Among the highlights on the 14-selection Big Bang Theory, produced by Styx and Gary Loizzo, is "Blue Collar Man @ 2120," a new studio version of the band's 1978 Top 40 hit. Guesting on the track are blues great Koko Taylor and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame piano player Johnnie Johnson, renowned for his work with Chuck Berry. "Blue Collar Man @ 2120" was recorded in the Chicago building that once housed Chess and is now home to Willie Dixon's Blues Heaven Foundation, to which all artist royalties from the song will be donated. Heard too is their live version of "I Am The Walrus" recorded in September 2004.

The other songs re-recorded by Styx in its own instantly recognizable style are classics of the '60s and '70s, many of them favorites of the band members and their fans. Included are The Who's "I Can See For Miles," The Lovin' Spoonful's "Summer In The City," Procol Harum's "A Salty Dog," Blind Faith's "Can't Find My Way Home," Jimi Hendrix's "Manic Depression," Jethro Tull's "Locomotive Breath" and Free's "Wishing Well." The best-known recordings of "I Don't Need No Doctor" are from Ray Charles and Humble Pie. "One Way Out" is an Elmore James gem but The Allman Brothers Band laid down the most popular take.

Other songs on Big Bang Theory are "Find The Cost Of Freedom," originally from Crosby, Stills & Nash, "It Don't Make Sense (You Can't Make Peace)" from Willie Dixon and "Talkin' About The Good Times" from The Pretty Things. Styx was the first band to have four consecutive triple platinum albums (The Grand Illusion, Pieces Of Eight, Cornerstone, and #1 Paradise Theatre). Since its debut in 1972, they've also earned one double platinum, one platinum and five gold albums. "Lady" was its first of 16 Top 40s, among which also includes "Come Sail Away," "Renegade," "Blue Collar Man," and "Fooling Yourself." The video for their 1981 Top 10 single "Too Much Time on my Hands" aired in the first hour of MTV's life.