Man of Miracles

Man of Miracles is the fourth album by Styx, released in October 1974. It entered the Billboad Album charts on November 9, where it reached No. 154.

This would be the band's last original album on the independent Chicago-based label Wooden Nickel Records before moving to the major label A&M.

Background
The album had a diverse sound, it showcased the style of two band members and a pre-commercial sound: James "JY" Young songs were more straight ahead hard rockers, while Dennis DeYoung songs were more mellow ballads, classical, and prog rock songs.

The original issue contained the catchy upbeat cover of "Lies" by The Knickerbockers in 1965. A second release of Man of Miracles substituted this with "Best Thing", a song also contained on the first Styx album from 1972, as the opening track on side two. The album was again reissued in 1980 with new artwork and a newly abbreviated title, Miracles. This version started the second side with the ballad "Unfinished Song", which is sung by Dennis DeYoung.

Styx

 * Dennis DeYoung – vocals, keyboards
 * James "JY" Young – vocals, electric guitars
 * John Curulewski – vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, synthesizers
 * Chuck Panozzo – bass guitar
 * John Panozzo – drums, percussion

Production

 * Producer: John Ryan for Chicago Kid Productions
 * Engineer: Gary Loizzo

Artwork
The cover art was designed by Leon Rosenblatt, whose name is printed on the back credits as "Lee Rosenblatt."

Miscellaneous
The initials "LJR" are plainly visible in the wizard's beard, and were likely hidden there by the album's artist, Leon J. Rosenblatt.