes it makes no sense at all” TS

I know Tommy lived in Niles Michigan for a while around the time they were recording Paradise Theater and through the early 80s. Maybe it has something to do with that period in his life.

In the ancient Tommy Shaw:Solo video from MTV. They did a short interview on his ranch. Wasn't that in Michigan?

[ChicagoSTYX]

Why is the song called Michigan? Love the song don’t understand the title. Also don’t understand how Tommy’s voice is as pristine and perfect or maybe even stronger than when he first joined Styx. “Sometimes it makes no sense at all” TS

I know Tommy lived in Niles Michigan for a while around the time they were recording Paradise Theater and through the early 80s. Maybe it has something to do with that period in his life.

In the ancient Tommy Shaw:Solo video from MTV. They did a short interview on his ranch. Wasn't that in Michigan?

Yes, I believe he has horses there. It was just outside of Niles Michigan.

[ChicagoSTYX]

New album review.
https://vintagerock.com/styx-circling-from-above-new-studio-release-review/
Styx | Circling From Above – New Studio Release Review

Perennial rockers Styx recently toured behind their breakthrough album The Grand Illusion, playing the 1977 masterwork in its entirety before adoring fans clamoring for radio staples “Come Sail Away” and “Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man).”

While it’s easy to think of Styx’s success as instantaneous, it’s important to remember this was the band’s seventh album in five years. Up until its release, the quintet paid its dues through a unique combination of progressive rock leanings and carnival barker-like storytelling courtesy of original frontman Dennis DeYoung. It’s this period of Styx that resonates the strongest with me as it not only speaks to the group’s innovation; it ultimately helped ensure its longevity.

Ask me my favorite Styx song and you won’t hear “Mr. Roboto,” “Lady,” or “Too Much Time on My Hands.” You’ll hear “Suite Madame Blue.” Why? Because it’s a perfect amalgam of concept and instrumental crunch. DeYoung’s ode to America and the Bicentennial begins softly enough until a lush synthesizer flourish enters the soundscape and Tommy Shaw’s and James “J.Y.” Young’s guitar attack takes hold, all complemented by fantastic vocal harmonies from DeYoung, Shaw, and Young. If I had the power to enshrine Styx in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, that song title would be the only thing I’d write on their application — it speaks volumes to the band’s sound and substance.

On Circling From Above, the band’s 18th studio album, it’s clear they haven’t forgotten this aesthetic 50 years on. It’s chock full of all the meaty Styx staples — golden harmonies, vocal edge, and tight instrumental cohesion — but what stands out most is the band staying true to concept, not commercialism or that unfortunate word “corporate” that was falsely heaped on them during their heyday period of 1977 to 1983. Clocking in at just over 40 minutes and featuring contributions from all of the band’s 2025 seven-man roster, Circling From Above wears its prog influences proudly, which to me makes it worth diving into.

Kicking off with the instrumental title track, Shaw’s guitar work echoes that of Steve Hackett’s as listeners will also pick up on a Yes-90125 influence in his notes. From there, the band dives into “Build and Destroy,” which recalls the collective sound of 1975’s Equinox. Circling’s lyrics, written by Shaw, keyboardist Lawrence Gowan, and guitarist Will Evankovich, don’t speak to a blue-collar mindset; instead they weave around concepts of dreams, nature, and humanity as technology (particularly AI) dominates the global landscape. The only disappointing thing is none of the members of Nektar appear on this album as special guests since themes of satellites and birds sound right up their alley.

Album standout tracks include “Michigan,” which has Shaw’s vocals sounding as top notch as when he took the lead on “Crystal Ball” back in ’76. “King of Love” features Young’s distinctively sly baritone and conjures up his other classic tunes like “Miss America” and “Great White Hope.” “Everyone Raise a Glass” is the most DeYoung-sounding of the tracks, sounding like a forgotten cut from the group’s Paradise Theatre album of ’81. You can’t help but think Queen’s “Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy” as you listen. “The Things That You Said” seemingly recalls the “Suite Madame Blue” synthesizer sound, while “We Lost The Wheel Again” is a solid rocker that has the group sounding like The Who during their Quadrophenia phase.

While time will tell if Styx ever makes the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (geez, at least put them on a fan ballot already!), Circling From Above is a solid, full-circle effort that emphasizes how the band has no interest in resting on its laurels or cashing in only on its hits. When Gowan sings the lyric, “Grab the wheel and place your bets on me” on “She Knows,” it’s best to take heed as everyone will win in the end.

~ Ira Kantor

[ChicagoSTYX]

A 2nd video for Build And Destroy will premier tomorrow, June 6th.
https://youtu.be/9hz1vbZ3qv0?si=NX2Vjo4bsAS09xye

[ChicagoSTYX]

Apple now has the album available for pre-order download.

[ChicagoSTYX]

Pre-orders also available on Amazon for Vinyl and CD with July 18 release date.

[Monker]

Pre-orders also available on Amazon for Vinyl and CD with July 18 release date.

That is more in line with what I was thinking....but still a couple weeks earlier. But, I admit I was wrong about it the timing....a good thing to be wrong about.

Styx treats their fans well...if you were a fan, you would have known how to get the CD early