GasparXR's Top DT songs event!

[GasparXR]

Okay, finally, it's my turn to do my Top Dream Theater song list! I originally decided on a Top 50 list, but it proved to be too much for me to decided specific rankings for songs, having to re-listen and my tastes changing constantly. I decided that I will be doing a Top 8 Ranks of DT songs. What this means is, each Rank number has a few songs that belong to the same tier or enjoyment/quality in relation to my tastes and opinion of each song. For example, all the songs under Rank 8 take 8th place, all Rank 7 songs take seventh, et cetera. I will be having 8 ranks total, starting from 8 going up to 1, which includes a total of about 33 songs.

There are some (this could be just 1, I want to be vague ) 15+ minute songs in here, and I decided to label them as their own category, even though they belong to specific rankings. The reason for this is because I will be listening to each song when I write my feelings on each one, to try and capture the most current state of my opinion and feeling for each song, and the longer ones will have more writing naturally, so they will be posted separately after the rest of their respective ranking is posted, like a sort of special event. For reference, the 15+ minute Dream Theater songs are: A Nightmare to Remember, A Change of Seasons, Octavarium, The Count of Tuscany, In the Presence of Enemies, and Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence. I won't say how many of these actually appear on the list and where, you'll have to wait and see.

This is probably getting a bit confusing so I'll just start now.

===Rank #8===

The Dark Eternal Night [2007 -- Systematic Chaos]

Okay, so first of all, THIS SONGS KICKS MAJOR ASS. It's easily the heaviest and ballsiest song on all of Systematic Chaos, and it worked the best out of any song on the album. I like that they tried something new with Systematic Chaos, because even though I feel as though it didn't work for DT for the most part, it wasn't stale because of the fact that it was something they haven't really done before. The vocals on this song during the verses are a common point of criticism because it's not typically what you would hear from Dream Theater, but they're the best fit for this song, and out of all of MP's lead vocal parts, it's his best apart from maybe The Glass Prison. Everything about this song is fun, FUN, FUN! A blast to listen to and probably a wicked song live, I cant wait to hear the upcoming live rendition on LALP. The choruses are really melodically powerful, heavy and give breathing room for vocals, which in itself is a pretty typical DT thing to do, in comparison to the riffy verses. And then there's the instrumental section. It's one of their more unique ones for sure, with the piano breaks and jazzy breakdown, it's a fucking maniac of an instrumental breakdown. I love the sound of JM's bass during this part, it's so freaking delicious. And then of course we have the dirty riff outro with Jordan's awesome Continuum solo. Fucking dirty it is indeed, and holy fuck when I saw live footage of this song from the ADTOE tour, when Jordan pulls out his keytar and solos to the end, it blew me away. Part of my love for this song obviously comes from the live appreciation obviously, but even on the album version, it's a rollercoaster ride that never gets old and there's enough to keep me interested through each listen.

Cover My Eyes [1996 -- Falling Into Infinity Demos]

When it comes to DT's shortest songs, this is probably one of my favourites. It's a shame this didn't get onto Falling into Infinity, because it could have easily replaced You Not Me, which is an okay song, but this is WAY better. The chords and extra heaviness with JM's 6-string bass and the cool keyboard parts, the awesome vocal parts, it's a short blast of an obscure DT gem. It's very 90s, which much of FII is anyway, so it would have been a great fit on the album. I rather enjoy JP's short tasty solo as well. Not as much to say about this one other than, they should bring it back live. The acoustic rendition on 5YIALT is really cool too, with the extended instrumental parts.

I will post the remaining songs from Rank #8 in the next update!

[?]

Don't like either song, but this is Rank 8, so I'm expecting to see some great songs listed later.

[cyberdrummer]

Interesting concept. Cover My Eyes is nowhere near as good as TDEN for me.

[BlobVanDam]

TDEN is awesome. Hugely underrated.

Cover My Eyes is a pretty average pop rock tune, although I'll grant you that it is better than YNM. But that's not saying much. It does have a catchy chorus though.

[mellotron_scratch]

I quite like both songs. I don't love them, but they're certainly good songs.

