His style in the audition tape was so invigorating and youthful. Sure, it would be a stark contrast compared to everyone else, but his sound and fills are sooooo jazzy and good! Just what a prog band needs...
I was hoping they'd pick Virgil. But watching the auditions, I also grew to like Marco the best. However as stated below, He wouldn't have committed to DT full time. Honestly, I think he and Roddy were both there just to show off a bit.
My #1 is Train of Thought. It's the one that shows the essence of DT. It shows how a Prog Metal band should sound like. Even Mike Portnoy says it's his favorite DT album. Metropolis Part II is my #2.
It's probaly my fav album by ANY band of all time and Endless Sacrifice is still one of my fav tracks ever, probably because I love this heavy and dark vibe of the album
I liked The Astonishing, and my daughter (age 11, and says Dream Theater is the best band in world) often requests it or Gandalf's Fist ( The Clockwork Fable) during long road trips. She saw The Astonishing tour, and she will see them again in less than a week. I don't know if I dislike any of their albums. Even the weaker ones have a couple songs to save them. I don't have a favorite either...just depends on the mood when I decide to listen to them.
I completely respect your opinions in this video. I like all of their albums but I will put it down to this: 1. Awake (Voices is my all time favorite song) 2. Octavarium 3. Train of Thought Side Note: Not sure if you were supposed to include A Change of Seasons or not, but the title track of that album is one of their best works in my opinion. Have a great day!
I kind of agree with a Awake in first place, it does hold something special for me, some form of subtlety alongside all the passion. Then I'd put Train of Thought just because I find Stream of Consciousness incredibly beautiful, and then sharing third place Octavarium and Images and Words.
14. Dream Theater 13. The Astonishing 12. A Dramatic Turn Of Events 11. Black Clouds & Silver Linings 10. When Dream And Day Unite 09. Systematic Chaos 08. Octavarium 07. A Change Of Seasons 06. Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence 05. Train Of Thought 04. Falling Into Infinity 03. Awake 02. Images And Words 01. Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes From A Memory
Full rating is impossible for me I can rate in three degrees: Good albums: Dream Theater, Falling into Infinity, When Dream and Day Unite Excellent Albums: Distance over Time, Astonishing, ADToE, Black Clouds, Train of Thought, Images and Words Best albums ever: Systematic Chaos, Octavarium, Six Degrees, Metropolis 2, Awake
Awake is my favorite, easily. The keyboard part especially makes it so beatiful. It's also so heavy and melodic at the same time which IMO is very hard to accomplish.
Man, Beneath the Surface is by far DT's most underrated song. I can't believe how overlooked it is; it's one of the most gorgeous songs I've ever heard, and is far and away my favorite off of ADToE. That being said, I love that Systematic Chaos ranked so high.
CloudMountainJuror I agree Beneath the Surface is probably one of their best songs. It’s full of emotions that, at first, seem conflicting like pain and peace, but they weave so well together that it’s just perfect.
Why was A Change of Sesaons not on a proper album. Everyone sleeps on ACOS. It is by far their greatest epic. Id go as far as to say its their own Magnum Opus
I was only including Studio Albums Proper. I love Change of Seasons, but it's more of an EP. Same reason why I didn't put Clearing out the Closet, one of my favourite albums from the group, but it's more of an EP :)
of course of course, i was just voicing my thoughts so to speak through the comment as to why A change of Sesaons didnt appear on an album or even have a proper studio album because in my opinion its the best DT song no one talks about.
13. The Astonishing 12. When Dream and Day Unite 11. Falling into Infinity 10. A Dramatic Turn of Events 9. Dream Theater 8. Train of Thought 7. Systematic Chaos 6. Awake 5. Octavarium 4. Images and Words 3. Black Clouds and Silver Linings 2. Metropolis pt.2 1. Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
SDOIT being #1 is incredibly based, not gonna lie. It's not my #1 but it's so underrated in their sea of popular albums that i respect anyone putting it in their top 3
@@sStyleMo Looking back at that list now, I think I'd change it up a bit, but SDOIT is definitely still in my top 3. And right back at you man! Respect for realizing how underrated and profound it is
13. The Astonishing (2016) 12. Dream Theater (2013) 11. When Dream And Day Unite (1989) 10. Falling Into Infinity (1997) 9. A Dramatic Turn Of Events (2011) 8. Systematic Chaos (2007) 7. Awake (1994) 6. Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes From A Memory (1999) 5. Black Clouds And Silver Linings (2009) 4. Train Of Thought (2003) 3. Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence (2002) 2. Octavarium (2005) 1. Images And Words (1992)
Do Bap no I really love the Astonishing! The reason why people don’t like it is because it’s very different from everything else! It’s not going to be a head banging work. But it really shows just how brilliant these guys are that they can write what most musical writers can’t. Musicals and soundtracks are a collection of singles (think Let It Go, My Shot, This is Me... the list goes on...) but The Astonishing is more concise than almost anything out there. Yes it’s long and yes it’s not heavy, but it has some of their best musicianship in terms of consistency. People also think that DT has no business in this genre, but you have to branch out because otherwise you’re just metal chords. Sorry for the rave... these are some pent up thoughts from reading all the criticism. All of their albums are really great!
Joel Jamison The main reason I hate it is because it is extremely repetitive. They could have easily cut the album in half and it would have been better. At first I liked the chorus in A New Beginning, then they milked that same arrangement countless times throughout the album.
my rankings (not that anyone cares) 1. Six Degrees (easily my favorite, almost unfair being a double disc album) 2. Train of Thought (their heaviest) 3. Scenes from a Memory (best concept album) 4. Systematic Chaos (underrated and overlooked) 5. Octavarium (a bit overrated but I still like it) 6. Images and Words (great feel good album) 7. A Change of Seasons (yes its and EP, yes its mostly covers, but I don't care, its still great) 8. Self titled (this album gets far too much hate, give it another listen) 9. Dramatic turn of events (maybe too low?) 10. Black Clouds (the bonus disc with classic rock covers help, also love the Count of Tuscany) 11. Falling into Infinity (Some strong tracks, also some cheesy ones) 12. Awake (most overrated album, just can't get into it) 13. When dream and day unite (Afterlife is a great song) 14. The Astonishing (least familiar with, only listened to the whole thing twice)
The Astonishing is my personal favorite, once you listen to it enough time to actually remember it, and have a decent understanding of the plot (Along with an expansive enough taste to enjoy classical influence and the lighter side of rock/metal) it's an amazing album, their best mix of lyricism and music, and it stretched them as a band on a writing level.
1. Metropolis Part 2 - Scenes of a memory, (Best Track: Finally Free) 2. Six Degrees of Inner turbulence (Best Track: The Glass Prison) 3. Images and Words (Best Track: Metropolis Part 1) 4. Train of Thought, (Best Track: This Dying Soul) 5. Systematic Chaos (Best Track: In The Presence of Enemies) 6 Black Clouds and silver Linings (Best Track: The Count of Tuscany) 7. Awake; (Best Track: Space Dye-Vest) 8. Octavarium (Best Track: These Walls) 9 , Falling into Infinity. (Best Track: Lines in the Sand) 10. Dream Theater (Best Track: Illumination Theory) 11. Dramatic Turn of events (Best Track: Breaking all Illusions) 12. Astonishing (Best Track: Our New World) 13. When Dream and Day Unite (Best Track: Yste Jam)
I have to agree with you. I actually put Falling Into Infinity into my top 6 favorite DT albums. Most would think I'm crazy for that but it works for me!
Specially for lines in the sand, hells kitchen, trial of tears... They absolutely great songs... The lyrics and harmony on LITS and TOT are just awesome
Right?! The first time I heard it and put together all of the pieces of the theory behind it, my mind was blown. Man I'd give anything to adventure that album for the first time again.
Yeah, its amazing. At first I thought it was a bit underpowered after TOT, but man does it grow on you. The throw back riff recycling on the root of all evil from as I am is just a superb start, just genious and it reminds me of dance of eternity in that regard. And when LaBrie sings "the story ends where it began" goosebumps every time.
THANK YOU for putting Systematic Chaos so high. I really love it and always get hated for liking it. For me that one of the albums that really captures the essence of Dream Theater.
"The Best of Times" has the greatest solo of all DT songs, and beyond!!!!! "The Shattered Fortress" is so epic that you could make 5 movies with it. "The Mirror" is so headbanging that you could break your neck with the first minute of the song. And I could keep like this for hours, but I'm going to bed. PS: I like your top, I have some differences but, in general, I agree with you.
Ricardo Castro how can people like to comparing like this, why not we just enjoy the whole album, its all about music. Im really enjoy all the album. We need to listen to that song more and more then we would familiar with that. Its just my opinion 😊
Exactly, that's why before analysing songs or albums, one must listen them several times. If the author is not too familiar with some of the records, his work will be rather incomplete/poor..
My personal rank, worst to best (2023 Edit) 15. *The Astonishing* *0/10* It's astonishingly bad 14. *Self-titled* *3/10* Had a few (5 though) but pretty generic as well, I like it a little bit better than Systematic Chaos. 10. *A View From the Top of the World* *6.5/10* Still playing it safe, the amount of self-referencing in this album is (pun intended) astonishingly high but as a whole it's moderately enjoyable. They are way past their creative peak at this point so I don't expect that much anyway. Title track is much better than Illumination Theory though, which is not exactly a high bar. 9. *A Dramatic Turn of Events* *6.5-7/10* 1 amazing song (Breaking all Illusions), and 8 fillers. 8. *Octavarium* *7/10* Title track is objectively a musical masterpiece coming close to the band's best work. The rest of the album range from mildly enjoyable at best, to downright contrived at worst (looking at you two, I Walk Beside You/The Answer Lies Within). 7. *Black Clouds and Silver Linings* *7-7.5/10* Two amazing songs (Nightmare & Tuscany), one good song (The Best of Times) and three cheesy try-hards. 6. *Train of Thoughts* *7.5/10* Not what I would typically expect from DT, but quite a solid release nonetheless. Shows how diverse their song writing can be, although at moments too wankery/show-off, even by DT's wankery standard. 5. *6 Degrees of Inner Turbulence* *8/10* Pretty good, has some of the most experimental and moving materials in the band's history, disc 2 is coming close to the band's best when it comes to composition and concept. 4. *Falling Into Infinity* *8-8.5/10* Did not expect to see this one here did ya? To say it's controversial to place this album this high, is an understatement. Many people hate it, but personally this album is really moving, personal, well written, and comes off as touching, sincere and (at moments) unfiltered. I love it. Also, Hollow Years >>>>>>>>>>>> Wither. 3. *Scenes from a Memory* *9.5/10* Objectively a masterpiece, I shuffle the top 3 around depending on the day of the week. 2. *Images & Words* *9.5/10* The album that defined Dream Theater, set progressive metal apart from USPM influences (Fates Warning, Queensrÿche, Crimson Glory). 1. *Awake* *10/10* My personal favorite. Songwriting, arranging, performance, lyrics, concept, emotion, passion, energy, coherency, diversity, production... This album has it all, their pinnacle in my eyes. 0. *A Change of Seasons (the song)* If I have to pick just one song that represents this band, it's this song. Almost like a more concise version of Awake. Their Magnum Opus.
Yeah, my order would be pretty close to this. The top 3 might shuffle around a bit for me depending how I feel that week, and I might be a bit more charitable to WDADU, but otherwise I'm in agreement. Are we around the same age? AWAKE was basically my on-ramp to DT in my early teens, and most of the albums after OCTAVARIUM have been diminishing returns for me. I know they picked up a lot of new fans off of TOT and BC&SL, and no disrespect to anyone's personal taste, but it does seem like the DT fans who are really into the post-OCTA stuff are a good 10-15 years younger than me.
