This Day in Music History: Styx/The Grand Illusion (07/07)

On this date in 1977, Styx released The Grand Illusion. Yes, it was 7/7/77, and it was also their 7th album. It's like they planned that or something...

Anyway, here is the awesome album cover which I have used on my blog many times before:

According to keyboardist Dennis DeYoung (DDY!), the album's theme was the struggle to overcome self-deluding superficiality in order to affirm one's genuine value. This theme was reflected in the lyrics of the album's title track:

So if you think your life is complete confusion

'cause your neighbor's got it made

just remember that it's a grand illusion

and deep inside we're all the same



To me, this is a must own for everyone. It also contains what I think is their best song ever. No, not Come Sail Away, but this:

I have previously covered this album in more depth here: Side One, Side Two.

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My Top 10 Favorite Styx Album Covers

10) Man of Miracles (1980 Re-Issue)

Friday and the Random 10 (Styx Edition)

Welcome to a new and improved, simplified and stripped down Random 10! 

Here's a picture.

Music Monday (Styx/The Grand Illusion, Side Two)

After covering the magnificent first side of The Grand Illusion here, it is time to take a look at side two.

Music Monday (Styx/The Grand Illusion, Side One)

This one is so huge I don't even know how to start...

On July 7th, 1977 (7/7/77), Styx released their seventh album called The Grand Illusion.  The album's theme was the struggle to overcome self-deluding superficiality in order to affirm one's genuine value. And it launched the band to stardom.

My Top 10 Favorite Styx Album Covers

10) Brave New World

9) Man of Miracles

8) Crystal Ball

7) Styx II (1980 "Lady" Re-issue)

6) Best of Styx (1980 Re-issue)

5) Paradise Theater (front/back)

Inside (unfolded)

4) Pieces of Eight

3) Styx I (1980 Re-issue)

2) Equinox

1) The Grand Illusion