[MoraWintersoul]

I like Cover My Eyes way, way more than TDEN

[GasparXR]

Don't like either song, but this is Rank 8, so I'm expecting to see some great songs listed later.

Haha, you will see some Dream Theater "classics" pretty soon. Keep in mind that even at this rank, I love these songs and have little problems with them, although that's probably obvious from the write-ups.

[GasparXR]

It's time for the rest of Rank 8!!

===Rank #8 continued===

The Ones Who Help to Set the Sun [1989 -- When Dream and Day Unite]

This one is probably a shocker to most people. In my opinion, this is one of DT's most underrated classics. A common opinion I see, whether people like the song or not, is that the majority of the song is overshadowed by the intro. I will agree with that, the intro is very awesome, and the rest of the song is not quite as awesome. The trippy guitar and bass harmonics are really cool, as well as the very Rush-inspired keyboard part. Then the song kicks into a Metallica-inspired riff overlayed with a Yes-like keyboard part. I will say the keyboard part there is kind of cheesy, but it's good. This is the only part of the song that lacks something in my opinion, including when vocals enter, because the vocal lines are kind of awkward but memorable at the same time. As the song kicks into the chorus, it gets much better, especially the main chorus ("in higher liiives") which is highly memorable and epic. Other good notes about this song are the sporadic 5/8 parts after the second chorus and the guitar solo, which has a fucking awesome ending. Charlie's vocals also kick ass more than any of his other vocals, particularly on the line "never again will be senses lose controoooool!". All in all, a misunderstood (nugg3tz) DT classic, but I wish the intro keyboard part could have been reprised somehow to connect the parts together better. It seems like this song is more flawed than the previous two, but also has redeeming factors that bump it up make it even. Another thing to mention are the lyrics. After learning from the WDADRU documentary what the song's story is, I really started appreciating them. The way JP told the story is his style of writing that I enjoy the most -- creatively crafted, but very relateable, much like Misunderstood and Take Away My Pain.

The Root of All Evil [2005 -- Octavarium]

First off, what a FANTASTIC way to start off an album! Like quite a few of their albums, the first song is a relatively short and catchy song with some moderate progressive elements, and introduces the direction of the album very well. The main riff during the first half is really catchy, same with the vocals. The chorus is just stellar, and has a somewhat U2 vibe, but heavier. The bass/keyboard/guitar section is really cool, as is the guitar solo, although it's a little quiet on the album and not one of JP's best by a long shot. The beginning and the piano outro are spectactular and, especially on Score, send chills down my spine. Can't wait to see the version on LALP with the epic ending!

The Silent Man [1994 -- Awake]

This was a surprise for DT fans back in the day, I imagine. An acoustic song? AND IT'S SHORT?! Well, it's a really beautiful song. The chords that JP picked are really interesting but melodic, and the background keyboard parts are really sweet too. I like the vocals too, but I feel like JLB was a little off-pitch on some parts. It's hard to explain why. The short but sweet guitar solo is cool too. Everything about this song is so DT but not DT at the same time. Great piece overall.

Metropolis Pt. 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper [1992 -- Images and Words]

Oh boy, I'm going to get burned at the stake for this. Of course, people will be happy it's ON the list, but not it's position. I will not argue that it's the quintessential DT song, because is it. It has what DT are best known for and is a very-well writen song. If I seen it as a DT closer for every DT show I go to, I wouldn't be upset in the least. I just don't feel it's as amazing as most people say it is. The intro is awesome how it kicks in, relatively simple compared to what's to come. It's one of those DT songs where I just can't pick out the best thing about it; the entire song is equally awesome. The vocals are amazing, the atmospheric keyboard parts are beautiful, the crazy instrumental is quirky, super technical but melodic, and well-thought out. I imagine it's fucking high-inducing to see it live when it goes into the quiet part. ("I was told...") Not much else to say other than it deserves to be "the" DT song, but they have even better works than this.

Oh, and the bass solo!


Up next is Rank #7, featuring a couple more controversial picks, a couple classics, but I will post it another day. (it will probably be split into two posts as well)

[?]

