Senecadawg's Top 50 Least Disliked DT Songs

[BlobVanDam]

OAMOT and LSOAD would make my DT bottom 10. A Fortune in Lies is one of the few half decent moments of WDADU, and BTL and LNF would be among my favourites from their respective albums.

[Nekov]

I love it when people show respect for WDADU 

LSOAD should be way higher

[senecadawg2]

Agreed, WDADU is often unfairly ignored.

[Unlegit]

Good update!

[BlobVanDam]

Agreed, WDADU is often unfairly ignored.

That's not true.




It's usually very fairly ignored.

[Dream Team]

All among my favorite DT tracks with the exception of AFIL which "Lies" somewhere in the middle.

[senecadawg2]

yo yo yo! As I've been doing an update per day, I will add another one now! If I continue at this pace, we'll be done pretty fast.


30. The Spirit Carries On

A solid ballad which manages to stay at a consistently high point throughout it's duration. Never reaching the heights of some other Dream Theatre songs, it is still solid throughout and never bad to the point of making me want to remove my ears (as is the case with Constant Motion).

Cons: The lyrics, in the spirit of SFAM, are incredibly cheesy. However, with that being said, Portrucci's got one of his best solos in here, and the rest of the 'band' sounds decent. Overall, I'm surprised at this songs ability to make me almost smile.

DoD: 65


29. Hollow Years

This is the first Dream Theatre song I ever heard (the L@B version), and I'll admit that it immediately stole my heart. Without this stepping stone into the land of Dream Theatre, I never would have been lucky enough to listen to their discography in full, and consequently never would have found my way to this forum. So while my feelings on this song may be a bit biased, I also truly believe that this song deserves this spot, and it hurts to not be able to put it higher.

Cons: The two verses are practically the same, so by the time I find myself moving into the second I'm just waiting to get it over with so as to move on to the guitar solo (which is, by the way, my favorite of JP's simpler attempts). Also, while the studio version is fine, I can't help thinking of the live rendition every time it comes on and am often left disappointed at what could have been.

DoD: 60


28. Voices

I know I poked fun at the lyrics on here a couple updates back, but I can't deny they are one of Portrucci's better efforts. This also does an excellent job of capturing the raw and aggressive sound of Awake, as well as the darker mood. However, I have mixed feelings about this song because while it does a great job of capturing that sound, I'm not always sure how much I like it.

Cons: It's a dark, moody, and very mood-dependent song. Which isn't so bad, but it has prevented me from listening to this song as much as most of Dream Theatre's. Of course, it's also got some odd samples thrown in, and you already know how I feel about those.

DoD: 62


27. Another Day

Among Dream Theatre's most unique songs is Another Day, showcasing the band members in some of their finest moments. While Voices is dark and brooding, this provides a lighter contrast. I've also realized that this is only the second song from I&W on my list (and perhaps also the last one to make the list).

Pro: Cue 2:57... one of James LaBree's most 'wow' moments ever. Also, who knew Porntoy played the sax?

Cons: I'm drawing a blank on this one. I know I dislike something about it... really JUST on the tip of my tongue. arggg

DoD: 55


26. As I Am

While I've heard many claim The Glass Prison to be the best Dream Theatre has to offer on the heavier, metal, side of things, I've rarely seen the same claim made for As I Am. Maybe I've been looking in the wrong places, but I can't help thinking that this is one of Dream Theatre's most under appreciated songs. To all the haters out there, wake up and smell the coffee! This one rocks.

Pros: While I consider the subject matter from whence the lyrics were drawn to be very petty, they are also quite easy for me to relate to. Also, Pertrucci wanks better than ever on this solo.

Degree of Like (from 0 to 100; where 100=love): 50



And there you have it! The first half of my list is now complete. For those of you keeping score, here is what we've established so far:

50. A Nightmare to Remember
49. This is the Life
48. Hell's Kitchen
47. One Last Time
46. The Glass Prison
45. Through Her Eyes
44. On the Backs of Angels
43. The Silent Man
42. Anna Lee
41. Innocence Faded
40. Wait for Sleep
39. The Best of Times
38. Beneath the Surface
37. 6:00
36. The Great Debate
35. Lost Not Forgotten
34. Only a Matter of Time
33. A Fortune in Lies
32. Lifting Shadows Off a Dream
31. Beyond This Life
30. The Spirit Carries On
29. Hollow Years
28. Voices
27. Another Day
26. As I Am

[DebraKadabra]

As I Am is CRIMINALLY underrated.  IMO, of course.

[Unlegit]

Good batch here, except for As I Am.

