Brave New World

by Styx

Product Description:

Styx: Tommy Shaw (vocals, acoustic & electric guitars, keyboards, programming, samples); James Young (vocals, guitar); Dennis DeYoung (vocals, keyboards); Chuck Panozzo (bass); Todd Sucherman (drums, percussion).

Additional personnel: Jerry Goodman (violin).

Producers: Tommy Shaw, Dennis DeYoung, James Young.

Engineers include: Gary Loizzo, Keith Marks, Craig Bauer.

Principally recorded at Pumpkin Studios and The White Room, Chicago, Illinois; The S.H.O.P., Hollywood, California.

Venerable classic rock superstars Styx return with their first album of new material in nine years. BRAVE NEW WORLD features the classic lineup of James Young, Dennis DeYoung, Tommy Shaw, Chuck Panozzo, and Todd Sucherman, who replaces the late John Panozzo. Like the Ramones and AC/DC, the group has never strayed from its unique sound.

"I Will Be Your Witness" is the funky album opener and is reminiscent of "Blue Collar Man." Dennis DeYoung adds "While There's Still Time" to his lengthy list of impeccable ballads. "What Have They Done To You" is a thumping, heavy number in which Shaw shares vocals with wildman guitarist James Young. "Fallen Angel" is a bluesy honky-tonk tune featuring the piano talents of DeYoung. The band takes the heavy metal route on "Everything Is Cool." "Great Expectations" is a fluid, jazzy number featuring trademark Styx harmonies.

Styx explores everything from tender ballads to hard rock to reggae to 50s rock on BRAVE NEW WORLD and the album's variety adds to its appeal. The band's playing has improved over the years, and this record is proof of that.