OK I have been thinking about this for a long time. Out of an album of 29 fantastic songs, I want to isolate the best three. I tried doing it analytically, but I just couldn't separate the top songs that way, so I had to just go by feel. Which ones made me feel the best when I was listening? Here goes:
3. A Better Life. Love the pinch harmonic-y chords in the beginning that lead to “Could things be any tougher? Yes you bet your life!” So powerful. Killer solo and then “Evangeline!”
2. A New Beginning. Ohhhh that intro. I wish JP would do more straight forward rockers like this. And it just gets better from there. The back and forth between Nafaryus and Faythe leading to her realization. And then “the solo”. Very unlike other JP solos, it has space to live and breathe. Fantastic.
1. Ravenskill. Beautiful slow minor key intro which builds to a devastating left hook to the face. And then a right. Heavy and aggressive without being overbearing, Mangini shines on this one. Then slows right back down to a nice major key progression and into a typical DT epic ending. Absolutely killer.
Now I have to cheat and list a few of the other contenders: When Your Time Has Come, Three Days (best ending), Brother (most different DT song), A Life Left Behind (love the Yes vibe), Road to Revolution (best melody), beginning and ending of Moment of Betrayal, Begin Again (the cello and acoustic guitar kills me, not to mention the ending), Our New World (best guitar riff).
Now, what are your top 3?