In the late 70s, Styx was doubling down on their theatrical prog sound in preparation for the grandiose, rock opera 80s version of the band. 1978’s Pieces of Eight, a concept album with one of my favorite Hipgnosis-designed album covers, includes two epic 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.

Right around 1:45, heading into the bridge, the guitar does a staccato fill that locks step with the marching drumbeat before peeling off to follow the melody line out.

Behind the vocals, 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?