Pieces of Eight cover

Pieces of Eight

Styx · 1978

42 min · 10 tracks · hard rock · progressive rock · adult-oriented rock

A vibrant fusion of progressive rock and hard rock, rich with theatrical storytelling and melodic hooks.

Why listen to this

Best for
theatrical storytelling with resolution steady pacing for focused listening melodic hooks for sing-alongs
Context
Released in January 1978, 'Pieces of Eight' marked Styx's sixth studio album, following their breakthrough success with 'The Grand Illusion'. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their status as a leading force in rock music, combining intricate instrumentation with mainstream appeal.
If you like
hard rock, progressive rock, adult-oriented rock

Pieces of Eight is an album by Styx, released in 1978. A vibrant fusion of progressive rock and hard rock, rich with theatrical storytelling and melodic hooks. 'Pieces of Eight' reached No. 6 on the Billboard 200 chart and featured the hit single 'Renegade', which became a staple in rock radio. The album is notable for its ambitious blend of genres and helped to further define Styx's sound during the late 1970s. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Pieces of Eight sound like?

A vibrant fusion of progressive rock and hard rock, rich with theatrical storytelling and melodic hooks. Rooted in hard rock and progressive rock.

What makes Pieces of Eight by Styx notable?

'Pieces of Eight' reached No. 6 on the Billboard 200 chart and featured the hit single 'Renegade', which became a staple in rock radio. The album is notable for its ambitious blend of genres and helped to further define Styx's sound during the late 1970s. Released in January 1978, 'Pieces of Eight' marked Styx's sixth studio album, following their breakthrough success with 'The Grand Illusion'. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their status as a leading force in rock music, combining intricate instrumentation with mainstream appeal.

Who is Pieces of Eight for?

Pieces of Eight works well if you're into theatrical storytelling with resolution, steady pacing for focused listening and melodic hooks for sing-alongs.

How many songs are on Pieces of Eight?

Pieces of Eight has 10 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Tracklist

10 tracks·42:38

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Great White Hope 4:23
  • 2 I’m O.K. 5:44
  • 3 Sing for the Day Standout 5:01
  • 4 The Message 1:08
  • 5 Lords of the Ring 4:35
  • 6 Blue Collar Man (Long Nights) Standout 4:07
  • 7 Queen of Spades 5:41
  • 8 Renegade Standout 4:17
  • 9 Pieces of Eight 4:44
  • 10 Aku‐Aku 2:56

Release Date

January 1, 1978

Artist Origin

United States

Runtime

42 min 38 sec