[BlobVanDam]

As I Am is CRIMINALLY underrated.  IMO, of course.

Agreed. An excellent metal song for DT. All good choices too.

[?]

As I Am above Voices? I mean, it's good, but not even close to the excellence of Voices.

[wasteland]

As I Am above Voices? I mean, it's good, but not even close to the excellence of Voices.

Yes, it doesn't even make my top 50 and I was extremely happy to miss it in Milan last year 

[?]

As I Am above Voices? I mean, it's good, but not even close to the excellence of Voices.

Yes, it doesn't even make my top 50 and I was extremely happy to miss it in Milan last year 

In Helsinki 2009 you would've gotten both. Damn, I truly need to correct the mistake of never seeing DT live! Hopefully the setlists on the next tour will be great...

[senecadawg2]

As I Am never beats anything but the bush, and I appreciate that. Short, to the point, and well executed.

[iamtheeviltwin]

I dig As I Am, it is a solid track that rocks hard.

[senecadawg2]

DAILY UPDATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!




25. Finally Free

Now, obviously the first couple minutes offer very little music, as they are inserted for the sole purpose of beginning to draw SFAM to a close conceptually. However, once the music does get going, especially at 2:49, it does not disappoint. It really is a good closer to my least disliked album, and besides a couple small issues, it deserves all the praise it traditionally receives.

Cons: At about 4 minutes, the song takes a turn for the worst. Now I realize that this is unavoidable within the context of the concept album, but it also detracts from the song's ability to stand alone. The same can be said for the beginning and end.

Pros: Everyone really sounds fantastic in this song. Pertrucci doesn't overplay anything, LaBree doesn't overstep his bounds, and everyone else fills in appropriately.

DoL: 60


24. Blind Faith

Another generally well liked song comes in at 24, this time from Dream Theatre's Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence. Often accepted as Dream Theatre's most experimental album, and rightfully so, is SDOIT. It was one of the last Dream Theatre albums I purchased, and consequently haven't had quite as much time to let it mature. And to be honest, this particular song was one of my least favorites on the album when I first got it. Thankfully, it has been quite a grower, and now holds a solid position among my favorite Dream Theatre songs.

Cons: While it showcases some lovely bits, namely Rudes's piano solo, the instrumental section lingers a touch too long.

Pros: Being more experimental, Blind Faith really stands out among Dream Theatre's more recent efforts. It's also got a very unique mood to it, which I might describe as 'airy'. It seems to permeate the entire album, but its never more noticeable than in Blind Faith.

DoL: 58


23. Peruvian Skies

Among Falling Into Infinity's most fun songs is Peruvian Skies. Clocking in at just under 7 minutes, this song manages to sway between monstrous and morose melancholy with great ease. A song I hope to someday be able to hear live.

Cons: I have nothing bad to say about this song 

Pros: As I already mentioned, the smooth transition between light and heavy is handled fantastically. Pertrucci's solo is tasteful and not overbearing. Finally, the intro riff is among my favorites and gets this song off to a great start.

DoL: 57


22. Scene II: Overture 1928 & Strange Deja Vu

By itself, Overture 1928 is my favorite Dream Theatre instrumental. However, sticking Strange Deja Vu on the end of it really helps it blossom. I don't often combine tracks, even for SFAM (as you may have noticed with One Last Time not being connected to ADOE), but in this case I cannot help it. Ignoring Regression, as it offers little musically, this is my favorite Dream Theatre album opener.

Cons: The playing, particularly in Overture 1928, does begin to verge into the realm of technical wankery, and that's always a bit of a turnoff for me.

Pros: I can excuse the above, because while a bit on the showy side, it's also really fun. It's also worth mentioning that Strange Deja Vu, lyrically, does an awesome job of setting the scene for the rest of the album, drawing me into the dark, mysterious, world every time I hear this song.

DoL: 65


21. Under a Glass Moon

Here we are, back to Dream Theatre's magnum opus (if not entirely their masterpiece, the title can at least be shared with SFAM). I found Under a Glass Moon particularly hard to rank, because I often forget just how good it is. Not the first song that comes to mind when I think I&W, nor the second, or third, I often catch it flying under the radar. Still, an undeniable hit.

Cons: Is the guitar solo good? Yes, it really is. Is it also overrated? Yes, vastly so. And just as the solo is overrated, so too is the rest of the song. Because within the context of the entire album, it really is pretty pedestrian.

Pros: James LaBrie absolutely soars throughout the album, and this particular song does a good job of showcasing it. It's difficult to leave this out of the top 20, because I feel that it deserves that kind of recognition. But so do the next 20 songs, and I like them more.

