In the late 70s, Styx was winding down their prog-rock era in preparation for the grandiose, theatrical 80s version of the band that would become their undoing. 1978’s Pieces of Eight, a concept album with one of my favorite Hipgnosis-designed album covers, includes two epic rock bangers in “Renegade” and “Blue Collar Man”, the latter of which tells the tale of the disillusionment of the Carter-era working class. The Springsteen-esque lyrics intersperse with overdriven organ, signature Styx harmonies, and some tasty guitar riffery by Tommy Shaw and James Young.

Heading into the bridge, right around 1:45, the guitar does a staccato fill that doubles the marching drumbeat, then follows the melody line on its way out.

Behind the lyrics, this song is all about the driving rhythm laid down by fraternal twin brothers John Panozzo (drums) and Chuck Panozzo (bass). When the guitar joins the march for that one bar, it propels us into a turnaround which then leads to the guitar solo. And who doesn’t love a guitar solo?