"High Time" by Styx

Song#:  1566
Date:  08/13/1983
Debut:  81
Peak:  48
Weeks:  7
Genre:  Rock



Pop Bits:  After grabbing two Top 10 hits from their rock-opera-ish LP Kilroy Was Here, this third one was issued in hopes of keeping the album's momentum going. Unfortunately, the song couldn't find a place at Pop and it peaked outside the Top 40. Rock radio ignored the track completely. The single's performance did little to continue the promotion of the album, which would stop at the platinum level. Their previous four platters were all multi-platinum sellers. With Tommy Shaw departing the band after the tour and Dennis DeYoung heading out on solo work, Kilroy would close out the main and most successful era of the group.

ReduxReview:  It's kind of unfortunate that this got issued as a single (see below). This track works better on the album as part of the concept. I'm sure it got selected because of the hook, but in reality there was no reason to release it. The band was done and the album had its day. Just take the two Top 10's, drop the mic and leave.

ReduxRating:  5/10

Trivia:  This song was not originally slated for single release. Initially, the third single was to be the Tommy Shaw composition "Haven't We Been Here Before." In preparation for the single, the label even paid for an expensive video to help promote the song. However, when it came time for the single to be released, Shaw balked and blocked the song from being issued. The label then decided that of the remaining tracks on the album, "High Time" might have the best shot at being a hit. But with no video to help promote the track on MTV, the single sank quickly.

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