Official DT Top 50 Thread Mark II (bss4life15 up now - starting page 79)

[Ben_Jamin]

Here we go with the next 5

45. Ytsejam

  DT's first instrumental and a real good one at that. This is where JM shows his bass talents. The oriental main riff is a great way to start the flow of the song. The bass is where its at on this song. Especially where the bass takes lead, not the guitar. This is how I am throughout the whole song...


44. Lifting Shadows Off A Dream

  What a beautiful bass intro accompanied by a marvelous keyboard patch. The way this song flows, with JLB's soothing vocals transcend me into a dream world. I can feel myself sitting by a river, in the night surrounded by moonlight. While a woman stands on the opposite end.


43. A Fortune In Lies

   Dundundun, The first song and note the world got to hear of DT. Love how it begins all cool and chill, then they unleash with the Maidenish style riff with a keyboard lead, then full force "I can remember when" This is one of those songs where CD's vocals struggle. JLB really brings this song up when he sings it. All these songs on WDADU all have that youthful feel, that is hard to capture now. You will never get that awesome energy they used to bring back in the day with this song now. Although it does bring energy still.

42. Anna Lee

  I can see how MP called this Dereks song. The album version has a better vibe then the demo. JLB puts a lot of passion in this song, although its hard to discern what he's saying when he sings high...haha. Anyways, this song just sends me along the journey and leaves me with sorrow for poor Anna. If one ballad should return, it'd be this one, now that MP is gone.

41. The Killing Hand

  I prefer the actual album intro to Another Hand, yet I like what they did after that on WDADRU. Live, this song has proved how good of an epic it is. While I enjoy KM's sound, what JR did for the keyboard solo part made it more epic-ish. The best part is when it gets soft and quiet and JM comes in with those awesome distorted bass notes.

[KevShmev]

Ytse Jam is two words, not one , but good picks nonetheless.  Glad to see some WDADU in there!

Lifting Shadows Off a Dream is always amazing.

[BlobVanDam]

Right now you are pretty much listing my bottom DT songs. (aside from Anna Lee, which is the only great song of the bunch).
But I do enjoy seeing some curveballs, so I don't mean that as a bad thing! But please keep it nice and unpredictable to the very end. Don't chicken out and list ACOS at #1 or anything. I want to see YNM or Raw Dog, just to see if the forum software can handle it.

[Ben_Jamin]

Right now you are pretty much listing my bottom DT songs. (aside from Anna Lee, which is the only great song of the bunch).
But I do enjoy seeing some curveballs, so I don't mean that as a bad thing! But please keep it nice and unpredictable to the very end. Don't chicken out and list ACOS at #1 or anything. I want to see YNM or Raw Dog, just to see if the forum software can handle it.

Of course not, I think you will surely enjoy my top song Blob.   

[TheGreatPretender]

42. Anna Lee

  I can see how MP called this Dereks song. The album version has a better vibe then the demo. JLB puts a lot of passion in this song, although its hard to discern what he's saying when he sings high...haha. Anyways, this song just sends me along the journey and leaves me with sorrow for poor Anna. If one ballad should return, it'd be this one, now that MP is gone.

Err... "Don't wanna be alone. Where to you belong? Poor MP."

[BlobVanDam]

Right now you are pretty much listing my bottom DT songs. (aside from Anna Lee, which is the only great song of the bunch).
But I do enjoy seeing some curveballs, so I don't mean that as a bad thing! But please keep it nice and unpredictable to the very end. Don't chicken out and list ACOS at #1 or anything. I want to see YNM or Raw Dog, just to see if the forum software can handle it.

Of course not, I think you will surely enjoy my top song Blob.   

Oh boy! Guys, I'm calling it now.........


It's gonna be Lie.

[Scorpion]

No, I think it's Scarred.

Anywho, good songs, though I never, ever understood why people liked AFIL. I think that nearly every song on WDADU (save SS) is better, so the fact that it seems to be rather highly regarded here came as a big surprise to me, tbh.

