Top tracks — play these first
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Best Thing — The title track captures the essence of Styx's early sound with its catchy melody and lush harmonies, setting a precedent for future hits.
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What Has Come Between Us — This track showcases the band's ability to blend emotional lyrics with complex instrumentation, highlighting their progressive rock influences.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The record combines melodic rock with progressive elements, establishing Styx's early identity in the genre.
What we noticed
- The title track features a prominent guitar riff that drives the melody, while layered harmonies create a rich vocal texture.
- The second track introduces a slower tempo and shifts to more introspective lyrics, contrasting with the upbeat energy of the first.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Helped establish Styx's identity and contributed to their growing popularity in the early 70s.
- Themes
- early progressive rock· emotional complexity· melodic harmonies
- Career context
- Released in 1972, 'Best Thing' marked Styx's second album, following their self-titled debut. At this point, the band was beginning to carve out a unique identity within the burgeoning progressive rock scene.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Best Thing 3:14
- 2 What Has Come Between Us 4:53
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Leftoverture
Kansas
Features intricate arrangements and emotional depth, blending rock with progressive elements.
Fragile
Yes
Combines soaring harmonies and complex structures, reflecting a similar early progressive rock ethos.
Foxtrot
Genesis
Shares ambitious compositions and rich melodic layers, highlighting emotional storytelling.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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