CRYSTAL BALL

The first album to feature new guitarist/vocalist Tommy Shaw as a member of the band is an interesting entity. While not as strong as some other albums, there are tracks buried in the mix that showcase Styx as a band beginning to spread their wings and take flight. "Crystal Ball" stands as one of the strongest tracks on the CD, but DeYoung's haunting "Ballerina," and Shaw's "Mademoiselle" also stand out. Most absent from this album seems to be input from James Young, who only stands out in the first track "Put Me On." Perhaps more input from him might have given this album the balance it needed.