[Pols Voice]

HEY GUYZ BLORB DOSNT LIEK SKARRED LETS TALK ABOUT IT IN EVRY THRED

Interesting choices. I'd put LSOAD a lot higher. AFIL and Ytse Jam are both cool, TKH is okay but I never got into it, and Anna Lee is nice.

[Ruba]

I like each one of your choices yet. Some would be higher (The Great Debate, The Killing Hand) in my list, but a nice start  .

[Unlegit]

Interesting list. 5 songs from WDaDU is not of the norm, but I've been reading the other lists, so it's a pretty nice change. I wonder what the top ten will be like 

[Lolzeez]

Right now you are pretty much listing my bottom DT songs. (aside from Anna Lee, which is the only great song of the bunch).
But I do enjoy seeing some curveballs, so I don't mean that as a bad thing! But please keep it nice and unpredictable to the very end. Don't chicken out and list ACOS at #1 or anything. I want to see YNM or Raw Dog, just to see if the forum software can handle it.

You don't like the killing hand? You won't like my list at all xD

[senecadawg2]

Interesting to see a lot of early WDADU picks in your list. 

[Ben_Jamin]

Interesting to see a lot of early WDADU picks in your list. 

They'd all be higher, maybe, if the quality and production were better.

[senecadawg2]

Interesting to see a lot of early WDADU picks in your list. 

They'd all be higher, maybe, if the quality and production were better.

I feel ya... However, even given the poor production, I think it's often times unfairly overlooked by the DT fan base as a whole. Not to mention that I personally think Dominici was a great vocalist for DT.

[TheGreatPretender]

Interesting to see a lot of early WDADU picks in your list. 

Unless I'm misunderstanding, isn't that a little redundant?

[BlobVanDam]

Right now you are pretty much listing my bottom DT songs. (aside from Anna Lee, which is the only great song of the bunch).
But I do enjoy seeing some curveballs, so I don't mean that as a bad thing! But please keep it nice and unpredictable to the very end. Don't chicken out and list ACOS at #1 or anything. I want to see YNM or Raw Dog, just to see if the forum software can handle it.

You don't like the killing hand? You won't like my list at all xD

I actually don't mind The Killing Hand (especially on Marquee), and it is one of the better songs on WDADU, but it would still rank very low for me compared to DT's other music.
And just how many different versions of TKH does your list have anyway?

[Elite]

I don't like Ytse Jam at all, it's DT's second worst instrumental for me, being just better as a song than The Dance of Eternity.
So far, I kind of disagree with your list.

[Ben_Jamin]

I don't like Ytse Jam at all, it's DT's second worst instrumental for me, being just better as a song than The Dance of Eternity.
So far, I kind of disagree with your list.

It'll only get worse   

[senecadawg2]

Interesting to see a lot of early WDADU picks in your list. 

Unless I'm misunderstanding, isn't that a little redundant?

Unless I'm misunderstanding, you are misunderstanding.

[TheGreatPretender]

Unless I'm misunderstanding, you are misunderstanding.

OHHHHHHH.... I get it now.

[Nekov]

Lifting Shadows, Anna Lee and A fortune in lies are awesome songs. I would rank lifting shadows a lot higher.

[Ben_Jamin]

40. Only A Matter of Time

  We continue with the last of the WDADU songs. The intro sets the perfect tone for setting sail out to sea. The whole song sets the scene of a young man beginning his journey to discover his path in life, which the energy, and most of all CD's vocals do well of interpreting. I know most people don't like the rapping style of the lyrics but I feel they fit, if you mix JLB and CD's vocals it'd be amazing. The instrumental outro is what I love best, It's sets the feel for the next album. This new band has something to prove....

39. In The Presence of Enemies

   And here we begin my combination...

