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Dream Theater => Dream Theater => Topic started by: Billzo on April 20, 2017, 12:08:40 PM

Title: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: Billzo on April 20, 2017, 12:08:40 PM
So I've somehow managed to get a really cool girl interested in me, she knows I'm seeing DT on Sunday and she's asking me to introduce her to them.

She's into pop punk  :lol What the hell do I play her first!!?

For the record I played her my power metal band's album and she really liked it... so it may not be as tricky as I'm thinking  ???
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: Adami on April 20, 2017, 12:15:30 PM
Instrumedly.

Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence. Make sure she is reading the lyrics and contemplating the depth of existence while listening. Constantly remind her to be reading the lyrics as James sings, and always make sure she is aware of how technical everything is.

Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: SeRoX on April 20, 2017, 12:16:39 PM
Prophets Of War.
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: Art on April 20, 2017, 12:35:25 PM
Pull Me Under
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: JediKnight1969 on April 20, 2017, 01:22:18 PM
Forsaken.
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: mikeyd23 on April 20, 2017, 01:24:31 PM
I'd go with something recent, the older production on I&W might throw some people off... Maybe something straight forward like The Enemy Inside, The Looking Glass, On The Backs of Angels, etc...
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: TheCountOfNYC on April 20, 2017, 01:56:17 PM
These Walls.
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: mikeyd23 on April 20, 2017, 02:09:40 PM
These Walls.

Oh yea, that's a good one as well.
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: Architeuthis on April 20, 2017, 02:23:33 PM
Instrumedly.

Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence. Make sure she is reading the lyrics and contemplating the depth of existence while listening. Constantly remind her to be reading the lyrics as James sings, and always make sure she is aware of how technical everything is.
Lol,  that will help his chances of not getting anywhere.
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: MirrorMask on April 20, 2017, 02:37:03 PM
The Mirror, These Walls or Forsaken.
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: Architeuthis on April 20, 2017, 02:43:45 PM
Just casually put in a DT cd when she's not paying attention and don't tell her who it is. That way you'll know if she honestly likes it if it catches her attention.
Octavarium is a safe place to start, or SC, ADTOE, DT12 are safe too imo..
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: geeeemo on April 20, 2017, 02:47:01 PM
Build me up, Break me down
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: AngelBack on April 20, 2017, 03:11:05 PM
Instrumedly.

Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence. Make sure she is reading the lyrics and contemplating the depth of existence while listening. Constantly remind her to be reading the lyrics as James sings, and always make sure she is aware of how technical everything is.
Lol,  that will help his chances of not getting anywhere.

Not sure if he was joking but my daughter is a huge Green Day/Blink fan and 6DOIT is by far her favorite DT album.  And she has heard them all....repeatedly
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 20, 2017, 03:31:10 PM
The Answer Lies Within
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: Phoenix87x on April 20, 2017, 04:40:58 PM
Take the time
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: KevShmev on April 20, 2017, 08:41:52 PM
Pull Me Under

It was by far their biggest mainstream "hit" for a reason.
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: energythief on April 20, 2017, 09:02:58 PM
Forsaken.


Agreed, either Forsaken or I Walk Beside You. The other options listed here are not a good bridge for a pop music fan.
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: TheCountOfNYC on April 21, 2017, 01:04:59 AM
Take the Time is another good one in my experience. Anytime I'm listening to IaW around non-DT fans, that song always grabs their attention for some reason.
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: Adami on April 21, 2017, 01:08:04 AM
Pull Me Under

It was by far their biggest mainstream "hit" for a reason.

Well yea, back in the early 90's.
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: Another_Won on April 21, 2017, 11:17:10 AM
Pull Me Under

It was by far their biggest mainstream "hit" for a reason.

Well yea, back in the early 90's.

How about OTBOA then?  Since that is the updated version of Pull Me Under, right?  :)
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: Sycsa on April 22, 2017, 06:08:07 AM
The first few minutes of Instrumedley is what I've been showing first to everyone new to DT. I think it gives you a good idea of what makes DT unique.
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: Mladen on April 22, 2017, 06:47:57 AM
Pull me under

I think it's just as catchy and powerful as it was back in the day.
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: ChuckSteak on April 22, 2017, 07:29:42 AM
If she truly has interest, play her I&W and Awake. You can't say you like a band or not based on one song.
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: Nachtmerrie on April 22, 2017, 08:09:18 AM
Hollow Years (The Budokan version)
One Last Time
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: KevShmev on April 22, 2017, 08:11:48 AM
Pull Me Under

It was by far their biggest mainstream "hit" for a reason.

Well yea, back in the early 90's.