My personal WTB (with ACOS, DOT & AVFTTOTW) 16) The Astonishing (30/100) 15) Falling Into Infinity (60/100) 14) When Dream And Day Unite (70/100) 13 Distance Over Time (75/100) 12) Train of Thought (80/100) 11) Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence (82/100) 10) A Dramatic Turns of Events (85/100) 9) Systematic Chaos (87/100) 8) Black Clouds & Silver Linings (89/100) 7) Awake (90/100) 6) A View From The Top of the World (95/100) 5) Dream Theater (100/100) 4) Octavarium (100/100) 3) A Change of Seasons (only title-track) 100/100 2) Scenes from a Memory 1) Images & Words (100/100)
This is my top 15, I’m including ACoF and DOT because they weren’t included 15. The astonishing 14. When dream and day unite 13. Dream theater 12. Distance over time 11. A dramatic turn of events 10. Systematic chaos 9. A change of seasons 8. Falling into infinity 7. Black clouds & silver linings 6. Train of thought 5. Six degrees of inner turbulence 4. Awake 3. Octavarium 2. Images and words 1. Metropolis pt.2: scenes from a memory
Interesting, DT is one of my favorite bands as well. Sadly, I find them quite inconsistent, specially since Black Clouds. My list goes like 13-Astonishing 12-DT 11-W.D.A.D.U 10-Black Clouds 9-Infinity 8-Dramatic 7-Systematic 6-Train Thought 5-Degrees 4-Octavarium 3-Metropolis 2 2-I&W 1-Awake Check out the band Alcest if you didn't already, they're phenomenal.
1.- Train of Thought 2.- Systematic Chaos 3.- Octavarium 4.- Black Clouds & Silver Linings 5.- Six Degress of Inner Turbulence 6.- Dream Theater 7.- Metropolis Part II 8.- Images and Words 9.- A Dramatic Turn of Events 10.- Awake 11.- Falling Into Infinity 12.- The Astonishing 13.- When Dream and Day Unite
Some interesting points, even with all the mispronunciation. I would definitely put I&W higher up the list, and I agree with you that it's the individual songs that make this album great rather than the album as a whole. My list (I'm leaving Distance Over Time until I can fully digest it): #1: Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory #2: Images and Words #3: Train of Thought #4: Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence #5: Octavarium #6: Black Clouds and Silver Linings #7: Awake #8: A Dramatic Turn of Events #9: Awake #10: When Dream and Day Unite #11: Falling into Infinity #12: Systematic Chaos #13: Dream Theater #14: The Astonishing
Oooooh this looks like fun. I'll try to quantify why I ordered them the way I did. Also, I forgot to hit the bell next to the subscribe button, and I haven't seen your videos pop up in my feed for a while :( Haven't forgotten about them, but I just haven't gotten around to checking them out yet and I've only been watching what I'm getting notifications from. Too many channels to keep track of @_@ 13: The Astonishing There are some great tunes on it, but as a whole album, it's bad. I mean, I can't even sit through the whole thing and the sappiness of the songs is really, really cringe-worthy. I guess I just don't have the appreciation for Disney-sounding music others do. But either way, the album is just so bloated and bogged down that the few good tracks just aren't worth sitting through the whole album for. 12: Train of Thought Don't get me wrong, when I'm in the mood for this record, I LOVE it. But this is one of those DT records that was clearly made to be "different" from the rest. They wanted to make a very specific kind of prog-thrash album, and they succeeded at that, but it's the DT album that feels the least like a DT album to me, and while I enjoyed it more after release, it's slipped out of my DT listening habits pretty quickly. 11: Black Clouds & Silver Linings It's a half-good album. "A Nightmare To Remember" and "The Best Of Times" are GREAT songs, and "The Count of Tuscany" has some excellent musical moments (but cringe-y lyrics). "The Shattered Fortress" is a decent finish to the 12-Step Suite, but it feels kind of slapdash. The rest of the album... can honestly do without them. 10: Octavarium It PAINS me to put this so low, because the title track is one of my all-time favourite pieces of music ever written in any genre, from any era. Had it been released as a single a-la "A Change of Seasons", it would be my #1 release. But the rest of the album isn't that great, and the album even features the worst piece of tripe the band has ever written: "I Walk Beside You". At least Falling Into Infinity had an excuse for mom-rock pop travesties: they were pressured by their label. This piece of U2-inspired feel-good garbage was released *on an album where they had complete creative freedom*. Let that sink in. 9: When Dream and Day Unite I could just repeat what you said about it. It's the album I'm least familiar with, but it's a great debut. And Charlie Dominici's vocals are a really interesting (though dated-sounding) twist on the DT sound. I think it's also the album where Petrucci's guitar playing is simultaneously at its wildest and its most controlled. 8: A Dramatic Turn of Events I *hated* this album when it came out, and it turned out to be a real grower for me. "Breaking All Illusions" was the track that broke the ice for me, upon discovering how amazing this track is. The only problem I have with this album is "On the Backs of Angels". As a musician, I broke down the song, and it is EXACTLY matched to the template of "Pull Me Under", down to the key signatures, chord progressions, structure, and style. And I mean EXACTLY. Kind of like those fan renditions of "Stream of Consciousness" made after the band revealed the song chart. 7: Dream Theater Okay, I actually LOVE this album. The instrumentals are great, "Enigma Machine" is very similar to "Erotomania". "Illumination Theory" is not my favourite of their epics, either, but I'd still put it among my favourite DT songs. 6: Falling Into Infinity It's weird that I'm putting this as high as I am, but this is one of those albums that knowing the story of really puts it into perspective. Facing all the pressure they did from the record company, they did their best to put together an album that was true to DT's vision while still adding a more mainstream rock aspect, and you can kind of hear where the band tried this in future releases, but never quite as successfully as FII. bonus: 5.5: The Falling Into Infinity Demos (YtseJam Records official bootleg) The tracks that *could have* been on FII, like "Raise The Knife", and the version of "Burning My Soul" that features "Hell's Kitchen" as its solo section reveal the prog-metal potential of FII. Plus, there's the bonus of it featuring the rehearsal version of Metropolis Pt. 2, in its original 25-minute single song format. It's actually not as great as it's been made out to be, but you can really hear the genesis of some of the ideas that went into SFAM. 5: Systematic Chaos For me, this is the album that I wanted "Train of Thought" to be: dark and "metal", but still progressive and melodic. Even the "singles" on this album, "Forsaken" and "Constant Motion", are great songs. "In the Presence of Enemies" is also one of the only epics that comes close to "Octavarium". "The Dark Eternal Night" is the song I want to pop my mosh pit cherry to. 4: Images and Words Absolutely classic release. Most of the guitar playing still mystifies me to this day. The quintessential prog-metal record. Not a single bad moment on it. 3: Awake This was the second album I heard from DT, and this is the reason I have a seven-string guitar. "The Mirror" and "A Change of Seasons" were the first songs I learned on the 7-string. And I just love the melodies, the guitar playing, the songwriting is on-point. 2: Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence My first DT album. "The Glass Prison" was the song that opened my world to prog-metal. The title track... hooooooly shiiiiiit. That blew my 15-year-old mind so hard. And the first disc... absolutely exquisite songwriting and playing. 1: Metropolis Pt 2: Scenes From A Memory Seriously, could it *be* any other album from DT? This is the album that launched a million prog-metal bands' careers. The concept, the music, the performances, the production, this album is a perfect, magical synergy of five people coming together to create something immaculate. No band will ever touch what SFAM did again, an absolutely perfect moment in prog-metal.
You can really tell that as I got further along in writing this, I became less and less awake, as I started writing it at 10:45pm-ish and finished it at 11:15. Off to bed for me. -_-
Also, weirdly enough, I'm growing my vinyl collection so I'm picking up a lot of prog lately, but the only DT release I own on vinyl is actually the box set of BC&SL, which has the 2xLP and 3xCD plus a bonus disc with the stem tracks for mixing. The bonus stem track disc unfortunately got stolen along with my laptop and most of my guitars in a break-in about 6 years ago.
Your top three , are mine as well, in the same order, I didn’t agree with everything, but would any of us, The top three in that order you nailed it good job !!!!
13: The Astonishing 12: Falling into Infinity 11: When Dream and Day Unite 10: Dream Theater 9: Train of Thought 8: Systematic Chaos 7: A Dramatic Turn of Events 6: Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence 5: Black Clouds and Silver Linings 4: Octavarium 3: Images and Words 2: Scenes From a Memory 1: Awake
I really don't see the hate for the self titled album. It's WAY better than The Astonishing, and I'd rank it above Dramatic Turn of Events, Falling Into Infinity, and When Dream and Day Unite. I really don't understand what happened with The Astonishing, I have only gotten through the whole album once, I think, I've tried but have never been able to get all the way through it again, even in multiple sittings. I also don't rank Six Degrees super high for whatever reason. The suite is great, but the first disc doesn't do it for me too much. My first album from them was Systematic Chaos, so that one rates higher with me probably way higher than it should, but I love it so much!
The self titled album is very good. Songs such as surrender to reason, the enigma machine, behind the veil and the illumination theory are pure gems of that album. Its probably the best album that dream theater has put out with Mangini.
Six Degrees is my personal fave from them, but I also think the self titled album is being underrated here, no way could anyone convince me that it is their worst album, that's just crazy talk, but to each his own. I also like Systematic Chaos quite a bit and think that most people posting here have Black Clouds & Silver Linings way too high (maybe if you count the special edition bonus disc full of classic rock cover songs).
Six Degrees is really weak. It has some good moments but in overall is way under what they could and can do. I only put this album above Astonishing, Dream And Day Unite and Dramatic Turn of Events.
Look appreciate your time, effort, and the willingness to put out your top Dream Theater albums, but for God Sake.. know the names of the fuckin tunes!
Awake is pure perfection. Every other albums have their weak points like too long intros and unnecessarily too progressive instrumental parts. Second best comes Images and Words and then Dramatic Turn of Events.
My list: 13. WDaDU (Nope, just underwhelming, if you know what would come next) 12. The Astonishing (I tried really hard to appreciate this record. But there are just too much TOO SHORT songs on this. With too short I mean, that the songs just can't breathe at all. None of them are worthy to listen to outside of their concept.) 11. Dream Theater (somewhat of a letdown after ADTOE. Still above average, but the special something is missing... just a bit hollow) 10. Falling into Infinity (Not as bad as many say, it's a nice record and Lines in the Sand is fucking great) 9. Systematic Chaos (Maybe a bit too much "chaos" for me, but many great moments. Not a big fan of the Portnoy tracks) 8. Black Clouds & Silver Linings (Not the biggest fan of Shattered Fortress and Best of Times, which seems a bit cheesy, but The Count of Tuscany totally nails it... goosebumps) 7. Awake (Maybe the album with their most atmospheric songs, but somehow I don't return to this album that often) 6. Train of Thought (A very exhausting listen, but their heaviest music and I like to headbang) 5. Octavarium (Some very obvious downs, but the highs.... my god, the HIGHS) 4. Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence (Not an easy listen, especially because the first side is so different from the second, but the ambition is out of this world) 3. A Dramatic Turn of Events (I just find this album so cohesive and atmospheric, the epics are criminally underrated) 2. Images and Words (beautiful album, flawless and catchy) 1. Metropolis Part 2 (obvious, just the best listen from start to finish, combines everything that makes DT great)
I agree with your comment on The Astonishing. IMO, it was too short - it should've been a 4-hour album (4 CDs), with all that was going on in the storyline. But I can see how a 4 CD concept album might be a difficult sell.