    ITPOE pt.1: I.Prelude - Systematic Chaos was my first Dream Theater release to buy. When I pop'd in the cd and instantly heard the intro begin I fell in love. It kept growing, and just when I thought it couldn't get better they slow the tempo and bring in this nice guitar melody.  is all I enjoyed during the uplifting solo. The keyboards at the driven beat, sent the vibe more higher as if your transcending into heaven, and bestow the story that is about to unravel...II. Resurrection - We meet the main character confronting the devil for his salvation. Instantly I saw a video in the anime style, akin to Spirited Away. JLB and all of the guys really set the scene, as JLB pleads redemption we see them descend.
     ITPOE pt.2: III. Heretic - An eerie JM sets the tone of where we find the MC...Alone...When everything kicks in its like the devil proceeds to test his lastest victim...A Faithful Fall Angel. "This power that I sense, the rage behind those eyes, is just a shrouded ghost, a spirit sealed inside, the body and the soul both threats, for they are one" Love his delivery. "Dark Soul Amen" he finalizes his entry...IV: The Slaughter of The Damned This has one of the best choruses I've heard. The verses make me feel like I'm fighting my way through, even though it seems it's pointless, I see my goal "I Judge as..." Then " servants of the fallen..."  builds it up....into the most disappointing build up...V. The Reckoning: This alone is why this song is ranked low. It has many great ideas, just extended too long. It regains steam when it reprises the Prelude riff. Love how they toy around with this until they all unite for the end of the same reprise riff, making it more of an epic end...VI. Salvation Wow....Love JR's Synth from Score. The Story also begins to interst me again...He's weak and his soul is at it's last breath, and JLB makes it seem so. It ends with the powerful message of Your soul is your own and nobody else's. A great message...


38. Endless Sacrifice

   Love the Michael Jackson intro riff. The entire feel of the intro is reminiscent of Hollow Years, then we get into the BMS chorus. That blending is what I love about this certain song...also, Live at Budokan was my first DT DVD i've seen and it just hit when I saw it. The instrumental, many here dismiss it as wankery but not me. It begins that moment away from the page/outlet for this separation, It's when he is on stage doing what he loves. The groove of the bass and drums are what got me my first DT concert...I didn't know this song was played until later on that year when I really got into DT.


37. Blind Faith

   JM's bass intro is the perfect intro for this tune. It sets that world feeling they originally wanted this album to head into, then the pantera show inspiration hits. This is one song I wish JLB had really put effort into the vocals. According to LS, if I remember correctly, JLB didn't really show up for SDOIT and it shows. Although it is my favorite album, as the entire session vibe is captured. JM's Bass groove in the instrumental is what I miss from JM. I'm glad, we got something similar with BAI, this is the song they got inspired to write the latter's instrumental.


36. Hells Kitchen/Lines In The Sand

   I group these together as I feel HK is a perfect intro or interlude from BMS into LITS. I see myself floating away from the destruction of a city, i'm riding the waves gently seeing the pictures in the sky with the sun shining...As things couldn't get better I wash ashore...When the funky groove of the piano, bass, and drums hits...DT should've kept this verse in though "Baptized, Enlightened..." It just makes it flow better into the final chorus. I was listening to the Bucharest version and it flowed way better. One thing also, is the bass just begs to be slapped and popped.


I'll do the next 5 when I wake up in the next couple of hours to make up for the delay...

[BlobVanDam]

I'd stick Blind Faith and LITS about 30 places higher, but I agree entirely of your assessment of ITPOE pt 2. Really great song aside from that one section dragging it down a bit.
Glad to hear we're done with WDADU too.

[FlyingBIZKIT]

Blind Faith and Lines should be Top 5 

[Nekov]

Blind Faith and Lines should be Top 5 

[TheGreatPretender]

I really don't get why people have such a problem with The Reckoning. I thoroughly enjoy it every time.

[Pols Voice]

Only a Matter of Time is great. I'd put Endless Sacrifice, Blind Faith, Hell's Kitchen, and Lines in the Sand a lot higher, but at least they're on your list.

[senecadawg2]

4 great songs and ITPOE...

[IdoSC]

Quite surprising to see Hell's Kitchen tied up with Lines in the Sand. It would be awkward to see HK on its own in a top 50 list without a pairing to me, but I've always associated this song with Burning My Soul rather than Lines. Guess I'd have to check that combination out to see for myself.

Also, I'm quite late for the party on that one, but it was great to see Anna Lee. It didn't make it to my top 50 but this song is just great, very emotional and yet it's sort of uplifting rather than depressing, unlike Space-Dye Vest or Disappear. Which is good sometimes.

