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Dream Theater => Dream Theater => Topic started by: Vajra on September 13, 2011, 06:09:43 PM

Title: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: Vajra on September 13, 2011, 06:09:43 PM
According to the "What is your favorite song off the new album" thread, BITS is the second most popular song off the album. I'm in the same boat, this one is my second favorite as well. I'd go as far as to say it's one of the best songs DT has ever written. A totally fresh and unique intro, one of the most brutal main riffs I've ever heard, an absolutely stunning chorus, and fantastic/unique lyrics by JP.

Ya did good BITS, ya did good.  :tup

Can't wait to hear this live!  :metal

PS: Keep the discussion of the Shaman's throat singing out of the thread for god's sake lol. You can discuss that in the following thread specifically for it!

https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=27615.0

Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metrovarium on September 13, 2011, 06:12:31 PM
It's the best heavy song since The Glass Prison. And the chorus is one of the highlights of the album.  :metal
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: Heretic on September 13, 2011, 06:13:41 PM
This song is absolutely glorious. From the Gregorian choirs, the soaring melodies, the "Shaman take my hand" part, or even the throat singing, everything about this song just blows me away. Definitely one of the best of the album.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: gm5k on September 13, 2011, 06:14:53 PM
Best chorus on the album...It would be my favorite song on the album if I liked the instrumental section a little more.  I LOVE the instrumental parts before and after JP/JRs' solos...but I think the solos themselves don't quite do the song justice.  Still my 2nd favorite track on the album, though.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: FlyingBIZKIT on September 13, 2011, 06:16:33 PM
It's the best heavy song since The Glass Prison. And the chorus is one of the highlights of the album.  :metal
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on September 13, 2011, 06:20:45 PM
Best song on the album. While it is all good, the JLB's chorus and the music underneath kick it up a few notches.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: IJewBear on September 13, 2011, 06:28:30 PM
My opinion of it from the main thread:
Bridges in the Sky
Oh man. That intro is so weird. I love it. It would be a great song to open a show with. Once the intro fades out and the band comes in, it just dumps the awesomeness right on you. I love it. It's very heavy but not like the heaviness of the past 3 albums. It's a very tasteful heaviness. I had doubts when I heard the snippet to this song. It sounded bland and uninspired. Wrong. The pre-chorus is so heavy and the melody that attaches to it is no exception. It melodic yet not a typical melody. It's really fresh. That chorus. Seriously, it's as DT as you can get. It's soaring! One of my favorite choruses to date. JLB sounds amazing once again on this track. So far, he has yet to disappoint me. The instrumental section sounds a bit like the past albums but it doesn't feel forced. It fits very nicely in there. It's not too long, not too short. Just right. It transitions right into the last chorus perfectly. Once again, a soaring chorus that ends on an unexpected note but that just makes it that much better. It ends dark that suits the songs a little better. One last Shaman call to end it.
9/10
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: JustinSire on September 13, 2011, 06:32:49 PM
when i first heard the album, after about 5 times through my list was

LNF, Outcry, BITS, BAL

now its

BITS, BAL (growing on me a lot), Outcry, LNF
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: Perpetual Change on September 13, 2011, 07:14:18 PM
I love the whole into. It's so atmospheric and awesome.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on September 13, 2011, 07:18:28 PM
I love the whole into. It's so atmospheric and awesome.

Into what?
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: SystematicThought on September 13, 2011, 07:20:06 PM
Being the only song I've heard on the album, I love it. The chorus is excellent and it has all the right pieces. Is it wrong though that when I put it on my iPod, I will rename it The Shaman's Trance?

Remember when Aniland said Track 5 would be the most lauded on the album, looks like he wasn't too far off
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: RuRoRul on September 13, 2011, 07:23:07 PM
I like it, heaviest song on the album with great riffs but also with soaring chorus and bridge. It's also good to have one longer song that isn't made up mostly of an instrumental, with a rather short one (by DT standards) towards the end. I still prefer Outcry and Breaking All Illusions at the moment though.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: chrisbDTM on September 13, 2011, 07:28:07 PM
the whole time i was listening to BITS i was just thinking "this shouldve been the end to the the 12 step suite' (with different lyrics of course)


Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: Elite on September 13, 2011, 07:35:42 PM
Best song on the album, really.