I mean, sure the songs on Astonishing were short, but they were also a continuous story that went on for twice as long a normal DT album, and I listen to a lot of these songs outside of the concept.
great review Notes !!!!!!! i totally agree with the top 3 but.. 'awake '' should be rank higher and"A Change of Seasons" is their best song ever IMO BTW did you hear the new Threshold album ,is just amaizin . my vote for ''album of the year ''
1 Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence 2 Metropolis Pt 2 3 Awake 4 Images and Words 5 Black Clouds and Silver Linings 6 Octavarium 7 Falling into Infinity 8 A Dramatic Turn of Events 9 Dream Theater 10 When Dream and Day Unite 11 Systematic Chaos 12 Train of Thought 13 Distance Over Time 14 The Astonishing
Hi Notes, even though it's not an album but an EP, where would "A Change of Seasons" fit in your list ? I consider the title track to be the best DT song ever, so it would be pretty high on my list. :)
That's a tough one! I was even thinking about where 'Clearing out the Closet' fit with such great tracks like 'Raise the Knife'. But Change of Seasons.......Just the song itself I would put above Awake but below Train of thought.
I'm not including When Dream & Day Unite since it's been a loong time since I heard it in its entirety. 12 DT12: Mostly forgettable outside of The Bigger Picture and Behind the Veil. 11: The Astonishing: As others have pointed out, this album would not be much without the concept. To this day, I couldn't remember a single song several minutes after hearing it. It sounds great at the time, but nothing sticks with you. 10 Octovarium: The title track was amazing, as was Sacrificed Sons, and I really enjoyed the opener. However, the rest of the album was pretty forgettable.9: Black Clouds & Silver Linings: A somewhat maligned album, it has some classic moments such as Count of Tuscany and Nightmare to Remember. It's also fairly consistent with nothing truly bad. 8: Systematic Chaos: Some interesting moments in this album (Constant Motion, Dark Eternal Night), but nothing that really ranks as truly classic. 7: Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence: The title track was amazing, as was the opening to the AA Suite--Glass Prison. I also dug their tribute to Tool with the Great Debate. 6: Awake I'm not as huge on this album as others, and I consider Space Dye Vest to be one os the most overrated songs in DT's catalog. However, this album also has the fantastic Mind Beside Itself trilogy. 5: Falling into Infinity: These is some mediocrity on this album such as Anna Lee, but there are also a few classics suchas Peruvian Skies and Trial of Tears4 A Dramatic Turn of Events: Following the departure of Mike Portnoy, DT released this album, demonstrating that they had something to prove, and for the most part it works. 3: Scenes from a Memory: A great concept combined with great music.2: Train of Thought: SOme may have been put off by the heavier sound from this album, but I really enjoyed it.1: Images & Words: The album that broke DT through, it is still a fine piece of work 25+ years later.
Imo 13. Falling into infinity 12. When dream and day unite 11. Self titled album 10. Awake 9. The astonishing 8. A dramatic turn of events 7. Systematic chaos 6. Octavarium 5. Six degrees of inner turbulence 4. Images and words 3. Black clouds and silver linings 2. Metropolis pt2 1. Train of thought
13: A Dramatic Turn of Events 12: Systematic Chaos 11: The Astonishing 10: Train of Thought 9: When Dream and Day Unite 8: Black Clouds and Silver Linings 7: Dream Theater (self-titled) (This is where it gets tough....) 6: Falling Into Infinity 5: Scenes from a Memory 4: Images and Words 3: Octavarium 2: Awake 1: Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence But I love them all and my top 6 are CONSTANTLY rotating!!! :)
It was a rough list to come up with, I love all the albums so much that to rank any of them low is sad to me. Which parts do you agree/disagree with the most? :)
Yeah, Train of Thought is a great album, but I feel like most of their other albums sound more diverse to me. Train of Thought is one of their most straightforward metal albums, which is totally fine and I love that it was their response to people who demanded a second Images and Words...but I don't end up listening to it as much as Awake or even Black Clouds and Silver Linings. It doesn't quite take me on the same kind of journey as their other heavy albums.
well, thmbs up for your list for one simple reason... you're probably the only one to rank FII in the better half^^ Everyone hates it, I personally prefer to rank songs over albums, because this consistency talk never really appealed to me. I either fucking like a song (or passages of it), or I dont. And songs like "lines in the sand" (even take away my pain, cuz it sounds like it's been written by a completely different band from an unrelated genre) I love very much. It's got rock, some jazzy elements, crazy lines and truly masterful composition, but no fucking DT fan ever seems to get it. Dont get me wrong, I love DT's other styles as well. Their versatility was the distinguishing feature that made me a fan some 13 years ago... But I think, that they reached their musical limit with octavarium. Nothing original, no new surprises, even the crazy passages did not appeal to me anymore, because they've simply fucking done it before and at some point these passages appear forced and dont feel original anymore, even though you listened to a particular song the first time. They could've dived into reggae, jazz or whatever to do something original, but instead they focused on mysticism and the particular kind of genre that feeds into it. Like I said... they may have done some otherwise nice pieces, but since they weren't original anymore and didn't came first, they're pretty much no competition for DT's earlier work of the 90s till 2005.
Please Images and Words a little big higher . I am sure you are repented a bit 🤪👌🏽😀😉 about . Where else you find a song like Under A Glass moon with that solo ?.. 😊👋🏼🤝 however, I totally agree about Octavarium song 🎵, with Metropolis Part 1 and Pull me Under is my favorite DT song. Also The Best of Times and This Dying Soul are masterpieces
@@NotesReviews I can understand there are some annoying people out here , (me too I have a 9 moths old channel with almost 13.000 subs and I know it) but this is a really not cool and very rude answer. Emoticons are clear I was just joking a bit. And i an been respectful and polite. Goodbye 👋🏼
Sherinian not Sherman E Rot O Mania Scarred not Scared Misunderstood not Misunderstanding That said... 9. The Astonishing 8. A Dramatic Turn of Events / Self titled 7. Black Clouds and Silver Linings 6. Octavarium / Systematic Chaos 5. When Dream and Day Unite 4. Falling Into Infinity 3. Train of Thought 2. Images and Words / Scenes From a Memory 1. Awake / Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
I really appreciate you giving your honest opinions on these albums! I love Dream Theater and love seeing what other people say about them. There are some songs and albums I would rank higher or say that I'd love even if you find them weaker but I definitely think you got some good points and I definitely respect your opinions. Definitely enjoyed this video :)
This is fun. Here’s mine - the only part I feel really confident in is 1-3, the rest may be different tomorrow. 1. Scenes from a memory 2. Images and Words 3. 6 degrees 4. Awake 5. Adtoe 6. ToT 7. Bc&sl 8. Self titled 9. Chaos 10. FII 11. Octavarium 12. Astonishing 13. Wdadu
I completely agree with your overall assessment. In the mid-to-late 90s, I was in my Progressive Metal phase, and a friend had me listen to "Images and Words", and although they loved it, it fell short for me, and I hated the production style. The same friend let me a cassette of "Awake", stating that they didn't want it anymore and didn't like it, I loved it! What made me a fan though was "Metropolis Part 2", as the concept is brilliantly executed, and the album itself flows so perfectly from beginning to end. My second favorite album by Dream Theater is also "Octavarium!" Excellent overview my friend!
Imo: 13. Astonishing (boring, overly cheesy, bloated, too much of soft uninteresting stuff) 12. Dream Theater (A decent, but underwhelming epic bundled with mostly boring songs. Stale Production) 11. WDaDU (Inconsistent and lacking direction, but has a charm to it that's appealing) 10. FII (Some of their best works, some of their absolute worst. No real middle ground tbh) 9. ADToE (Some excellent moments without too many mediocre stuff. Breaking all Illusions is great) 8. Systematic Chaos (Awesome instrumentals and atmosphere, but very rough around the edges. Lacks memorable rhythm & melodies) 7. Train of Thought (A mostly consistent album lacking truly amazing tracks. Not enough shorter tracks) 6. Black Clouds (Similar to ToT, but feels more dynamic and interesting overall) 5. Octavarium (Their second best epic + a very good variety of decent tracks) 4. Awake (Their best production by far. Excellent mix of catchiness and darkness. Little inconsistent though) 3. Six Degrees (Amazing songs, great instrumentals. Consistent) 2. Metropolis (Amazing concept and well executed, plenty of beautiful moments. A little bloated at times) 1. Images and Words (perfect in almost every way. Beautiful mystical atmosphere, Labries best musical performance, the perfect mix of musical beauty and technicality)
Great list! Good to see another fan from systematic chaos out there. Your list was very refreshing simply because it was not obvious (putting the staple albums as the undisputed bests). Great vid.
Funny that Forsaken brought me into Dream Theater and especially this song is the weakest song of Systematic Chaos in your opinion. I was realy blown away from that song just because it's melancholic and I love melancholic songs. So for me it's a great track.
1. Six degrees of inner turbulence 2. Metropolis pt. 2 3. Images and words 4. Train of thought 5. A dramatic turn of events 6. Systematic chaos 7. Awake 8. Octavarium 9. Black clouds and silver linings 10. Falling into infinity 11. When dream and day unite 12. A view from the top of the world 13. Distance over time 14. The astonishing 15. Self titled
I quite liked the self-titled album. Nothing wrong with letting go of the 17 minute epics and doing a good, solid rock song once in a while. Still, the post-Portnoy albums are polarizing with fans in general and I see what many haven't warmed to it.
Amazing the variety of opinions on this, and mine are totally different. Funny how some of it is where you were in life (even post adolescent). Self titled Dream Theater is one of my favorites, Illumination Theory got me through a really tough project (to really feel the joy in life, you must suffer through the pain), project was a success. But I think themes within that album like The Bigger Picture run throughout the entire album. Six Degrees, I bought my house, and my first thing was to listen to the finale loud without caring about neighbors above and below. I would like to see a video of your favorite DT songs, I agree every album has some great and not so great songs but to distill it down to songs... hmmm :) Great video, very thought provoking
Pull me under = on the backs of angels Under a glass moon = lost not forgotten Wait for sleep = far from heaven Learning to live = breaking all ilusions Funny observation, learning to live is kind of a continuation to wait for sleep, you can hear the wait for sleep main piano melody in one of the instrumental breaks in learning to live. This exact same thing hapens with far from heaven and breaking all ilusions, you can hear the main chorus melody for far from heaven turn into the ending of breaking all ilusions.
13) When Day and Dream Unite 12) Falling Into Infinity 11) The Astonishing 10) Black Clouds and Silver Linings 09) Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence 08) Systematic Chaos 07) Dream Theater 06) A Dramatic Turns of Events 05) Awake 04) Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory 03) Octavarium 02) Train of Thought 01) Images and Words
1. Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence 2. Metropolis Pt. 2 - Scenes From a Memory 3. Black Clouds & Silver Linings 4. Train of Thought 5. Images & Words 6. Awake 7. Octavarium 8. Systematic Chaos 9. Dream Theater 10. Falling Into Infinity 11. A Dramatic Turn of Events 12. The Astonishing 13. When Dream & Day Unite
"Weakest" epic?? That's just your opinion, I've actually shed a tear to I.T., an emotion that Octavarium or even Learning to live has never managed to bring out of me.
@@Paolo10692 Lol. Sorry but if you honestly believe that you seriously need to re-listen to A Change of Seasons and Octavarium. Illumination Theory isn't even close to being in the same league as those two.
