The Grand Illusion

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
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 Grand Illusion, Music, Styx, Album Rock, Arena Rock, Hard Rock, Pop, Pop/Rock, Prog-Rock/Art Rock, Rock, Rock/Pop
The Grand Illusion
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Stellar
  • Top Five desserted Island CD's
  • Styx bashers, cross the river Styx...there's a place in hell reserved for you...
  • Old Favorite
  • Tommy Shaw completing a flawed line-up...
 The Grand Illusion
Styx
Manufacturer: A&M
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Pieces of Eight
  2. Paradise Theater
  3. Equinox
  4. Crystal Ball
  5. Cornerstone

ASIN: B000002GB9
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

  1. The Grand Illusion
  2. Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)
  3. Superstars
  4. Come Sail Away
  5. Miss America
  6. Man In The Wilderness
  7. Castle Walls
  8. The Grand Finale

Amazon.com essential recording

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

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Stellar.......2007-06-28

This is the release that launched Styx into commercial stardom that would give them years of top 40 hits and would lead to tensions in the band between founding member Dennis DeYoung and 6th album newcomer Tommy Shaw. With very minor hits on their previous album 'Equinox' the single 'Lady' from their second album comes into airtime and then this album bursts onto the scene and the rest is history. There isn't a bad song on this album and the trademark Shaw / Young songs that really started here is perfect. If you're looking for a classic rock album with progressive, rock, and a little theater thrown in then get this today. It might be commercial, but Styx was still able to keep their originality alive without succumbing to the corporate label. That would come later.

5 out of 5 stars Top Five desserted Island CD's.......2007-06-27

This one is by far the best of the CD's that Styx has created. The classic Come Sail Away, the erie and haunting Castle Walls, to the fun and uplifting Superstars this CD has it all. Styx hit it's stride with this effort and left a permanent mark on my life, most certaintly one of my five favorite albums of all time. Anyone who is a Styx fan Must have this one in their collection. Crystal Ball, Equinox, and Paradise theater are close behind, but this one is still the class of the field.

5 out of 5 stars Styx bashers, cross the river Styx...there's a place in hell reserved for you..........2007-05-09

As Samhot's review said, Styx gets trashed quite a bit these days. I still like their music (especially this album), and it isn't a nostalgia thing with me. I have never been one to listen to something to take me back to my youth. To me, great music/film/novels/TV last for all time, and it doesn't matter what era they were made. I don't listen to Styx because I like to make fun of their music in the Gen X, "ironic" way, I just really dig it. Some of their lyrics (like Angry Young Man) come close to cheese at times, but the sincerity is there, and that makes up for the somewhat naive message of the song. Every single song here is perfect. The title track is so valid today (they'll show you photographs/of how your life should be/but there just someone else's fantasy). With the way the world (especially the USA) worships celebrities, it's nice to hear some music tell us that they're really nothing, and hollow to the core. Come Sail Away is deserving of every accolade that came its way. It's a beautiful, poetic, powerful song, with a great, intricate time signature by the underrated John Panozzo and it has that sincerity that is so lacking nowadays. Miss America is probably the most underrated song in the entire Styx cannon, an acerbic, hilarious, drenched in acid parody of the "beautiful people". I don't feel that Styx is ripping off prog rock here. There are prog rock traces in Styx's music (especially their earlier stuff), though I never really considered them prog rock (Kansas is really the only American band that can share the stage with the British prog rocks bands in my opinion). They are just a great band that Gen X types like picking on for some reason (Supertramp and REO Speedwagon are 2 others). So what if they were popular? So what if they are sincere? Being popular is not a horrible thing, if you achieve it honestly, and Styx did.

3 out of 5 stars Old Favorite.......2007-04-11

I'm old enough to remember when this album was first released in the 70's - It wasn't as good as I remember it back then, but is still a good example of the classic (?) Styx sound (high vocals and keyboards, and progressive rock drumming), and has some of Styx's most memorable songs (Grand Illusion and Fooling Yourself). I'm not a big Styx fan and purchasing this CD kind of reminded me why - it's OK to listen to, but at the end of the day, the songs sound too much alike and I can only take it in short bursts. It's a good addition (a must?) to a 70's rock collection, but beyond that, it won't leave you wishing you had more songs to listen to.

