Senecadawg's Top 50 Least Disliked DT Songs

[?]

Nice choices, especially great to see The Killing Hand there! I wouldn't rank Endless Sacrifice that high, though.

[Lolzeez]

Endless Sacrifice 

[senecadawg2]

The Killing Hand really deserves all the recognition I can possibly give it. I just wish it didn't sound so bad.

[senecadawg2]

16. Scene Three: Through My Words & Fatal Tragedy

Sorry Blob 

This is, even more so than the rest of the album's scenes, most certainly one piece of music in my mind. With Through My Words as a lovely introduction to this medium length song, and then the ever-impressive Fatal Tragedy, this song is superb.

Pros: Where to begin I have not a clue. Obviously it's pretty quickly apparent that Rudess is as impressive as ever in this particular song. Petrucci also shreds an awe inspiring solo, and Portnoy does a good job of setting the breakneck pace of this song. Speaking of which, while it does move very fast, it never feels even slightly rushed, and that's really what makes this stand out.

DoL: 88


15. Misunderstood

I don't care what other people say about The Glass Prison, The Great Debate, and the title track... THIS is what SDOIT is all about. While possessing a somewhat unconventional sound, it also draws on all the elements which make Dream Theater so special.

Cons: I'm not sure what's up that ending.

Pros: From the airy intro, to the somewhat annoying conclusion that I just mentioned, this song really pushes the boundaries of what Dream Theater has done. There's just something incredibly special about this song, and I can't quite put my finger on it. The vocal melodies are gorgeous, the guitar work is abnormally groovy while also heavy, and the keyboards are just having a great time in the background. All these elements in symphony produce an incredibly fun song.

DoL: 92


14. Scarred

Pretty much universally appreciated, here we've got the masterpiece of Awake. With it's very unique sound, this song epitomizes the moodier aspects of Dream Theater. Some of you may think this ought to be higher on the list, and while I'd love to put it there, it's not quite on that level. In fact, I think its a touch overrated.

Pros: Awake was, in my opinion, the high point of James LaBrie's singing ability. Of course, there's no telling how he may have been different if not for that food poisoning business. He sounded great on I&W as well, which I think most would argue to be his best, but I prefer Awake slightly. He sounds more raw, emotional, and daring. Within this single song, he showcases some of his most impressive moments. This is also my favorite of John Petrucci's lyrics.

And how come you don't understand me?
And how come I don't understand you?
Thirty years say we're in this together
So open your eyes.

DoL: 95

[Scorpion]

Hey! We're at the correct spelling now!

Great picks all around. Misunderstood isn't my favourite off of SDOIT, but it's still a great track. Both Fatal Tragedy and Scarred are fucking awesome and deserve all the praise they get.

[wasteland]

Aghh, I hate Misunderstood with a passion! (though to be sincere I don't really know why, besides the wacky ending)

And Scarred is too low 

[Unlegit]

Awesome update.

[BlobVanDam]

You apologized for 16, but you forgot to apologize for 14.


Fatal Tragedy and Misunderstood are excellent choices though.

[?]

Aghh, I hate Misunderstood with a passion! (though to be sincere I don't really know why, besides the wacky ending)

I used to dislike the guitar noise, but I don't mind it anymore. The keyboard sounds that start around the 7-minute mark still annoy the hell out of me, though - if they had ditched those, this could be one of DT's best songs.

[senecadawg2]

But the keyboards are what make it so great!!!

Oh well... Different strokes for different folks.

[senecadawg2]

Another Day, another update. Let the castration begin...



13. Octavarium

I know, I know! Most of you probably think this ought to be in everyone's top 10 or, more likely, top 1. But it's not! It is, in my opinion, the weakest of Dream Theater's epics, and also the most overrated. I have a tremendous amount of respect for the effort, but I've always found the product to be very underwhelming.

