Dennis DeYoung is back with his second and final solo album, 26 East Volume 2, which was released June 11, 2021. I was fortunate enough to receive the first volume and played it often last year. That album was a lot of fun to review and listen to regularly.
26 East Volume 2 is not as spectacular as the first volume, but it does contain the best song on either volume, mainly “Isle of Misanthrope”; this album’s first single. It is a tribute to his work with Styx, and a perfect commentary on the state of the USA, at the same time. More on this later.
Most of the album is a celebration of life, DeYoung’s relationship with his wife and his wave goodbye to recording.
The album opens with a tribute to the Beatles – “Hello Goodbye”. DeYoung insists “It’s not a cover of the famous Beatle’s song. DeYoung stated, “I read an article about Pink Floyd recording at Abbey Road the same time as the Beatles. They met the lads and told them that there would be no Floyd without them. Yet Floyd‘s music is nothing like the Beatles and neither was Styx’s. “’Hello Goodbye”, as I have previously mentioned is not a remake, it’s a tribute to the lads who sent me down this long and winding road that led me to youse guys.”
“Land of the Living”, is not a cover of the classic Don Henley song either, it just shares the same name. This version is a happy tribute to his wife. DeYoung sings, “There is a seismic shift and a powerful lift in the atmosphere. And the whole world rocks whenever you’re near”. His wife restored his faith, as most wives do, for their husbands. A great tribute.
“The Last Guitar Hero”, is a great rocker, full of, you guessed it – guitar. A tribute to guitar players all over the world. Despite the many new talented guitarists out there, De Young states, “Bits and bytes have taken over – gone like a dinosaur, and never comin’ back”. Tom Morello, (Rage Against The Machine, and Audioslave), plays a great solo and helps you forget what DeYoung’s singing.
“Your Saving Grace”, is a wonderful song of redemption and faith.
“Proof of Heaven”, is another wonderful embrace of faith, set to some Styx harmonies and chords.
“Made for Each Other”, is a wonderful ballad to De Young’s wife, Suzanne Feusi. The couple recently celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary.
“There’s No Turning Back Time”, (opening sounds like Crystal Ball), and “So Little Did We Know”, are all wonderful ballads with some elements of Styx nostalgia interspersed.
“Always Time”, is another of the stand-out hits from this record. That opening melody is so familiar. But DeYoung takes it over and drives it back to its purpose. Its DeYoung’s “Imagine”. A wonderful and dreamy song that could bring a tear to your eye. A very Grand Illusion/Crystal Ball kind of song.
The diamond on this album is the ride back on the ship of nostalgia that is “Isle of Misanthrope”. It is a glorious return to Equinox and The Grand Illusion. DeYoung states, “When people ask “What is “Isle of Misanthrope” about?”, I reply “About eight minutes,” quips DeYoung. “Not to be too cute, but the lyrics are a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. Wait, that was Winston Churchill’s statement about the Soviet Union. Sorry. ‘Misanthrope’, metaphorically speaking (ooooh look, big words) is a commentary on the contemporary state of mankind under the guise of ancient times. The more things change the more they remain the same. Also, ‘Isle of Misanthrope’ is my musical journey back to the days of Styx’s Equinox and “Suite Madame Blue”, as I attempt to explain the exasperating and confounding nature of mankind through metaphor. It’s got a good beat, but won’t be a hit at the disco,” DeYoung explains in his usual witty manner. One of the best songs of the year!
The Grand Finale, is a final return to The Grand Illusion, climax. It is a wonderful celebration!
DeYoung states, “My musical goals for this album were the same as they have always been and that was to write the best songs possible and make great sounding records out of them. By now, Styx fans know pretty much what they can expect and I hope they will be pleased. I am”.
The band for 26 East Volume 2, includes: Dennis DeYoung, on vocals, keyboards, and synth bass; Mike Morales, Ed Breckenfeld, Matthew DeYoung, Khari Parker, (RIP), on drums; Jim Peterik, Mike Aquino, August Zadra, Jim Leahey, on guitar; Tom Morello ‘The Great Houdini’ – guitar solo on “The Last Guitar Hero”; Jim Peterik, Jim Majors, on bass; Tim Bales, Steve Eisen, (The Ides Of March), Henry Delgado, on horns on “Hello Goodbye”; Mr.Tacit, on accordion; Jim Peterik, August Zadra, Kevin Chalfant, Suzanne DeYoung, Tito Gobi, Craig Carter, and Mike Morales, sing backing vocals; Michael Manson Gospel Group, appears on “Your Saving Grace”; Matthew DeYoung, would like to dedicate his performance on the “Grand Finale” to his mentor John Panozzo. The ride cymbal Matthew used was given to him by John.
Get this closing record from one of the best rock lyricist and music writers of the Golden Age of Rock – the 1970s and 80s. Everything here is worthy of his greatness and a finale only DeYoung could write. Well worth the time and effort.
Track Listing
1. “Hello Goodbye”
2. “Land of the Living”
3. “The Last Guitar Hero”
4. “Your Saving Grace”
5. “Proof of Heaven”
6. “Made for Each Other”
7. “There’s No Turning Back Time”
8. “St. Quarantine”
9. “So Little Did We Know”
10. “Always Time”
11. “Isle of Misanthrope”
12. “GIF”
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