4 out of 5 stars Tommy Shaw completing a flawed line-up..........2007-02-17

1977 - tommy shaw is like turning a light on in a dark room... before him styx was missing some depth in their vocal range & harmonies not to mention their guitar line-up helping james young out. this epic album is pure genius but is heavily flawed in one area as are many albums from the 60s-70s --- THE DRUMMING SUCKS... I just can't stand john panozzo's drumming from his muted acoustics to his dull patterns & poor timing... otherwise, this album is ahead of it's time. If the drums were better the album would be 5 stars... I think deyoung's keyboard's are phenominal but the drums aren't there to back them up. Especially in fooling yourself... The grand illusion opens the album showing the new band's vocal range & guitar stylings. You can hear the improved harmonies & shaw's flawless guitar riffs. I also think that shaw & young do a good job of rotating guitar duties. Chuck's bass part's are muted & unaggressive per usual but that's okay because the vocals & keys make up for it. The album is almost conceptual as it's reviewed at the end. I love it. It's in my cd player all the time...
Grand Illusion
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Great power metal!!!
  • one of the few power metal bands i like
  • "Rites of Power & Passion"
 Grand Illusion

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. Afterlife
  2. Tales of Mystery and Imagination
  3. Shadowland
  4. New World Messiah
  5. The 8th Sin

ASIN: B000APR54E
Release Date: 2005-10-18

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great power metal!!!.......2006-01-26


Very catchy, ambitious and intelligent lyrics. This guys are awesome, with tight musicianship and perfect vocals. My version is without de DVD, and i'm a little dissapointed about that, just for this. Recommended if you like Gamma Ray and Primal Fear.

4 out of 5 stars one of the few power metal bands i like.......2005-12-05

Just the right amount of heaviness, riffs, and catchiness. I bought this and was disappointed that it didn't have the bonus DVD, so take the other reviewer's advice and find the one with the bonus DVD.

5 out of 5 stars "Rites of Power & Passion".......2005-11-14

This is one of the Best Melodic Power Metal CD's i've ever heard! These Guy's have really developed a formula for writing "Sing-a-Long" Chorus'es! Not a weak song here. My only complaint is i would have liked to hear more changes of tempo, like their older CD's. Most of the songs are very close to that same tempo. I do strongly recomend finding the "Import" version from Century Media. It comes with a "Bonus" DVD(All-region!) that has the last 4 Videos, + the obligitory "in the the Recording Studio footage. But the Icing on the Cake is the Behind-the-scenes footage from the "Demon's of the Opera Tour" they did with the Full Orchestra! I hope some day they release a CD or DVD of that performance cause it sounded AMAZING! "How do you make Power Metal even MORE powerful?" you add an Orchestra! Check The End Records for the DVD version, if Amazon doesn't pick it up, thats where i found it.
When I Hear a Christmas Song
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		When I Hear a Christmas Song

    Manufacturer: Grand Illusion
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
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    ASIN: B000EWG0QM

    Product Description

    CD single from former Styx frontman, released at Christmas 2005.
    Grand Illusion
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Best by Nocturnal Rites thus far!
    • Trying something new but really cool
    • Another SOLID effort!
    • Shadowland Remains There Best Effort
    		 Grand Illusion
    Nocturnal Rites
    Manufacturer: Century Media
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    SwedenSweden | Scandinavia | Europe | International | Styles | Music
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    1. New World Messiah
    2. Shadowland
    3. Threshold
    4. Afterlife
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    ASIN: B000CCZQIW
    Release Date: 2006-01-24

    Tracks:

    1. Fools Never Die
    2. Never Trust
    3. Still Alive
    4. Something Undefined
    5. Our Wasted Days
    6. Cuts Like a Knife
    7. End of Our Rope
    8. Never Ending
    9. One by One
    10. Deliverance

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Best by Nocturnal Rites thus far!.......2006-07-04

    From the opening song to the last track, this is the best effort by Nocturnal Rites I've ever heard.

