Styx - Kilroy Was Here CD

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 Styx - Styx Wasn't Here
First cursed the band in 1983, as Styx HAD to have known in advance this 'supposed' conceptual album would damage their career, somewhat. Two lemons here "Mr. Roboto" and the super-lame "Heavy Metal Poisoning" almost makes me want to shove my stereo system right out the window. A&M Records should issue refunds to all of us who purchased the vinyl record. So glad this turned out to be a mere faze for the band. Their more recent efforts are indeed satisfactory.
Submitted by straight_man1975 (everywhere..)
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 VERY hard to rate.
This album was a major disappointment in so many ways. Yet, it delivers some very, very bright spots. The plot, while hated by most critics, I thought was wonderful, and this concept album has actually become the basis of the on-line novel, "Whispers In The Night" by TB Gillis. Some of the music, however, is where the disappointment actually lies. First the bright spots: "Mr. Roboto", while alienating many core fans, brought new fans to STYX, some of whom remain loyal to this day. From an unbiased perspective the song was brilliant and managed to combine the Arena-rock, over-the-top vocal style of STYX with the more kitchy styles prevelant in the early-mid 80's. Even if you are initially put-off by the song, once you delve into the albums plot you can't help but appreciate it. It has not been one of my favorites, but I have come to love it on certain levels; and it does symbolize STYX to the younger fans of eighties music. (Not necessarily the die-hard Stygian.) "Don't Let It End", while a bit off topic, is CLASSIC DeYoung and rounds out his trilogy of Top 5 STYX Ballads. (Babe, Best Of Times, Don't Let It End.) Not to mention it is very beautiful and stirring. "Haven't We Been Here Before" easily joins "First Time" as one of Styx's most underratted ballads. (Tommy really has a talent for the ballad despite his slight distaste for them!) If all the songs were as Strong as these with a few solid rockers in the mix, this album easily becomes Styx's most successful of all time. The other songs are not, however, and the album sells its collective soul to the simplistic, commercial Nu-Wav pop sound of the 1980s. Where "Roboto" came through, most of the musical arrangements come off as too simplistic compared to STYX of yore. "Cold War" and "Heavy Metal Poisoning" are atrocious and should never have made the cut. "Poisoning" actually had the potential to be a great rocker, but is melodramatic and silly. JY is way too hammy on the vocals on this one. Again, the instrumental is way simplistic and the final mix-down should have brought the vocals down and guitars up. It just needs to be harder. This is one of those STYX songs that sounds better live. Overall, the album is a decent buy, even for the casual fan on the strengths of "Haven't We Been Here", "Roboto", and "Don't Let It End" (I own it on CD and vinyl). But don't come expecting a CLASSIC STYX album, because it's not.
Submitted by a reviewer (SLC, UT, USA) 
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 It's a toss up....honestly!
I have listened to this album, and I have to say that it is not on par with the other works done by this band. The whole problem is that Dennis DeYoung wanted to write conceptual albums with a more pop/balladry sound. The only problem: STYX was a ROCK BAND! What more can I say? Yes, there are some bright spots on this album, but on an overall basis, this album doesn't live up to their previous works. As for all of those out there who don't like Paradise Theater; Why not? It maintains the concept/rock-ability of their previous works.....so whats the deal? If I had my choice of STYX albums, they would have to be The Grand Illusion, Pieces Of Eight, & Paradise Theater (I have more, but these are the most fan accessable ones on the market!). Start with these albums, and then expand into the rest of STYX's catalog. Enjoy the music
Submitted by J.R. (Minnesota, USA)
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 A True Album
Many people hated Styx bcause of this album, but when I listened I heard a true blend of DD, TS, and JY. All the songs corresponded with each other and the album totally outranked Paradise Theater(though that was a good one to) Dennis showed is creative ways in MR. ROBOTO, Tommy in Just Get Through This Night and JY showed skill in Heavy Metal Poisoning. This album will make your whole body want to sing
Submitted by Willhud9 (Chesterfield,VA,USA)
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 So much potential....
When it is good, it is very, very good...this album should have been called 'Yoyo', it has so many ups and downs. Still, for me, "Mr.Roboto" and JY's "Double Life" (his strongest song) stand head and shoulders above such tripe as "don't let it end" etc. I try to adhere to the concept when listening but it's not as strong as "Paradise Theatre" (as loose as that concept is). It's a pity personalities seem to get in the way sometimes....
Submitted by Justin (Kiama, NSW, Australia)
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