I'm surprised the "not liking SDOIT that much" comment has gone almost completely unnoticed. However, it could just be well behaved posters staying on topic
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I know my post count here is few, so I'll let you all in on a little secret. I love Dream Theater's older material for its immaturity. Or maybe they're more immature now (in regards to music). But there is magic in the music from Another Won to A Change of Seasons. After that, with the exception of SFAM and a few songs, it feels like the magic isn't as obvious. There is no doubt these guys pour their hearts into their music. I think their old stuff has more charm to it. To Live Forever has that phrasing that JP sort of pisses on on the one of the commentaries that I totally disagree with (and the wind has blown....me half away across the world). Another Won+WDADU has this feel of teenagers just going all out.
I don't really have time to put this post more delicately, but I'll just say I like the older stuff much better. Seems more "human" if you will