    5 out of 5 stars Trying something new but really cool.......2006-04-15

    I thought their last effort was kinda soft and lacked enought thought to be a good CD. So I was hoping this one would do the trick. GREAT CD!! They sort of stray from the Heavy guitar sound that carried them in earlier efforts and go for a Dream Theatre keyboard/sound with heavy guitar. I personally think the keyboard addition gives the sound a little more melody and adds some spice. As for the previous reviewers comments on no melody within the choruses or songs, I didn't find it to be true. This is a solid CD with some minor changes that any power/melodic METAL fan will love!! I found it to be a back to the basics CD. everything is simple and to the point! Sometimes you just need a catchy riff some solid drums and a good tune. This CD delivers that. Nothing elaborate, just straight ahead METAL!!!!! ROCKON!!

    5 out of 5 stars Another SOLID effort!.......2006-02-16

    Once NOCTURNAL RITES decided to become a serious power metal band (SHADOWLAND CD), they have not looked back. This latest effort is a fitting release that continues their powerfully catchy BON-JOVI meets MASTERPLAN type of sound. They definetly have a sound all their own but I think thats a decent way to describe them. Every CD since SHADOWLAND has been a true POWER METAL masterpiece. This one is no exception.

    2 out of 5 stars Shadowland Remains There Best Effort.......2006-02-06

    The beginning of this band's demiss came with the last album New World Messiah, while it still had a bit of energy left, the production made if fall flat and sound very much the same, weak and flat. The song structures were tight, but the band sounded if it was slowing down, becoming bored with it self, well the same holds true with Grand Illusion. The production is a bit better (still not up to par with SL and Afterlife), but the songs are just plain straight forward and boring, some may start out stong but then disapate themselves with the chorus. I must point out that chrous's use to be the bands strong point, now it has fallen by the way side. The guitar playing is very mediocre by comparison to say Shadowland, were every solo was incredibley technical and well thought out. The solo's on this album are pretty much just as boring as the songs themselves. Also the drum work even on the last album was much better than on this, he sounds as if his left foot has fallen off basically playing staight ahead no double bass style playing. I was highly disappointed and expecting more from this band, while it doesnt stink to high heavens like Metallican't, it is without a doubt there weakest effort yet. Powerless Metal:(
    Ten More Tales Of Grand Illusion
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		Ten More Tales Of Grand Illusion
      Balance of Power
      Manufacturer: Perris
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
      Hard RockHard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
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      RockRock | Imports | Stores | Music
      ASIN: B00003J6HS
      Release Date: 2000-12-15

      Tracks:

      1. Day Breaker
      2. Prisoner of Pride
      3. Savage Tears
      4. Under the Spell
      5. Blind Man
      6. About to Burn
      7. Under Innocence Wing
      8. Sins of the World
      9. Darker Side
      10. Ten More Tales of Grand Illusion

      Album Description

      2000 release from German metal act. 12 brand tracks including 'Passage To Hope', Seas Of Madness' and 'Followed By The Moon'. Standard jewel case.
      Alma Latina
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        		Alma Latina
        Emilio Colon
        Manufacturer: Klavier
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
        ClassicalClassical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
        ASIN: B000067UO6
        Release Date: 2002-06-03

        Tracks:

