Equinox (Styx album)
Equinox is the fifth studio album by American progressive rock band Styx, released on December 1975. The album was the band's first release for A&M Records (with whom they had signed earlier in 1975, after the late unexpected success of the 1973 single "Lady"). The album also marked the final appearance of original Styx guitarist John Curulewski who left the band to spend time with his family, abruptly following the release of "Equinox". The band went into a frantic search to find a replacement for their upcoming tour to support "Equinox". Shortly thereafter, Tommy Shaw was  approached and joined the band. Although "Equinox" stalled at #58, it went Gold in 1977 shortly before the release of "The Grand Illusion" (1977) and it sold 350,000 copies when it was first released. Songs. The album's biggest hit is the track "Lorelei", which became Styx's second US Top 30 hit. The opening track "Light Up" appears to be a celebration of pot smoking. "Mother Dear," co-sung by Curulewski (verses) and DeYoung (chorus), is in a prog-rock style. "Lonely Child" is a melodic power ballad featuring 12-string guitars. Side 2 opens with the rocker "Midnight  Ride," which showcases the hard rock of singer-songwriter Young. It is the only song written by him on the album. "Born for Adventure," about legends such as Robin Hood, is the only song co-written by DeYoung, Young, and Curulewski. The 12-string guitar instrumental "Prelude 12" was composed by Curulewski. It segues into the most well-known song on the album, "Suite Madame Blue," which was written about the then-imminent US Bicentennial. The track became a staple at all Styx tours with Dennis DeYoung. It is a rare example of a Styx song having four vocal parts , and includes a one-time backing vocal by Chuck Panozzo, during the "America" refrain. Track listing. All lead vocals by Dennis DeYoung, except where noted. Charts. Album - Billboard (United States) Singles - Billboard (United States)