Scarred

[Infinite Cactus]

My tattoo. The words, READ DEM

[LieLowTheWantedMan]

Woah, that's really awesome.

[Metabog]

Can't believe how amazing the lyrics were back then.

[Metrovarium]

Scarred is one of those songs that can take a long time to really get into, but once you do, it's incredible. I used to dislike the song for the longest time until one day it just clicked, and now it's probably in my top 10 or 15.

[orcus116]

It also baffles me how someone can't find anything worthwhile in Scarred with the mere existence of songs like "The Answer Lies Within", "The Dark Eternal Night", "A Nightmare To Remember" and the like.

Those are all at least good songs, with the latter two being top 20 for me.
TALW is a little dull, but it's at least a very well constructed and concise song with nice melodies, even if a little formulaic in its changes.
TDEN is a song that introduces a lot of new elements for DT, backed by very strong riffs, and is a creatively rhythmic song that fits the rhythms to the lyrics beautifully, and has one of DT's best instrumental sections that relies on variations of melodic and rhythmic themes altered in interesting ways. It is a hugely underrated song.
And ANTR is also hugely underrated. One of DT's best heavy songs, with fantastic riffs, and JLB fits the song perfectly, and JR adds a lot of atmosphere with his theramin and choir sounds, and JP matches pure rock leads with heavy grooves perfectly. And then we have the layered harmonies and strong melodies of that middle section.

Now why don't you try telling me what you like about Scarred similarly, instead of parroting some meaningless list of songs as if that's somehow a defense for Scarred weak songwriting? Because so far this thread contains nothing.

Because all of those reasons have already been discussed in previous threads, Blob. Go look up the last thread and I almost guarantee you'll find people's reasoning very quickly.

[BlobVanDam]

Because all of those reasons have already been discussed in previous threads, Blob. Go look up the last thread and I almost guarantee you'll find people's reasoning very quickly.

I read the last thread we had on this topic. In fact I recall we already had a little discussion about it in that thread. There ya go.

I was more interested in your specific reasons. Since you're so trigger happy with criticism, I thought maybe you'd enjoy something new.

[orcus116]

What's the point? You're just going to not agree with it and promptly ignore it anyway.

[Jaffa]

It also baffles me how someone can't find anything worthwhile in Scarred with the mere existence of songs like "The Answer Lies Within", "The Dark Eternal Night", "A Nightmare To Remember" and the like.

Those are all at least good songs, with the latter two being top 20 for me.
TALW is a little dull, but it's at least a very well constructed and concise song with nice melodies, even if a little formulaic in its changes.
TDEN is a song that introduces a lot of new elements for DT, backed by very strong riffs, and is a creatively rhythmic song that fits the rhythms to the lyrics beautifully, and has one of DT's best instrumental sections that relies on variations of melodic and rhythmic themes altered in interesting ways. It is a hugely underrated song.
And ANTR is also hugely underrated. One of DT's best heavy songs, with fantastic riffs, and JLB fits the song perfectly, and JR adds a lot of atmosphere with his theramin and choir sounds, and JP matches pure rock leads with heavy grooves perfectly. And then we have the layered harmonies and strong melodies of that middle section.

Now why don't you try telling me what you like about Scarred similarly, instead of parroting some meaningless list of songs as if that's somehow a defense for Scarred weak songwriting? Because so far this thread contains nothing.

Well, in my opinion, it's not really easy to objectively explain what makes a song good.  Looking at some of the good qualities you've mentioned for those songs: “very well constructed”; “nice melodies”; “creatively rhythmic song that fits the rhythms to the lyrics beautifully”; “JLB fits the song perfectly”.  For my personal tastes, these comment apply to Scarred better than they apply to TALW, TDEN, or ANTR. 

I know you and I already agreed to disagree.  And I actually really like ANTR, and consider TDEN and TALW to be pretty cool songs. 

But when it comes to Scarred, my list of things that I like about it includes pretty much everything about the song.  Awesome intro, great instrumentals, great vocal performance by JLB, great melodies, powerful emotions, wonderful lyrics, and a unique vibe that captures the entire essence of Awake.  I'd suggest that JLB is the standout in the song, and I love the contrasts between some of his softer, more melodic singing and some of the spots where his voice has more of a raw power to it.

[BlobVanDam]

What's the point? You're just going to not agree with it and promptly ignore it anyway.

