Welcome to Classic Cadillac Records!  I visually grade all my records as accurately as possible and will never grade anything above Near Mint unless it's still sealed.  Please note that a visual grade can differ from a play grade, and am happy to spot check a record upon request.   All orders are shipped within 1 business day (usually sooner) and packed with extra care to ensure fast, safe arrival.  Please look closely at all pictures, read all relevant details and ask any questions you may have before buying.  I offer a full 30-day return policy on everything I sell, so buy with confidence!  And most importantly, thanks for looking!
Crystal Ball by  ReleasedOctober 1, 1976Recorded1976 at Paragon Recording Studios,  Length34:45 chronology
(1975)Crystal Ball
(1976)
(1977) from Crystal Ball ""
Released: 1976 ""
Released: 1977 "Jennifer"
Released: 1977

Crystal Ball is the sixth  by , released in 1976.

This album marked the recording debut of new guitarist . The track "" was Tommy Shaw's vocal debut and the album's Top-40 hit.

The album's title track would become a concert staple for the band, as it was performed on every subsequent Styx tour with which Shaw was involved.

's classical piece "" served as the intro to the album's closing track, "Ballerina". The version of "Clair de Lune" on Crystal Ball features only DeYoung on piano, with the key changed from D flat to C, as the next track ("Ballerina") begins in C minor.

Reception Professional ratingsReview scoresSourceRating(favorable)

Daevid Jehnzen of  rated Crystal Ball three-and-a-half out of five stars. He stated that it was better than Styx's previous album, Equinox (1975), although it was not as successful. He also said that the album showcases "Styx's increased skill for crafting simple, catchy pop hooks out of their bombastic sound." Alan Niester of  also, found the album favorable, stating that "although Styx is based in Chicago, the group has its English scam down pat". He also stated that the instrumentation "always seems on the verge of going out of control, giving the whole album an extra surge of excitement."

Track listing Side oneNo.TitleWriter(s)Lead vocalsLength1."Put Me On", , ,Young (verses), DeYoung (bridge after guitar solo)4:562.""DeYoung, ShawShaw3:573."Jennifer"DeYoungDeYoung4:164.""ShawShaw4:32Side twoNo.TitleWriter(s)Lead vocalsLength5."Shooz"Shaw, YoungShaw4:446."This Old Man"DeYoungDeYoung5:117." / Ballerina"DeYoung, Shaw, DeYoung7:09Total length:34:45