I love the song.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: SupermanJLU on September 13, 2011, 07:48:09 PM
It gets better each time I listen to it. So Awesome!!!
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: Octawakeimages on September 13, 2011, 07:58:05 PM
Love love LOVE this song.  It's so amazing.  I've only heard up to this song so far and I can already tell this will be one of my top favorite albums.  I was listening to it on the way home tonight for the first time and there was a thunderstorm in the distance and you could see the lightning every few seconds light up the sky.  It was definitely an awesome way to hear this song for the first time! :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: axeman90210 on September 13, 2011, 08:10:18 PM
Right now it's my second favorite song on the album. The chorus is absolutely killer, one of my favorites DT has ever written, and it reminds of of Honor Thy Father in how chock full of :metal riffs it is
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: BlobVanDam on September 13, 2011, 11:39:50 PM
Definitely one of my favourites on the album, perhaps 2nd. Lots of nice riffing, and JLB sounds really good on it. And that chorus is great, and goes on forever (in a good way).
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 13, 2011, 11:42:22 PM
Absolutely killer song in every way imaginable.  I had the "Bridges in the sky" chorus part stuck in my head all evening. :metal
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: gm5k on September 13, 2011, 11:43:49 PM
Definitely one of my favourites on the album, perhaps 2nd. Lots of nice riffing, and JLB sounds really good on it. And that chorus is great, and goes on forever (in a good way).

Agreed.  Never saw that "And at last the time has come" part coming.  The chorus builds in such a fluid and epic way even with it's length(what amazing writing it is to do so), especially at the end of the 2nd one where it leads into the instrumental.  "Shaman take my HAAAANND" (whilst Petrucci and Myung simultaneously play their crazy descending scales)   Man...#1 part for getting chills from the album IMO  ;D
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: cramx3 on September 13, 2011, 11:47:49 PM
This song is absolutely glorious. From the Gregorian choirs, the soaring melodies, the "Shaman take my hand" part, or even the throat singing, everything about this song just blows me away. Definitely one of the best of the album.

 :tup :yarr :metal
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cranky on September 14, 2011, 01:26:00 AM
It's one of the best songs they have ever written and recorded, and it is one of my favourite songs currently..
A top 10 DT song for me, without question.

There isn't anything to say about it that hasn't been said before..
Everything is just great.. The instrumental section just works so perfect with the rest of the song, and it doesn't drag longer than it needs to, and the actual song still manages to be long. And, it doesn't feel like like a copy and paste job, as some of their instrumentals seem to feel at times.

My only gripe is that I wish the guitar solo was a little more dynamic, maybe going into an arabic feeling solo with the riff played right before it  as the accompaniment, only an octave lower. That, and I wish that they didn't use the "morte et dabo" sample, because it's been used way too many times already.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: olliemedsy on September 14, 2011, 01:53:00 AM
definately one of my favorites by them
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zydar on September 14, 2011, 02:14:41 AM
It's a Top 3 song on the album for me.

Shaman take my haaaaaaaaand
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: Mladen on September 14, 2011, 02:34:13 AM
My favorite on the album. I adore everything about it, especially the chorus.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Silent Cody on September 14, 2011, 02:53:06 AM
This song does not need an appreciation thread ;) It appreciates itself, just like that ;) It's great, the best heavy DT since The Glass Prison for me.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: tri.ad on September 14, 2011, 03:22:52 AM
Absolutely brilliant song. It's a perfect blend of heaviness and sense for melody, and the chorus is absolutely amazing. Definitely one of my favourite songs on ADTOE.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: Aquila Chrysaetos on September 14, 2011, 03:57:26 AM
Indeed a brilliant song!
I love the Shaman and the choirs in the beginning.

And at last the time has come
to unite again as one,
to the power of the earth I'm calling.
Crossing bridges in the sky
on a journey to renew my life.
Shaman, take my hand

Fantastic section.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: TimmyHiggy on September 14, 2011, 07:41:22 AM
is mangini the shaman and the song about "the part of me that died" being the loss of the drummer, so mangini taking the seat saved the band?
Not a fully thought through idea, interested to see if I get flamed or not
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: Bolsters on September 14, 2011, 08:01:53 AM
My favorite on the album. I adore everything about it, especially the chorus.
Yep, same here. The second chorus when they first go into the second part of the chorus... :metal

I don't know about it being the best heavy song since TGP though. Bridges in the Sky is heavy? I didn't even notice :lol
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: Infinite Cactus on September 14, 2011, 09:10:42 AM
Pretty badass song. It took me a while to get into it but now I love it. The second verse is the tits' meow
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 14, 2011, 09:42:52 AM
This song is amazing.  I absolutely love the lyrics and JLB's delivery of them.  I love that the first time we get the chorus, we don't get the "Bridges in the sky" part, it doesn't come in until later.  That's a great effect, and the instrumental sections are amazing as well.

