What are some things you think will be on the next DT album and why?

[bosk1]

NOT "what do you want on the next DT album.  But what changes do you forsee, what things do you think will stay the same, and why do you think so?  I was just thinking about this last night, and here are a few things I came up with:

-More CJS lyrics.  I doubt we'll see an album with all JP lyrics.  So now that we no longer have MP as a lyric writer, and since James has written lyrics in the past, I foresee him stepping up and writing more.

-More concise "pop" songs.  All the guys like to write the longer, more complex songs.  But JP in particular has always also been onboard with the more traditionally structured songs as well.  Remember, he was fine going more "radio friendly" on FII.  And he has been bringing the shorter, more radio friendly songs on the last few albums.  I think we may get 2 or 3 shorter songs instead of just maybe a single one.

-More "different" song structures.  From everything I've seen, Mike was very active in the structure and song-arrangement department.  It's not like the band will forget what they've done in the past just because MP isn't around.  But I think they have felt a bit locked into a few structural formulas for the last couple of albums.  While I'm sure they will continue with what has always worked, I wouldn't be surprised to see a song or two that are a lot more "free" in the way they are structured.

-JLB songwriting contribution.  I'm less sure about this one.  DT has always more or less functioned the way they told James it would when he first joined:  The band writes the songs and the singer sings whatever the band writes.  I'm wondering if that will loosen up a bit now.  

Anyhow, those are some of mine.  An obvious question is whether JMX will contribute lyrics.  He has said he would do so again in the future, but it's hard to say wiether Mike leaving will be a atalyst to get him involved again in that capacity or not.  

[MykeHavoc]

Drum solo




You covered the bases: JMX lyrics, more LaBrie, hopefully an outside producer, and whatever the new drummer may bring (i.e. if Peter gets the job, then perhaps some of his vocals)

[Seventh Son]

I wouldn't be against a few shorter "pop" songs as long as they were entertaining. If it was in the vein of Hollow Years or The Silent Man then I'd definitely be up for it.

I have a feeling that they'll back off on the mega-epics they've been churning out lately. Maybe a few 10+ minute songs, instead of the gigantic 20+ minute centerpiece we've gotten each album since Octavarium.

Having Myung writing something would definitely be awesome, and I can see that happening.

[TAC]

-More CJS lyrics.  I doubt we'll see an album with all JP lyrics.  So now that we no longer have MP as a lyric writer, and since James has written lyrics in the past, I foresee him stepping up and writing more.

-More concise "pop" songs.  All the guys like to write the longer, more complex songs.  But JP in particular has always also been onboard with the more traditionally structured songs as well.  Remember, he was fine going more "radio friendly" on FII.  And he has been bringing the shorter, more radio friendly songs on the last few albums.  I think we may get 2 or 3 shorter songs instead of just maybe a single one.

I agree here. I mean, just watch JP's face light up when talking about 8V during the Score documentary.

I'm expecting a much freer vocal (read: higher range) and some piano.

[Jamariquay]

I think there will be a 10+ minute long song with a long instrumental break in the middle, where John Petrucci and Jordan Rudess trade guitar and key solos over a repeating bass riff, followed by a unison and then a return to the chorus. If there isn't, I will eat this steak knife. And by "steak knife," I mean "delicious muffin." And by "eat," I mean, "smear all over my body."

I would love to see some more unorthodox song structures, that unfold in a logical fashion. Most of the 12SS songs seem to be pretty good examples of this (with a couple exceptions). The more I think about it, Learning To Live is probably their most intricate song composition, though they've certainly approached that level elsewhere.... I would love for them to make something in that vein again.

I just really would like to see them move away from the "trading solos over a repeating riff" mindset. They perfected that idea several albums ago. I'm over it.

That said, I do enjoy This Dying Soul and The Dark Eternal Night.

[xeper]

I wonder if they'll have any guest spots? Other than the vocal bits in Repentance, it's been awhile, hasn't it? (Lines in the Sand, maybe?) Might be a way to shake things up. I don't think they need any to be honest, a new drummer will be a big change itself, but it might be seen as a way to shake things up further.

[JayOctavarium]

Seeing as Rudess and Petrucci both saw Roger Waters and ranted and raved about how great the wall was, i have a feeling the next album is going to have a real floyd feel.. at least in places

[dethklok09]

im sure im not the only one when saying i think we are gonna feel a strong awake and images and words type vibe. a little less metal but way more open to where the songs can go. sometimes i feel like some of the recent songs are kept in a box.

[bosk1]

im sure im not the only one when saying i think we are gonna feel a strong awake and images and words type vibe. a little less metal but way more open to where the songs can go.

Why do you think that?

[John94]

Myung.

