Dennis DeYoung – 26 East: Volume 1
Dennis De Young, was the lead singer and founding member of one of the USA’s greatest progressive and rock bands, Styx. In fact, De Young is responsible for writing, “seven of their eight, Top 10 singles, including their No. 1 chart topper, “Babe”. He was one of the band’s lead singers, off and on, from 1972 to 1999. So, DeYoung has been very important to Styx and American progressive rock for much of rock history.
Well, after a long hiatus, Dennis DeYoung has returned to recording and producing studio albums, with the release of his latest, 26 East: Volume 1, on April 10 through Frontiers Music. Yes, you did read that right, Volume 1. The long wait allowed Dennis to create so much music there will be a Volume 2. Nothing has been announced, but the news is good for fans like me. 26 East was supposed to be DeYoung’s last studio album.
“The album title 26 East, represents the birthplace of Styx – 26 E 101st Place was the address where DeYoung grew up in Roseland, on the south side of Chicago. Across the street, at 39 E 101st Place, lived the Panozzo twins, Chuck and John, who would go on to form the band Trade Winds in 1962. Within a decade the core of that band would become the core of Styx. The cover artwork of 26 East, features three locomotives, representing the three original members of Styx leaving the Chicago train yard, dreaming of bigger and better things”.
Dennis has brought together some amazing talent to make up his band. They include: August Zadra, who plays lead guitar and sings vocals; Jimmy Leahey, who plays lead guitar and sings vocals; John Biasucci, on keyboards; Craig Carter, on bass and vocals; Michael Morales, on drums; and Dennis’ wife, of over 50 years, Suzanne DeYoung, who sings backing vocals.
26 East opens powerfully with “East of Midnight”, which has an instrumental opus similar to the pomp I remember from Styx’ Grand Illusion. The lyrics tell the story of Dennis DeYoung’s dream of starting a band and getting into the industry at age 17. It is a great story that deserves repeating, to all people who dream big. The song embellishes his love of music, radio and the joy of live performance.
“With All Due Respect”, shows DeYoung’s wit, and it is vitally important to him, as well as all of us. As a Clevelander, I understand his Midwestern need for humor. In the Midwest, we all grew up with Second City, and the many characters and comedians that made 3 or 4 channel, pre-cable, TV entertaining. I remember it well. Many fans and others, missed the point and the fun of the album Kilroy Was Here. I remember seeing it live, with Dennis dressed as Mr. Roboto. The backmasking and attack on Dr. Righteous, on the song, “Heavy Metal Poisoning”. On “With All Due Respect”, Dennis is going after cable and other political news reporting organizations. Sit back and enjoy Dennis and the band having fun with this one. A great rocker.
“A Kingdom Ablaze”, talks about the political divisiveness we are currently going through in America. Dennis is a moderate politically. He votes for the person, and has voted for both Democrats and Republicans, and cannot understand why everyone else cannot see the value in both sides of the political spectrum. The lyrics are great on this one, but so is the music. The opening, and mid-song’s children’s choir is perfectly placed, combined with deep keyboards. Images of Nero fiddling, with Rome burning are dramatic references to be compared to the current divided USA. Another song which would have perfectly complemented any Styx album you can imagine.
“You My Love”, is another wonderful romantic song from Dennis; no doubt, for his wife Suzanne. Great, deep, emotional lyrics set to wonderful harmonies. A 50’s, Wurlitzer electric piano melody, plays as DeYoung brings back the memories of “Climb Every Mountain”, in the lyrics. DeYoung is a fan of Broadway after all.
“Run for the Roses”, seems to be the song that inspired Dennis to continue on and make this album. Jim Peterik, one of the founders of the band Survivor, and co-writers of its most famous song, “Eye of the Tiger”; helped get DeYoung motivated to create 26 East. According to DeYoung, “Peterik sent me the sketch of a song called “Run for The Roses”,”. “I said, ‘OK, let’s get together and see what we come up with’. He showed me a lot of his stuff, that he hadn’t finished. I showed him stuff that I hadn’t finished. We wrote way too many. So that’s why theoretically, this is Volume One and we’ve got a Volume Two coming, some of which is already recorded. We worked hard. I wrote half of them by myself and Jim and I and wrote half of them together.” Enjoy this song and look for more in the near future. It is amazing lyrically and musically. One of the best songs on the album and DeYoung’s solo career. The spirit of “Eye of the Tiger” lives on!
“Damn that Dream”, has another wonderful Styx sound to it. Dream big and you will achieve it. The story of DeYoung’s desire to be successful. Teaching others not to give up, but dream big and strive on!
“Unbroken”, is another deep story about our country’s current state of division. DeYoung’s solution, “Create a chain and “join together in the age of the great divide, and face the truth with our eyes wide open, our hearts, our minds, this dream will stand unbroken!” The hope we all need in a time of fear and anger.
“The Promise of this Land”, tells a wonderful story of how the USA used to be open for all to dream. The melting pot of America. A patriotic salute to democracy and the country. Like a return to “Best of Times”, or “Haven’t We Been Here Before?”
“To the Good Old Days”, is a wonderful surprise, with guest vocals from Julian Lennon, John’s first son. A great song full of nostalgia. The sound of Julian’s voice, sounding so much like his father, makes this song even more powerful, along with the great lyrics.
“A.D. 2020”, is a reminder of Paradise Theater’s “A.D. 28 and 58”. We can overcome what is ailing the country and return to normal.
This album is a great return to form for Dennis DeYoung. Great to have him back on the stage of rock, creating and helping others with his vision and inspiration. Despite his age, if you watch his stage presence on some YouTube videos, he has not lost any of his dynamic ability of perform. Besides, his voice still sounds like it did back at the height of Styx’ popularity. As long as he can remain the consummate performer he is, why not keep creating? I am already in for Volume II. Looking forward to it and hoping it will not be the end.
Track List
- East of Midnight – 5:05
- With All Due Respect – 4:48
- A Kingdom Ablaze – 5:51
- You My Love – 3:59
- Run for the Roses – 4:32
- Damn that Dream – 4:13
- Unbroken – 4:50
- The Promise of this Land – 5:11
- To the Good Old Days – 4:07
- A.D. 2020 – 0:56