Dream Theater New Album 2011 Speculations (merged)

[jonny108]

Just realised we had no thread for the new album so share your thoughts.
Looks possible that James will be writing lyrics:
Hey James,
I hope you contribute lyrics to the next Dream Theater album. "Disappear" and Blind Faith are, without a doubt, my two favorite Dream Theater thanks in no small part to your mature and thoughtful lyrics.

I'm eager to see what the future holds for Dream Theater.

James LaBrie: Thanks man. Will do. Take care.

[jsem]

I would be surprised if he didn't write some lyrics for the new album

[blackngold29]

I think we get lyrics from everyone, except the drummer... JR included, even if it's a minor part.

There will be a song that people interpret as being about Mike leaving, but it won't really be.

[jsem]

I think we get lyrics from everyone, except the drummer... JR included, even if it's a minor part.

There will be a song that people interpret as being about Mike leaving, but it won't really be.

Lol. There will be such overanalysis of the lyrics it's going to be hilarious.

[rumborak]

That song will be called "The Shat-on Fortress".

Just a thought.

rumborak

[bosk1]

There actually sort of have been threads about this, but I guess this can be the "official" one since the others were in sort of a different context, as I recall.

I agree about James writing lyrics.  In fact, given that James has been in the studio quite a bit, I'm excited about the fact that, even if he has not been actively participating in writing the music, he has at least been present to offer input, and should have a much better context for writing lyrics and vocal melodies, having been exposed to the music as it is being developed.

I am hopeful that, given Myung's comments about getting back to writing lyrics in the future, we will see some on this album.  I understand that the rule about submitting lyrics was put in place for a reason, and I respect that.  But the fans have always loved his lyrics, so I hope we get some if he finds the inspiration to write some.  

I'm curious to see what the song arrangements will be like.  From everything I have seen and heard, Mike played a HUGE role in the arrangement department.  With him gone, I'm curious to see whether they will try to follow what they have always done, or if we will see differences.  

Epics:  I think this subject partially goes back to the previous point in that Mike is obviously a huge fan of epics and arranged a lot of the songs so that they were longer and incorporated lots of different parts.  But it isn't like the other band members aren't fans as well and didn't contribute to that.  I think we will continue to get epics.

Shorter, more concise songs:  Again, this goes back to the previous point.  JP has been largely responsible for straight-ahead, more traditional-length songs on the last few albums.   I think we will definitely get one or two.  

Beyond that, I can only guess.

[chrisbDTM]

JP has been practicing with the 7 string so we know there is gonna be some of that on there. he can possibly use the baritone guitar EB made him, as it is only on wither on a cd,

[jsem]

There actually sort of have been threads about this, but I guess this can be the "official" one since the others were in sort of a different context, as I recall.

I agree about James writing lyrics.  In fact, given that James has been in the studio quite a bit, I'm excited about the fact that, even if he has not been actively participating in writing the music, he has at least been present to offer input, and should have a much better context for writing lyrics and vocal melodies, having been exposed to the music as it is being developed.

I am hopeful that, given Myung's comments about getting back to writing lyrics in the future, we will see some on this album.  I understand that the rule about submitting lyrics was put in place for a reason, and I respect that.  But the fans have always loved his lyrics, so I hope we get some if he finds the inspiration to write some.  

I'm curious to see what the song arrangements will be like.  From everything I have seen and heard, Mike played a HUGE role in the arrangement department.  With him gone, I'm curious to see whether they will try to follow what they have always done, or if we will see differences.  

Epics:  I think this subject partially goes back to the previous point in that Mike is obviously a huge fan of epics and arranged a lot of the songs so that they were longer and incorporated lots of different parts.  But it isn't like the other band members aren't fans as well and didn't contribute to that.  I think we will continue to get epics.

Shorter, more concise songs:  Again, this goes back to the previous point.  JP has been largely responsible for straight-ahead, more traditional-length songs on the last few albums.   I think we will definitely get one or two.  

Beyond that, I can only guess.

All of this was pretty much guessing anyway. 

[jonny108]

Eigenharp and the Harpejji (whatever it's called/spelt) also look like they are going to be used on this album, according to interviews and pictures from the studio.  Should be interesting 

[Jamesman42]

Thinking about it, the only songwriters on all the albums SDOIt onward were MP, JP, and JLB. JLB did little compared to MP and JP, and with JP, will he really still overbear JP in the lyrics department?

Going on that, I think we will see stuff from JLB and hopefully JR/JMX. I think JP may be more focused on arrangement (then again, maybe it'll be a band effort thing) and production.

[reneranucci]

I'm curious to see what the song arrangements will be like.  From everything I have seen and heard, Mike played a HUGE role in the arrangement department.  With him gone, I'm curious to see whether they will try to follow what they have always done, or if we will see differences.  

I've got the feeling that we'll see major changes in this department. My guess is that the album will tend towards simpler arrangements.

[rumborak]

Frankly, I'll believe JM's involvement when I see it. He's been out of it for such a long time, it's not something you just switch on and it's there.

rumborak

[blackngold29]

I think JR and JP will really become the leading songwriters, although it would be great to have more JM. I don't think JR's new instruments will effect the sound so much as having some odd sounding ELP album, but it could definitely be more proggy.

JP said in an interview that MP's departure could lead to more JM lyrics, so I take that as as strong of a confirmation we'll get that he's writing something because I don't think he'd would just randomly throw that out there. Or maybe he did....