Fair enough. Obviously it won't change my opinion, nor will I change your opinion with anything else I say. I was just looking for a different perspective on it. But we'll just leave the thread to be "it's great" responses. Insightful stuff.

@ Jaffa Good response.

[Jaffa]

Thank you kindly.

Although I do wish I had a greater knowledge of musical terminology so I could explain precisely what is so 'awesome' about the intro.  Suffice to say, whenever I hear that intro on a shuffled playlist, it instantly makes me happy.

[BlobVanDam]

Thank you kindly.

Although I do wish I had a greater knowledge of musical terminology so I could explain precisely what is so 'awesome' about the intro.  Suffice to say, whenever I hear that intro on a shuffled playlist, it instantly makes me happy.

Let me try. I'd say it's the mellow feel, created by the light percussion and jazzy chords from John Myung, topped off by Petrucci's tasty lead guitar.

Seriously, I just gave it a listen, and it's a damn shame I hate the rest of the song, because that intro really is right up my alley, especially JP's leads.

[KevShmev]

I see the old Blob is back. 46 posts in this thread so far (counting the OP) and 10 of them belong to Blob.

Personally, I can't imagine posting that much in a thread about a song I dislike so much, but hey, that's me.

[Jaffa]

Thank you kindly.

Although I do wish I had a greater knowledge of musical terminology so I could explain precisely what is so 'awesome' about the intro.  Suffice to say, whenever I hear that intro on a shuffled playlist, it instantly makes me happy.

Let me try. I'd say it's the mellow feel, created by the light percussion and jazzy chords from John Myung, topped off by Petrucci's tasty lead guitar.

Seriously, I just gave it a listen, and it's a damn shame I hate the rest of the song, because that intro really is right up my alley, especially JP's leads.

See, I understand everything you just said, but I never would have thought to say any of those things myself.  I need to take a class or something.  Well done.

Also, glad you enjoy the intro at least. 

[Ravenheart]

A Nightmare to Remember is a terrible track. Compared to Scarred, it's a back-alley abortion with the rustiest, filthiest, oldest coat hanger of them all.

Scarred is fantastic and my favorite DT song. I know I've stated this several times before, but I still can't believe how well they relate to my parents' relationship and their eventual divorce.

[hefdaddy42]

A Nightmare to Remember is a terrible track. Compared to Scarred, it's a back-alley abortion with the rustiest, filthiest, oldest coat hanger of them all.

Not the analogy I would use, but I agree with the sentiment.

[KevShmev]

I think A Nightmare to Remember is better than that (the first half and the last few minutes are all fantastic), but still doesn't compare to Scarred.

[Ravenheart]

Yeah, I was mostly exaggerating. But that analogy just popped into my head and  I couldn't resist   

[Cable]

Now why don't you try telling me what you like about Scarred similarly, instead of parroting some meaningless list of songs as if that's somehow a defense for Scarred weak songwriting? Because so far this thread contains nothing.

Ok, so I will add a comprasion then. Lets go with ANTR vs. Scarred. I will be wrong in some of the structure, as I am not listening to the songs while doing this. Simply going off of memory...

*I cannot cite time sigs well at all, so I will not go there

Lyrics
Much more poetic in Scarred. It is hard to understand exactly what the topic is at first with Scarred. ANTR? About a car crash, I knew this without even looking at the lyrics. Scarred I believe is about romantic relationships, but due to the complex writing of the lyrics, I could be wrong at the same time.

Structure
[Scarred] So we have an intro, never heard again in. Intro verses, never heard again. Heavy riff, another heavy riff, then riffs into verse. Repeat heavy riff, back into verse. Change into prechorus, then chorus. Back to verses, back to prechorus and chorus. Instrumental leadup, a new riff. Harmonized guitar line, keyboard solo, guitar solo. Pre chorus and chorus (with a change of lyrics,) then outro, which is unique.

Lettering, with each new letter being a different section
A-B-CDCD-EF-CD-EF-G-H-EF-I

[ANTR] Intro of crashing chords. Heavy riff, verses with palm-muted riff that is same as heavy riff. Palm mutes off, pre chorus. New section, back to pre chorus. Soft section, new verse chorus x2. Instrumental section with 2x keyboard and guitar tradeoffs. Unison line, new heavy section. Back to chorus, then back to crashing open chords of intro with variations.

