This has been an interesting and even inspirational conversation about opinions. I'm happy to read JPX process his negative feelings toward the album and have noticed an ever so slight slide up. Even if his reasons makes me shake my head.
What I think may be helpful to those who post is not to stake a position where it's Dream Theater's "fault". That is off putting in both directions I think. Lets face it, we feel the way we feel because of the sum of our experiences and the place we're in at the moment. Prog music has always been that way and thus not as popular as other genres. If your not receptive to the concept it will just sound busy. It's not that it's bad music or that everyone who enjoys it is daft it's more about you (the listener not JPX specifically). Hey, if this were easy, DT would be the richest band in the world!
I appreciate those who have been understanding of my thoughts. As you can appreciate, it has been difficult for me not to enjoy this album as much as I had hoped. Rest assured however that my feeling towards DT have not changed in the least. They created a piece of work that they are proud of and just because I don't love it doesn't change the fact that they have done more for me as a person than I can even put into words.
So....to celebrate this and focus on the positives, these are passages I love from DT12.
The Enemy Inside
- I think they did an awesome job with the verses - really cool vocal lines over PMU type chords.
- Jordan's lead after the first chorus - great when JP mirrors it later too
The Looking Glass
- The Rush references are obvious, but I get an About to Crash feel whenever I hear the intro.
- The verses are refreshing and really enjoyable - they are a perfect vehicle for JLB's sweet spot.
- The solo - how can you not love it as a FII throw back.
The Bigger Picture
- The first heavy verse. Love the instrumentation and JLB's vocals here.
- JP's bridge lead - to me this typifies how amazing he truly is. Very few guitarists can write such simple yet emotional lines.
Behind The Veil
- The chorus is really good, love the hook that JP plays behind it
- The bridge - OK this is amazing - I&W-ish and a great way to lead into the solo
- The solo - his best on the record. I love when the feel changes.
Surrender To Reason
- Another beautiful bridge lead form JP. Reminds me of These Walls. So tasteful and simple.
- The choir passage after the bridge. I think this my favorite part of the whole album