Official DT Top 50 Thread (Riceball Up Now - starting Page 66)

[RG93]

From now on, updates will have 3 songs at a time, not 5.

25. The Mirror

How can a song with one simple riff last 6 minutes without becoming a borefest? Well, Dream Theater answers that question with The Mirror: powerful vocals, sinister keys and strong lyrics are added to the mix. The use of "the riff" ensures that the song keeps the same atmosphere while the other elements add flavour. The addition of the Space-Dye Vest melody to the song is really cool. my favourite, however, would be JLB's vocals; powerful and dark, befitting the mood.

24. The Spirit Carries On

The obligatory Floydian song from a band known for its many influences, The Spirit Carries On is a good breather from the previous three tracks. Gospel vocals, a guitar solo that is undeniably a JP solo while sounding like a Gilmour one, emotional performances, this song has it all. The lyrics are simple, yet work perfectly in context with the song. Jordan's piano work, as usual, shouldn't be discounted as well. Overall, one of the best ballads DT has crafted.

23. Wait for Sleep

Kevin Moore is a genius. The best piano work in Dream Theater's discography by far combines with beautiful poetry and soothing vocals to produce this masterpiece. My only gripe with this song is the same as with Vacant; it's too short.

[?]

Good choices so far. The Mirror!

[wolfking]

Interesting putting WFS so high.

Mirror is definitely top 25. 

[Mladen]

Wait for Sleep at 23 is quite high, but why the heck not, it's a good song. 

[Jirpo]

Good choices!

[Ħ]

Wait for Sleep at 23 is quite high, but why the heck not, it's a good song. 

Yep, just cause it's shorter doesn't make it worse than any other.  Definitely would put it in the top 25 range too.

[Tomislav95]

Great choices! I wouldn't set Wait for Sleep so high but it's your choice

[hefdaddy42]

3 great songs.

[RG93]

22. The Root of All Evil

This song really kicks of Octavarium with a bang! Awesome riffs from JP, great lyrics from MP and some good support from JMX and JR as always. This Dying Soul is reprised here, in the intro and especially the chorus, with a twist. James Labrie really does well, however his voice is too effects-laden on the studio version (in fact, pretty much the whole album) . The instrumental section is great for headbanging to. 

21. In The Name of God

The second best closer DT has ever done, in my humble opinion. Lyrics here are different from usual DT material in that it it less personal and more political, dealing with religious cults. John Myung is the star here, with insanely good basslines all over the place, more prominently the instrumental section. Jordan Rudess shows that piano has a place in metal, closing off the album with an awesome little piece. The ironic use of "Battle Hymn of the Republic" is a nice subtle touch.

20. Disappear

I bet you didn't see this one coming! An interesting ballad, with lyrics by James Labrie and composition by Jordan Rudess that sounds like a twisted version of carnival music (something relating with the main character's background?). JLB packs so much emotion in his lyrics, that coupled with Jordan's piano, really pulls at my heartstrings. Disappear is one song that will definitely make you shed a tear, at least.

[Jirpo]

ITNOG too low! Otherwise, some great picks.

[Mladen]

Disappear is one of my favorites, great to see some appreciation. 

[Tomislav95]

Great picks but I would see ITNOG higher, top10 maybe

[Obfuscation]

The only complaint about this list right now is the position INTOG is at. It should be higher. Besides that, awesome list mate, keep it up.

[RG93]

19. The Killing Hand

Dream Theater's first attempt at an epic, and it works really well. The lyrics (by Petrucci) are a rare example of narrative lyrics done properly. Great story, with a nice twist at the end. Dominici's voice really lends itself to the studio version, having more vibrato than Labrie. The musical aspect of this song reminds me of Queensryche (maybe because of drum and bass tone), but it has the DT touch as well. Definitely a highlight of When Dream and Day Unite.

18. These Walls

Featuring the best lyrics on Octavarium, These Walls is proof that the simplified aspect of Octavarium can be effective. The song is pretty straightforward, with few time signature switches and standard riffs, but Labrie's vocal execution of the lyrics makes this song for me. The way he sings the song really cuts deep into your soul. Speaking of which, the lyrics here are simple as well, but convey so much and fit the song perfectly.

17. Voices

The first time I listened to Voices, this song blew me away. Voices is unique in that it has lyrics with religious undertones, but deal with schizophrenia. A heavy amount of Christian imagery is used (crucifixes, Easter, God and the Devil), which paints a scene of a religious man struggling with mental illness. Voices also features Labrie's best work on the album, and an amazing solo by Petrucci. Kevin Moore supports the song well with tasteful bright piano work.

[Jirpo]

I would have these walls a bit lower, but otherwise fantastic choices!