        1. Ginastera: Pampeana No. 2, Op.21
        2. Ponce: Estrellita (arr. Cassado)
        3. Falla: Seven Spanish Folksongs (arr. Colon)
        4. Piazolla: Le Grand Tango
        5. Villa-Lobos: Pequena Suite
        6. Morel-Campos: Bella Illusion (arr. Colon)
        7. Tavarez: Un Recuerdito - Danza Capricho (arr. Colon)
        8. Turina: Anhelos - Desires (arr. Colon)
        9. Sarasate: Zigeunerweisen (arr. Colon)
        Ten More Tales Of Grand Illusion
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          		Ten More Tales Of Grand Illusion
          Balance of Power
          Manufacturer: Massacre
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
          Hard RockHard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
          Hard Rock & MetalHard Rock & Metal | Imports | Stores | Music
          RockRock | Imports | Stores | Music
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          1. Heathen Machine

          ASIN: B00003GA7O
          Release Date: 2003-12-02

          Tracks:

          1. Day Breaker
          2. Prisoner of Pride
          3. Savage Tears
          4. Under the Spell
          5. Blind Man
          6. About to Burn
          7. Under Innocence Wing
          8. Sins of the World
          9. Darker Side
          10. Ten More Tales of Grand Illusion

          Album Description

          1999 album from the raucous heavy metal band on Massacre Records.
          View from the Top
          Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
          • Perfect AOR Gem From Sweden
          		 View from the Top
          Grand Illusion
          Manufacturer: Avalon
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
          ASIN: B0000677RW
          Release Date: 2002-06-21

          Tracks:

          1. I Refuse
          2. Battle For Your Heart
          3. Zeroes & Ones
          4. The Prophecy Of The Returning Son
          5. Between Dark & Dawn
          6. Straight Face
          7. Gotta Give It Up
          8. Who's It Gonna Be?
          9. Positively Negative
          10. Blinded
          11. Don't Hurt Yourself

          Album Details

          Japanese Version featuring a Bonus Track

          Customer Reviews:

          5 out of 5 stars Perfect AOR Gem From Sweden.......2003-01-21

          If you are looking for 80's styled dynamic melodic rock as Journey, Styx, hunt Swedish bands. Sweden in recent years has been pushing out finest of AOR bands that can beat even prime time Journey, Boston or Styx. Grand Illusion is one of those bands reminding us of grand scale Styx/Queen/Journey styled rock featurng Goran Edman(legendary Yngswei Malmsteen vocalist)like powerful emotional vocal. The band is made up of seasoned veterans that has been honing their musical talents from 80s.

          My favorites are I Refuse, Journey like uptempo chorus driven rocker, Straight Face with excellent hooks and dyanamism, Zeros and Ones light but excellent pop tune and Blinded that combines what's fine of the aforementioned songs.

          Recommended for Styx and Journey appreciators.
          Book of How to Make It
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            		Book of How to Make It
            Grand Illusion
            Manufacturer: Avalon
            ProductGroup: Music
            Binding: Audio CD

            GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
            ASIN: B00005HWBF
            Release Date: 2001-03-23

            Tracks:

            1. Feeling Strangely Fine
            2. Don't Want To Know
            3. Boys Last Night Out
            4. Accidently On Purpose
            5. The Book Of How To Make It
            6. Whatever
            7. 105 (And Running)
            8. Parachute
            9. The Desperate Man's Plea (Bonus Track)
            10. Don't Wait Up
            11. Crazy From The Heat
            12. The Hardest Part

            Album Details

            Japanese Version featuring a Bonus Track: Desperate Plea
            Book of How You Make It
            Average customer rating: Not rated
              		Book of How You Make It

              Manufacturer: Dark Matter Distribution
              ProductGroup: Music
              Binding: Audio CD

              GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
              GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
              Hard Rock & MetalHard Rock & Metal | Imports | Stores | Music
              ASIN: B00005JSNN
              Release Date: 2006-08-01

              Tracks:

              1. Feeling Strangely Fine
              2. I Dont Wanna Know
              3. Boys Last Night Out
              4. Accidentally On Purpose
              5. The Book Of How To Make It
              6. Whatever
              7. 105 (And Running)
              8. Parachute
              9. Dont Wait Up
              10. Crazy From The Heat
              11. Death Of Me

              Album Description

              2001 release for Swedish melodic rock act. Escape Music Ltd.

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