''Man of Miracles'' is the fourth

album An album is a collection of audio recordings issued on compact disc (CD), vinyl, audio tape, or another medium such as digital distribution. Albums of recorded sound were developed in the early 20th century as individual 78 rpm records co ...

by Styx, released on November 8, 1974. This would be the band's last original album on the independent Chicago-based label

Wooden Nickel Records Wooden Nickel Records was an American independent record label started in 1971 by Bill Traut, Jim Golden and Jerry Weintraub as a successor to Dunwich Records. Most of Wooden Nickel's releases were by acts based in the Chicago area, including th ...

before moving to the major label A&M.

Background

The album had a diverse sound, it showcased the style of two band members and a pre-commercial sound: James "JY" Young songs were more straight ahead hard rockers, while

Dennis DeYoung Dennis DeYoung (born February 18, 1947) is an American musician, singer, songwriter and record producer. He was a founding member of the rock band Styx, and served as its primary lead vocalist and keyboardist from 1972 until 1999. DeYoung was th ...

songs were more mellow ballads, classical, and prog rock songs. The original issue contained the catchy upbeat cover of " Lies" by

The Knickerbockers The Knickerbockers were an American garage rock band formed in Bergenfield, New Jersey in 1964. They released the 1965 hit " Lies", which was known for its resemblance to the Beatles. The band was formed in 1964 by the brothers Beau Charles (g ...

in 1965. A second release of ''Man of Miracles'' substituted this with " Best Thing", a song also contained on the first Styx album from 1972, as the opening track on side two. The album was again reissued in 1980 with new artwork and a newly abbreviated title, ''Miracles''. This version started the second side with the ballad "Unfinished Song", which is sung by Dennis DeYoung.

Track listing

Personnel

Styx

–

vocals Singing is the act of creating musical sounds with the voice. A person who sings is called a singer, artist or vocalist (in jazz and/or popular music). Singers perform music (arias, recitatives, songs, etc.) that can be sung with or withou ...

, keyboards * James "JY" Young – vocals, electric guitars *

John Curulewski John Curulewski (October 3, 1950 – February 13, 1988) was an American musician who was one of the original members of Styx. Career In 1969 Curulewski joined the Chicago-based band TW4, featuring college friends Dennis DeYoung, Chuck Panozz ...

– vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, synthesizers *

Chuck Panozzo Charles Salvatore Panozzo (born September 20, 1948) is an American musician best known as a co-founder of the rock band Styx. He is currently a part-time bass player in the band, sharing bass duties with Ricky Phillips. Panozzo suffers from HIV ...

– bass guitar *

John Panozzo John Anthony Panozzo (September 20, 1948 – July 16, 1996) was an American drummer best known for his work with rock band Styx. Early life and career Panozzo grew up in the Roseland neighborhood, the south side of Chicago, Illinois, with his ...

– drums, percussion

Production

* Producer: John Ryan for Chicago Kid Productions * Engineer: Gary Loizzo

Charts

Album – Billboard (United States)

Artwork

The cover art was designed by Leon Rosenblatt, whose name is printed on the back credits as "Lee Rosenblatt."Personal interview.

Miscellaneous

The initials "LJR" are plainly visible in the wizard's beard, and were likely hidden there by the album's artist, Leon J. Rosenblatt.

References

External links

Styx - ''Man of Miracles'' (1974) album review by Lindsay Planer, credits & releases
at

AllMusic.com AllMusic (previously known as All Music Guide and AMG) is an American online music database. It catalogs more than three million album entries and 30 million tracks, as well as information on musicians and bands. Initiated in 1991, the databas ...

Styx - ''Man of Miracles'' (1974) album releases & credits
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Styx - ''Man of Miracles'' (1974) album credits & user reviews
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Styx - ''Man of Miracles'' (1974) album to be listened
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