[Ben_Jamin]

35. The Ministry of Lost Souls

   I still don't understand the hate this song seems to attract as it is pretty good. The grand intro followed by JP's calm guitar set a good tone for the vocals. It's cool how in the 2nd verse the piano takes the lead as the backing for the vocals. "I used my freedom to protect you" is one of JLB's finest moments on SC, the emotion he puts into "and all the while" sends shivers down my spine. The instrumental here doesn't bother me as I enjoy it. The rhythm and groove are what I enjoy, it's one of the main reasons I want to see this song live. The story being told is interesting as well, and the instrumental adds to the feel of regret, and sorrow, like she finally made the decision to accept being by his side in death. Although I do agree that the instrumental does get a bit stale with the usual guitar-keys trade-off solos, this song redeems itself in how well it sets the tone for the story.

34. On The Backs of Angels

    When I first heard the opening "what we gonna do" I was excited to hear the new installment of DT with MP not at the reigns. Now as time has settled in, JR's patch choices are fantastic. One thing I really love is the keys aren't copying the guitar, instead adding atmosphere. Mike Mangini's drum work is great and adds dynamics to the whole. "Your blinded by your hunger" is one of the coolest things i've heard DT do and MM doing that cool hi-hat, bass drum thing is amazing. JR's oriental bit into the next verse is nice. The solo's are a nice change of pace. A nice calm piano solo into the lead guitar solo, which is melodic, reminds me of Pink Floyd - Time's solo, in the feel of the song. What a nice introduction into the new DT.

33. Scene Seven:
     
     I. The Dance of Eternity - "Who wants to dance?" a very interesting instrumental about frantic love?! I first heard this on the Live At Budokan Instrumedley, and loved it. When I heard the actual song I was impressed by what I heard. II. One Last Time - This is the part I enjoy about the scene, I see Nicholas walking into the house after the frantic love of the Dance. Some fine piano work by Jordan, the ending too is what I enjoy since learning it's the demo ending basically. It's a great song that I can't seem to say much about as I really do enjoy it.

32. Scene Three

        I. Through My Words - This is where the story really begins to form. As Nicholas enters his hypnosis, the calm setting JLB and JR induce the listener into being in a calm state as well. II. Fatal Tragedy - The introduction into Victorias fatal tragedy. It's a simple song, yet complex. The outro is rockin', plus the way the riff descends from 4-3-2-1 and 1-2-3-4 is great. The bass at the end is like a big bass solo, fantastic work. The whole song is a build up from quiet to intense.


31. Scene Five: Through Her Eyes

       I really really enjoy the vibe of this song. It's a nice ballad to end the first Act. the reverb in JLB's vocals, acoustic guitar, and JM's fretless bass all add to the feel and mood it gives. I can't help but sit back and listen to it. Another great ballad I wish they'd play again, hopefully someday. The Long Titanic version ain't too shabby either.

[TheGreatPretender]

Great batch of songs! Good to see some love for Dance of Eternity, and SFAM in general. And for TMOLS, definitely one of DT's most underrated songs.

[theseoafs]

Besides the fact that this is actually 7 songs, this is a fine batch.

[senecadawg2]

Loving the SFAM picks, and TheGreatPretender is definitely right on this:

TMOLS, definitely one of DT's most underrated songs.

[iamtheeviltwin]

TMOLS is one of the songs in Dream Theater's catalog that could have used an "outsider" to help the guys prune it, cut the run time in half or split it into two songs and it would be wonderful.  It is one of the few Dream Theater songs where my mind completely loses focus while listening to it, making it little more than white noise or sonic wallpaper.

[TheGreatPretender]

TMOLS is one of the songs in Dream Theater's catalog that could have used an "outsider" to help the guys prune it, cut the run time in half or split it into two songs and it would be wonderful.  It is one of the few Dream Theater songs where my mind completely loses focus while listening to it, making it little more than white noise or sonic wallpaper.

That's how I feel about Hell's Kitchen.