#05 - A Dramatic Turn of Events (My Ranking: #12)
When Mangini was announced as the new DT drummer, I was anticipating the first song we'd get to hear with him. On The Backs of Angels is one of Dream Theaters better singles and is very deserving of that Grammy nomination. I'm one that can understand the similarities to I&W in the structure of the songs, and I do not perceive it as something that hinders my enjoyment of the album, I actually prefer if the band utilizes past works as influences for new songs. In the case of OTBOA, I really enjoy the structure it has and how it's performed.
Mangini's contributions here, while not really having any contributions to the compositions, does show his skills and what he can offer to the overall Dream Theater sound. The problem for this album, and a major reason for it being ranked low, is the mixing and production. The cymbals are a bit too low, as well as some of JR's keys. JR's keyboards really shine when these songs are played live, along with Mangini's cymbals, and that has made me enjoy OTBOA more because it does sound better on the live releases, particularly Breaking The Fourth Wall.
There are also some songs I'm not into much and those are BMU,BMD and LNF. I just can't get into them, but they're not bad songs either. LNF has a great piano intro, but I think it's the flow, and groove of the song. But, It's one I will still listen to if it comes on, because the band is grooving and JLB has great vocals as well.
ADTOE is a great follow-up to BC&SL, and If true, I do enjoy the similarities to I&W, even if they are only in song structure.
Favorite: This is The Life
Least: Build Me Up, Break Me Down
Ranking:
15. When Dream And Day Unite
14. Falling Into Infinity
13. Black Clouds and Silver Linings
12. A Dramatic Turn of Events
11. Dream Theater
10. Train of Thought
9. Systematic Chaos
8. Distance Over Time
7.
6.
5. A View From The Top Of The World
4.
3. Octavarium
2. The Astonishing
1.