Cons: This song is 24 minutes long, and that's completely unnecessary. I like music that takes me on a journey, and when a song of this length fails to deliver on that front, I know there's a pretty serious problem. The intro is decent, but it goes on for what feels like 10 minutes. I honestly don't feel like the song moves anywhere until 14 minutes in, and that's just way to long. Then there's the outro, which you can tell was meant to be incredibly 'epic'. I repeat, VERY UNDERWHELMING. The solo is overrated, and I'm left wanting more. Not more of the same thing, but more. I want to see Dream Theater do more with less, not less with more. And unfortunately, that is exactly what this bloated 'masterpiece' is.

Pros: Once it does get going, 14 minutes in, it's stunning. The last 10 minutes are all very quality, it's just a little too late.

DoL: 97


12. Surrounded

Here's a song that seems to, unfortunately, polarize the fan base. It seems like you either love it to death and it makes it into the top 10-15, or else it's completely left off. As a 'hit or miss' song, I'd definitely say its a hit for me. But I'm also not completely without qualms. Still, one of Dream Theaters best ballads without a doubt.

Cons: The middle section is almost mediocre, as far as the Dream Theater standard goes. It's pretty catchy, but it ultimately doesn't affect me... at all.

Pros: While the middle section drags this song down a bit, the intro and outro are phenomenal. The way it starts, and ends, in the same sublime place is incredibily effective. Kevin Moore manages to play his relatively simple part beautifully, and James LaBrie soars throughout the entire song (deserving props even for the middle section which I don't particularly care for). While Octavarium does less with more, Surrounded certainly does more with less.

DoL: 93


11. Breaking All Illusions

This is Dream Theater's return to form, showing off just how fantastically diverse progressive metal can be, while still remaining fresh as an organic peach. On the Dramatic Tour of Events, when this one came along, I found myself standing in a puddle of my own tears.

Cons: There are a couple REALLY high points in this song, and unfortunately the rest of the song almost pales in comparison. It's a little troubling when I find myself wanting to get one part of the song over with, so I can get to the amazing parts.

Pros: John Myung's return to writing lyrics seems to have worked out, and I can only hope that the trend continues on the next album. Of course, it would be a crime to not mention Petrucci's beautiful solo, often compared to the work of David Gilmour. And I don't know who this Gilmour guy is, but the comparison is an incredible compliment because this solo is awesome to the tenth degree. You guys know the rest of this story... It is a beautiful song, easily the best from this most recent album.

DoL: 95


I shall continue with the Top 10 tomorrow.

[Scorpion]

I am extremely happy that Octavarium is out of the way. Not that I would ever rate it this highly, but at least it's not in the Top 10. Seriously, every time I listen to this song I'm liking it less. That's the only DT song with which that happens to me.

The other two are very well placed, kudos for Surrounded. Such a beautiful song.

[senecadawg2]

Yeah... I was hesitant to put Octavarium as high as I did.

[SomeoneLikeHim]

Octavarium and Surrounded are both top 10 for me.

[Nekov]

Surrounded

[Unlegit]

Great update!

[Elite]

Surrounded is top 3 for me.

[Sycsa]

I honestly don't feel like the song moves anywhere until 14 minutes in

I think Jordan's Moog solo at 12:13 is by far the highlight of the song, the album and one of DT's best moments ever.

[Elite]

I honestly don't feel like the song moves anywhere until 14 minutes in

I think Jordan's Moog solo at 12:13 is by far the highlight of the song, the album and one of DT's best moments ever.

I agree and I know quite some keyboard players that agree on this too.

[BlobVanDam]

All worthy choices, although personally I don't rank BAI top 50.

[senecadawg2]

Just out of curiosity Blob, how many songs WOULD make it into your top 50?

[Another_Won]

Just out of curiosity Blob, how many songs WOULD make it into your top 50?

50? 

[Pols Voice]

It's interesting that you rank Octavarium so highly when you find over half of it very underwhelming. Did you fear the wrath of the fanboys if you had ranked it lower?