Along with some piano and more JLB. ( I think the only songs which showed how good James vocals are on BCSL were the covers )

I honestly think this album will be like SFAM

[fadetoblackdude7]

Indeed, I forsee more 'simple' song structures and more songs than epics. I think there will also be different kinds of arrangements and more experimentation on those arrangements.

I'm thinking a FII kinda setup, quantity-wise: 11 tracks, 9 of them songs, and 2 epics that aren't too long.

[bosk1]

Not sure why people are missing the no wild speculation and please state why parts of the discussion.  I didn't think those instructions were that difficult.

[Implode]

I'm expecting a noticeably lighter sounding album.  It might be just me, but I think of the metal side of DT, I think of MP.  So obviously that's my reasoning.

[Stoneyman]

I think we will see a more "song oriented" approach similar to JLB's latest release.  I think DT has taken a little flac over the last few cd's for wanking a little too much.  I dont certainly dont feel that is has been too much overall, just that sticking a 2 minute metal jam at the end or in the middle of a song seems silly to me.  It doesnt always fit, even though it has become somewhat of a trademark.

I hope to see a more atmospheric approach with some nice spacey prog lines and some cool rhythmic metal thrown in.  I would like some ITPOE Part 1 mixed with some Blind Faith/Misunderstood vibes.  Balls and chunk is fine, but it has to fit the song.  Set up the heavy stuff by building up to it (ex New Millennium).

The DT in my head always sounds like:
1.  Trial
2.  Lines
3.  ITPOE Part 1
4.  Misunderstood
5.  Scenes - Entire CD

These tunes have everything that is best about DT IMO.  I love pretty much everything they put out, but if I could have more of the above then I would be good.

I do believe however that based on the current growth in popularity of DT since they have become more metal, they are likely gonna continue what has made them stay current.  Metal DT has served them well in growing the fan base.  I expect to get more of the same, just with a little less cheese.  I HOPE

[fadetoblackdude7]

I'm expecting a noticeably lighter sounding album.  It might be just me, but I think of the metal side of DT, I think of MP.  So obviously that's my reasoning.

Me too. Although, the other guys do like their metal.

[RuRoRul]

I must admit I'm expecting a few more mellow, less "metal" songs, like parts of FII and Octavarium. The fact that Mike Portnoy is gone and he was one of the reasons they did a lot of heavier stuff, as well as the fact that their recent history might lead them to write some songs that would fit with that.

But as others have said, Mike Portnoy wasn't the only one that wanted to do heavy stuff. So though I'm expecting some lighter songs, I'm not expecting the entire album to sound like FII or something.

I'm not expecting to see more short songs. I'm also hoping not to either - I feel like with a bunch of shorter songs, like Awake or FII, there's more possibility for some of those songs to be pretty poor. Same with the one huge epic and a bunch of shorter songs - the middles of Octavarium and SC aren't so great so good.

The structure of Train Of Thought, and even Images and Words, to an extent, works best I think. Not too many songs, but not a small amount of songs with hugely disproportionate amounts of time given to them.

That also fits with the direction they were taking. Mike Portnoy gone or not, most of the band is still the same band, and JP is still JP. I don't think he wrote all those songs for DT because he didnt like the directin they were going in.

[Seventh Son]

Not sure why people are missing the no wild speculation and please state why parts of the discussion.  I didn't think those instructions were that difficult.

Well anything that tries to figure out what DT is gonna do next is going to be nothing but speculation, obviously.

[Dublagent66]

I'll say one thing, if the other guys have had a chance to listen to JLB's new album Static Impulse, I'm almost positive they would let him contribute more to the next album.  SI is awesome and all the songs are around 5 mins or less.

[perfectchaos180]

There will definitely be some metal songs on this album... Just looking at JLB's release and the past couple of DT albums... I see an As I Am or two, 7 minute metal songs.

But in general I agree with an overall lighter sound on the album, I am thinking it will be very much like Octavarium actually.

[bosk1]

Not sure why people are missing the no wild speculation and please state why parts of the discussion.  I didn't think those instructions were that difficult.

Well anything that tries to figure out what DT is gonna do next is going to be nothing but speculation, obviously.

To an extent, you're right.  But there's a huge difference between "I think X because ______" on one hand and just "I think X olol" on the other hand.

[LTE777]

Myung.


I honestly think this album will be like SFAM

This. I think the whole band knows it needs to step up their game.  Not neccessarily change their style but I beleive it will be the next incarnation of I&W and SFAM. NOT Metroplis Part 3, but the the next big album that closes the prior chapter and starts a new one.

The main things DT need to do are:
1) Start writing about real-life issues again and move away from fantasy etc.  Also, they need to move away from short basic lyric lines and really put some thought into it again.

