Best Songs By Styx

Babe was released in 1979 as a single from Styx's album Cornerstone and it quickly soared to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the U.S., solidifying Styx's global popularity.

Sung by Dennis DeYoung, the song's soft rock ballad style, piano melody, and heartfelt lyrics of enduring love made it a fan favorite. "Babe" remains a standout track from "Cornerstone," alongside hits like "Lights" and "Boat on the River," showcasing Styx's mix of ballads and rock.

This timeless song continues to be a staple in Styx's live performances and a beloved classic on radio, TV, and in films.

The song is played in standard tuning using the chords D, Em, D6, A7sus, A7, Bm, G6, A, A#, C, G and Dmaj7. The rhythm pattern here is a down up down down up down down up and repeat. Be prepared to do some lead work here as discussed in the lesson.

Download the Babe Styx chords sheet below.

Blue Collar Man (Long Nights) came out in 1978 from Styx's album "Pieces of Eight." Fans love this rock anthem.

Tommy Shaw, Styx's guitarist and singer, wrote and sang the song. It talks about the struggles of working-class life and the hope for a better future. The chorus "Give me a job, give me security" shows the desire for stability.

Fans always enjoy hearing "Blue Collar Man" at Styx concerts. Its relatable lyrics and upbeat vibe make it a hit.

This classic rock track is also a favorite on the radio and in rock music collections. Its message of hard work and chasing dreams still speaks to listeners today.

I play this one in standard tuning with a bit of lead picking and using mainly all down strokes with the odd shuffle for the rhythm pattern. You'll need the chords Dm, F, G, A#, C, Gm, Am, Am/C and A7 for this one.

Boat on the River was a track in 1980 from Styx's album "Cornerstone." It's a change from their usual rock style, with a more calm and folk-inspired sound.

Dennis DeYoung, the band's singer and keyboardist, wrote the song. His gentle voice fits well with the reflective lyrics.

The song talks about simplicity and peace, using a boat on a river as a symbol for life's journey. It's about thinking deeply and wanting a calm life.

"Boat on the River" is known for its acoustic guitar sound, with a touch of accordion. This folk style is different from Styx's usual rock songs.

While it didn't hit the top of the charts like some of Styx's other songs, fans still love "Boat on the River." Styx doesn't always play this song in big concerts, but fans enjoy it in smaller, acoustic shows. In Switzerland, it reached #1, and it made the top 10 in a few other countries.

A capo 3rd fret works best in learning this number using the chords Em, D, B7, A, Am and Gb. The song is in standard tuning with a root down up down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern. There is some acoustic lead in this lesson.

Lights is from the 1979 from Styx's album "Cornerstone." It was a big hit for the band, loved by critics and fans.

Dennis DeYoung, Styx's singer and keyboardist, wrote and sang the song. His unique voice adds to the song's emotional feel.

The lyrics of "Lights" talk about missing home and feeling nostalgic. It's about the emotions of coming back to a city you love.

The song has a catchy rock sound that's easy to listen to on the radio. Fans love the chorus and the guitar melody.

While it didn't hit the very top of the charts, "Lights" made it to No. 68 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Fans still love hearing it at Styx concerts, where it often gets the crowd singing along.

Man in the Wilderness is a track from the 1977 Styx's album "The Grand Illusion." This album is one of Styx's most famous and successful.

Tommy Shaw wrote the song and sings it. His emotional voice adds a lot to the song's impact.

The lyrics of "Man in the Wilderness" talk about finding yourself and thinking deeply about life. It's about feeling alone and trying to understand yourself better.

The song has a strong rock sound with great guitar and vocals. It's powerful and emotional.

Even though it wasn't as popular as some of Styx's other songs, "Man in the Wilderness" is still played at their concerts. Fans love its deep, emotional feel. "Man in the Wilderness" shows how Styx can make songs that really connect with people. Its meaningful words and strong music have made it a lasting favorite.

Tommy Shaw wrote this song after a special concert Styx had in Detroit with the band Kansas, which he described as a unique experience but "Man in the Wilderness" was never released as a single, but it's still loved by fans.

You can play this in standard tuning with a down down up down down up down down up rhythm pattern that repeats for the most part. I have a bit of lead work in the lesson while using the chords Em, D, Am, C, B7, Cmaj7, Asus2, G6, G and an A.

Renegade came out in 1978 from Styx's album "Pieces of Eight." It's one of the band's most famous songs and a big hit at their concerts.

Tommy Shaw, Styx's guitarist, wrote and sings the song. His strong voice adds a lot of energy to the song.

"Renegade" has a powerful rock sound with great guitar and a catchy tune. Fans love its anthemic feel.

The lyrics tell the story of a man running from his past. It's a song full of urgency and emotion.

This song was a hit, reaching No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Fans still love hearing it on the radio and it is always a highlight at Styx concerts. Its energetic vibe gets the crowd pumped up

Played in standard tuning you'll want to play a down down up down down up rhythm pattern once you get going in the song. I play this using the chords Gm, Dm,C, A, A#, B, D and C# along with a bit of acoustic lead.

The Best of Times is a song by Styx, an American rock band. It was the first single from their album "Paradise Theatre." The song hit No. 1 in Canada and stayed at No. 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks in March and April 1981. It reached No. 42 on the UK Singles Chart.

Since singer Dennis DeYoung left the band in 1999, Styx hasn't played the song live. However, DeYoung still includes it in his solo tours.

DeYoung talked about writing the song, saying it came from thinking about what helps him get through changes in the world. He realized that having someone you love and trust is important. The character in the song finds comfort by being with someone they trust and love, shutting out the world for a moment.

This one quite a few chords in it including Am7, D7, G, G7, C, Fmaj7, Em, F, Dm, E7, Am, Am/Ab, Am/G and Am/Gb. Ths song is in standard tuning but sung on the high end so you'll need some pipes to follow the lead singing. You can blend in a bit of the piano and then improvise some of the lead as a solo play. Down-strokes and some chop rhythm will be need in this one.

Too Much Time on My Hands is a song from Styx's album "Paradise Theatre," released in January 1981. The album was a hit with many popular songs.

Tommy Shaw, Styx's guitarist, wrote and sings the song. His lively performance adds to its catchy feel.

The song has a classic rock vibe with lively guitar and a memorable tune. It's a typical Styx style.

"Too Much Time on My Hands" talks about feeling bored and restless. The singer wants some excitement and change, which many people can relate to.

This song did well, reaching No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. People loved its catchy chorus.

The music video for the song is funny and light-hearted, which helped it get popular on MTV when music videos were new.

"Too Much Time on My Hands" is still loved by fans today. It's one of Styx's most famous songs, known for its relatable lyrics and catchy music. The band often plays this song at their concerts. Its lively and upbeat energy makes it a crowd favorite.

I play this with Drop D Tuning using the chords A, C, D, Am, Bm, Em and Gbm. For rhythm you can use down-strokes or some shuffle rhythm. There is a bit of acoustic lead in this one.