My ranking would be (worst to best) : 13 - the astonishing 12 - black clouds 11 - dramatic turns of events 10 - dream theater 09 - octavarium 08 - falling into infinity 07 - when dream and day unite 06 - train of thoughts 05 - awake 04 - systematic chaos 03 - images and words 02 - 6 degrees 01 - metropolis pt2
This makes me very happy because my top 3 is the same as yours , and Systematic Chaos always gets given so much flack. Ocravarium and Systematic Chaos were the first albums I heard by Dream Theater and they completely changed my taste in music overnight. They will always be 2 of my favourite all time albums therefore
I have been a serious DT fan since 1992 with I&W and although not much into the whole ranking thing but... my personal 10~List would be 1. Awake ~ My Personal Classic DT album 2. Metropolis 2 ~ pure DT BriLLiance 3. I&W ~ what started it for me and absolute PURE BLiss 4. Falling into Infinity ~ shoot me dead... but I just can't NOT Love this album... 5. Train of Thought ~ heavy D&T 6. Octavarium ~ dunno, just because... 7. Six Degrees ~ really like it but... 8. Sys. Chaos ~ what can I say, it is what it is... 9. Black Clouds ~ Number 9, Number nine... 10. Dramatic Turn ~sorry but not that dramatic, just saying...
14- The Astonishing 13- When Dream and Day Unite 12- Dream Theater 11- Distance Over Time 10- Falling Into Infinity 9- Awake 8- Systematic Chaos 7- Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence 6- A Dramatic Turn of Events 5- Black Clouds and Silver Linings 4- Octavarium 3- Images and Words 2- Train of Thought 1- Images and Words
13. Dream Theater 12. Black Clouds and Silver Linings 11. Systematic Chaos 10. Falling into Infinity 9. The Astonishing 8. When Dream and Day Unite 7. A Dramatic Turn of Events 6. Train of Thought 5. Octavarium 4. Six Degrees of Inter Turbulence 3. Awake 2. Images and Words 1. Scenes from a Memory A Dramatic Turn of Events has my favorite DT track of all time in Breaking all Illusions. A song I have listened to probably a thousand times and still never get tired of it. Imo its the track that represents the band.
13. Self titled 12. The Astonishing 11. Falling into Infinity 10. When Dream and Day Unite 9. A Dramatic Turn of Events 8. Systematic Chaos 7. Black Clouds 6. Octavarium (Even though the title track is my favorite song of theirs!) 5. Train of Thought 4. Metropolis Pt. 2 3. Awake 2. Six Degrees 1. Images and Words
I honestly hate it when people make reviews on an album they've only listened to once or twice, how on earth are you supposed to form an accurate opinion on an album if you only vaguely remember half the songs.
13. All albums with Mangini 6. All albums from 6DoIT to BC&SL 5. Falling into infinity 4. When Dream and Day Unite 3. Scenes from A Memory 2. Images and Words or Awake 1 Awake or Images and Words (The first 2 records I listened from DT, love them so much I can’t decide which is my favourite.
13. WDaDU 12. FII 11. Astonishing 10. Awake (gonna get hate for this, still a great album) 9. DT 8. BC&SL 7. Octavarium 6. SC 5. SFaM 4. IaW 3. ADToE (gonna get hate for this too, what can I say, I love the spastic nature of this album) 2. ToT 1. SDoIT Interesting list you have there! As you can see, I too have controversial opinions. I enjoy every DT album, some just have certain songs that impacted me more than others. Really I'd like to put all of my top 7 DT albums at number 1, but nothing can touch Six Degrees, in my mind that is their most perfect album from start to finish. Now you need to do the same thing but with Yes albums, now that'd be a real challenge!
As a long time Dream Theater fan and someone who is passionate about DT music as a whole I couldn't agree more with your review. As much as Mike Mangini is a complete monster he lacks the subtlety and accented cymbal work of Portnoy. The space and organic nature of their sound seems to be making way for a more tight and produced product in the last two albums especially. Appreciate the insights and passion for their truely epic body of work. Number 1 is bang on.
01. Train of Thought 02. Images and Words 03. Awake 04. Octavarium 05. Metropolis 06. Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence 07. Dream Theater 08. Systematic Chaos 09. Falling Into Infinity 10. When Dream and Day Unite 11. Black Clouds and Silver Linings 12. A Dramatic Turn of Events 13. The Astonishing
My ranking with a score: 13. The Astonishing - 5,5 12. Falling into Infinity - 6 11. Systematic Chaos - 6,5 10. A Dramatic Turn of Events - 7 09. When Dream and Day Unite - 7,5 08. Octavarium - 7,5 07. Black Clouds and Silver Linnings - 8 06. Dream Theater - 8 05. Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence - 8,5 04. Train of Thought - 9 03. Awake - 9 02. Images and Words - 9,5 01. Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory - 10
Haha! I think I disagreed with almost everything you said there! My Best: A Dramatic Turn, DT12 (s/t) & The Astonishing. My Worst: When Dream and Day, Train Of Thought and Metropolis Pt 2. DT are one of those bands that divide opinion for sure!
Actually I forgot, my least fave is Black Clouds and Silver Linings - really can't stand that one! I think you mean subjectively not objectively. It's all a matter of opinion and a lot depends on how you discover a band and which ones you listen to first I think.
13 - The Astonishing 12 - Black Clouds & Silver Linings 11 - Chaos In Motion 10 - Falling Into Infinity 9 - Dream Theater 8 - A Dramatic Turn Of Events 7 - When Dream & Day Unite 6 - 6 Degrees Of Inner Turbulence 5 - Octavarium 4 - Metropolis 3 - Train Of Thought 2 - Awake 1 - Images & Words
This goof doesn't have the slightest idea of what he's talking about. Derek Sherman? "Scared"? "A fortune of lies"? "The 1st album goes to the bottom of the list because I'm not familiar with it"? Really, you barely know the band, why did you even make this video?
13. The Astonishing 12. A Dramatic Turn of Events 11. Octavarium 10. Systematic Chaos 9. Falling Into Infinity 8. Dream Theater/Self Titled album 7. Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence 6. Awake 5. When Dream and Day Unite 4. Black Clouds and Silver Linings 3. Train of Thought 2. Metropolis Part 2: Scenes From a Memory 1. Images and Words
14. The Astonishing 13. Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence 12. Distance Over Time 11. Octavarium 10. Dream Theater 9. Systematic Chaos 8. When Dream And Day Unite 7. Falling Into Infinity 6. Train Of Thought 5. Black Clouds And Silver Linings 4. Awake 3. A Dramatic Turn Of Events 2. Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes From A Memory 1. Images And Words
I'll make mine. Very different from most lists. (haven't heard when dream and day unite yet, so I'm not listing it) Worst- Astonishing (too long, not heavy enough, but glad it exists) 11- Systematic chaos 10- Black clouds and silver linings (Count of Tuscany is amazing) 9- Images & words 8- Awake 7- Metropolis 2 6- DT 5- A dramatic turn of events 4- Falling into infinity (great mixing) 3- 6 degrees (initially ranked it low, but then I actually listened to it) 2- Train of thought (love the heaviness) Best- Octavarium (every track is amazing, quintessential DT)
13. Astonishing 12. Self titled 11. When day and dream unite 10 dramatic turn of events 9. Falling into infinity 8. Systematic chaos 7. Awake 6. Images and words 5. Train of thought 4. Octavarium 3. Six degrees of inner turbulence 2. Metropolis pt. 2: scenes from a memory 1. Black clouds and silver linings
They should of chosen minneman instead of mangini
Pinning this comment because it is TRUTH! This is why we live in the darkest of timelines...
His style in the audition tape was so invigorating and youthful. Sure, it would be a stark contrast compared to everyone else, but his sound and fills are sooooo jazzy and good! Just what a prog band needs...
IIRC, Minneman wasn't really going to commit to DT as a full-time drummer, because he had commitments to other projects.
True, and if he did commit to DT, we wouldn't have gotten his amazing drumming styles on The Ravin that Refused to Sing.
I was hoping they'd pick Virgil. But watching the auditions, I also grew to like Marco the best. However as stated below, He wouldn't have committed to DT full time. Honestly, I think he and Roddy were both there just to show off a bit.
The song Octavarium is my favorite Dream Theater album.
That's the first song I heard by them
Actually it’s an EP not an album
@@redpig6878 that joke went right over your head!
I meant that the song octavarium is an EP, because it’s too short to be a full album
@@ryankearns7487 lolll
My #1 is Train of Thought. It's the one that shows the essence of DT. It shows how a Prog Metal band should sound like. Even Mike Portnoy says it's his favorite DT album. Metropolis Part II is my #2.
*YES*
It's probaly my fav album by ANY band of all time and Endless Sacrifice is still one of my fav tracks ever, probably because I love this heavy and dark vibe of the album
@@falkn.5544 yes, Endless Sacrifice is SO freaking underrated.
In my opinion Train of Thought is their most overrated album
nah dude black clouds. almost every song except wither and a rite of passage is absolutely mind blowing. the musicality is amazing on this album
I liked The Astonishing, and my daughter (age 11, and says Dream Theater is the best band in world) often requests it or Gandalf's Fist ( The Clockwork Fable) during long road trips. She saw The Astonishing tour, and she will see them again in less than a week. I don't know if I dislike any of their albums. Even the weaker ones have a couple songs to save them. I don't have a favorite either...just depends on the mood when I decide to listen to them.
I love the Clockwork Fable! It's a criminally underrated album. #MoreSteamPunk
Notes Reviews omg phenomenal choice!! I love the clockwork fable!! That album was among the best of 2016!
Notes Reviews the clockwork fable is in my top ten albums of all time
'He is the angriest music listener you've ever heard. He's the angry musician nerd'
Watch out James Rolfe, I'm coming for ya >:D
Nah thats Theneedledrop
(No offense notes XO)
I completely respect your opinions in this video. I like all of their albums but I will put it down to this:
1. Awake (Voices is my all time favorite song)
2. Octavarium
3. Train of Thought
Side Note: Not sure if you were supposed to include A Change of Seasons or not, but the title track of that album is one of their best works in my opinion. Have a great day!
Our #3 and #2 are the same, but come on dude, images and words...
I kind of agree with a Awake in first place, it does hold something special for me, some form of subtlety alongside all the passion. Then I'd put Train of Thought just because I find Stream of Consciousness incredibly beautiful, and then sharing third place Octavarium and Images and Words.
Train of Thought and Octovarium are terrible nu-metal albums. And where's Images and Words?
14. Dream Theater
13. The Astonishing
12. A Dramatic Turn Of Events
11. Black Clouds & Silver Linings
10. When Dream And Day Unite
09. Systematic Chaos
08. Octavarium
07. A Change Of Seasons
06. Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence
05. Train Of Thought
04. Falling Into Infinity
03. Awake
02. Images And Words
01. Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes From A Memory
i like how octavatorium is in 8th
Full rating is impossible for me
I can rate in three degrees:
Good albums:
Dream Theater, Falling into Infinity, When Dream and Day Unite
Excellent Albums:
Distance over Time, Astonishing, ADToE, Black Clouds, Train of Thought, Images and Words
Best albums ever:
Systematic Chaos, Octavarium, Six Degrees, Metropolis 2, Awake
Awake is my favorite, easily. The keyboard part especially makes it so beatiful. It's also so heavy and melodic at the same time which IMO is very hard to accomplish.
I agree with you , Awake is also my favourite DT album , much heavier than I&W , and also more Proggie at the same time ! 👍😊😎
I'll be honest, Awake never clicked fully with me
Man, Beneath the Surface is by far DT's most underrated song. I can't believe how overlooked it is; it's one of the most gorgeous songs I've ever heard, and is far and away my favorite off of ADToE.
That being said, I love that Systematic Chaos ranked so high.
CloudMountainJuror i agree its my wifes ringtone when she calls
CloudMountainJuror I agree Beneath the Surface is probably one of their best songs. It’s full of emotions that, at first, seem conflicting like pain and peace, but they weave so well together that it’s just perfect.
Beneath the Surface is to Dream Theater as The Garden is to Rush.
