EDGE OF THE CENTURY

Tommy Shaw whom his contribution to the band since "Crystal Ball" album was phenomenal in terms of songwriting and taking vocal job, left the band to form Damn Yankees with another rocker Ted Nugent. What's left is a relatively weak album in terms of composition and overall performance. However, this album made a world wide hit "Show Me The Way" where it's definitely a song orientated composition with powerful lyrics. The song title made me confused the first time with Peter Frampton's "Show Me The Way" which was also a radio hit in the seventies. It was almost sure that if the band did not have the hit like "Show Me The Way" they might go down the drain as the music was way below Styx standard, I guess. Gone were the days when they had excellent tracks like "Suite Madame Blue" or "Born With An Adventure" or "This Old Man" or "Christopher Mr Christopher" or even great rocker like "Love In The Midnight".

Still, the strength of Styx lies in its vocal harmony between Dennis De Young and James Young and occasionally with the Pannozo brothers. This album made itself distinctive from other Styx albums especially in the use of brass section. I only recommend this album for completionist only - those who love the band and wanting to have all albums of Styx.

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW