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Equinox is much like The Grand Illusion in that it combines elements of symphonic rock with more accessible rock and roll. It's not nearly as well-done, however. The group's composers (Dennis DeYoung, James Young and John Curulewski) sound as if they're still trying to figure out how to write interesting, tight songs and fit them together as an album. As a result, even though this was Styx's fifth album, none of the songs except "Lorelei" really feel complete and the selection of pieces for the album seems arbitrary. One of the things I like about Styx is the coherence of their concept albums; that element simply wasn't present here.



Equinox is much like The Grand Illusion in that it combines elements of symphonic rock with more accessible rock and roll. It's not nearly as well-done, however. The group's composers (Dennis DeYoung, James Young and John Curulewski) sound as if they're still trying to figure out how to write interesting, tight songs and fit them together as an album. As a result, even though this was Styx's fifth album, none of the songs except "Lorelei" really feel complete and the selection of pieces for the album seems arbitrary. One of the things I like about Styx is the coherence of their concept albums; that element simply wasn't present here.

The line-up on Equinox is just one member different from the classic Styx; instead of Tommy Shaw (one of the two main songwriters of the following albums), we get John Curulewski, whose tracks "Mother Dear" and "Prelude 12" are the most forgettable on the whole album. DeYoung's "Lorelei" is by far the best tune, featuring both a simple, addictive synthesizer opening and a chorus section where all of the members sing and jam separately, culminating into one monstrously over-the-top conclusion. Other tracks of note include the radio staple "Suite Madame Blue," an atmospheric track that sounds like Styx playing the Eagles' "Hotel California," and "Light Up," a clever ditty comparing DeYoung's love for somebody with the high normally associated with substance abuse.

I'd give Equinox a lukewarm recommendation to the general prog audience and a hearty recommendation to Styx fans. The Grand Illusion is a better example of this sort of pompous AOR, but there's still some parts of this album that are worthwhile.


Tracklist:
1. Light Up - 4:19
2. Lorelei - 3:23
3. Mother Dear - 5:30
4. Lonely Child - 3:49
5. Midnight Ride - 4:19
6. Born for Adventure - 5:16
7. Prelude 12 - 1:20
8. Suite Madame Blue - 6:30

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