CRYSTAL BALL

It's 1976, and Styx has a new member in Tommy Shaw. Is anything lost from their awesome Equinox album? Well, maybe some. This is a solid album, but it doesn't compare to Grand Illusion, Pieces of Eight, or Equinox. The first 2 rockers, "Put me On" and "Mademoiselle" are fine classic Styx rockers along with "Crystal Ball" and "This Old Man". These are all 4-5 star tunes. However, "Jennifer" bores me and "Shooz" is the JY Young contribution, typical hard rock, nothing special. "CLair de Lune/Ballerina" never really seem to go anywhere and end on a riot of pomposity that seems forced. Overall, this is a good Styx album, and most Styx fans should enjoy it, but anyone new to Styx (Is there anyone?), would be better to start with the prior 3 mentioned albums, which showcase them at their finest. So....a solid 3, almost 3 1/2 stars.