Much better picks than last time around! TOWHTSTS is criminally underrated.

[Ruba]

Good stuff. And I like your write-ups.

[GasparXR]

Good stuff. And I like your write-ups.

Thank you! I imagine they'll only get better and more filled with ecstatic appraisal as the list goes on. 

[Ruba]

Good stuff. And I like your write-ups.

Thank you! I imagine they'll only get better and more filled with ecstatic appraisal as the list goes on. 

Yeah, if you praise the rank #8 songs this much, I'd really like to see what do you think about your rank #1 songs. 

But then again, you said the list will have about 33 songs, and if I think about my own top 50 list and it's 33 best songs, well, I understand.

[Lolzeez]

Loving your write-ups! Also love The Silent Man. 

[lyfeternl]

Up next is Rank #7, featuring a couple more controversial picks, a couple classics, but I will post it another day. (it will probably be split into two posts as well)

Nuggets!

[GasparXR]

Up next is Rank #7, featuring a couple more controversial picks, a couple classics, but I will post it another day. (it will probably be split into two posts as well)

Nuggets!

[BlobVanDam]

I don't consider The Ones To Help To Set The Sun to be either underrated or classic.


But the rest are excellent picks!

[DebraKadabra]

TDEN is awesome. Hugely underrated.

Indeedy.

[GasparXR]

===Rank #7===

Under a Glass Moon [1992 -- Images and Words]

This is an example of a song that works pretty  much anywhere in a live set: As an opener, after the mandatory JLB speech, or as an encore. Part of the reason is because of its status as a song from Images and Words which has DT fans everywhere going giddy whenever the album is mentioned.

Anyway, most of the song is easy to follow and doesn't use a whole lot of time changing, just some 6 in the verses and 4 for everything else until the instrumental section, which is a really groovy and jazzy section. The guitar solo is also one of my favourites of all time from ANY guitarist. It's SO very jazzy, something we haven't seen from JP after the 90s until ADTOE on Lost Not Forgotten and to a lesser degree, Breaking All Illusions. It's just SO creamy and exquisite. One of those solos that I MUST see live before my frail human construct withers away. The guitar solo practically MAKES this song for me, even though the rest of the song is really good as well. The bass lines during the solo are really fusion-inspired as well and are wicked. Great vocals from JLB as always, especially the final chorus. His performance on Score is amazing, and the screams he did on the ADTOE tour are mindfuckingblowing.

Wither [2009 -- Black Clouds & Silver Linings]

Another underrated song. It's definitely simple for DT, which is fine, because they're just as good at writing simple songs as they are at complex ones. The haunting baritone guitar at the beginning is awesome. JP's expression in the chords during the pre-chorus, as well as his magnificent solo is top, not to mention his guitar tone, like the rest of this album. I also really enjoy JR's usage of his Omnisphere patches in this song, it really brings this song to life and is beautifully executed. The vocal melodies are also really awesome, I would argue JLB's best vocals on the album besides parts of ANTR and TSF. The piano version on the Wither EP is also really awesome in a different way.

Rank #7 will be continued in the next two updates!

[Lucien]

Wither is better than Metropolis lol

[?]

UAGM is a classic and I like Wither, although it didn't make it to my top 50. The song hasn't been the same to me after hearing the mash-ups, though

[GasparXR]

Wither is better than Metropolis lol

It is, not by a whole lot though.

[DebraKadabra]

UaGM!!!

While I agree that Wither is underrated, IMO it does NOT surpass the beast and beauty that is Metropolis Pt. 1.

[BlobVanDam]

UaGM!!!

While I agree that Wither is underrated, IMO is does NOT surpass the beast and beauty that is Metropolis Pt. 1.

This.
Wither is a great little song, but I wouldn't put it above Metropolis. But they're both good choices anyway.

