For half a century, Styx has been a prominent force in rock music, leaving an indelible mark on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. With an impressive 23 singles charting and eight reaching the coveted top 10, Styx Songs showcase a remarkable breadth of musical styles. From the progressive rock anthems like “Come Sail Away” and “Fooling Yourself (Angry Young Man)” to the hard-hitting rock of “Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)” and “Renegade,” and the power ballads such as “Babe” and “The Best of Times,” Styx’s discography is incredibly diverse. And then, of course, there’s the uniquely enigmatic “Mr. Roboto,” a track that defies easy categorization.
The sheer volume of Styx’s Hot 100 hits extends far beyond a typical greatest hits collection. Understanding this range is crucial to appreciating their legacy. While Dennis DeYoung’s prominent keyboards, longer, thematic compositions, and concept album artwork might suggest a strong prog rock identity, the core of Styx’s music leans more towards straightforward rock and, at times, pop sensibilities. They truly embody the spirit of classic 70s Album-Oriented Rock (AOR), appealing to a substantial and diverse audience by skillfully navigating various musical territories.
Choosing the definitive Styx songs from their Hot 100 catalog—which spans from their sole No. 1 hit, “Babe,” in 1979, to the No. 88 charting “You Need Love” from earlier in their career—is no simple task. Iconic tracks like “Mr. Roboto,” “Show Me the Way,” and “Babe” enjoy immense popularity, perhaps even overshadowing some songs with greater artistic depth that charted lower. Styx’s long and storied history has provided a wealth of options, and the band has never been afraid to explore different sonic avenues, even if it occasionally surprised or divided their fanbase.
As Styx embarks on their “Renegades & Juke Box Heroes” summer tour with Foreigner and special guest John Waite, it’s the perfect moment to delve into what makes their Hot 100 hits so enduring. This tour, kicking off in Grand Rapids, Mich., on June 11 and featuring new bassist Terry Gowan, brother of keyboardist Lawrence Gowan, serves as a timely reminder of Styx’s continued relevance in the rock landscape. Exploring their chart-topping journey reveals not just hit songs, but a band that consistently pushed creative boundaries while capturing the hearts of millions.
Alt text: Styx band members performing live on stage, showcasing their energetic performance and classic rock instruments.
This image represents Styx’s dynamic stage presence and their commitment to live performance, core elements of their enduring appeal beyond just their recorded songs.
