This is inspired by the recent Octavarium vs Systematic Chaos thread. I realized that Six Degrees and Black Clouds are also very similarly structured, maybe even more so. This may not seem like much of a competition at first glance with SDoIT often being regarded as one of Dream Theater's top albums and BC&SL usually being considered one of their worst, but I think when comparing individual songs, these albums are a little closer than many may think. This thread will show if I'm right or not. I'll start it off.
The Glass Prison vs A Nightmare to Remember
Both albums start off with a long, epic, and heavy track. Both are incredible songs that really help set the tone for the rest of the album. Both songs have their signature moments (TGP's intro and ANTR's Beautiful Agony section) and instrumental sections highlighted by shredding solos from Jordan and John. This is a tough one to choose for me, but I feel that A Nightmare to Remember has a little bit more depth to it, and while it's lows are lower than The Glass Prison's lows, it's highs are higher.
Winner: A Nightmare to Remember
Blind Faith vs A Rite of Passage
Both of these songs are about somewhat controversial subjects and are also controversial songs among forum members. Both have great solo sections as well. But this one isn't close for me like the last one. Blind Faith has better lyrics, better music, and it's solo section is world's ahead of A Rite of Passage's solo section. While Blind Faith isn't one of my favorite DT songs, AROP is one of my least favorites.
Winner: Blind Faith
Misunderstood vs Wither
This is a battle between each album's respective ballad (although Misunderstood barely qualifies as a ballad). I love the lyrics to both of these. John Petrucci really dug deep within himself for these words and both feel really vulnerable and real. For me, Misunderstood wins because while the end drags a little too long and can be grating after awhile, the rest of the song is overall better and I associate with the lyrical content more even though I have a lot of experience with both.
Winner: Misunderstood
The Great Debate vs The Shattered Fortress
Here is another battle between two controversial songs, although for different reasons. The Great Debate has the band's most controversial lyrics to date, while The Shattered Fortress is song that many on these forums have vastly different opinions on, with some considering it a masterpiece and some considering a mess. The Great Debate on the other hand is generally regarded as one of their best songs. My opinion on the two songs is different than the general forum consensus. I think The Great Debate, while a great song, is not among their best songs while The Shattered Fortress is among the best and is the best part of the Twelve Step Suite.
Winner: The Shattered Fortress
Disappear vs The Best of Times
Easily the most depressing songs from each album, both deal with death, although TBoT deals with it on a more personal level. These songs are pretty close in quality for me, with Disappear maybe even getting the edge... until The Best of Times' solo kicks in. This to me is the greatest guitar solo ever played by anybody regardless of band or genre. The notes and the effects JP chose are perfect and he packed so much emotion into every pick stroke. I want to personally thank him for this solo one day. The solo is enough to give TBoT the edge in this one.
Winner: The Best of Times.
Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence vs The Count of Tuscany
These are absolutely incredible pieces of music. Both are by far the best song on each album. I can go on forever about these two songs, but I'll try to keep it short. This is the hardest of the six matchups for me to decide on. I hate to see either one lose, but there has to be a winner. Both do a great job of telling their respective story, and musically they are almost flawless. Lyrically, SDoIT is definitely better. Musically, TCoT goes on a better journey. In the end, both are incredible pieces, but I have to make a decision, and the winner by a close margin is The Count of Tuscany.
Winner: The Count of Tuscany
Now I want to make a point that while BC&SL won more matchups, I actually prefer SDoIT. While BC&SL's highs are higher, it's only by a little bit and it's lows are much lower. SDoIT flows better as well. So even though Black Clouds wins 4-2 when comparing individual songs, Six Degrees is a better album. Either way, they're both incredible albums.
Topic: Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence vs Black Clouds & Silver Linings (Read 6613 times)