Couldn't agree more. It's probably the post-Portnoy song I return to the most
Agree
Why was A Change of Sesaons not on a proper album. Everyone sleeps on ACOS. It is by far their greatest epic. Id go as far as to say its their own Magnum Opus
I was only including Studio Albums Proper. I love Change of Seasons, but it's more of an EP. Same reason why I didn't put Clearing out the Closet, one of my favourite albums from the group, but it's more of an EP :)
of course of course, i was just voicing my thoughts so to speak through the comment as to why A change of Sesaons didnt appear on an album or even have a proper studio album because in my opinion its the best DT song no one talks about.
+Ceej's Pain Train Most people put ACOS in the top 3 of DT songs, some even put it as their best.
Octavarium is a better epic. ACoS is special though.
I agree. It was actually supposed to be on I&W but they weren't allowed by the record label!
Not gonna lie I loved systematic chaos
LJ260 why do people dislike this album tho. It’s fantastic
Ehh
Izhak Ib
I’ve wondered this as well. I just don’t see the problem.
I mean if your a Metallica fan you will probably love this album to be honest.
I loved it, especially the last song.
13. The Astonishing
12. When Dream and Day Unite
11. Falling into Infinity
10. A Dramatic Turn of Events
9. Dream Theater
8. Train of Thought
7. Systematic Chaos
6. Awake
5. Octavarium
4. Images and Words
3. Black Clouds and Silver Linings
2. Metropolis pt.2
1. Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
SDOIT being #1 is incredibly based, not gonna lie. It's not my #1 but it's so underrated in their sea of popular albums that i respect anyone putting it in their top 3
@@sStyleMo Looking back at that list now, I think I'd change it up a bit, but SDOIT is definitely still in my top 3. And right back at you man! Respect for realizing how underrated and profound it is
14:28 "Its also the last album to feature Kevin Moore...DONT CROSS THE CROOKED STEP". That for some reason made me laugh 😄
😂😂
Images and Words only 5th place? In my opinion it is the best album they have done, and probably the best prog metal album of all time.
Joseph Machon absolutely right!
Agreed!
You have to hear Illuminate the Path by the Band an Abstract Illusion :)
Best goddamn prog metal album...ever....period.
In my opinion Scenes from a Memory is much much better
1. Awake
2. Images and Words
3. Scenes From A Memory
13. The Astonishing (2016)
12. Dream Theater (2013)
11. When Dream And Day Unite (1989)
10. Falling Into Infinity (1997)
9. A Dramatic Turn Of Events (2011)
8. Systematic Chaos (2007)
7. Awake (1994)
6. Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes From A Memory (1999)
5. Black Clouds And Silver Linings (2009)
4. Train Of Thought (2003)
3. Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence (2002)
2. Octavarium (2005)
1. Images And Words (1992)
EvilMangoes Reviews am i the only one who loves the astonishing?
Shit dude I really enjoy your vids you should totally upload reviews more often. Greetings from Mexico!
I agree with most. Haven't listened to any album after Octavariun. I should give black clouds and silver lining a try then.
Do Bap no I really love the Astonishing! The reason why people don’t like it is because it’s very different from everything else! It’s not going to be a head banging work. But it really shows just how brilliant these guys are that they can write what most musical writers can’t. Musicals and soundtracks are a collection of singles (think Let It Go, My Shot, This is Me... the list goes on...) but The Astonishing is more concise than almost anything out there. Yes it’s long and yes it’s not heavy, but it has some of their best musicianship in terms of consistency. People also think that DT has no business in this genre, but you have to branch out because otherwise you’re just metal chords. Sorry for the rave... these are some pent up thoughts from reading all the criticism. All of their albums are really great!
Joel Jamison The main reason I hate it is because it is extremely repetitive. They could have easily cut the album in half and it would have been better. At first I liked the chorus in A New Beginning, then they milked that same arrangement countless times throughout the album.
Metropolis 2 is a religous experience for me, and I am an Atheist, no love for this album?
my rankings (not that anyone cares)
1. Six Degrees (easily my favorite, almost unfair being a double disc album)
2. Train of Thought (their heaviest)
3. Scenes from a Memory (best concept album)
4. Systematic Chaos (underrated and overlooked)
5. Octavarium (a bit overrated but I still like it)
6. Images and Words (great feel good album)
7. A Change of Seasons (yes its and EP, yes its mostly covers, but I don't care, its still great)
8. Self titled (this album gets far too much hate, give it another listen)
9. Dramatic turn of events (maybe too low?)
10. Black Clouds (the bonus disc with classic rock covers help, also love the Count of Tuscany)
11. Falling into Infinity (Some strong tracks, also some cheesy ones)
12. Awake (most overrated album, just can't get into it)
13. When dream and day unite (Afterlife is a great song)
14. The Astonishing (least familiar with, only listened to the whole thing twice)
The Astonishing is my personal favorite, once you listen to it enough time to actually remember it, and have a decent understanding of the plot (Along with an expansive enough taste to enjoy classical influence and the lighter side of rock/metal) it's an amazing album, their best mix of lyricism and music, and it stretched them as a band on a writing level.
1. Metropolis Part 2 - Scenes of a memory, (Best Track: Finally Free)
2. Six Degrees of Inner turbulence (Best Track: The Glass Prison)
3. Images and Words (Best Track: Metropolis Part 1)
4. Train of Thought, (Best Track: This Dying Soul)
5. Systematic Chaos (Best Track: In The Presence of Enemies)
6 Black Clouds and silver Linings (Best Track: The Count of Tuscany)
7. Awake; (Best Track: Space Dye-Vest)
8. Octavarium (Best Track: These Walls)
9 , Falling into Infinity. (Best Track: Lines in the Sand)
10. Dream Theater (Best Track: Illumination Theory)
11. Dramatic Turn of events (Best Track: Breaking all Illusions)
12. Astonishing (Best Track: Our New World)
13. When Dream and Day Unite (Best Track: Yste Jam)
Falling into infinity is so underrated
I have to agree with you. I actually put Falling Into Infinity into my top 6 favorite DT albums. Most would think I'm crazy for that but it works for me!
Chris Payne totally agree
Specially for lines in the sand, hells kitchen, trial of tears... They absolutely great songs... The lyrics and harmony on LITS and TOT are just awesome
Really glad someone puts Octavarium so high up as well
Right?! The first time I heard it and put together all of the pieces of the theory behind it, my mind was blown. Man I'd give anything to adventure that album for the first time again.
I love that album :D so much I bought it on vinyl too
Yeah, its amazing. At first I thought it was a bit underpowered after TOT, but man does it grow on you. The throw back riff recycling on the root of all evil from as I am is just a superb start, just genious and it reminds me of dance of eternity in that regard. And when LaBrie sings "the story ends where it began" goosebumps every time.
The thing is yes, it has some weak moments, but It has some of Dream Theater's best songs. And come on, the title track....
Train of Thought is the most progressive Metallica album.
THANK YOU for putting Systematic Chaos so high. I really love it and always get hated for liking it. For me that one of the albums that really captures the essence of Dream Theater.
"The Best of Times" has the greatest solo of all DT songs, and beyond!!!!! "The Shattered Fortress" is so epic that you could make 5 movies with it. "The Mirror" is so headbanging that you could break your neck with the first minute of the song. And I could keep like this for hours, but I'm going to bed.
PS: I like your top, I have some differences but, in general, I agree with you.
How can you make a really serious comparison, when you are "not too familiar with" some of their records????
Ricardo Castro how can people like to comparing like this, why not we just enjoy the whole album, its all about music. Im really enjoy all the album. We need to listen to that song more and more then we would familiar with that. Its just my opinion 😊
Exactly, that's why before analysing songs or albums, one must listen them several times. If the author is not too familiar with some of the records, his work will be rather incomplete/poor..
exactly
I think he mostly wanted to show off his deep purple vinyl in the background.
I'd say he's heard plenty.
My personal rank, worst to best (2023 Edit)
15. *The Astonishing* *0/10*
It's astonishingly bad
14. *Self-titled* *3/10*
Had a few (5 though) but pretty generic as well, I like it a little bit better than Systematic Chaos.
10. *A View From the Top of the World* *6.5/10*
Still playing it safe, the amount of self-referencing in this album is (pun intended) astonishingly high but as a whole it's moderately enjoyable. They are way past their creative peak at this point so I don't expect that much anyway. Title track is much better than Illumination Theory though, which is not exactly a high bar.
9. *A Dramatic Turn of Events* *6.5-7/10*
1 amazing song (Breaking all Illusions), and 8 fillers.
8. *Octavarium* *7/10*
Title track is objectively a musical masterpiece coming close to the band's best work. The rest of the album range from mildly enjoyable at best, to downright contrived at worst (looking at you two, I Walk Beside You/The Answer Lies Within).
7. *Black Clouds and Silver Linings* *7-7.5/10*
Two amazing songs (Nightmare & Tuscany), one good song (The Best of Times) and three cheesy try-hards.
6. *Train of Thoughts* *7.5/10*
Not what I would typically expect from DT, but quite a solid release nonetheless. Shows how diverse their song writing can be, although at moments too wankery/show-off, even by DT's wankery standard.
5. *6 Degrees of Inner Turbulence* *8/10*
Pretty good, has some of the most experimental and moving materials in the band's history, disc 2 is coming close to the band's best when it comes to composition and concept.
4. *Falling Into Infinity* *8-8.5/10*
Did not expect to see this one here did ya? To say it's controversial to place this album this high, is an understatement. Many people hate it, but personally this album is really moving, personal, well written, and comes off as touching, sincere and (at moments) unfiltered. I love it. Also, Hollow Years >>>>>>>>>>>> Wither.
3. *Scenes from a Memory* *9.5/10*
Objectively a masterpiece, I shuffle the top 3 around depending on the day of the week.
2. *Images & Words* *9.5/10*
The album that defined Dream Theater, set progressive metal apart from USPM influences (Fates Warning, Queensrÿche, Crimson Glory).
1. *Awake* *10/10*
My personal favorite. Songwriting, arranging, performance, lyrics, concept, emotion, passion, energy, coherency, diversity, production... This album has it all, their pinnacle in my eyes.
0. *A Change of Seasons (the song)*
If I have to pick just one song that represents this band, it's this song. Almost like a more concise version of Awake. Their Magnum Opus.
Xiyu Yang BCASL is generic okay, get your ears checked buddy
I love this order better. Awake is far and away the best and Octavarium is further down the list which is where it should be.
fluntimes Okay really octavarium is not good really, and awake is not even that great haha
Yeah, my order would be pretty close to this. The top 3 might shuffle around a bit for me depending how I feel that week, and I might be a bit more charitable to WDADU, but otherwise I'm in agreement.
Are we around the same age? AWAKE was basically my on-ramp to DT in my early teens, and most of the albums after OCTAVARIUM have been diminishing returns for me. I know they picked up a lot of new fans off of TOT and BC&SL, and no disrespect to anyone's personal taste, but it does seem like the DT fans who are really into the post-OCTA stuff are a good 10-15 years younger than me.
#1 awake? Get out of here with your sissyness.
My personal WTB (with ACOS, DOT & AVFTTOTW)
16) The Astonishing (30/100)
15) Falling Into Infinity (60/100)
14) When Dream And Day Unite (70/100)
13 Distance Over Time (75/100)
12) Train of Thought (80/100)
11) Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence (82/100)
10) A Dramatic Turns of Events (85/100)
9) Systematic Chaos (87/100)
8) Black Clouds & Silver Linings (89/100)
7) Awake (90/100)
6) A View From The Top of the World (95/100)
5) Dream Theater (100/100)
4) Octavarium (100/100)
3) A Change of Seasons (only title-track) 100/100
2) Scenes from a Memory
1) Images & Words (100/100)
Awake is the best album in all aspects, especially tone of instruments, drums, everything.