[GasparXR]

===Rank #7 continued===

Another Day [1992 -- Images and Words]

This is probably the first truly beautiful song DT has written, besides To Live Forever which didn't appear on any studio albums. Anyhow, once I got familiar with this song, my love for it just kept growing. For some reason, the key of G# minor or B major has produced some of DT's best works, like this, TCOT, and FF just to name a few. It's hard to comment on each individual part because it's a shorter song, but all I have to say is THE VOCALS. WHAT THE FUCK JAMES. YOU ROCK. Also, the sex is saxy, and JP lets loose another creamy guitar solo. Awesome song. At one point it was my favourite song on the album, although another has taken it's place and killed passion's grace.

Take Away My Pain [1997 -- Falling Into Infinity]

Another really underrated song. I didn't care for it much at first, like much of FII, but I grew to enjoy it's relative simplicity. The atmosphere in the verses at JLB's vocals during the choruses would be the thing to make this song for me, but then the bridge changes key craftily, and then BAM GUITAR SOLO. It's definitely a JP highlight for me. It combines melodic genius with some technical prowess which JP has shown on many occassions like the LaB Hollow Years solo, and solos like the ones in LitS and BAI. A really sweet song, and a blast to play with just acoustic guitar and vocals.

A Fortune in Lies [1989 -- When Dream and Day Unite]

WHAT A FUCKING PERFECT WAY TO START AN ALBUM! And the first DT album at that. This is one of the few WDADU songs that is generally loved by a good portion of the fanbase, and it sure as hell deserves it. It really has a lot of energy and it well-introduces what DT is all about. The thrashy breakdown section is really awesome and Charlie's vocals are great on this song. LaBrie of course KILLS this song however and just takes it too a new level entirely. I can't wait for the LaLP version. The lyrics are interesting as well, and it paves the way for some of DT's greatest lyrics with the same finesse and relatability. One of the earliest DT classics for sure.

Two more songs left for this rank and then it will be time to move on to better things!

[Lucien]

===Rank #7 continued===

Another Day [1992 -- Images and Words]

This is probably the first truly beautiful song DT has written, besides To Live Forever which didn't appear on any studio albums. Anyhow, once I got familiar with this song, my love for it just kept growing. For some reason, the key of G# minor or B major has produced some of DT's best works, like this, TCOT, and FF just to name a few. It's hard to comment on each individual part because it's a shorter song, but all I have to say is THE VOCALS. WHAT THE FUCK JAMES. YOU ROCK. Also, the sex is saxy, and JP lets loose another creamy guitar solo. Awesome song. At one point it was my favourite song on the album, although another has taken it's place and killed passion's grace.

Lolwut

[Shadow Ninja 2.0]

Nothing saxier than sex.

[mellotron_scratch]

I personally prefer Another Day to the other two songs, but they're all good. And yes, I love saxy sex too.

[GasparXR]

Sorry for the short hiatus there, I procrastinated a bit and lost track of time.

===Rank #7 continued again!===

Disappear [2002 -- Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence]

This is one of DT's most chilling songs. The trippy keyboard/guitar parts, the emotional piano and vocal performances, it's all blended together so well that it's hard to describe each section of the piece. I will say that when the final bridge/verse, with the drum fill entering and the key change, it's SO amazing! It works really well as a closer for Disc 1 of SDOIT as well. Like every song on the album, it gives off an experimental vibe which is present throughout the whole album, but it has it's own very unique identity. Being the ballad, it automatically differs from the previous 4 tracks which are all heavy but dynamic, charged with energy, and influenced by alternative rock/metal to different degrees. Overall, a fantastic song, but it's still my least favourite from the album.

The Spirit Carries On [1999 -- Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes From a Memory]

This is obviously one of those quintessential DT songs, and a staple at live performances ever since it was released, much like Pull Me Under and Metropolis Pt. 1. Personally, I didn't really grow my full appreciation for this song until I saw the live performances on LSNFY and Score, especially the Score one. It can literally bring tears to my eyes, because the chords/melodies are so beautiful, and beautifully executed at that. The way the vocals enter so quietly at the beginning, and how it just keeps growing. My favourite part is the guitar solo, it's just so awesome and Gilmour-inspired. Even the background chords are really Floydish, implying different keys as the chords changed, and it's things like that that really make a ballad more than it seems and more interesting than just plain old chord progressions that offer all-too-predictable melodies for solos and vocals. Great song!

