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"Too Much Time on My Hands"...

Kill some time with Styx's energetic 1981 hit, "Too Much Time on My Hands"! This AOR and new...
BAND | Styx

"Too Much Time on My Hands" by Styx

Last updated 📅 2025-04-16

Kill some time with Styx's energetic 1981 hit, "Too Much Time on My Hands"! This AOR and new wave infused track from the Paradise Theatre album pulses with an unforgettable synthesizer riff and hard rock drive. A commentary on boredom, it remains a dynamic classic rock staple.

Featured on Styx's chart-topping 1981 concept album Paradise Theatre, "Too Much Time on My Hands" offered an upbeat, synth-heavy sound reflecting contemporary musical trends. Written and sung by guitarist Tommy Shaw, the song skillfully blends AOR catchiness with edgy new wave energy, all powered by its instantly recognizable, urgent synthesizer hook and a driving hard rock rhythm section.

Released as a highly successful single around March 01, 1981, "Too Much Time on My Hands" became a Top 10 hit for Styx, bolstered by its popular music video frequently aired on early MTV. This energetic fusion of AOR, new wave, and hard rock perfectly captured a sense of restless boredom, making it one of the band's most memorable hits from the Paradise Theatre era.

SONG MEANING: "Too Much Time on My Hands" explores the themes of boredom, unemployment, and the frustration of having nothing productive to do. Tommy Shaw reportedly wrote it after observing patrons drinking in a bar during the day. The lyrics describe aimlessly killing time ("Tickin' away"), the superficiality of idle socializing ("Is it any wonder I've got too much time on my hands"), and the underlying restlessness that comes with it.

  • HASHTAGS: #Styx #AOR #HardRock #NewWave #March01
  • BAND: Styx
  • GENRE: AOR, Hard Rock, New Wave
  • RELEASEDAY: March 01
  • YEAR: 1981

Band

"Styx"

Styx bridged the gap between progressive rock complexity and arena rock bombast, achieving massive popularity. Known for theatrical concepts, multi-part harmonies, and power ballads alongside hard rockers, the Chicago band dominated 70s and 80s radio. Explore the diverse and influential catalog of Styx.
Styx has been active during several key periods: 1972 to 1984, 1990 to 1992, and from 1995 onwards. Their musical journey saw significant evolution, starting with progressive rock roots evident around 1972. By the late 70s (e.g., 1977, 1978), they mastered progressive pop and stadium rock, becoming AOR giants. The early 80s (around 1980, 1981, 1982) saw Styx incorporate hard rock, new wave influences, synth-rock, and synth-pop into ambitious concept albums. This versatility produced driving cruisin' classics alongside their more intricate work, showcasing their adaptability across rock subgenres. The band's hit-making eras yielded a rich tapestry of iconic songs, showcasing their remarkable stylistic breadth. Early breakthroughs included foundational power ballads and epic anthems of yearning and escape. Hard-rocking narrative tracks told tales of outlaws and desperation, while later hits explored themes of societal pressures, technological anxieties, and rocking optimism, often driven by synthesizers...

BAND | Styx

"The Best Of Times"

Relive Styx's poignant 1981 rock power ballad, "The Best of Times." From the concept album Paradise Theatre, this heartfelt Top 5 hit features Dennis DeYoung's emotive vocals and soaring keyboards. A timeless reflection on love and cherishing moments amidst uncertainty, it remains a beloved Styx classic.
Serving as the lead single from Styx's number-one 1981 concept album Paradise Theatre, "The Best of Times" is a quintessential rock power ballad written and performed by vocalist/keyboardist Dennis DeYoung. The song builds beautifully from a gentle keyboard introduction to a powerful, emotionally resonant chorus, embodying the band's signature blend of melodic rock and theatrical arrangement within the album's overarching narrative...

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