Pieces of Eight

I think what people miss about this album is the era in which it was born. Prog was gettimg tiresome and DeYoung was well aware of it. Instead of retreading the lines of The Grand Illusion, there was a shift to more rock oriented songs, with a tinge of pop. People may hissy fit about DeYoung’s sensibilities and poo-poo all they want, but his direction is what brought Styx their greatest success and POE is a testament to that. His collaborations with former bandmate James Young on Queen Of Spades is an absolute face melter that also sends chills to the bone on the synth outtro. Don’t overlook the back rhythm of the Panozzo brothers keeping it tight and together. A rock masterpiece.

This is a rock classic. My dad has this on cd and listens to it all the time. My favorite Song is renegade but I also like blue collar man. This in my opinion is the best Styx album .

Pieces of Eight is an essential follow up The Grand Illusion. Dennis Deyoung, Tommy Shaw and James Young did it again with this album. They were in the groove at this point in the Styx legacy. A must have for any Rock music lover.

If half stars were allowed then Pieces of Eight would receive 3-1/2. However, I will reluctantly round up to four. The second half is so unbelievably epic, not just for Styx, but for the history of classic/prog rock. The first half is so dull and forgettable. I’ve tried over and over to get into it, but it fails to grab me. The second half really doesn’t need much to be said for it. It speaks for itself. Even though Renegade is perhaps a bit burnt out at this point, it is one of, if not the greatest, hard rock songs ever written. Taken purely from a musician’s standpoint, it is songwriting perfection. Unequaled in pure energy. Blue Collar Man and Queen of Spades are great songs as well. Aku-Aku is a beautiful instrumental outro. This is the last very good Styx album. Dennis decided he wanted to be Barry Mannilow or a showtunes performer going forward beyond Pieces of Eight.

❤️