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. Soon after, they found Tommy Shaw.
Still harboring their synthesizer-led dramatics alongside Dennis De Young's exaggerated vocal approach, the material on Equinox was a firm precursor of what was to come . After Equinox, guitarist John Curulewski parted ways with the band, replaced by Tommy Shaw, who debuted on 1976's Crystal Ball album.
The album's biggest hit is the track "Lorelei", which became Styx's second US Top 30 hit.
The opening track "Light Up" is a rock and roll anthem.
"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 B opens with the rocker "Midnight Ride," which showcases the hard rock singer-songwriter Young would become. 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" part.
Side A
A1. Light Up - 4:17
A2. Lorelei - 3:19
A3. Mother Dear - 5:25
A4. Lonely Child - 3:47
Side B
B1. Midnight Ride - 4:17
B2. Born for Adventure - 5:12
B3. Prelude 12 (Instrumental) - 1:21
B4. Suite Madame Blue - 6:30
Styx
- Dennis DeYoung – vocals, keyboards
- James "JY" Young – vocals, electric guitars
- John Curulewski – vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards
- Chuck Panozzo – bass guitar, backing vocals on "Suite Madame Blue"
- John Panozzo – drums, percussion
Production
- Producer - Styx
- Engineer - Barry Mraz
- Assistant engineer - Rob Kingsland
- Remixing - Barry Mraz, Styx
- Mastering - Doug Sax
- Production assistant - Barry Mraz
- Design - Chuck Beeson, Junie Osaki
- Art direction - Roland Young
- Photography - Chris Micoine
Notes
Release: 1975
Format: LP
Genre: Progressive Rock
Label: A&M Records
Catalog# AMLH-64559
Vinyl: Very Good
Cover: Very Good
Prijs: €10,00
http://www.ad-vinylrecords.com/product/styx-equinox-lp/
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