7:06 - Derek ‘Sherman’?
Awake #7? ok, c ya later.....
David Lyons lol ikr
Awake is one of my favorite albums, period.
James’ vocals on Awake are horrendous. The music and production tho is fantastic
I'd put Awake at #2, under Metropolis 2, and above Images and Words. Every song on awake is fantastic.
Shows how different we all feel about them - Awake is my least favourite!
This is my top 15, I’m including ACoF and DOT because they weren’t included
15. The astonishing
14. When dream and day unite
13. Dream theater
12. Distance over time
11. A dramatic turn of events
10. Systematic chaos
9. A change of seasons
8. Falling into infinity
7. Black clouds & silver linings
6. Train of thought
5. Six degrees of inner turbulence
4. Awake
3. Octavarium
2. Images and words
1. Metropolis pt.2: scenes from a memory
1. Awake 2. I&W 3. W.D.A.D.U 4. Metropolis II 5. FII 6. SDoIT 7. SC 8. ToT 9. Octavarium 10. ADToE 11. BC&SL 12. Astonishing 13. DT Derek Sherman agrees
As a Greek, that pronunciation of Sherinian hurt me
Honestly I really love the self titled. I really enjoyed it tbh
Petrucci is super talented that is why they are great.
Thanks for the video Notes, great minds think alike! My fave DT track is also Octovarium and my fave album is also Metropolis. Cheers :)
I’ve been a DT fan since 99 and I agree with 100% of all your points. You’re completely correct! Thank you! I feel so vindicated finally!!!! :)
Interesting, DT is one of my favorite bands as well. Sadly, I find them quite inconsistent, specially since Black Clouds. My list goes like
13-Astonishing
12-DT
11-W.D.A.D.U
10-Black Clouds
9-Infinity
8-Dramatic
7-Systematic
6-Train Thought
5-Degrees
4-Octavarium
3-Metropolis 2
2-I&W
1-Awake
Check out the band Alcest if you didn't already, they're phenomenal.
awake is so fucking lame
Alcest is genius. Neige is a brilliant lyricist and and a master of texture and atmosphere
vugan goons no way! It's like saying Metropolis Pt 2 is boring! Awake is a really powerful album with some legendary tracks!
AliothSenator why does everyone hate astonishing so much?
Because its a pile of steaming turd
1.) Octavarium
2.) Images and Words
3.) the rest of their early stuff
14.) everything else
1.- Train of Thought
2.- Systematic Chaos
3.- Octavarium
4.- Black Clouds & Silver Linings
5.- Six Degress of Inner Turbulence
6.- Dream Theater
7.- Metropolis Part II
8.- Images and Words
9.- A Dramatic Turn of Events
10.- Awake
11.- Falling Into Infinity
12.- The Astonishing
13.- When Dream and Day Unite
Some interesting points, even with all the mispronunciation. I would definitely put I&W higher up the list, and I agree with you that it's the individual songs that make this album great rather than the album as a whole.
My list (I'm leaving Distance Over Time until I can fully digest it):
#1: Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory
#2: Images and Words
#3: Train of Thought
#4: Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
#5: Octavarium
#6: Black Clouds and Silver Linings
#7: Awake
#8: A Dramatic Turn of Events
#9: Awake
#10: When Dream and Day Unite
#11: Falling into Infinity
#12: Systematic Chaos
#13: Dream Theater
#14: The Astonishing
Oooooh this looks like fun. I'll try to quantify why I ordered them the way I did. Also, I forgot to hit the bell next to the subscribe button, and I haven't seen your videos pop up in my feed for a while :( Haven't forgotten about them, but I just haven't gotten around to checking them out yet and I've only been watching what I'm getting notifications from. Too many channels to keep track of @_@
13: The Astonishing
There are some great tunes on it, but as a whole album, it's bad. I mean, I can't even sit through the whole thing and the sappiness of the songs is really, really cringe-worthy. I guess I just don't have the appreciation for Disney-sounding music others do. But either way, the album is just so bloated and bogged down that the few good tracks just aren't worth sitting through the whole album for.
12: Train of Thought
Don't get me wrong, when I'm in the mood for this record, I LOVE it. But this is one of those DT records that was clearly made to be "different" from the rest. They wanted to make a very specific kind of prog-thrash album, and they succeeded at that, but it's the DT album that feels the least like a DT album to me, and while I enjoyed it more after release, it's slipped out of my DT listening habits pretty quickly.
11: Black Clouds & Silver Linings
It's a half-good album. "A Nightmare To Remember" and "The Best Of Times" are GREAT songs, and "The Count of Tuscany" has some excellent musical moments (but cringe-y lyrics). "The Shattered Fortress" is a decent finish to the 12-Step Suite, but it feels kind of slapdash. The rest of the album... can honestly do without them.
10: Octavarium
It PAINS me to put this so low, because the title track is one of my all-time favourite pieces of music ever written in any genre, from any era. Had it been released as a single a-la "A Change of Seasons", it would be my #1 release. But the rest of the album isn't that great, and the album even features the worst piece of tripe the band has ever written: "I Walk Beside You". At least Falling Into Infinity had an excuse for mom-rock pop travesties: they were pressured by their label. This piece of U2-inspired feel-good garbage was released *on an album where they had complete creative freedom*. Let that sink in.
9: When Dream and Day Unite
I could just repeat what you said about it. It's the album I'm least familiar with, but it's a great debut. And Charlie Dominici's vocals are a really interesting (though dated-sounding) twist on the DT sound. I think it's also the album where Petrucci's guitar playing is simultaneously at its wildest and its most controlled.
8: A Dramatic Turn of Events
I *hated* this album when it came out, and it turned out to be a real grower for me. "Breaking All Illusions" was the track that broke the ice for me, upon discovering how amazing this track is. The only problem I have with this album is "On the Backs of Angels". As a musician, I broke down the song, and it is EXACTLY matched to the template of "Pull Me Under", down to the key signatures, chord progressions, structure, and style. And I mean EXACTLY. Kind of like those fan renditions of "Stream of Consciousness" made after the band revealed the song chart.
7: Dream Theater
Okay, I actually LOVE this album. The instrumentals are great, "Enigma Machine" is very similar to "Erotomania". "Illumination Theory" is not my favourite of their epics, either, but I'd still put it among my favourite DT songs.
6: Falling Into Infinity
It's weird that I'm putting this as high as I am, but this is one of those albums that knowing the story of really puts it into perspective. Facing all the pressure they did from the record company, they did their best to put together an album that was true to DT's vision while still adding a more mainstream rock aspect, and you can kind of hear where the band tried this in future releases, but never quite as successfully as FII.
bonus: 5.5: The Falling Into Infinity Demos (YtseJam Records official bootleg)
The tracks that *could have* been on FII, like "Raise The Knife", and the version of "Burning My Soul" that features "Hell's Kitchen" as its solo section reveal the prog-metal potential of FII. Plus, there's the bonus of it featuring the rehearsal version of Metropolis Pt. 2, in its original 25-minute single song format. It's actually not as great as it's been made out to be, but you can really hear the genesis of some of the ideas that went into SFAM.
5: Systematic Chaos
For me, this is the album that I wanted "Train of Thought" to be: dark and "metal", but still progressive and melodic. Even the "singles" on this album, "Forsaken" and "Constant Motion", are great songs. "In the Presence of Enemies" is also one of the only epics that comes close to "Octavarium". "The Dark Eternal Night" is the song I want to pop my mosh pit cherry to.
4: Images and Words
Absolutely classic release. Most of the guitar playing still mystifies me to this day. The quintessential prog-metal record. Not a single bad moment on it.
3: Awake
This was the second album I heard from DT, and this is the reason I have a seven-string guitar. "The Mirror" and "A Change of Seasons" were the first songs I learned on the 7-string. And I just love the melodies, the guitar playing, the songwriting is on-point.
2: Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
My first DT album. "The Glass Prison" was the song that opened my world to prog-metal. The title track... hooooooly shiiiiiit. That blew my 15-year-old mind so hard. And the first disc... absolutely exquisite songwriting and playing.
1: Metropolis Pt 2: Scenes From A Memory
Seriously, could it *be* any other album from DT? This is the album that launched a million prog-metal bands' careers. The concept, the music, the performances, the production, this album is a perfect, magical synergy of five people coming together to create something immaculate. No band will ever touch what SFAM did again, an absolutely perfect moment in prog-metal.
You can really tell that as I got further along in writing this, I became less and less awake, as I started writing it at 10:45pm-ish and finished it at 11:15. Off to bed for me. -_-
Also, weirdly enough, I'm growing my vinyl collection so I'm picking up a lot of prog lately, but the only DT release I own on vinyl is actually the box set of BC&SL, which has the 2xLP and 3xCD plus a bonus disc with the stem tracks for mixing. The bonus stem track disc unfortunately got stolen along with my laptop and most of my guitars in a break-in about 6 years ago.
Your top three , are mine as well, in the same order, I didn’t agree with everything, but would any of us, The top three in that order you nailed it good job !!!!
13: The Astonishing
12: Falling into Infinity
11: When Dream and Day Unite
10: Dream Theater
9: Train of Thought
8: Systematic Chaos
7: A Dramatic Turn of Events
6: Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
5: Black Clouds and Silver Linings
4: Octavarium
3: Images and Words
2: Scenes From a Memory
1: Awake
I really don't see the hate for the self titled album. It's WAY better than The Astonishing, and I'd rank it above Dramatic Turn of Events, Falling Into Infinity, and When Dream and Day Unite. I really don't understand what happened with The Astonishing, I have only gotten through the whole album once, I think, I've tried but have never been able to get all the way through it again, even in multiple sittings.
I also don't rank Six Degrees super high for whatever reason. The suite is great, but the first disc doesn't do it for me too much. My first album from them was Systematic Chaos, so that one rates higher with me probably way higher than it should, but I love it so much!
The self titled album is very good. Songs such as surrender to reason, the enigma machine, behind the veil and the illumination theory are pure gems of that album. Its probably the best album that dream theater has put out with Mangini.
Six Degrees is Fucking awesome and really heavy
Six Degrees is my personal fave from them, but I also think the self titled album is being underrated here, no way could anyone convince me that it is their worst album, that's just crazy talk, but to each his own. I also like Systematic Chaos quite a bit and think that most people posting here have Black Clouds & Silver Linings way too high (maybe if you count the special edition bonus disc full of classic rock cover songs).
Six Degrees is really weak. It has some good moments but in overall is way under what they could and can do. I only put this album above Astonishing, Dream And Day Unite and Dramatic Turn of Events.
Look appreciate your time, effort, and the willingness to put out your top Dream Theater albums, but for God Sake.. know the names of the fuckin tunes!
Awake is pure perfection. Every other albums have their weak points like too long intros and unnecessarily too progressive instrumental parts. Second best comes Images and Words and then Dramatic Turn of Events.
My list:
13. WDaDU (Nope, just underwhelming, if you know what would come next)
12. The Astonishing (I tried really hard to appreciate this record. But there are just too much TOO SHORT songs on this. With too short I mean, that the songs just can't breathe at all. None of them are worthy to listen to outside of their concept.)