 :tup  :tup
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: Laich21DT on September 14, 2011, 09:52:06 AM
My favorite on the album. I adore everything about it, especially the chorus.
Yep, same here. The second chorus when they first go into the second part of the chorus... :metal

I don't know about it being the best heavy song since TGP though. Bridges in the Sky is heavy? I didn't even notice :lol

Y'know, I kinda know what you mean. While the main riff (what was in the snippet) is undoubtedly heavy, the heavy parts on this song and album seem to be free of that dark undertone that seemed to be present on Systematic Chaos, Black Clouds & Silver Linings, and a little bit of Train of Thought.

This song is awesome. The chorus is most likely my fav part, although I love the instrumental as well. It seems so fresh to me, I didn't even notice that it contained the typical Petrucci/Rudess trade-off solo's until someone mentioned it.

However, as much as I love this new album, I am waiting for quite awhile before I try to compare it objectively to the rest of their catalog.

Pretty badass song. It took me a while to get into it but now I love it. The second verse is the tits' meow

This is the Life's meow?  ;) :laugh:

Edit: Am I the only one who is reminded of the opening noise of Burning my Soul,  45 sec. in, just before the choir chants enter?
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: 7StringedBeast on September 14, 2011, 10:33:10 AM
Jordan's organ solo.  Nuff said
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: chwik on September 14, 2011, 10:40:05 AM
It should win the "Chorus of the year" award!  :metal
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: John94 on September 14, 2011, 10:43:40 AM
Favourite song on the album, so far.

Love the chorus and the melodies. Lyrics actually are quite good.

As soon as I heard the "Sun/come shine my way..." and the "Crossing Bridges in the Sky/on a journey to renew my life/Shaman take my hand." I fell in love with the song and with the melodies. I can sense some emotion in the delivery too.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: Hal Incandenza on September 14, 2011, 11:51:41 AM
Terrific song.

I love that my initial reaction was "What the hell is this noise coming out of my speakers?" quickly followed by "Did I mess up and shuffle in an Enya song somehow?"  And then the heavy hits.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jaffa on September 14, 2011, 01:13:14 PM
A genre-defining prog metal song. 

Great chorus, great riffs, great melodies, great everything.  Don't particularly care for the Shaman's voice myself, but other than that, 10/10.

*appreciates*
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: ariich on September 14, 2011, 01:16:27 PM
Best song on the album, and definite top 10 DT song for me. I love it so much!
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on September 14, 2011, 02:17:27 PM
This song is amazing.  I absolutely love the lyrics and JLB's delivery of them. I love that the first time we get the chorus, we don't get the "Bridges in the sky" part, it doesn't come in until later.  That's a great effect, and the instrumental sections are amazing as well.


Agreed.  They did the same thing with Beyond This Life, where the "Our deeds..." came it first as the regular chorus, and then the "All that we learn..." chorus came in later to bring it all together. 
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cruithne on September 14, 2011, 02:49:07 PM
I can't wait to see JM do the tuvian throat singing live!
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: ariich on September 14, 2011, 03:28:58 PM
This song is amazing.  I absolutely love the lyrics and JLB's delivery of them. I love that the first time we get the chorus, we don't get the "Bridges in the sky" part, it doesn't come in until later.  That's a great effect, and the instrumental sections are amazing as well.


Agreed.  They did the same thing with Beyond This Life, where the "Our deeds..." came it first as the regular chorus, and then the "All that we learn..." chorus came in later to bring it all together. 
Very good point, I love that chorus (or maybe after-chorus) section. The "Shaman take my hand" leading into the amazing instrumental sections is genuinely one of the best ever DT moments!
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: RuRoRul on September 14, 2011, 03:45:25 PM
I never thought of the Bridges In The Sky section as being the chorus, more like a bridge or after-chorus bit that just happens to be repeated at the end as well. Not that it matters anyway, but I always thought people were talking about the "Sun..." section when they said the chorus.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: DeanTheater on September 14, 2011, 04:06:55 PM
Favourite song on the album, so far.

Love the chorus and the melodies. Lyrics actually are quite good.

As soon as I heard the "Sun/come shine my way..." and the "Crossing Bridges in the Sky/on a journey to renew my life/Shaman take my hand." I fell in love with the song and with the melodies. I can sense some emotion in the delivery too.