2) Cut the fill stuff out of the songs.  It feels far too 'sectiony' rather than complete songs and if feels liek they are 'pasting'their ideas together using basic riffs and drums fills.

3) Their next album should be similiar to Redemptions - Snowfall on judgement day.  Was listening to this album the other day and thought, 'this is the quality DT should be bringin out today'.  I loved 6degres->Blackclouds, but dont think they are up to the quality they should be as complete albums.  Ie the quality of individual songs > quality of the albums as a package


4) Has to be a concept album, they all need to be focused and I beleive this will drive their best work and ideas!!!

[lithium112]

I'll say one thing, if the other guys have had a chance to listen to JLB's new album Static Impulse, I'm almost positive they would let him contribute more to the next album.  SI is awesome and all the songs are around 5 mins or less.

You know, overall I agree that SI was awesome, but for the most part the songs were very straight-forward metal/hard rock songs (in terms of song structure), so I hope at least that aspect isn't over-used by DT. I think there are times when simple song structures are effective, but it's not what I listen to Dream Theater for.

For the next album, I'm expecting a bigger role to be played by JMX than recently. He (along with the rest of the guys) has realized the need to step up in MP's absence, and I think it will come through in the prominence of his parts.

I also think we may see more contributions from JR, but that's more along the lines of hoping and wishing, as I doubt there was much stopping him from contributing that in the past. But I would definitely love to see something similar to his Youtube piano improvs on the next album.

And I agree regarding JLB writing more lyrics - I think we're guaranteed at least two songs. I hope he's up for it. His lyrics have always been a tad hit-and-miss for me though... I thought Disappear was great, but Prophets was kinda meh. And I would LOVE to hear more lyrics from JM, but at this point that's also just wishful speculation.

[Fiery Winds]

I'm thinking JM is more involved lyrically AND musically.  Before, it was Mike and John writing, and JM would come in and they would more or less tell him what to play.  I'm hoping that whoever they pick for their new drummer will be able to mesh well with JM and if so, we'll see a lot more drum and bass grooving instead of doubling up the guitar.

[TheOutlawXanadu]

I think the contemporary metal influences are going to go. That means the Muse and Opeth stuff. If I remember right, Mike was always more into the current music scene than the other guys. Definitely the harsh or whatever vocals are going to go, unless LaBrie has more say in them.

They will still sound modern. But there won't be any more, "That sounds exactly like 'Stockholm Syndrome'" moments.

[2Timer]

What are CJS lyrics? It's probably something obvious that I'm just too stupid to pick up on because I'm dead up to my ass, but I really have no idea what that is.

I really don't know what to expect on the new album, but I don't think they'll stay on the darker path that they've been on lately, which would be awesome. I agree that there might be a little heavier dose of shorter, more radio-friendly stuff, which is also cool. I personally don't think it will get them any radio play, because as much as I love JLB's voice, it doesn't sound like all the other stuff radio tends to shove down our throats, but that's beside the point.
So yeah, maybe a little lighter music with a little less negativity in the lyrics, and I don't have a clue who the new drummer will be, but I think they might tone down the drums on the new record. MP did tend to get a little over the top sometimes. I liked it, but it was a bit much sometimes.

[glaurung]

What are CJS lyrics? It's probably something obvious that I'm just too stupid to pick up on because I'm dead up to my ass, but I really have no idea what that is.

CJS = Captain James Sparrow

They call him that at Labrie's forum and people are trying to get it to catch on here.

[ricky]

less riffage. idk, it seems to me mike took the band in a heavier direction the last few years. if you listen to alot of the guys solo stuff (suspended animation etc., with SI being an exception) it doesn't really sound like what dream theater has been producing. i'm excited.

[robwebster]

Way more wizardry. I imagine Jordan Rudess'll make the leap from hired gun to lead songwriter, alongside John. If not full-on producer. I'm not expecting full on techno, but I imagine the keys will be more of a prominent instrument and less of a support-role. Not sure if he'd go into a full-on vocoder, Tenori-On spaff-fest, but I wouldn't be surprised to hear a few more synthetic noises.

I imagine CJS will become a slightly more regular contributor, though I still don't see him penning more than a couple per album. Not holding my breath for JR lyrics, I'd be surprised if he had the time, but would also be very happy to see him give it a go.

I'm also expecting the album not to be risk-averse, but that it won't sound particularly experimental. I imagine there will be hefty changes in sound - there'll have to be, it's a different group of minds - but the flavour won't change any moreso than the change between Images and Words and Scenes. Neither are too heavy, neither too light, both quite diverse, neither overblown, and both cover all bases. SFAM had a similar point to prove to the one DT11 will, so I imagine a fairly balanced album will be on the cards. Think the band will want to prove they can still do "standard Dream Theater" before moving onto anything like Train of Thought, Octavarium or Systematic Chaos.