11. Dream Theater (somewhat of a letdown after ADTOE. Still above average, but the special something is missing... just a bit hollow)
10. Falling into Infinity (Not as bad as many say, it's a nice record and Lines in the Sand is fucking great)
9. Systematic Chaos (Maybe a bit too much "chaos" for me, but many great moments. Not a big fan of the Portnoy tracks)
8. Black Clouds & Silver Linings (Not the biggest fan of Shattered Fortress and Best of Times, which seems a bit cheesy, but The Count of Tuscany totally nails it... goosebumps)
7. Awake (Maybe the album with their most atmospheric songs, but somehow I don't return to this album that often)
6. Train of Thought (A very exhausting listen, but their heaviest music and I like to headbang)
5. Octavarium (Some very obvious downs, but the highs.... my god, the HIGHS)
4. Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence (Not an easy listen, especially because the first side is so different from the second, but the ambition is out of this world)
3. A Dramatic Turn of Events (I just find this album so cohesive and atmospheric, the epics are criminally underrated)
2. Images and Words (beautiful album, flawless and catchy)
1. Metropolis Part 2 (obvious, just the best listen from start to finish, combines everything that makes DT great)
I agree with your comment on The Astonishing. IMO, it was too short - it should've been a 4-hour album (4 CDs), with all that was going on in the storyline. But I can see how a 4 CD concept album might be a difficult sell.
I mean, sure the songs on Astonishing were short, but they were also a continuous story that went on for twice as long a normal DT album, and I listen to a lot of these songs outside of the concept.
great review Notes !!!!!!! i totally agree with the top 3 but..
'awake '' should be rank higher and"A Change of Seasons" is their best song ever IMO
BTW did you hear the new Threshold album ,is just amaizin . my vote for ''album of the year ''
1 Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence
2 Metropolis Pt 2
3 Awake
4 Images and Words
5 Black Clouds and Silver Linings
6 Octavarium
7 Falling into Infinity
8 A Dramatic Turn of Events
9 Dream Theater
10 When Dream and Day Unite
11 Systematic Chaos
12 Train of Thought
13 Distance Over Time
14 The Astonishing
Hi Notes, even though it's not an album but an EP, where would "A Change of Seasons" fit in your list ? I consider the title track to be the best DT song ever, so it would be pretty high on my list. :)
That's a tough one! I was even thinking about where 'Clearing out the Closet' fit with such great tracks like 'Raise the Knife'. But Change of Seasons.......Just the song itself I would put above Awake but below Train of thought.
I know a Change of Seasons is an EP built over a single song followed by covers, but I still found it among their best.
I'm not including When Dream & Day Unite since it's been a loong time since I heard it in its entirety.
12 DT12: Mostly forgettable outside of The Bigger Picture and Behind the Veil. 11: The Astonishing: As others have pointed out, this album would not be much without the concept. To this day, I couldn't remember a single song several minutes after hearing it. It sounds great at the time, but nothing sticks with you. 10 Octovarium: The title track was amazing, as was Sacrificed Sons, and I really enjoyed the opener. However, the rest of the album was pretty forgettable.9: Black Clouds & Silver Linings: A somewhat maligned album, it has some classic moments such as Count of Tuscany and Nightmare to Remember. It's also fairly consistent with nothing truly bad. 8: Systematic Chaos: Some interesting moments in this album (Constant Motion, Dark Eternal Night), but nothing that really ranks as truly classic.
7: Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence: The title track was amazing, as was the opening to the AA Suite--Glass Prison. I also dug their tribute to Tool with the Great Debate. 6: Awake I'm not as huge on this album as others, and I consider Space Dye Vest to be one os the most overrated songs in DT's catalog. However, this album also has the fantastic Mind Beside Itself trilogy. 5: Falling into Infinity: These is some mediocrity on this album such as Anna Lee, but there are also a few classics suchas Peruvian Skies and Trial of Tears4 A Dramatic Turn of Events: Following the departure of Mike Portnoy, DT released this album, demonstrating that they had something to prove, and for the most part it works. 3: Scenes from a Memory: A great concept combined with great music.2: Train of Thought: SOme may have been put off by the heavier sound from this album, but I really enjoyed it.1: Images & Words: The album that broke DT through, it is still a fine piece of work 25+ years later.
Imo
13. Falling into infinity
12. When dream and day unite
11. Self titled album
10. Awake
9. The astonishing
8. A dramatic turn of events
7. Systematic chaos
6. Octavarium
5. Six degrees of inner turbulence
4. Images and words
3. Black clouds and silver linings
2. Metropolis pt2
1. Train of thought
13: A Dramatic Turn of Events
12: Systematic Chaos
11: The Astonishing
10: Train of Thought
9: When Dream and Day Unite
8: Black Clouds and Silver Linings
7: Dream Theater (self-titled)
(This is where it gets tough....)
6: Falling Into Infinity
5: Scenes from a Memory
4: Images and Words
3: Octavarium
2: Awake
1: Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
But I love them all and my top 6 are CONSTANTLY rotating!!! :)
Rebecca Ashley Peiffer
That’s a rough list
It was a rough list to come up with, I love all the albums so much that to rank any of them low is sad to me. Which parts do you agree/disagree with the most? :)
Really Train Of Thought 10? Maybe you dont Like to much Metal...
Yeah, Train of Thought is a great album, but I feel like most of their other albums sound more diverse to me. Train of Thought is one of their most straightforward metal albums, which is totally fine and I love that it was their response to people who demanded a second Images and Words...but I don't end up listening to it as much as Awake or even Black Clouds and Silver Linings. It doesn't quite take me on the same kind of journey as their other heavy albums.
well, thmbs up for your list for one simple reason... you're probably the only one to rank FII in the better half^^
Everyone hates it, I personally prefer to rank songs over albums, because this consistency talk never really appealed to me. I either fucking like a song (or passages of it), or I dont. And songs like "lines in the sand" (even take away my pain, cuz it sounds like it's been written by a completely different band from an unrelated genre) I love very much. It's got rock, some jazzy elements, crazy lines and truly masterful composition, but no fucking DT fan ever seems to get it.
Dont get me wrong, I love DT's other styles as well. Their versatility was the distinguishing feature that made me a fan some 13 years ago... But I think, that they reached their musical limit with octavarium. Nothing original, no new surprises, even the crazy passages did not appeal to me anymore, because they've simply fucking done it before and at some point these passages appear forced and dont feel original anymore, even though you listened to a particular song the first time. They could've dived into reggae, jazz or whatever to do something original, but instead they focused on mysticism and the particular kind of genre that feeds into it.
Like I said... they may have done some otherwise nice pieces, but since they weren't original anymore and didn't came first, they're pretty much no competition for DT's earlier work of the 90s till 2005.
Please Images and Words a little big higher . I am sure you are repented a bit 🤪👌🏽😀😉 about . Where else you find a song like Under A Glass moon with that solo ?.. 😊👋🏼🤝 however, I totally agree about Octavarium song 🎵, with Metropolis Part 1 and Pull me Under is my favorite DT song. Also The Best of Times and This Dying Soul are masterpieces
Nope, it's where it's supposed to be.
@@NotesReviews I can understand there are some annoying people out here , (me too I have a 9 moths old channel with almost 13.000 subs and I know it) but this is a really not cool and very rude answer. Emoticons are clear I was just joking a bit. And i an been respectful and polite. Goodbye 👋🏼
Sherinian not Sherman
E Rot O Mania
Scarred not Scared
Misunderstood not Misunderstanding
That said...
9. The Astonishing
8. A Dramatic Turn of Events / Self titled
7. Black Clouds and Silver Linings
6. Octavarium / Systematic Chaos
5. When Dream and Day Unite
4. Falling Into Infinity
3. Train of Thought
2. Images and Words / Scenes From a Memory
1. Awake / Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
LuckilyHeDied A fortune IN lies, not OF lies
Damn! Missed that one.
Totally agree
Yea that's my ranking pretty much.
Thank you!!!
1:46 How am I supposed to take anyone seriously who can't pronounce "Ytse Jam?" Even "Erotomania?" Really? Dude!
I really appreciate you giving your honest opinions on these albums! I love Dream Theater and love seeing what other people say about them. There are some songs and albums I would rank higher or say that I'd love even if you find them weaker but I definitely think you got some good points and I definitely respect your opinions. Definitely enjoyed this video :)
For me the Astonishing is the best Album so for from them. It´s a fantastic album.
:-))) lol...
Claudio Cesar Custodio Junior f
It is so beautiful musically
Oh yeah sure, gonna hit up my city officials so they allow it to be played at my local McDonald's!
Finally, someone with ears and brains.
This is fun. Here’s mine - the only part I feel really confident in is 1-3, the rest may be different tomorrow.
1. Scenes from a memory
2. Images and Words
3. 6 degrees
4. Awake
5. Adtoe
6. ToT
7. Bc&sl
8. Self titled
9. Chaos
10. FII
11. Octavarium
12. Astonishing
13. Wdadu
"Ministry of Lost Souls is my favorite album." Five minutes later: "Octavarium is my favorite song."
Say what?
Octavarium is a song too
I completely agree with your overall assessment. In the mid-to-late 90s, I was in my Progressive Metal phase, and a friend had me listen to "Images and Words", and although they loved it, it fell short for me, and I hated the production style. The same friend let me a cassette of "Awake", stating that they didn't want it anymore and didn't like it, I loved it! What made me a fan though was "Metropolis Part 2", as the concept is brilliantly executed, and the album itself flows so perfectly from beginning to end. My second favorite album by Dream Theater is also "Octavarium!" Excellent overview my friend!
Imo:
13. Astonishing (boring, overly cheesy, bloated, too much of soft uninteresting stuff)
12. Dream Theater (A decent, but underwhelming epic bundled with mostly boring songs. Stale Production)
11. WDaDU (Inconsistent and lacking direction, but has a charm to it that's appealing)
10. FII (Some of their best works, some of their absolute worst. No real middle ground tbh)
9. ADToE (Some excellent moments without too many mediocre stuff. Breaking all Illusions is great)
8. Systematic Chaos (Awesome instrumentals and atmosphere, but very rough around the edges. Lacks memorable rhythm & melodies)
7. Train of Thought (A mostly consistent album lacking truly amazing tracks. Not enough shorter tracks)
6. Black Clouds (Similar to ToT, but feels more dynamic and interesting overall)
5. Octavarium (Their second best epic + a very good variety of decent tracks)
4. Awake (Their best production by far. Excellent mix of catchiness and darkness. Little inconsistent though)
3. Six Degrees (Amazing songs, great instrumentals. Consistent)
2. Metropolis (Amazing concept and well executed, plenty of beautiful moments. A little bloated at times)
1. Images and Words (perfect in almost every way. Beautiful mystical atmosphere, Labries best musical performance, the perfect mix of musical beauty and technicality)
So in other words you have extraordinarily shallow taste, I will agree that Astonishing has some cheesy stuff though.
My list:
1- imagens and words
2- metropolis pt 2
3- awake
4- train of thought
5- falling into infinity
Mangini was phenomenal on ADTOE!
Great list! Good to see another fan from systematic chaos out there. Your list was very refreshing simply because it was not obvious (putting the staple albums as the undisputed bests). Great vid.
Funny that Forsaken brought me into Dream Theater and especially this song is the weakest song of Systematic Chaos in your opinion.
I was realy blown away from that song just because it's melancholic and I love melancholic songs.
So for me it's a great track.
1. Six degrees of inner turbulence
2. Metropolis pt. 2
3. Images and words
4. Train of thought
5. A dramatic turn of events
6. Systematic chaos
7. Awake
8. Octavarium
9. Black clouds and silver linings
10. Falling into infinity
11. When dream and day unite
12. A view from the top of the world
13. Distance over time
14. The astonishing
15. Self titled
I quite liked the self-titled album. Nothing wrong with letting go of the 17 minute epics and doing a good, solid rock song once in a while. Still, the post-Portnoy albums are polarizing with fans in general and I see what many haven't warmed to it.
I personally hate it when fans put "who's playing" over the music itself.