THIS EXACTLY!   :metal
I cant help but singalong and even get a lil emotional
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: jonny108 on September 14, 2011, 04:22:51 PM
Amazing song. IMO the best heavy/riff driven song they have done. The Intro is one of the best they've done. James sounds phenomenal. Mangini  :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: Evo on September 14, 2011, 04:42:21 PM
My favorite on the album. I adore everything about it, especially the chorus.
.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on September 14, 2011, 05:26:41 PM
This song is amazing.  I absolutely love the lyrics and JLB's delivery of them. I love that the first time we get the chorus, we don't get the "Bridges in the sky" part, it doesn't come in until later.  That's a great effect, and the instrumental sections are amazing as well.


Agreed.  They did the same thing with Beyond This Life, where the "Our deeds..." came it first as the regular chorus, and then the "All that we learn..." chorus came in later to bring it all together. 
Very good point, I love that chorus (or maybe after-chorus) section. The "Shaman take my hand" leading into the amazing instrumental sections is genuinely one of the best ever DT moments!

All of this.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: Thematt202 on September 15, 2011, 06:11:29 AM
BITS is one of my favourite DT songs of all time.  I love everything about it but especially the epic chorus/pre solo build and of course the brutal Nevermore-esque riffing.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: gabeh1018 on September 15, 2011, 07:27:41 AM
it's kinda of funny, after hearing the snippet I thought I wouldn't like this song very much, but after hearing the entire song many times it's definitely my favorite off the album and is just written absolutely majestically.

The chorus is awesome and James delivers it perfect. Like another pointed out, the only thing that I thought could have better were the two solos from JP and JR, but O well!
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: tri.ad on September 15, 2011, 07:31:46 AM
For me, JR's solos are an absolute highlight of the song. The organ solo is just totally cool, and the continuum solo is a very nice melody - a strong contrast to the more noise/slidey-oriented approach on ANTR and AROP.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: ? on September 15, 2011, 08:03:50 AM
The snippet REALLY misled me! I thought it was going to be a full-on heavy song but that snippet was just taken from the heaviest part of the song. Nevertheless, it's my 2nd favorite on the album behind BAI!
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: Bolsters on September 15, 2011, 09:38:45 AM
Agreed.  They did the same thing with Beyond This Life, where the "Our deeds..." came it first as the regular chorus, and then the "All that we learn..." chorus came in later to bring it all together.
Yeah, it's definitely not new, they've used it many times before even going back to the Kevin Moore days. But when they do it well, I love it :metal even all these years later. It's one of the defining features of their music that I don't mind the continued use of, provided they never begin overusing it (hello, unison solo, so glad to not be seeing you my friend).
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: darkshot on September 15, 2011, 09:47:40 AM
The snippet REALLY misled me! I thought it was going to be a full-on heavy song but that snippet was just taken from the heaviest part of the song. Nevertheless, it's my 2nd favorite on the album behind BAI!

Same here lol.  I heard the BITS snippet and I was like oh ok, neato, sounds like a decent song.  But when I heard the full version I was blown away, they probably picked the least impressive part of the song for the snippet.  The opposite is true with BAI where the snippet was taken from one of the best parts of the song, interestingly.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: ariich on September 15, 2011, 01:55:57 PM
For me, JR's solos are an absolute highlight of the song. The organ solo is just totally cool, and the continuum solo is a very nice melody - a strong contrast to the more noise/slidey-oriented approach on ANTR and AROP.
I really love his solos on this album, and I know exactly why. He finally got to do solos over melodic sections. Guitar solos over heavy riff sections can work ok but keys always sound a bit awkward, but the last couple of albums JP got all the melodic solos and JR all the heavy ones for some reason. So occasionally they were great (TSF) but the rest were not that great (like the ones you mentioned).
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dellers on September 15, 2011, 04:04:44 PM
Fantastic tune. Everything is killer. Anyone else digging the vocal melody from about 3:26, the one before the chorus? I just love that part, caught me off guard the first time I heard it.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: 7StringedBeast on September 15, 2011, 04:05:17 PM
I love the groove of the first verse so much.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: jcmistat on September 15, 2011, 04:16:01 PM
Was easily my favorite after the first listen and after the second. I got big hopes for this song breaking top 10-20 for me. The instrumental doesn't drag on everything just flows. James souds soo good during the the Sun/Wind, Bridges in the Sky part.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jaffa on September 15, 2011, 04:17:28 PM
James souds soo good during the the entire song.

Fixed for me.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: xShammas on September 15, 2011, 04:29:21 PM
Definitely the best chorus on the album. I feel like it lacks the complete epicness to be the best song on the album, but it's so solid that it's definitely #2 for me.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: jcmistat on September 15, 2011, 04:41:14 PM
James souds soo good during the the entire song.

