I have a feeling most people will love it, but I'm curious to see what everyone's initial thoughts are on the album. Personally, I'm a bit disappointed, but maybe it just hasn't clicked with me yet. It just seems less memorable and interesting than previous releases. But there's still a long way to go before I'm completely acquainted with the album.
Disappointed unfortunately. I am glad others like it and I wish I did too. I like what they tried to do. I have been wanted them to go back to the Awake or even Falling to Infinity formula for a while. Catchy quality songs with great instrumental moments rather than the SC way of throwing in a long solo just for the sake of it.
I do like the album but for me it is one of Dream Theater's weakest efforts song wise. (A below average DT album is still great compared to other music out there)
Song impressions
False AS - Reminds me of Overture form Six Degrees. Fine as an intro piece.
The Enemy Inside - The Heavy Track (like The Glass Prison of Six Degrees) or The Root of All Evil from Octavarium. Solid song but far from Dream Theater's best.
The Looking Glass - Up beat and reminds me of Don't Look Past Me from Cleaning out the Closet. It is an OK song that ends abruptly and leaves a weird taste. I actually like Don't Look Past Me better personally.
Enigma Machine - They play their instruments great on the song but it is not very catchy or memorable. I wish they would stop doing instrumentals on albums honestly. They have enough going on in their songs that they don't need to waste the album space unless the instrumental is simply amazing. I will probably end up skipping this one. Sounds like something they would throw in the middle of a song to needlessly stretch it out on something like the SC album. Rather would have had a song here with vocals to make the album feel more complete.
The Bigger Picture - Best song on the album so far for me. Nice melodic song with a lot going on. I actually felt something in this song. I love when JP can convey emotion through his guitar (like the soft section in Lines in the Sand)
Behind the Veil - Something is off for me. I lose interest part way through the song. I think I will like it better with more listens but as of now it is not memorable to me. I feel like I should like it though.
Surrender to Reason - Another one that I think I will like better on repeated listens. Still not clicking with me though. Thought I would like it better after reading some of the comments.
Along for the Ride - 2nd best track on the album but I still like the ADTOEs ballads better. This Is The Life, Far From Heaven, and Beneath The Surface are more heart felt and are more catchy to me.
IT - Think I will like it better after repeated listens but am disappointed. The song feels like different songs spliced together and doesn't flow as well as epics like Octavarium and A Change of Seasons. Something feels off about the flow. I like some of Jame's vocal moments. He did a great job singing on this one....the melody just doesn't click with me though.
Like I said. I hope I like it a lot more after repeated listens but I think it is one of their weakest albums so far.
I realize that there is quality on the album but for me the songs didn't grab me. Most just aren't catchy, memorable, or pleasing to my ears.
Still a huge fan and will buy whatever they put out and I commend them for their attempt. Glad others enjoy it.
As of now after 3 listens I would rank it next to the bottom in album rankings. Hope this changes.
Images
Scenes
Awake
Falling
Six Degrees
Octavarium (had a few clunkers but had catchy and memorable songs on it with some great melodies)
ADTOE
Cleaning out the Closet (I count this as a release because it has great quality stuff on it)
A Change of Seasons (love the song....if it had more songs on it I would rate this EP higher)
Black Clouds
SC
ToT
DT (Self Titled)
WDADU (loved the actual songs but can't get past Charlie's voice)