20th Century Masters: The Best of Dennis DeYoung (2005)

Dennis DeYoung became a reluctant solo artist in 1984, after the break-up of his band, Styx.

These videos reflect songs from his three solo albums from the 1980's. Besides having a stellar, one-of-a-kind voice, Dennis proved he was very ready for his close-up on video.

The standout is "Desert Moon", which was a top ten single and one of the most popular videos on MTV in 1984. It mirrors the reflective, you-can't-go-home-again theme of the song. And, of course, there is the famous red Mustang.

"Don't Wait For Heroes" has some of the trademark wacky humor of DeYoung, plus an interesting story and it is just a great song on its own.

"Call Me" is a moody, atmospheric set piece using the paintings of American artist Edward Hopper as inspiration for its theme of loneliness and its muted tones of red and green. Again, a great, soulful Dennis DeYoung song.

"Boomchild" is a wild, effects-filled look at the whole Baby Boom generation. It is chock full of boomer references and it is fun just to watch and pick them all out. As clever a video as was ever on MTV/VH1. Again, Dennis looks great, and the song is filled with themes that resonate today. I do not think there has been a better summation of the whole boomer experience than the lyrics in this song.

A standout video collection. A must-have if you are any kind of Classic Styx fan or enjoy the work of Dennis DeYoung.

Here's the once-and-always Voice of Styx in full solo mode. There are four music videos in this compilation.

1) "Desert Moon" - In 1984, Dennis DeYoung suddenly found himself a "reluctant solo artist," and set about recording his first album as a single. From that record comes the mesmerizing video for "Desert Moon" (also a Top 10 single) that tells the loosely-autobiographical story of a big-time rock star that comes home for a visit and the memories that flood back to him. Also from that album comes...

2) "Don't Wait for Heroes" - The lyrics to this song contain one of the DeYoung mantras, which is, "Winners are losers who got up and gave it just one more try."

3) "Call Me" - This is an atmospheric piece with Dennis as a piano man in a samll cafe. Beautifully shot.

4) "Boomchild" - Here's a nostalgic look back at the life of the baby boomer generation. An interesting-looking video, teeming with special effects. It keeps your eyes busy.

The DVD transfers look great and the sound is CD-quality. The oldest clip is 21 years old, and the newest is 16, but they look and sound like they were shot yesterday.

For fans of Dennis DeYoung or the real Styx (NOT the laughable cover version on tour these days), this is a great look back at the successful solo career of the man who was the architect, writer and voice of some of America's best rock anthems and ballads.

Just received this DVD, haven't even watched it. There are only four (4) vids on the DVD - kinda short. I am a little disappointed with this. I enjoy Dennis's music & was expecting a few more choices.