Since there's only two songs in this post and it's been a week since the last post, I'll also share my experience with this song the first time I listened to the album. I had already heard TSCO from the Greatest Hits collection, and I didn't really enjoy it, but I listened to it enough that I could recognize the theme. Once the chords started playing in Regression, it automatically locked me into the album since there was something I already recognized. Once I made it to this song, hearing the final verse which directly references the lyrics of Regression, I was blown away with a great feeling of strange deja vu. AND THEN FINALLY FREE BLEW MY FUCKING BALLS OFF WHEN THE HEAVY PART CAME IN OMG but that's a later story.


Alright guys! Rank #6 is up next!

[BlobVanDam]

Great picks. Disappear always gives me chills too, once it hits that end section.

[Shadow Ninja 2.0]

Huh. Didn't catch this thread earlier. Anyway, love both those songs. I only recently started to appreciate Disappear, though.

Looking forward to the rest!

[GasparXR]

===Rank #6===

Beneath the Surface [2011 -- A Dramatic Turn of Events]

This is one of the most unique songs on ADTOE, let alone the entire DT discography. It definitely is a breather in that it offered a different album closing experience than most of their albums which ended with an epic statement, and it literally breathes with atmosphere and beautiful melodies. Once the retro keyboard solo kicks in, it REALLY gives off lots of positive energy and just lifts me off the ground. And then JLB's plus-octave vocals in the final chorus really end the album in a powerful moment. Absolutely GREAT song, and I would love to see it live.

To Live Forever [1994 -- Awake sessions]

As the band themselves have stated, it has a great U2 vibe to it. What I really love about this song is how short it is, and simple-sounding, but it's actually a lot more melodically complex than it seems. The chords that DT chose are phenomenal, and the vocal lines are very well thought out. KM's atmospheric work, the bass parts and the guitar solo are all fantastic. That's all I can really say about this song.

Two more posts for this rank coming up soon!

[Shadow Ninja 2.0]

for Beneath The Surface. I love that song.

[BlobVanDam]

BTS would be among my least favourite DT songs. DT's recent major key songs don't do much for me, and the pitch correction bothers me too much.
To Live Forever is pretty good, but the U2 vibe detracts from it slightly for me.

Interesting choices!

[?]

Both songs are in my top 30 and I especially love BTS

[GasparXR]

===Rank #6 continued===

Afterlife [1989 -- When Dream and Day Unite]

Easily the best-written of the songs from WDADU. The album version is really good and Charlie does it great justice, but the Score version is what made me really appreciate this one. The guitar solos are VERY memorable, as are the vocals. Charlie's lyrics are well-phrased and interesting. The structure of the song is comparable to Pull Me Under in that there are two verses before the chorus enters. (and it also ends suddenly on the album version ) And then there's the unison section. It's wonderful and definitely sets the bar for future DT unisons.Anyhow, JLB FUCKING SLAYS THIS SONG ON SCORE. OH EM GEE. The last chorus when he sings: "Will the day have no night in the afterliiiii-iiiife!!" Totally blows me away every time. Amazing song.

Scarred [1994 -- Awake]







































hi blob (:

Now that the most important piece of information in the review of this song has been taken care of, let me tell you this song kicks some major ass and is a very unique song in the DT catalogue, especially with the opening bluesy bass lines and guitar solo. I just really want to see this song live because it already sends chills down my spine as it is! The harmonic structure in this song just captivates me to no end. The dynamic changing of section to section is amazing, which shows off JLB's range of volume and pitch better than most DT songs (which a good amount of them do). The building bridge before the second chorus is deliciously delicious on SO many exponential levels to the power of x! It's so good that the only way I could describe was to make a joke about exponents three times in the same sentence, followed by NOT explaining what joke I made. I guess I failed!

The guitar solo towards the end is fee-nominal folks!! SO incredibly tasty and melodic but technical! ENERGY! POWAH!! The only other song that even comes close to having the same vibe as this song is Lines in the Sand, which still very much has its own identity. You can tell we're getting into the ludicrously awesome territory of DT songs.

One last post for Rank #6!