[Dublagent66]

I'll say one thing, if the other guys have had a chance to listen to JLB's new album Static Impulse, I'm almost positive they would let him contribute more to the next album.  SI is awesome and all the songs are around 5 mins or less.

You know, overall I agree that SI was awesome, but for the most part the songs were very straight-forward metal/hard rock songs (in terms of song structure), so I hope at least that aspect isn't over-used by DT. I think there are times when simple song structures are effective, but it's not what I listen to Dream Theater for.

Agreed.  DT shouldn't over do it, but they could use some more straight forward metal tunes in the line up.  I love DT's longer song structures, no doubt about it.  In fact, on LaBrie's new album I sometimes wish some of the songs were a little longer, but they still flow quite nicely the way they are.  I just think DT needs a few more shorter arrangements that get right to the point without feeling the need to stretch it out further.

[Aniland]

OP hit the nail on the head for what I expect.

Seeing as Rudess and Petrucci both saw Roger Waters and ranted and raved about how great the wall was, i have a feeling the next album is going to have a real floyd feel.. at least in places

Or perhaps... guest Roger Waters vocals (OMGLOL)

[El Barto]

If there's a big centerpiece song, I'd expect it to be considerably darker.  I'm sure they're sincere in their excitement, but this has to be a downer at the same time.  They're probably working on something that'll eventually make the album right now, and I'd expect it to be more Awake-like than anything else. 

However, I suspect most of it will be a lot freer.  Consider that they're bringing in a new guy.  They're going to spend a whole lot of time jamming, learning, improvising, working out kinks, etc.  I'd bet that a lot of the next album comes from new guy vs. 3 established guys experimentation.  I don't foresee any deliberate attempt to be heavier or more radio oriented or any other common descriptor.  What we'll get is what comes out their experimentation and completely unpredictable, but probably pretty loose due to it's origin. 

[skydivingninja]

I think the contemporary metal influences are going to go. That means the Muse and Opeth stuff. If I remember right, Mike was always more into the current music scene than the other guys. Definitely the harsh or whatever vocals are going to go, unless LaBrie has more say in them.

They will still sound modern. But there won't be any more, "That sounds exactly like 'Stockholm Syndrome'" moments.

Possibly, but if JLB contributes more to the music, there still might be a very contemporary metal/hard rock edge to a lot of the songs.  JLB has been parading his love of bands like Coheed, Radiohead, Killswitch, Soilwork, and Sevendust lately.  There wasn't anything blatantly taken from another band off BC&SL other than the Rush part of TBOT, and only the synths really remind me of that, so I think they were moving more away from the blatant ripoffs anyway.

But time for the baseless but probable speculation!
-JLB contributing more.  I have a feeling that James will contribute more lyrics and maybe even join in on the music writing more now.  Part of this is because after the improvement of Static Impulse lyrics after PoW, I kind of want it to happen, but after all the positive reviews of SI, I think James' confidence in songwriting will increase, which will mean more ideas.  If Mike was really as controlling as we were led to believe, it gives him even more reason to step up.

-Shorter songs.  There may still be some ten minute songs in there, but like Bosk said, JP and JLB are pretty big into short songs as well as the more prog stuff.

-Arrangements.  Not too sure about this one.  A lot of their songs go like this: "intro/verse/chorus/verse/chorus/guitar or keyboard solo/keyboard or guitar solo/unison/chorus/outro"  Hopefully they'll change it up some, but I'm not sure how much of that kind of structure had to do with Mike.

-JMX contributing.  He said he was going to try and write lyrics in the future.  Whether that actually happens or not remains to be seen, but if he said it, and the other guys are being honest about him communicating more (not that I doubt them at all, really), then it seems more and more plausible that it could happen.

-Probably the most controversial possibility of all, but I think they'll get a new drummer for this album.

[ddtonfire]

An instrumental, since we haven't seen one on an album since ToT. Sure, they have Raw Dog, but that was stand alone and they also really liked the way it went. It would also be a great way to show off their new drummer!

[Ħ]

I don't think they will try anything too different.  With the new drummer, I think they will play it safe with more modest, traditional DT songs.  I don't think we'll see any epics.  We are probably going to get a heavier Falling Into Infinity.

If we do get longer songs, I suspect it's length will be attributed to more JR/JP dueling.

I predict that the new album won't have any outright "bad" songs, but I don't think it will have anything grandiouse and mindblowing like TCoT.  The best part of the next album will be a subtle construction of ambiance (a la Floyd), something they've been lacking for a while.

[Keyboardframe]

i have an air guitar solo thats going to be included on the next dream theater album. its gonna melt your faces