Light Up

"Light Up" from Styx's 1975 album Equinox is a vibrant anthem that captures the band's early blend of progressive rock and pop sensibilities. Written by keyboardist and vocalist Dennis DeYoung, the song's infectious chorus and upbeat energy made it a fan favorite, though it only achieved moderate chart success compared to the album's lead single, "Lorelei." In a review from Record Shop X, the song is praised for its "clean sound and infectious hooks," highlighting its role in defining Styx's evolving sound. Interestingly, some fans on platforms like Songfacts have debated the song's lyrics, with one commenter mistakenly attributing a line about 1965 to "Light Up," only to be corrected by another fan, showcasing the passionate engagement of Styx's fanbase. The song's nostalgic vibe has also resonated with listeners, as seen in an Amazon review where a fan reminisced about high school days and "stoner buddies," connecting "Light Up" to carefree memories.

In a 2020 blog post by Shawn Conner on shawnconnerblog.com, "Light Up" is described as a "glorious arena-rocker" with a particularly inspired chorus featuring handclaps and bongos, marking a shift from the band's earlier blues-rock and psychedelic influences. Conner notes that Equinox was Styx's first album with A&M Records, a pivotal moment that helped them refine their signature sound. The song's performance on stage remains a highlight, with Styxworld sharing in a 2022 exclusive that band members like James "JY" Young and Tommy Shaw still feel the album's tracks, including "Light Up," resonate powerfully in live settings. This enduring appeal is evident in fan discussions on the Official STYX Facebook Page, where Zoo Freaks might find fellow enthusiasts sharing concert memories.

Styx began in Chicago in 1972, rising from the ashes of earlier bands like The Tradewinds and TW4. Formed by brothers Chuck and John Panozzo on bass and drums, respectively, alongside Dennis DeYoung on vocals and keyboards, James "JY" Young on guitar, and John Curulewski on guitar, the band honed a progressive rock sound with theatrical flair. According to their biography on AllMusic, Styx built a local following in Chicago but struggled for national recognition until their 1973 single "Lady" from Styx II became a sleeper hit, peaking at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. This breakthrough led to their signing with A&M Records, setting the stage for Equinox. Curulewski's departure shortly after the album's release brought in Tommy Shaw, whose arrival solidified Styx's lineup and propelled them to greater commercial success with albums like The Grand Illusion.

Styx's journey from Chicago clubs to multi-platinum stardom is chronicled on their official website, styxworld.com, where fans can find tour dates and exclusive content. Their social media presence is active, with the Official STYX Facebook Page boasting over 1.8 million likes and posts about upcoming events like the "Rockin' in Paradise" festival in 2025. On Instagram (@styxtheband), the band shares behind-the-scenes photos and concert clips, while their X account (@styxtheband) engages fans with updates and throwbacks. Fan communities thrive online, notably on the STYX Fans Facebook Group, where Zoo Freaks can connect with others to discuss "Light Up" and more. Tribute bands like Borrowed Time: The Music of Styx also keep the spirit alive, performing classics with a nod to Styx's progressive roots.