[Bolsters]

Loving your choices so far, so many under-appreciated gems coming up in high ranks. These Walls and Disappear in the top 25...Brilliant

[JayOctavarium]

these walls and voices

[Tomislav95]

Voices should be in my top10 but others are good. And I more like Labrie's voice in The Killing Hand(WELL, YEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAA)

[Mladen]

The Killing hand and These walls are a bit too high. 

[hefdaddy42]

Nice choices.  You have These Walls rated a little higher than I would, but no doubt it is a fantastic song.

[Ħ]

Great picks -- I would put These Walls even higher!

[RG93]

16. The Count of Tuscany

With The Count, Dream Theater returns to its musical roots, with an emphasis on both melody and technicality. John Petrucci and Jordan Rudess steal the show here, both musicians having equally stellar moments. While Labrie no longer goes for the high notes, his tone here is as great as something on his pre-accident days (especially the last verse). Petrucci uses a variety of tones here, from spacey to acoustic and Rudess has a circus-esque section that blends in with the whimsical mood of this song. Sadly, this song is also plagued with laughable lyrics, the infamous "cookie monster" vocals and also sub-par drumming.

15. The Glass Prison

This song is Dream Theater's first effort at modernizing their metal style, and what an effort it is! Petrucci has some awesome riffs here, which are backed up by Myung's powerful bass tone, thrashy drumbeats are all over the place, and aggressive vocals make this the heaviest song on Six Degrees. A few metal influences can be heard here, ranging from thrash to nu metal. Labrie really shines here as well, with powerful, soaring vocals backed by Portnoy's harsher voice. Lyrics are spot on, especially the last verse.

14. Blind Faith

A song dealing with struggles of faith, this song has some relatable, but not too great lyrics. What it has, though, makes up for that, just like in The Count. An emphasis on atmosphere is chearly felt here, with haunting keyboard patches and a clean tone from JP. Rudess has an amazing piano piece which is brief but beautiful, Portnoy has some drum parts which make the song interesting, and james Labrie does not overdo his singing here, sticking to a mellower voice (except the chorus) .Finally, the unison is one of their best, somewhere in my top 5.

[Jirpo]

All of these would be 4-5 spots higher for me! Good choices.

[Fran521]

Glad to see Blind Faith that high! 

[Mladen]

Blind faith is higher than I would place it, the other two are pretty much in the right place. 

[hefdaddy42]

Outstanding!

[Ħ]

Outstanding!

[Kosmo]

inb4 You Not Me at #1 and everyone goes apeshit

[Jirpo]

We need some controversy!

[Mladen]

inb4 controversy 

[Tomislav95]

All of these would be 4-5 spots higher for me! Good choices.

[RG93]

We need some controversy!

inb4 controversy  

Just wait for my top 10 then!

EDIT: Merging with next update to prevent double posting.

13. Another Day

Underrated song due to what album it's on. starting off with a nice sax intro, Another Day features smooth vocals from LaBrie, a staple of Images, backed by tasteful piano from Moore. The vocal execution really makes this song for me. Of note is the bridge:

"They took pictures of our dreams
Ran to hide behind the stars
And said maybe when it's right for you, they'll fall
But if they don't come down
Resist the need to pull them in
And throw them away
Better to save the mystery
Than surrender to the secret"

One of my favourite Labrie moments, right there. Finally, we have here a great JP solo and an entrancing sax outro.

12. Under A Glass Moon

Complexity at its finest, Under A Glass Moon showcases Dream Theater's ability to go through multiple time signature changes with ease. While the lyrics are nice, their meaning is yet to be discovered (was JP high or something?). Anyway, Petrucci's solo is simply one of its kind, complex yet melodic; fast yet not over-the-top. Portnoy's drumming is top notch, there's never a dull moment. Overall, this song has a very "spacey" feel with KM patches and all.

11. Finally Free

Finally Free is the grand ending, the song where Dream Theater pulls all the last stops. Rudess proves his ability at picking patches, this time opting for a sinister organ/chimes tone. The One Last Time reprise is just spine-chilling when taken into contest, and the song also has amazing use of samples (bottle breaking, dog barking) which paint a vivid scene (no pun intended). James is on fire here, as his voice soars through the sky "We'll meet again my friend, someday soon". Portnoy has a nice outro, although the keys and the guitar make it, not the drums. Definitely tied with Octavarium for best closer.

[RG93]

Sorry for double posting, but I'm bumping this so that you guys know an update is up.

[Jirpo]

Amazing choices! I would have FF slightly lower though. Props for the two (slightly underrated!) I&W tracks.

[Zydar]

Great to see some love for Another Day