A-BCBC-D-E-D-FGFG-H-I-D-A

Conclusion
More repeating in ANTR. Scarred keeps a prechorus/chorus throughout the song (2 or 3 times). ANTR has two batches of choruses I believe. And it is very much open for debate about what the masses believe about the quality of each section in each song. Time so far has told Scarred is higher quality I would think.

Yes, not everyone will like the melodies, solos and etc. I think the soft section of ANTR is incredible, and those vocal melodies trump any vocal melodies in Scarred.

[reo73]

I'm going to make a broad generalization, but I believe Scarred epitomizes the older and proggier DT while ANTR epitomizes newer, more modern metal DT.  It seems to me that we have 2 camps of people here, those who like older proggier DT and those who like the newer DT.  It would stand to reason that each camp would not find a lot to be excited about in either opposing song (except for the beautiful agony section which everyone seems to like).  Nothing wrong with that, it's just a different flavor of ice cream in the DT catalog of music.

[7thHanyou]

I much, much prefer older DT and Scarred bores me to death.

I may just need to give it more listens, but it's one of the least interesting songs on Awake for me.  Never liked Space-Dye Vest either.  I don't know what people see in them.

[IronEarthTheater]

I had the exact same experience.  I totally overlooked it 15 years ago or so when it came out, as I would usually skip it to get to SDV.  Then I took a long listen after reading the "Top 50" DT songs thread, and then, wow.  I got it.  Probably a top-10 DT song for me, and considering how much I love DT and how many really awesome songs they have, that's saying something.

[BlobVanDam]

I see the old Blob is back. 46 posts in this thread so far (counting the OP) and 10 of them belong to Blob.

Personally, I can't imagine posting that much in a thread about a song I dislike so much, but hey, that's me.

Um what can I say? I felt particularly inspired!

Glad to have me back, aren't you? 

[KevShmev]

It's all good.

[j]

My favorite parts of Scarred are the intro, the guitar solo, and the outro.  And the lyrics.  But especially the outro.

ANTR is a pretty weak song with several really cool parts.  But they don't save it from the lame lyrics, boring solo section, and just being way too long.

I don't like TDEN, although Blob has a point that it has a couple of sweet riffs and a little cool rhythmic stuff going on.  But the song isn't anything I EVER want to listen to.

Can't remember what the other random song was that you guys were comparing with Scarred, so I'll stop there.

-J

[Ravenheart]

Lyrics
Much more poetic in Scarred. It is hard to understand exactly what the topic is at first with Scarred. ANTR? About a car crash, I knew this without even looking at the lyrics. Scarred I believe is about romantic relationships, but due to the complex writing of the lyrics, I could be wrong at the same time.

To me, the lyrics were always about a crumbling relationship, the causes being a lot of selfishness and unwillingness to communicate.

[Ħ]

My favorite parts of Scarred are the intro, the guitar solo, and the outro.  And the lyrics.  But especially the outro.

Agree, except I think the outro is horrid.

[Ben_Jamin]

These lyrics are amazingly great.

[j]

My favorite parts of Scarred are the intro, the guitar solo, and the outro.  And the lyrics.  But especially the outro.

Agree, except I think the outro is horrid.

Listen to it a billion times until you realize how great it is.

-J

[AleBl4st]

I love Scarred

I thought it was considered by anyone one of their best, honestly.

[ZirconBlue]

Lyrics
Much more poetic in Scarred. It is hard to understand exactly what the topic is at first with Scarred. ANTR? About a car crash, I knew this without even looking at the lyrics. Scarred I believe is about romantic relationships, but due to the complex writing of the lyrics, I could be wrong at the same time.

To me, the lyrics were always about a crumbling relationship, the causes being a lot of selfishness and unwillingness to communicate.

I think so, too. 

My favorite part?  "You say you want everyone happy.  Well, we're not laughing. . . "

[Dublagent66]

It's a great song and it contains a many great things.

Bluesy intro
Heavy main riff
Good lyrics
Awesome JLB vocals
Slow and melodic mid section
Killer JP solo
Great outro

[Ytsejammin]

I would rank Scarred in my DT top 5. I just love the way it's constructed and I love the lyrical overtones about family relationships. I listened to it from Chaos in Motion a couple of times this week. It ruled. 

[tri.ad]

In concert, the song works quite well imo. When I saw it four years ago, we also got a nice extended intro (with a JP solo) and it was just a nice experience. Definitely a song I'd like to hear live again.