Styx-Cornerstone (1979)

Styx is another of the fundamental bands of the AOR, despite the fact that in the beginning they were more focused on practicing a very particular progressive rock.
Between 1977 and 1981 the band would release four great records of excellent quality and enormous success, beginning with "The Grand Illusion", which was followed by "Pieces Of Eight", "Cornerstone" and "Paradise Theater", all of them memorable records and essential works in the world of AOR.
But it is undoubtedly Cornerstone, the one that comes closest to the deepest sounds of North American music, at least in its most country and folk aspect, although always from afar, in nuances such as the songs "Boat On The River" or "Love In The Midnight".
The rest is absolutely captivating, within Styx's unmistakable style. with perfect melodies, ranging from the versatile "Lights", to the powerful and commercial "Never Say Never", passing through the eternal ballad "Babe", which would reach number one on the singles list, in addition to being one of the most beautiful ballads they made .
The influence of Tommy Shaw is especially noticeable in this album, where he sacrifices the characteristic complexity of previous albums, for a more rhythmic, melodic line and a more commercial tone.