Paradise Theater

Styx Fan (June 24, 2004)

This was the height of Styx maturity as a band in my opinion. Rumors flew of anymosity amongst members at this point, Deyoung wanting to travel in a more laid back, melodic direction while Shaw was still very eager to "rock the paradise"('Damn Yankees' was a Shaw creation if that tells you anything). Pay close attention to the individual song credits and you will see this split beginning to evolve. However thats exactly what made this such a Great album! Two differences of opinion coming together forming such strong 'rock' and 'melody' influenced songs. This is one of my favorites by Styx because of that very reason. The only other album Styx produced that comes close is 'Grand Illusion' and it doesnt even begin to touch the diversity of 'Paradise'... Deyoung belts out the Ballads while Shaw tears down the house its a perfect blend of diversity tacked to the tail end of a talented bands career. What came next(Kilroy) made no sense and many say should have never been produced...yes 'Paradise' was the last Great STYX album.