DoL: 68

[DebraKadabra]

Nothing wrong there, except for UaGM possibly being a bit too low.

[Rattlehead]

Great batch of songs and good write-ups  I like how you took a different approach to making your list than anyone else, it makes it a lot more interesting to follow.

[Unlegit]

Amazing update!

[BlobVanDam]

Great update. All good songs, although I'd place BF higher. And why do I have to say this every time..........







OVERTURE 1928 AND STRANGE DEJA VU ARE NOT ONE F'ING SONG.

[The Letter M]

Great update. All good songs, although I'd place BF higher. And why do I have to say this every time..........







OVERTURE 1928 AND STRANGE DEJA VU ARE NOT ONE F'ING SONG.

Tell that to the back of the album's case (which lists the Scene's track times, not the individual tracks' times):


9 Scenes, 9 Track times...I wonder whose idea THAT was...

-Marc.

[BlobVanDam]

"Scene" =/= song.

[The Letter M]

Track =/= Song

-Marc.

[BlobVanDam]

I never said a track is always a song, but scenes are most definitely not songs. I can't say I've ever seen anybody call TDOE/OLT one song. A "scene" is about as much a song as a suite. Less so, I'd say, actually.

[The Letter M]

Fair enough - I was just pointing it out for the sake of doing so. I wasn't really trying to start a debate, let alone a great one.

All that aside, there MUST have been some reason for listing the Scene track times and not the individual track's track times on the back cover, right? I don't think it has ever been addressed by anyone in the band, and if it has, I've never heard/read the response.

-Marc.

[BlobVanDam]

Fair enough - I was just pointing it out for the sake of doing so. I wasn't really trying to start a debate, let alone a great one.

All that aside, there MUST have been some reason for listing the Scene track times and not the individual track's track times on the back cover, right? I don't think it has ever been addressed by anyone in the band, and if it has, I've never heard/read the response.

-Marc.

I don't know about scenes in terms of the story, but musically they obviously go together, so I don't question that. But they're still individual songs, just as The Mirror / Lie are despite running into each other.
I personally think they listed them as scenes to be more like a play/story, or just to be more proggy since it's a concept album.

[The Letter M]

Fair enough - I was just pointing it out for the sake of doing so. I wasn't really trying to start a debate, let alone a great one.

All that aside, there MUST have been some reason for listing the Scene track times and not the individual track's track times on the back cover, right? I don't think it has ever been addressed by anyone in the band, and if it has, I've never heard/read the response.

-Marc.

I don't know about scenes in terms of the story, but musically they obviously go together, so I don't question that. But they're still individual songs, just as The Mirror / Lie are despite running into each other.
I personally think they listed them as scenes to be more like a play/story, or just to be more proggy since it's a concept album.

All pretty true, but because it IS a concept album, the pairings make more sense than say, "The Mirror/Lie" or "A Mind Beside Itself". It's less that and more "Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence", which is listed with one track time it's album's back cover.

Then again, I don't think "Overture 1928" has EVER been played without "Strange Deja Vu" following it, however the latter has been played without the former (as evidenced on the Bucharest DVD). Likewise, I don't think "Through My Words" has ever been played without "Fatal Tragedy" following it, but I think FT has been played without TMW before (but I could be wrong on that one).

Conversely, "One Last Time" has never been played live without "The Dance Of Eternity" preceding it, but TDOE has been played live without OLT following it, but only about a dozen times.

So it seems that, for half of these, they're usually played together in pairs as a whole scene.

-Marc.

[BlobVanDam]

All good points, and as I said, they obviously do go together, but to me that doesn't make them one song in any of those cases. Since they do flow into each other though, it wouldn't make much sense to play Overture 1928 and just end at the chords, or to just play the one minute piano piece of TMW without going into Fatal Tragedy. They go together nicely to the point where you'd just be blue-balling the crowd to only play one without the other. But I felt the same way when DT played Erotomania / Voices without finishing off with The Silent Man, because they're a suite, and they form a larger whole.

Songs can have a strong connection and go together dependantly without being one song. I view it more like a suite, or whatever you want to call The Mirror / Lie (a pairing?). I'm not disputing the obvious connection there, but I don't consider that connection one that binds them as a song.

It's semantics really, but I just feel like grouping them together is a bit of a cheat in these top 50 threads, because they are awesome together (that whole run that kicks off SFAM is amazing, plain and simple), but they're not one song imo.

[?]

Blob probably won't like my list that much, as in addition to many of his least favorite songs there will be some song groupings!

[LieLowTheWantedMan]

27. Another Day
Cons: I'm drawing a blank on this one. I know I dislike something about it... really JUST on the tip of my tongue. arggg

How about the fact it exists?

