Song 2: “Come Sail Away” (Styx)

“Come Sail Away” is a classic power ballad from the 1970s pop/rock band Styx, and was included on the band’s 1977 triple-platinum album The Grand Illusion. The song also enjoyed a resurgence in the early 21st century when it was included on the soundtrack to the animated series South Park. Check out those left-hand arpeggios and right hand triads—all classic pop/rock piano techniques (the first three measures use the “Alberti bass” we discussed in the classical music chapter)! On the recording, you may notice a second piano part playing faintly in the background. Many groups would often add extra parts in the studio to enhance the music.

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