If it's your belief that one of the reasons today's rock is so bereft of personality is that all sense of show business has been drained from the music, then a look back at the career of Styx offers proof positive that it wasn't always thus. Greatest Hits offers a comprehensive overview of the band, from its art-rock days--which produced a top 10 hit in "Lady," a new version of which is included in this package--to its years as a perennial album-rock favorite--with offerings ranging from flights of fancy ("Come Sail Away," "Renegade") to proto-power ballads ("Babe," "Crystal Ball") to songs reflecting the working-class roots of its audience ("Too Much Time on My Hands," "Blue Collar Man"). The band eventually succumbed to a shift in musical tides and just plain silliness ("Mr. Roboto"), but for a time, this disc suggests, a satin-suited pomp-rocker was something to be. --Daniel Durchholz

Japanese only SHM-CD (Super High Material CD - playable on all CD players) pressing. Universal. 2008.

This was a review I honestly had to ponder for a while. Atleast 3 listenings to make an honest and truthful review. First let me say this if you were a teenager or around that age in the 80's this is an amazing walk down memory lane. The vocal control that this band exhibited throughout their careers is outstanding. The song that personally takes me back is the ever popular ballad "Babe". Who doesnt remember being a nervous little dork teenager trying to get up the nerve to go ask that special girl you had your eye on to dance. We all have those memories. And for a mid level rocker who can ever forget the powerful Renegade. If there might be one small hit on styx as a band, it might be that they were caught between a pop artist and just slightly edging towards the heavier rock side. But as for a great complete CD chronicialling the amazing run they had in the eighties, get this CD, sit back and let your memories roll. Well recommended. Thanks for reading

Renegade probaly the only good song these guys have ever recorded and it should of stayed that way. These guys are pretty crappy compared too most 70s rock bands and sound the same as the sounds of kansas reo speedwagon stuff like that is OKAY but in small amounts. personally STYX just sound the same every song Come Sail Away is only the worse song i've ever heard in my life. A forgotten band that is only remembered by cheap complimations and people downloading Renegade off the internet or itunes. Ehhh go for some actullay good stuff like Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, or Pink Floyd.

Styx released their first A&M years collection 'Greatest Hits' in 1995. This is their second overall collection, with their first being 1975's Wooden Nickel Records 'Best of Styx.'

But this remains the most comprehensive collection of Styx on the market. All of the band's radio hits are here, and it also includes some popular album tracks and fan favorites as well. This collection spans Styx's A&M years, 1975-1995, a 20-year period.

Here is the album by album review.

Tracks from Equinox (1975):
'Lorelei,' 'Suite Madame Blue'
Review: I like what's represented. Obviously they would put 'Lorelei' here, because that was the radio hit here. But, I'm just a tad disappointed that we don't have 'Light Up' or 'Mother Dear' on here. But A&M got it right for the most part on this one.

Tracks from Crystal Ball (1976):
'Crystal Ball'
Review: THAT'S IT!?! Just 'Crystal Ball'? This was Tommy Shaw's first record with Styx, and it remains one of their finest. No 'Mademoiselle' or 'Shooz'? Or maybe even an album track like 'Jennifer'? That's disappointing.

Tracks from The Grand Illusion (1977):
'Come Sail Away,' 'Miss America,' 'Fooling Yourself,' 'Grand Illusion'
Review: They got all of the hits from the record. Just a tad disappointed to see 'Man In The Wilderness' absent, but that's a minor complaint, nothing to cry about. A&M definitely got this one right.

Tracks from Pieces of Eight (1978):
'Renegade,' 'Blue Collar Man'
Review: Again, A&M took the hits from the record, but forgot all about the album tracks. I am very disappointed that 'Sing For The Day' and 'Great White Hope' aren't here. But A&M did alright on this one.

Tracks from Cornerstone (1979):
'Babe'
Review: ONLY 'BABE'!?! Where is 'Boat On The River'? That was my favorite song from the album, and yet, nowhere to be found here. That's very disappointing. A&M got this one wrong. 'Babe' was great, but why stop there?

Tracks from Paradise Theater (1981):
'Too Much Time On My Hands,' 'The Best Of Times'
Review: A great record, one of Styx's best. And A&M picked the two significant tunes from this record. But, I am a little mad to see 'Rockin' The Paradise' and 'Snowblind' omitted. But still, A&M picked out the two hits from the record, so I'm not complaining at all.

Tracks from Kilroy Was Here (1983):
'Mr. Roboto,' 'Don't Let It End'
Review: The 1983 concept album is represented nicely here, but I'm just a tad bit disappointed to see 'Heavy Metal Poisoning' omitted. But A&M did a great job. Again, no complaints.

Tracks from Edge of the Century (1990):
'Show Me The Way'
Review: Out of all of Styx's records from the A&M years, this was, without a doubt, their weakest. 'Show Me The Way' is a nice tune, and I'm glad it's here. I did enjoy 'Love Is The Ritual,' so I'm just a tad disappointed that it's not here, but A&M did a great job with selections from this record.

New Tracks (1995):
'Lady 95'
Review: A great remake of their biggest Wooden Nickel hit. While I prefer the Wooden Nickel version over this one, this is still a great remake. Dennis' vocals are in top shape here. Cool remake.

Overall, 'Greatest Hits' is the best single disc Styx collection on the market and it remains the ultimate starting point for Styx. Everything here is great, despite a couple of key omissions.

Highly recommended for any Styx fan.

ENJOY!!!

if you don't want to buy several of their CD's, this is a great choice. I would have perferred some more of the older stuff.

A good way to listen to the best of Styx without listening to secondary cuts on individual CD's.