[Sycsa]

3 of these are top 10, even pushing top 5 for me. Gonna be an interesting finish.

[Ben_Jamin]

Fair enough - I was just pointing it out for the sake of doing so. I wasn't really trying to start a debate, let alone a great one.

All that aside, there MUST have been some reason for listing the Scene track times and not the individual track's track times on the back cover, right? I don't think it has ever been addressed by anyone in the band, and if it has, I've never heard/read the response.

-Marc.

Either way I listen to them as Scenes since they do transition, ive have it so each scene is one track

[The Letter M]

Fair enough - I was just pointing it out for the sake of doing so. I wasn't really trying to start a debate, let alone a great one.

All that aside, there MUST have been some reason for listing the Scene track times and not the individual track's track times on the back cover, right? I don't think it has ever been addressed by anyone in the band, and if it has, I've never heard/read the response.

-Marc.

Either way I listen to them as Scenes since they do transition, ive have it so each scene is one track

I listen to them as halves of Acts:
Act I, Part 1 (Regression -> Fatal Tragedy) - 19:22
Act I, Part 2 (Beyond This Life/Through her Eyes) - 17:26
Act II, Part 1 (Home -> One Last Time) - 23:00
Act II, Part 2 (The Spirit Carries On/Finally Free) - 19:21

I also used the complete Bottrill mixes, tweaked and remixed (with added hypnotherapist vocals not present in the Making Of SFAM album's release of the Bottrill mixes).

-Marc.

[senecadawg2]

Let us now proceed into the top 20! The number of songs per update are going to start shrinking now.


20. Endless Sacrifice

I'm not going to beat around the bush; this song is soooo underrated. Train of Thought is a middle of the pack Dream Theatre album for me, but this song most certainly is NOT middle of the pack. It's got a great flow to it, moving between heavy aggression and a cold solitary mood. The emptiness inside, is growing deeper still...

Cons: The instrumental section is just a TOUCH too long and excessive.

Pros: This is was Dream Theatre is all about. This song truly reflects the expertly combined use of heavier traditional metal elements and their more progressive rock roots.

DoL: 70


19. Bridges in the Sky

I definitely found it most difficult to rank songs from ADTOE when I sat down to compile my list. Being so new and fresh, many of the songs probably got a bit of a bump, and will eventually slide down in rank over time. This is the exception, because to be honest, as of right now I see this one going nowhere but up. Ever since hearing it open up my first live Dream Theatre experience I've been seriously infatuated with this tune.

Pros: From the very beginning, with the shaman belting out whatever the hell he is belting out, you can tell that this is going to be an interesting one. After this short intro, the song kicks into a higher gear and basically just continues its upward climb until the end of the song. The climax, as far as I can tell, with just under 1.5 minutes left in the song, surely deserves a place in the discussion for the best moment in the album. This song is so dadgum fun.

DoL: 74


18. In The Name of God

While I would label Endless Sacrifice as being the most unfairly under appreciated song from Train of Thought, I would further label this song as being deserving of 'best song' title on the album. It really is a monster, grabbing the listener early, and imposing its will for a solid 14 minutes.

Cons: The instrumental section, like much of Train of Thought, loses its soul at times and verges on a sort of heartless robotic playing.

Pros: James LaBrie absolutely soars throughout the entire song, and the vocal melodies allow him to show off his range in a very impressive manner. Of course, Petrucci also inserts one of his most 'epic' solos of all time, and it leaves me with nothing but shivers. 

DoL: 79


17. The Killing Hand

Only a Matter of Time deserves some recognition, and A Fortune In Lies a little bit more, but this is by far the best track from WDADU. Unfortunately it's often ignored due to the issues surrounding the album as a whole, and that's a travesty.

Cons: I know I'm beating a dead horse, but the production really takes away from this song's potential. With the same sound as say Falling Into Infinity, or SDOIT, this song would surely make it into my top 10, maybe even top 7.

Pros: You can tell straight off the bat, as the intro comes to a stylish close and the drums kick in, that this is going to be a ride. And once established, the mood never lets go. The texture of the instrumentation, Dominatei's singing, and eventually Petrucci's solo all suggest an adventure of epic proportions. Hardly the length of their later epics (Octavarium), this early attempt succeeds in feeling more epic, in less time. This song is superb, and I'd really love to be able to put it in my top 10.

DoL: 90

16-14 tomorrow!

[BlobVanDam]

I've always thought Endless Sacrifice was kind of average, TKH is quite good on Marquee (although laughable on the album), and BITS and ITNOG are excellent choices.