Amazing the variety of opinions on this, and mine are totally different. Funny how some of it is where you were in life (even post adolescent). Self titled Dream Theater is one of my favorites, Illumination Theory got me through a really tough project (to really feel the joy in life, you must suffer through the pain), project was a success. But I think themes within that album like The Bigger Picture run throughout the entire album. Six Degrees, I bought my house, and my first thing was to listen to the finale loud without caring about neighbors above and below. I would like to see a video of your favorite DT songs, I agree every album has some great and not so great songs but to distill it down to songs... hmmm :) Great video, very thought provoking
Awake at #7 - instant dislike REEEEEEEEEE
Actually, that's not too bad for this list. Especially since he only thinks that Dream Theater only has 2 bad albums.
In reality only 2 good albums :)
glion 🖕😐🖕
you know that is roughly where i would put it
Pull me under = on the backs of angels
Under a glass moon = lost not forgotten
Wait for sleep = far from heaven
Learning to live = breaking all ilusions
Funny observation, learning to live is kind of a continuation to wait for sleep, you can hear the wait for sleep main piano melody in one of the instrumental breaks in learning to live. This exact same thing hapens with far from heaven and breaking all ilusions, you can hear the main chorus melody for far from heaven turn into the ending of breaking all ilusions.
in all seriousness though, Devin Townsend worst to best?
Ziltoid better be #1!
13) When Day and Dream Unite
12) Falling Into Infinity
11) The Astonishing
10) Black Clouds and Silver Linings
09) Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
08) Systematic Chaos
07) Dream Theater
06) A Dramatic Turns of Events
05) Awake
04) Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory
03) Octavarium
02) Train of Thought
01) Images and Words
It's scarred, not scared.
Ahmad Nadar he can’t even pronounce ytsejam or the drummers name but he wants to talk like he’s an expert 🙄
1. Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
2. Metropolis Pt. 2 - Scenes From a Memory
3. Black Clouds & Silver Linings
4. Train of Thought
5. Images & Words
6. Awake
7. Octavarium
8. Systematic Chaos
9. Dream Theater
10. Falling Into Infinity
11. A Dramatic Turn of Events
12. The Astonishing
13. When Dream & Day Unite
How could you put an album containing Illumination Theory at the last position?
It's a decent song, has some cool moments. But it's their weakest "epic".
"Weakest" epic?? That's just your opinion, I've actually shed a tear to I.T., an emotion that Octavarium or even Learning to live has never managed to bring out of me.
And that's just your opinion.
Illumination Theory is one of DT's best songs and their best longer song
@@Paolo10692 Lol. Sorry but if you honestly believe that you seriously need to re-listen to A Change of Seasons and Octavarium. Illumination Theory isn't even close to being in the same league as those two.
My ranking would be (worst to best) :
13 - the astonishing
12 - black clouds
11 - dramatic turns of events
10 - dream theater
09 - octavarium
08 - falling into infinity
07 - when dream and day unite
06 - train of thoughts
05 - awake
04 - systematic chaos
03 - images and words
02 - 6 degrees
01 - metropolis pt2
you look like the Angry Video Game Nerd with facial hair.
This makes me very happy because my top 3 is the same as yours , and Systematic Chaos always gets given so much flack. Ocravarium and Systematic Chaos were the first albums I heard by Dream Theater and they completely changed my taste in music overnight. They will always be 2 of my favourite all time albums therefore
I have been a serious DT fan since 1992 with I&W and although not much into the whole ranking thing but... my personal 10~List would be
1. Awake ~ My Personal Classic DT album
2. Metropolis 2 ~ pure DT BriLLiance
3. I&W ~ what started it for me and absolute PURE BLiss
4. Falling into Infinity ~ shoot me dead... but I just can't NOT Love this album...
5. Train of Thought ~ heavy D&T
6. Octavarium ~ dunno, just because...
7. Six Degrees ~ really like it but...
8. Sys. Chaos ~ what can I say, it is what it is...
9. Black Clouds ~ Number 9, Number nine...
10. Dramatic Turn ~sorry but not that dramatic, just saying...
14- The Astonishing
13- When Dream and Day Unite
12- Dream Theater
11- Distance Over Time
10- Falling Into Infinity
9- Awake
8- Systematic Chaos
7- Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
6- A Dramatic Turn of Events
5- Black Clouds and Silver Linings
4- Octavarium
3- Images and Words
2- Train of Thought
1- Images and Words
13. Dream Theater
12. Black Clouds and Silver Linings
11. Systematic Chaos
10. Falling into Infinity
9. The Astonishing
8. When Dream and Day Unite
7. A Dramatic Turn of Events
6. Train of Thought
5. Octavarium
4. Six Degrees of Inter Turbulence
3. Awake
2. Images and Words
1. Scenes from a Memory
A Dramatic Turn of Events has my favorite DT track of all time in Breaking all Illusions. A song I have listened to probably a thousand times and still never get tired of it. Imo its the track that represents the band.
Sonicplys 64 Everything about it just shows off what they are capable of
Sonicplys 64 My list too pretty much!
We need to admit you to the hospital. You've lost your mind.
13. Self titled
12. The Astonishing
11. Falling into Infinity
10. When Dream and Day Unite
9. A Dramatic Turn of Events
8. Systematic Chaos
7. Black Clouds
6. Octavarium (Even though the title track is my favorite song of theirs!)
5. Train of Thought
4. Metropolis Pt. 2
3. Awake
2. Six Degrees
1. Images and Words
Pretty good video... but you said you were not familiar with a few albums, so why do this vid? Not bashing you, just curious....
I honestly hate it when people make reviews on an album they've only listened to once or twice, how on earth are you supposed to form an accurate opinion on an album if you only vaguely remember half the songs.
13. All albums with Mangini
6. All albums from 6DoIT to BC&SL
5. Falling into infinity
4. When Dream and Day Unite
3. Scenes from A Memory
2. Images and Words or Awake
1 Awake or Images and Words (The first 2 records I listened from DT, love them so much I can’t decide which is my favourite.
13. WDaDU
12. FII
11. Astonishing
10. Awake (gonna get hate for this, still a great album)
9. DT
8. BC&SL
7. Octavarium
6. SC
5. SFaM
4. IaW
3. ADToE (gonna get hate for this too, what can I say, I love the spastic nature of this album)
2. ToT
1. SDoIT
Interesting list you have there! As you can see, I too have controversial opinions. I enjoy every DT album, some just have certain songs that impacted me more than others. Really I'd like to put all of my top 7 DT albums at number 1, but nothing can touch Six Degrees, in my mind that is their most perfect album from start to finish. Now you need to do the same thing but with Yes albums, now that'd be a real challenge!
Fuck yeah, ADTOE for the win
ADToE is my favorite album. I don’t understand why it’s so unpopular. And I agree with you on Awake as well. Great album but hard for me to get into.
SFaM is 5?!?!
6 Degrees #1 can't relate more!
FTYWRTTTA and MNJUKSTTAYUBM are my personal favourites
As a long time Dream Theater fan and someone who is passionate about DT music as a whole I couldn't agree more with your review. As much as Mike Mangini is a complete monster he lacks the subtlety and accented cymbal work of Portnoy.
The space and organic nature of their sound seems to be making way for a more tight and produced product in the last two albums especially.
Appreciate the insights and passion for their truely epic body of work. Number 1 is bang on.
The Room in top right
01. Train of Thought
02. Images and Words
03. Awake
04. Octavarium
05. Metropolis
06. Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
07. Dream Theater
08. Systematic Chaos
09. Falling Into Infinity
10. When Dream and Day Unite
11. Black Clouds and Silver Linings
12. A Dramatic Turn of Events
13. The Astonishing
I love the astonishing... am i ok????
For sure! Theres a lot to like about The Astonishing. I just found there was also a lot to not like :P
Jack Cheatham I like ALL Albums of DT.
Jack Cheatham same
Everything is ok with you bro. The Astonishing is great
My ranking with a score:
13. The Astonishing - 5,5
12. Falling into Infinity - 6
11. Systematic Chaos - 6,5
10. A Dramatic Turn of Events - 7
09. When Dream and Day Unite - 7,5
08. Octavarium - 7,5
07. Black Clouds and Silver Linnings - 8
06. Dream Theater - 8
05. Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence - 8,5
04. Train of Thought - 9
03. Awake - 9
02. Images and Words - 9,5
01. Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory - 10
Haha! I think I disagreed with almost everything you said there! My Best: A Dramatic Turn, DT12 (s/t) & The Astonishing. My Worst: When Dream and Day, Train Of Thought and Metropolis Pt 2. DT are one of those bands that divide opinion for sure!
Steve Smith if you say that Metropolis Pt. 2 is among their worst then, objectively, you are wrong.
Actually I forgot, my least fave is Black Clouds and Silver Linings - really can't stand that one! I think you mean subjectively not objectively. It's all a matter of opinion and a lot depends on how you discover a band and which ones you listen to first I think.
I agree, I find they've done better than MP2, it's a bit overrated
You called a dramatic turn of events their best album along with the selftitled...lol. I just can't take you seriously for that.
DutchPs3Gamers people have different opinions and like things more than other people
13 - The Astonishing
12 - Black Clouds & Silver Linings
11 - Chaos In Motion
10 - Falling Into Infinity
9 - Dream Theater
8 - A Dramatic Turn Of Events
7 - When Dream & Day Unite
6 - 6 Degrees Of Inner Turbulence
5 - Octavarium
4 - Metropolis
3 - Train Of Thought
2 - Awake
1 - Images & Words
This goof doesn't have the slightest idea of what he's talking about. Derek Sherman? "Scared"? "A fortune of lies"? "The 1st album goes to the bottom of the list because I'm not familiar with it"? Really, you barely know the band, why did you even make this video?
Notes obviously has trouble with mispronunciation and he admits it often, even on here!
13. The Astonishing
12. A Dramatic Turn of Events
11. Octavarium
10. Systematic Chaos
9. Falling Into Infinity
8. Dream Theater/Self Titled album
7. Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
6. Awake
5. When Dream and Day Unite
4. Black Clouds and Silver Linings
3. Train of Thought
2. Metropolis Part 2: Scenes From a Memory
1. Images and Words
You mispronounce a lot of names and words, and you don't even seem to know the spelling of a lot of names/titles.
14. The Astonishing
13. Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence
12. Distance Over Time
11. Octavarium
10. Dream Theater
9. Systematic Chaos
8. When Dream And Day Unite
7. Falling Into Infinity
6. Train Of Thought
5. Black Clouds And Silver Linings
4. Awake
3. A Dramatic Turn Of Events
2. Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes From A Memory
1. Images And Words
This is a clown review. Systematic chaos ahead of Awake? Ok 👌
troy lightfoot Because screw personal opinions 👌🏻
I would say that one is at least debatable just because In the Presence of Enemies 1+2 is such a masterpiece
Swove's World Hell yeah
@@MrChoobsabre coolest instrumentals like in constant motion dark eternal night. Repentance is a cool ego g
I'll make mine. Very different from most lists.
(haven't heard when dream and day unite yet, so I'm not listing it)
Worst- Astonishing (too long, not heavy enough, but glad it exists)
11- Systematic chaos
10- Black clouds and silver linings (Count of Tuscany is amazing)
9- Images & words
8- Awake
7- Metropolis 2
6- DT
5- A dramatic turn of events
4- Falling into infinity (great mixing)
3- 6 degrees (initially ranked it low, but then I actually listened to it)
2- Train of thought (love the heaviness)
Best- Octavarium (every track is amazing, quintessential DT)
13. Astonishing
12. Self titled
11. When day and dream unite
10 dramatic turn of events
9. Falling into infinity
8. Systematic chaos
7. Awake
6. Images and words
5. Train of thought
4. Octavarium
3. Six degrees of inner turbulence
2. Metropolis pt. 2: scenes from a memory
1. Black clouds and silver linings