You never do get over your first favorite album. "Paradise Theater" was mine. I was, oh, 11 or so when it came out, and I thought Styx, bangs and jumpsuits and all, were the coolest band ever. I'm pretty sure I bought the album with my own money - a first for me! And oh, did I wear the needle out on this one. Loved every track.

And you know what? Now that I've developed GOOD taste, now that I'm into the 'Mats and Tom Waits and the Lips and god knows what else, now that artsy progressive concept albums aren't even retro-cool anymore...I STILL love "Paradise Theater!" Sure it's pompous, but not nearly as bombastic as other Styx offerings. Most importantly, it ROCKS. Dennis DeYoung finds a new lyrical depth on "Rockin' the Paradise" and "Nothing Ever Goes as Planned," and offers their best ACL ballad, "The Best of Times." Tommy Shaw gives us some fun lyrics over great hooks with "Too Much Time," and JY even has his best moment with "Snowblind." Sure, it's a concept album, but who cares about that when the individual tunes rock this hard, and stand up on their own?

Even the production sounds good. The trendy new-wave production techniques really helped streamline the often blaring vocal triads, and the use of horns on "Lonely People" and "Nothing Ever Goes" is welcome. Dennis and Tommy have never sounded better. Most importantly, everyone sounds like they're having FUN, which is something Styx always struggled with. Despite some notable moments ("Renegade," "Shooz," "Angry Young Man" - all Shaw songs, now that I think about it), Styx always felt more like they were more interested in making art than music. But "Paradise Theater" is infused with the joy of pure rock and roll - despite the heavy-handed concept.

Styx remains one of my guilty pleasures. But I have no guilt over loving "Paradise Theater" - Styx can rock me any day!

If you are looking for a little bit of everything from Styx, this is it. From Snowblind to Best of Times, there's a good mix. Unfortunately, it IS just a taste of the different styles so if you are into a mood album, this might not be the right one. Still, it's classic Styx with a good concept. Someting that I would definitely take to a desert island.

Rock and Roll!!!!!

I played the heck out of this album when I first got it in the early 80's and practically wore it out! I loved this album back then and still do. Reminds me of great times and turning 21. Glad I no longer have to deal with all the expected "skips" I had on the original black vinyl one, lol!

Some of the songs are still quite relevant, (except for maybe "Snowblind") ;)

My 10 year old son is enjoying it too--he even asked to have "Too Much Time on My Hands", "Rockin' the Paradise" and "Best of Times" on his iPod!

Mom is raising him right!

I have so many fond memories associated with Paradise Theater that it still resonnates strong for me. It has been a number years now since I had Styx among my active playlists, but I have to say that after recently rediscovering Styx and a new albumn due out May 2005, I enjoy it as much as ever. The albumn probably has special sentiment for me as I was in college when I caught Styx practice at the Granada Theatre close to Loyola University in Chicago. The Granada, like the Paradise, were classic Movie Houses, elegant and proud. It was ironic that only a few years after the release of Paradise Theater, the Granada itself fell victim to the wrecking ball only to be replaced by a megalithic building of high priced condos, retail shops, and offices.

Paradise is by far my most favorite Styx albumn, and its sequel "Return to Paradise" tries to recapture its essence, but doesn't go far enough. Though, it was good to see Styx try.

I wish the band would put aside the personal infighting that has really done the band a disservice. Dennis' voice is STYX, and substitutes may sound similar, but are not Dennis.

I decided at the last minute to order this cassette as a Christmas gift. I assumed it would not arrive until after December 25th. When I ordered it I was told that it would not arrive before the holiday, in fact, I was told it would probably not arrive until closer to the New Year. Imagine my delight when it arrived 3 days prior to when I was supposed to receive it....just in time for Christmas. I feel the distributor went above and beyond to get this order filled and delivered by Christmas. I would purchase from them again.