I think it's still their most instantly accessible tune, although Take the Time is a close second.
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: SeRoX on April 22, 2017, 08:18:08 AM
Well, with a better recording quality I think PMU has the potential to be hit in that era for the new listeners.
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: Tunnel Vision on April 22, 2017, 08:37:02 AM
I think Under a Glass Moon would be a good introduction to DT.
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: ToT-147 on April 22, 2017, 11:36:03 AM
You can't say you like a band or not based on one song.

This, although instead of a full album I'd rather make her listen to a compilation of a few songs; not too much songs either to not overwhelm her..
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: MirrorMask on April 22, 2017, 12:14:25 PM
You can't say you like a band or not based on one song.

This, although instead of a full album I'd rather make her listen to a compilation of a few songs; not too much songs either to not overwhelm her..

I was going to say something similar. If someone is willing to listen to a new band, I don't think they'd be so narrowminded to refuse to ever listen to anything again after 30 seconds of a single song. Even when I'm most bored on YouTube and check out a song from a band I heard of but never listened to, I randomly skip through 2-3 songs to get a general idea. There is no need to pick one song with that song having the sole responsability of making a new fan or not, just suggest 3-4 songs maybe explaining the difference, as in "If you want something heavy, go for The Mirror, if you want something easier, pick Forsaken and These Walls, if you feel like trying to listen to a huge long song, listen to A Change of Seasons when you have 20 minutes to spare".
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: CrimsonSunrise on April 22, 2017, 04:46:34 PM
6:00 was my first...and it floored me!
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: jjrock88 on April 23, 2017, 08:17:38 PM
Pull Me Under for sure
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: RoeDent on April 24, 2017, 08:40:26 AM
Something from the Mangini era. Show 'em DT is current and relevant. Then bring in the classics.
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: tofee35 on April 24, 2017, 10:20:19 AM
About to Crash and About to Crash Reprise. They're catchy, hooky, good production, beautiful guitar and keyboard sound and a good representation of DT in my opinion.
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: Destiny Of Chaos on April 24, 2017, 11:08:03 AM
When I met my wife, she was into Breaking Benjamin and stuff like that. So I hit her with Nightmare to Remember. She was wow'd!
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: bosk1 on April 24, 2017, 11:08:41 AM
Did that song break her Benjamin?
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: Destiny Of Chaos on April 24, 2017, 11:09:33 AM
Did that song break her Benjamin?

'fraid so  ;D
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: JediKnight1969 on April 24, 2017, 02:47:49 PM
Compilation por new listeners:

01-   Hollow years
02-   The answer lies within
03-   Speak to me
04-   Wait for sleep
05-   Anna Lee
06-   Eve
07-   The silent man
08-   Through her eyes
09-   Beneath the Surface
10-   Along for the ride
11-   Wither
12-   Another day
13-   The spirit carries on
14-   Far from heaven
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: Adami on April 24, 2017, 02:53:52 PM
Compilation por new listeners:

01-   Hollow years
02-   The answer lies within
03-   Speak to me
04-   Wait for sleep
05-   Anna Lee
06-   Eve
07-   The silent man
08-   Through her eyes
09-   Beneath the Surface
10-   Along for the ride
11-   Wither
12-   Another day
13-   The spirit carries on
14-   Far from heaven

I feel like I'm noticing a trend there.
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: wolfking on April 24, 2017, 04:13:06 PM
Considering by the sounds of the chick;

Forsaken
As I Am
Endless Sacrifice
Build Me Up, Break Me Down
These Walls
The Dark Eternal Night
Pull Me Under
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: ToT-147 on April 24, 2017, 06:26:24 PM
Compilation por new listeners:

01-   Hollow years
02-   The answer lies within
03-   Speak to me
04-   Wait for sleep
05-   Anna Lee
06-   Eve
07-   The silent man
08-   Through her eyes
09-   Beneath the Surface
10-   Along for the ride
11-   Wither
12-   Another day
13-   The spirit carries on
14-   Far from heaven

Yeah, because these songs are very representative of the band.. :lol

In all seriousness, I wonder what would happen if she actually likes this compilation and then find out DT doesn't have any other songs like these..
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: sfam2112 on April 25, 2017, 12:42:13 AM
Falling Into Infinity
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: Renzo on April 25, 2017, 02:55:43 AM
She's into pop-punk right?

Play her 'The Answer Lies Within' as it will probably remind her of that Green Day song, 'Restless Heart Syndrome'. Or maybe 'Cover My Eyes' as I think it has a kind-of-punkish edge. And obviously 'Pull Me Under' to introduce her into DT's signature style.

