Product ReviewsStyx - Crystal Ball [New CD]

Styx's first really great album

I already had Crystal Ball on LP, but have been "re-collecting" my LPs into a CD collection.
This is the first Styx album to feature Tommy Shaw.
Styx was a decent group before Shaw. I only have one other Styx album prior to Shaw's entrance to the band, and that's Equinox.
Equinox has several good tracks ("Light Up", "Lorelei" and "Suite Madam Blue").
But they don't compare to the improvement made simply by trading out guitarist/vocalist John Cerwlewski (I may have spelled that last name wrong) with Tommy Shaw.
Apparently, the band was so confident in Shaw's abilities at the time that they titled the album after a song Tommy wrote and sang lead on...obviously, "Crystal Ball", which is probably the jem of this entire album, but that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of other great songs as well. The opening track "Put Me On" is a really great and rockin' track. It features J.Y. on lead vocals. "Mademoiselle" is another Tommy Shaw track. "Jennifer" is the typical Dennis De Young love anthem (in the same vein as prior "Lady" and future songs like "Babe" and "First Time").
"Shooz" is a Shaw/J.Y. co-write and a rockin' number (as almost always is the case when J.Y. has a hand in the writing). And the last two tracks are "This Old Man" and a medley of "Clair de Lune/Ballerina", with Clair de Lune being De Young's take on the Debussy standard and Ballerina being an original De Young composition...as is This Old Man.
Although, this is by far Styx's best album, it's in their top 3 easily.
Nothing will ever top The Grand Illusion and it's runner-up Pieces Of Eight.
Most bands have a golden "triad" (or in some cases 4 or 5) albums.
Crystal Ball, Grand Illusion and Pieces of Eight are Styx's golden Triad.
Must haves for ANY Styx fan!Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: happytimesforever

Great CD but came with a broken case

this CD sounds great and no scratches but the case arrived broken and you can't use it because the little spikes are broken inside to hold the CD disc

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: moviemars

Underrated!!!!

Don't know why people rag on STYX, might not be there best but still a really good CD!!!!!

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Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: xxbobbyx

Great

Original 1988 disc. Todays CDs are cheaply made. This one is more durable and the recording is across the whole disc.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: notebooksource5

Put Me On and Play Me LOUD

A great Styx classic! Love every track. This was Tommy Shaw's intro album that portends to bigger things to come for Styx. I've always enjoyed them for their entertainment value and fun they bring to their music. So put it on and enjoy!Read full review...

Crystal Ball

A great album from styx

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: tribute2rock

Good value

Excellent album and like new condition.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: musicanduniquef...

A good find indeed.

What a find. Would love to find more Styx, of the Tommy Shaw era at such a reasonable price. If you get a chance, you should check out Arch Allies. Styx played in St. Louis with Kansas. Available in both C.D & DVD format.Read full review...

Good music

Can’t beat classic rock

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: decluttr_store

A must have cd

Great record! Put me on ! Thanks

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: get_importcds