Come Sail Away - Styx

The Perfect Rock Opera Piece

I don’t remember where or when I heard this song originally, but the moment this song became a part of my life was during a road trip with my friends, we lowered all the windows and played the song so loud that it almost hurt while screaming our voices to the heavenly song that is Come Sail Away. This song comes from the epic age of rock, when Queen, The Who, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and too many to name reigned supreme. This song stands with the classics for anyone who is ready to brave a new frontier. A great ballad type opening that transforms into hard rock that will blow your socks off. Dennis DeYoung is our singer here, a great tenor who reaches those higher and lower notes with a strong punch. It is practically impossible to not sing along to this song. Also on the piano, he plays with sophistication and it just perfectly played and written for the song’s story and purpose. This song’s call to “sail away” and the story it builds is fascinating and all too invigorating. The drums comes in during the second segment and become quite versatile during the bridge and last part of the song. The guitar is fantastic, its creative riffs, powerful and invigorating chords will bring a person to air guitar mode without fail. Also, the song has a second bridge of “space synths” and a solo from the electric keyboard like nobody's business, which then breaks into an amazing third segment of even heavier rock that gives me goosebumps. This song is so freaking good. There are few song that pack quite this much variety and perfect control of every instrument. If you don’t love this song with your heart, you should, because it is unbelievable. Play it as loud as possible and I guarantee amazingness.

Originality:10

Instruments:10

Vocals:10

Longevity:9

Red Score:9.75