 ;)
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: Architeuthis on April 25, 2017, 12:24:36 PM
I have a lady friend that became a DT fan after listening to The Astonishing. I didn't tell her it was a concept album right away. She was enamored by the diversity of the songs and their talent. She came to the concert later with me and said that was the best live band she had ever seen!
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: Kotowboy on April 25, 2017, 12:38:26 PM
As I Am got me into the band. I  have very fond memories of Listening to Train of Thought on long walks to my daily pool swim. :)
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: fischermasamune on April 25, 2017, 10:31:45 PM
It should at least be a good song. It could be reasonably short and simple, like The Gift of Music, Pull Me Under, As I Am, A Life Left Behind, A Better Life, Surrounded, Take The Time, The Enemy Inside, Strange Deja-vu, Our New World or Space Dye-Vest, or a typical-sized song: Learning to Live, Trial of Tears or Breaking All Illusions.
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: Elite on April 26, 2017, 07:49:43 AM
Pull Me Under

It was by far their biggest mainstream "hit" for a reason.

Well yea, back in the early 90's.

How about OTBOA then?  Since that is the updated version of Pull Me Under, right?  :)

This never gets old :lol good one! :tup
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: JLa on May 09, 2017, 05:28:49 AM
Hey OP, which song did you end up playing?

Don't know how long this will stay up, but I've always enjoyed the Gigantour '05 recording of The Glass Prison. If the newbie is somewhat into metal, it'll be fun.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0K0JH13w5LA
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: npiazza91 on June 06, 2017, 03:05:49 AM
Another Day I think is the best place to start.  I was able to successfully get a girl into DT by showing her about 20 songs...she knew I loved them so she asked for a list and I gave her about 20 recommendations.  She loved Another Day the most.  I can't remember what else she liked, but she wasn't into metal so songs with even a little bit of metal she didn't like.
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: Dublagent66 on June 07, 2017, 01:26:06 PM
SDOIT...oh wait...way too much to absorb.

Vacant.
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: newmillenium on July 19, 2017, 11:18:54 AM
A Change of Seasons
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: The Silent Cody on July 19, 2017, 02:37:15 PM
Try with Another Day, has great solos and melodies, some progressive but not so aggressive progressive elements, it's a good song to start ;)
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: 8GRND on July 21, 2017, 09:49:18 AM
I got this from Google, and I think it's very useful for beginner.

(https://i.imgur.com/gk41awM.png)
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: MirrorMask on July 21, 2017, 09:51:25 AM
Wow, that's great!!!
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: goo-goo on July 21, 2017, 11:03:22 AM
I like Home. These Walls is a good choice too.

Metropolis, Trials of Tears.
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: The Silent Cody on July 21, 2017, 11:26:21 AM
Yeah, Trail Of Tears is good for a start too. Nothing complicated, but melodic and heavy
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on August 11, 2017, 02:55:18 AM
She's into pop-punk right?

Play her 'The Answer Lies Within' as it will probably remind her of that Green Day song, 'Restless Heart Syndrome'.

That was actually my first thought when I heard TALW too.

I feel like the Octavarium album in general would be the best option for a pop-punk fan to get into - even the title track to a certain extent. I can't really pinpoint why though.

Also the straight-forward approach of DT12 may be a good choice too, probably the more reasonable choice.  :lol
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: ToT-147 on August 11, 2017, 03:24:40 AM
Yeah, Trail Of Tears is good for a start too. Nothing complicated, but melodic and heavy

Heavy?.. :justjen
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: Tony From Long Island on August 11, 2017, 01:13:52 PM
It depends on if the person is familiar at all with proggish music.   My girlfriend is not.    She tried DT on Spotify and it was too much for her.  So I suggested the following:

1) I Walk Beside you
2) Hollow Years
3) Wait For Sleep
4) Another Day

She liked them all.   Baby steps.
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: OpenYourEyes311 on August 14, 2017, 08:51:08 PM
I agree with the sentiment that it should be a current song, preferably one with a video. I'd go Our New World, followed by On the Backs of Angels, then probably The Looking Glass. If all those are enjoyed, I would polish it off with an epic, most likely Bridges in the Sky. If that doesn't bring in a newbie, nothing will I'd say.
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: TAC on August 15, 2017, 05:49:19 AM
I got this from Google, and I think it's very useful for beginner.

(https://i.imgur.com/gk41awM.png)

Wow! That is awesome!!
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: WheyWaffles on August 15, 2017, 06:23:26 PM
Great diagram, minus the route to the band's greatest epic requiring the listener have the stimulants at hand to get through either one of their worst two epics.
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: Architeuthis on August 15, 2017, 06:48:51 PM
Just play a Nomac track, that will get em hooked!
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: RaiseTheKnife on August 17, 2017, 01:27:17 AM
Pop-punk?  I'd say "Cover My Eyes" would be a good bridge.
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: don_waka on September 07, 2017, 09:59:46 PM
Probably Panic Attack would be a good fit for her taste.
Title: Re: Best first song for new listener?
Post by: Drinktheater on September 08, 2017, 01:36:37 PM
Show her the Live in Budokan As I am... she will love that!!!