And the big wildcard is the drummer, because if he's in the studio, I doubt he's just sitting on his hands and letting the other guys write. That could lead anywhere.

[Mladen]

I predict the new album will offer some fresh ideas in terms of song structures and arrangements, yet it will be as metal as the last couple of albums. I'm pretty sure most of lyrics will be written by Petrucci, although James will deliver some thoughtful words as well. It would make me happy if JMX wrote some lyrics again, though.

[bosk1]

[stuff]

All of this was pretty much guessing anyway.  

Well, sort of.  There's a difference between educated guessing (i.e. guessing based on actual information), which describes my post, and just speculating based on nothing.

[blackngold29]

Oh yeah: Instrumental track anyone?

[Mladen]

Ooh, I'd like one. Keep it short, though, five minutes tops. 

[Jamesman42]

Oh yeah: Instrumental track anyone?

I am really hoping for one, I have been since SC came out, and was disappointed a bit when there was none on SC and BC&SL.

[emtee]

*Full speculation mode on*

I think that for both the band and the label this album means a great deal. Given that, and given the success of DT's
concept albums, I think there is a better than 50% chance that this album is conceptual in nature. Possibly even
revisiting themes from the past. *wink wink*

I don't expect Jordan to change his sound or approach. I think he continues along his present path of uber
techno gadgety sounding keys. I would love a more traditional key sound but I doubt it will happen.

Everyone contributes lyrics. Everyone contributes equally in the compositions, or at least is given the green light
to do so if they desire. A total team concept album.

No ballad. No instrumental. Better than 50% chance a song dealing with the departure of MP. Possibly a hard hitting
song.

[GandL]

I think that for both the band and the label this album means a great deal. Given that, and given the success of DT's
concept albums, I think there is a better than 50% chance that this album is conceptual in nature. Possibly even
revisiting themes from the past. *wink wink*

I agree and would love a concept album.

I don't expect Jordan to change his sound or approach. I think he continues along his present path of uber
techno gadgety sounding keys. I would love a more traditional key sound but I doubt it will happen.

I hope that he will continue along his present path, this contributes to new ideas.

It would be nice to include an epic and an instrumental in the style of La Villa Strangiato or YYZ where everyone can show off a little bit.

[bosk1]

Yes, Scenes was a tremendous success for the band.  But while I'm not opposed to them doing a second concept album, bands doing concept albums just for the sake of doing more concept albums is not a recipe for success (Mindcrime II, I'm not only looking at you, but am staring you down with an intimidating glare that is certain to send a pathetic wimp like you crying for your mother).

[FretMuppet]

I heard Jordan and James want to do a piano ballad along the lines of Anna Lee, so maybe we might see that

[fadetoblackdude7]

Pretty sure I've said this before, but I think it would be cool if we got an album like FII structure-wise. 10-11 songs, with 2 epics that weren't too long.

But I also enjoyed BC&SL's structure too...

[Mladen]

I heard Jordan and James want to do a piano ballad along the lines of Anna Lee, so maybe we might see that

I'd love to hear this as well. 

[Chino]

Double Disc
29 minute epic
11.5 minute instrumental
4 minute power love ballad

[chrisbDTM]

I'm curious to see what the song arrangements will be like.  From everything I have seen and heard, Mike played a HUGE role in the arrangement department.  With him gone, I'm curious to see whether they will try to follow what they have always done, or if we will see differences.  

I've got the feeling that we'll see major changes in this department. My guess is that the album will tend towards simpler arrangements.

it will be different. remember the video of JP and MP arguing about a rite of passage? JP wanted to do two separate backing riffs for the guitar and keyboards solos like in under a glass moon, but MP wanted to jam over the same riff for a while

[Jamesman42]

I heard Jordan and James want to do a piano ballad along the lines of Anna Lee, so maybe we might see that

Source? Or is this common knowledge?

[lithium112]

Source? Or is this common knowledge?

I could be mistaken (please someone correct me if I'm wrong) but I think this was from James' twitter.

[DarkLord_Lalinc]

I love James' short and specific answers. He's actually taking the time to write something to the fans without being too detailed or rude. He's awesome.

[RaiseTheKnife]

Oh yeah: Instrumental track anyone?

No.  The last thing they recorded in a studio was Raw Dog, which they haven't even gone out with live yet.  Too soon for another instrumental track.

[blackngold29]

Oh yeah: Instrumental track anyone?

No.  The last thing they recorded in a studio was Raw Dog, which they haven't even gone out with live yet.  Too soon for another instrumental track.

No, no, I meant a good one.

[chrisbDTM]

i dont think raw dog counts. i love it though. sickest petrucci taps that straight rule. there can be an instrumental on this album

[blackngold29]

Yeah, it's really not that bad. It just doesn't seem to fit like the other albums do. I had more of a Steam of Consciousness type instrumental in mind.

[MajorMatt]

I predict awesome vocal melodies (and vocals altogether for that matter) such as the one found on 'No Holy Man' (Eden's Curse ft. JLB)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LvykDkxXPc

And btw im not knocking DT's previous vocal melody lines, just nothing on the past couple of albums really stands out when i think about it.

[Jamesman42]

And btw im not knocking DT's previous vocal melody lines, just nothing on the past couple of albums really stands out when i think about it.

Not even "In peaceful sedation..."...?