Styx were one of America’s biggest rock bands — Chicago arena-rockers who fused hard rock, lush harmonies, classical grandeur and unabashed theatricality into a string of multi-platinum albums. Formed in 1972, they grew from progressive-leaning art rock into stadium-filling hitmakers, powered by the contrasting voices of Dennis DeYoung, Tommy Shaw and James Young. Here is our fellow fan’s ranking of their finest songs.

The short version

If you only hear a few, make them “Come Sail Away”, “Renegade”, “Mr. Roboto” and “Lady” — the soaring signature epic, Tommy Shaw’s beloved outlaw rocker, the divisive synth-pop smash everyone knows, and the power ballad that made their name. The full ranking is below.

Chicago’s arena-rock titans

Styx took shape in Chicago in 1972 around keyboardist and singer Dennis DeYoung, guitarist James “JY” Young, guitarist John Curulewski and the twin Panozzo brothers, Chuck on bass and John on drums. Their 1973 power ballad “Lady” gave them a first hit, but it was the arrival of guitarist and singer Tommy Shaw in 1975 that completed the classic lineup. Across a run of multi-platinum albums from The Grand Illusion to Paradise Theatre, they blended prog-rock ambition, radio-ready hooks and elaborate stagecraft into one of the defining American rock sounds of their era. These fifteen songs are the best.

How we ranked them

This is one fan’s order, weighing melody, ambition, musicianship and lasting impact. The facts are accurate; the order is a starting point for the debate.

The essential six

At the very top sits “Come Sail Away” (1977), the soaring, synth-and-guitar epic that became their signature. With it: “Renegade” (1978), Tommy Shaw’s thunderous outlaw anthem; “Mr. Roboto” (1983), the theatrical synth-pop smash that everyone knows; “Lady” (1973), the DeYoung power ballad that first put them on the map; “Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)” (1978), a driving working-class anthem; and “Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)” (1977), an uplifting Grand Illusion favourite.

Love Styx and classic American rock? The books go deeper →

Reliably great

The next tier is essential too. “The Best of Times” (1981) is a gorgeous DeYoung ballad; “Too Much Time on My Hands” (1981) is Shaw’s irresistible pop-rock hit; “Suite Madame Blue” (1975) is a prog-rock epic and an allegory for America; “Babe” (1979) is the tender ballad that gave them a number-one single; and “The Grand Illusion” (1977) is the anthemic title track of their breakthrough album.

Deeper cuts

For the dedicated, these reward repeat listens. “Lorelei” (1975) is a bright Equinox single; “Crystal Ball” (1976) is the yearning title track of Shaw’s first album with the band; “Rockin’ the Paradise” (1981) opens Paradise Theatre in style; and “Boat on the River” (1979) is a folk-tinged Shaw song that became a huge favourite across Europe.

Every song at a glance

All fifteen songs, in chronological order — each linked to the album it comes from, so you can hear it in context.

Where to start

Begin with the two peak albums, The Grand Illusion (1977) and Pieces of Eight (1978), then the chart-topping Paradise Theatre (1981). From there, Equinox (1975) shows their proggier early side, and Cornerstone (1979) their gift for a ballad.

The players

Styx were defined by three distinct frontmen: keyboardist Dennis DeYoung, the theatrical balladeer behind hits like “Babe” and “Mr. Roboto”; guitarist Tommy Shaw, whose bluesy voice powered “Renegade” and “Blue Collar Man”; and guitarist James “JY” Young, the band’s hard-rock backbone. The rhythm section was the twin Panozzo brothers, Chuck on bass and John on drums; John Panozzo died in 1996. Founding guitarist John Curulewski, who played on the early albums before Shaw joined, died in 1988. In later years singer Lawrence Gowan and drummer Todd Sucherman have kept the band a powerful live force.

Why they still matter

At their peak, Styx were unstoppable, becoming the first band to score four consecutive triple-platinum albums in the US. Their blend of prog ambition and pop craft made them a staple of classic-rock radio and a beloved live act that still tours constantly, and they sit comfortably alongside American peers like Kansas. Songs like “Come Sail Away” and “Renegade” have long outlived their era, embraced by new generations through film, television and video games. For all the critical sniping they once endured, Styx remain one of America’s most enduring and best-loved rock bands.

Go deeper

Keep exploring: rank their records with our guide to the best Styx albums, or place them in the bigger picture with the best progressive rock songs of all time.

Find your next read on the bookshelf below →