[WindMaster]

Just out of curiosity Blob, how many songs WOULD make it into your top 50?

ZERO.

[Glass Moonlight]

Good spots, Surrounded is awesome.

[senecadawg2]

It's interesting that you rank Octavarium so highly when you find over half of it very underwhelming. Did you fear the wrath of the fanboys if you had ranked it lower?

While overrated and underwhelming, it's still quite good. And the last bit is GREAT, albeit still underwhelming compared to how some people praise it.

[namgalsipsclar]

The middle section of Surrounded is most certainly not mediocre! Top 3 eaaaasily

[senecadawg2]

continuamos con tres mas canciones...

10. Take the Time

Looking through my entire list, I'm having a hard time finding a song that I would label as more 'fun' than this one. It obviously doesn't have the same effect on me that the next 9 do, but I am completely convinced that this is THE MOST fun. Everything about this song makes me want to smile and convulse rapidly all over.

Cons: There's an odd little sample thrown in there at just under 4 minutes. After sufficiently clobbering this dead horse, I don't need to explain that I don't like these samples.

Pros: Nothing is overplayed, and if you need proof I'd direct you to Petrucci's little guitar groove about 5 minutes in. Very simple, very effective, very fitting, and VERY fun. Moreover, Kevin Moore balances expert playing more tastefully than I would have thought imaginable and JLB soars effortlessly throughout the song. Also, where length is concerned, this fits perfectly. While a medium length song, it flies by, and begs to be played on repeat.

DoL: 98


9. Space-Dye Vest

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE direct yourself to the Space-Dye Vest appreciation thread now if you have not already done so. Everything in this song could not have been done better. If you've been paying any degree of attention to my write ups, than you will know that I do not like samples thrown into my music, but I've got news... These are not samples, they are absolutely necessary, and it wouldn't be worth having this song without them.

Cons: Not enough John Portrucci

Pros: The mood that this song instills is absolutamente magnifico. Kevin Moore's playing is simple, moving, poignant, and there is not a single thing he could do to improve it. And while James sounds like a completely different singer in this song, that sound is awesome; capturing the melancholy spirit perfectly.

Do you really think I need you?

DoL: 100


8. Home

This is it, my least disliked song from my least disliked album, and what a liker it is. Labeling it as orgasmic is a gross understatement of gargantuan proportions.

Cons:

Pros: Where do I begin? Perhaps with the unique Eastern vibe that kicks in immediately, and catches my attention because it is unlike anything Dream Theater has done. Or the way it encapsulates the sound of this album better than any other song/scene. Or maybe it's how 2 minutes into the song I know I'm about to lose control of the muscles keeping my head sitting straight on my neck. Or maybe its that chorus, which is so damn catchy. Perhaps its the solo that leaves this song off on a bang, or even the bang in the middle part of the song. More likely, it's just a combination of all these stellar elements that couldn't have been orchestrated more effectively.

I remember I was told there's a new love that's born
For each one that has died

DoL: 100

[Unlegit]

Take the Time and Home 

[BlobVanDam]

Take The Time would make my top 5, so that's a
Space Dye Vest would make my bottom 10 for being a droning borefest devoid of any emotion and feeling. One of the reasons I rank Awake as one of DT's weakest albums.
Home is great, but overrated.

[senecadawg2]

Space Dye Vest would make my bottom 10 for being a droning borefest devoid of any emotion and feeling.

Grow a heart

[Ben_Jamin]

Great choices.

The samples are really necessary because its like the music enhances the emotion in the samples.

[SomeoneLikeHim]

Home

[?]

Anyone who ranks Space-Dye Vest in their top 10 is an awesome person!

[BlobVanDam]

Space Dye Vest would make my bottom 10 for being a droning borefest devoid of any emotion and feeling.

Grow a heart

My heart already has actual emotional songs like Vacant and Disappear.