Editorial Review:

From Amazon.com:
More than two decades before it became Eric Cartman's favorite song on South Park, "Come Sail Away" was the choice of music fans with one foot in the art-rock camp and the other in Top 40 pop. The Grand Illusion straddled the seemingly divergent directions as only Styx could, laying on the pomp with layers of keyboards and high-flown lyrical conceits, yet keeping the proceedings light with hook-filled choruses and breezy melodies. Tommy Shaw's engaging "Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)" is the set's highlight, offering a bit of armchair psychology even as it acted as a subtle dig at the snarling punk rockers to whom Styx was anathema. James Young's "Miss America" rocks out, while Dennis DeYoung's title track reminds us that life is fleeting and illusory. Not exactly Nietzsche, but you can dance to it, sort of. --Daniel Durchholz

The mindless masses might have you believe that everything ever recorded by Styx is complete garbage. As right as those detractors may be about much of Styx's later work, I couldn't disagree more when it comes to "The Grand Illusion". Quite simply, this album is awesome. It may not be avant-garde or thought provoking, but every track is amazingly entertaining. In fact, I'd place "The Grand Illusion" alongside Boston's self-titled debut as one of the two albums that were able to transcend the genre of AOR. Of particular interest here are the extended proggish cuts, namely "Man In the Wilderness" and "Castle Walls", although I'll also admit to being a huge fan of radio rock staples such as "Superstars" and "Come Sail Away".

Favorite tracks: "Man In the Wilderness", "Castle Walls"

Average Rating:

Rating: - This album is good and "Come Sail Away" is one of the classics.
The mindless masses might have you believe that everything ever recorded by Styx is complete garbage. As right as those detractors may be about much of Styx's later work, I couldn't disagree more when it comes to "The Grand Illusion". Quite simply, this album is awesome. It may not be avant-garde or thought provoking, but every track is amazingly entertaining. In fact, I'd place "The Grand Illusion" alongside Boston's self-titled debut as one of the two albums that were able to transcend the genre of AOR. Of particular interest here are the extended proggish cuts, namely "Man In the Wilderness" and "Castle Walls", although I'll also admit to being a huge fan of radio rock staples such as "Superstars" and "Come Sail Away".

Favorite tracks: "Man In the Wilderness", "Castle Walls"

Rating: - Sail away with Styx!
This is classic '70's synth / prog rock. Glossy, loud, brash and typically American. Top notch production and excellent playing. Worth the ticket money for 'Come Sail Away' alone !

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Rating: - A Classic Prog Rock CD
This is simply a must for all Prog Rock Fans,there isn't a single bad song one this one. My only complaint would be, this classic CD is long overdue a Remaster,like many other Styx titles.....perhaps one day?

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Rating: - The price of fame
It isn't hard to understand why 'The Grand Illusion' gave Styx their most crucial breakthrough. Easy on the ear, yet possessing musical depth, it's a little more commercial than its two major label predecessors, 'Equinox' and 'Crystal Ball.' Yet I feel it lacks some of the craft, imagination and edge of those albums, nor is it as heavy and hard-hitting as their next, 'Pieces of Eight.'

As on those previous albums, Dennis DeYoung's proggy keyboards lead off with the title track, a melodic and attractive piece. Styx, though, are sometimes prone to cliches and obvious philosophies. Couched in this grand production is the message that 'deep inside we're all the same.' It's rather like rolling out the red carpet to introduce a film extra. The album's theme is fame: the aspirations, disillusionment and pitfalls. DeYoung (I suspect they're his lyrics) tends to recycle his material; on separate songs we're told 'come on in,' 'step right this way' and 'climb aboard.' Tommy Shaw's two songs are quite refreshing as a result, especially the rocking 'Man In The Wilderness,' the most intense track on the album. By contrast, 'Superstars' is bland by the band's standards. DeYoung's big triumphs here, though, are the anthemic, six-minute 'Come Sail Away' and the brooding tale, 'Castle Walls.' James Young has only the somewhat average 'Miss America.'

'The Grand Illusion' is worth buying, but their other aforementioned albums should be higher up your shopping list.

Related Items:

Pieces of Eight

Paradise Theater

Cornerstone

Crystal Ball

Equinox