Fixed for me.

I agree. I wanted to emphasize that part its too good.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: lithium112 on September 16, 2011, 12:03:33 AM
Just listened to this song for the first time. As is usually the case with DT, it'll take me a couple of weeks to internalize the songs and figure out the parts I like best, but holy hell - DAT CHORUS. Instantly favourite DT chorus.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: Bill Carson on September 16, 2011, 04:23:16 AM
When I put the album on first, Bridges in the Sky didn't hit me as much as the others. But now its gotta be one of my most played, its just so good !!!!
Its so epic and I love the intro grunt/chant whatever you wanna call it, it fits the lyrics, theme & sets a certain mood that is required.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: lithium112 on September 16, 2011, 02:49:01 PM
What are people's thoughts on the pre-chorus in this song? The first part especially is a really strange melody that always strikes me off-balance. It almost sounds off key. I'm still getting used to it.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: snapple on September 16, 2011, 03:05:46 PM
A genre-defining prog metal song. 

Great chorus, great riffs, great melodies, great everything.10/10.

*appreciates*
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: The Silent Cody on September 16, 2011, 11:18:38 PM
What are people's thoughts on the pre-chorus in this song? The first part especially is a really strange melody that always strikes me off-balance. It almost sounds off key. I'm still getting used to it.
Well, this :) BUT!! Bridges In The Sky has got so powerful beginning, that Petrucci riff driven by Mangini drums is awesome. I'm always headbanging with it, I just can't stop :)  :metal :metal :metal :metal
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: gm5k on September 16, 2011, 11:25:49 PM
What are people's thoughts on the pre-chorus in this song? The first part especially is a really strange melody that always strikes me off-balance. It almost sounds off key. I'm still getting used to it.

I think that's what makes the pre-chorus/B section so cool, it not following the minor scale so strictly on the vocal melodies.  Creates some heavenly unease  :biggrin:   I love it  :tup
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: BlobVanDam on September 16, 2011, 11:53:06 PM
What are people's thoughts on the pre-chorus in this song? The first part especially is a really strange melody that always strikes me off-balance. It almost sounds off key. I'm still getting used to it.

I really like it. It makes the vocal melodies more unique. Obviously "out of key" chromatic melodies like that take a couple of listens to get used to, but once you do, they're often the better ones.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: j on September 17, 2011, 12:06:14 AM
This one didn't hit me immediately like a few of the other songs on the album, but now it's arguably my favorite along with BAI.  Hard to find fault with this song.  Definitely one of their best in years.

-J
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metropolis Pt. II on September 17, 2011, 12:53:39 AM
Awesome song, but I can't get into the lyrics because they're so far removed from anything I'm familiar with. I don't really know any shamans  :P
The music is spectacular though.

Something about the artwork for BITS in the booklet: I think it would have been super-cool if the dream catcher thingy had the majesty symbol weaved into it.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: DT2003 on September 24, 2011, 09:14:09 AM
My favorite song on the album so far.
4:57 to 5:04 is one of the heaviest things I've ever heard from them and I cannot help but listen to it multiple times whenever I listen to this song.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: reneranucci on September 24, 2011, 09:20:07 AM
this song has all kinds of win written all over it. It's so incredibly good. Words fail to describe what this song does to my ears.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: CrimsonE on September 24, 2011, 01:37:27 PM
Am I the only one who thinks that the opening chanting comes across as someone puking their guts out?

Aside from that, this is one hell of a song.  It didn't quite grab me instantly like TITL or even Outcry, but the chorus ranks among the best in DT's history. 
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jaffa on September 24, 2011, 02:12:58 PM
Am I the only one who thinks that the opening chanting comes across as someone puking their guts out?

I describe it more as a frog with a sore throat. 
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: m0hawk on September 24, 2011, 06:38:06 PM
I don't think anyone's mentioned this yet, but JR's "evil riff" on the keys after the final "Hand" is blissful. The outro wouldn't be half as good without that keyboard melody. Loving his work on this album!
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: Zook on September 24, 2011, 06:51:34 PM
Best song on the album.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: Pinga on September 24, 2011, 06:57:38 PM
Amazing song.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: Tis BOOLsheet on September 25, 2011, 12:21:50 AM
absolutely love this song!! although , i could do without the burping in the beginning. its called bridges in the sky not burps in the sky.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: SystematicThought on September 25, 2011, 12:26:50 AM
Aniland was right. Track 5 is the most lauded on the album.

...I think I've said that before
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: lonestar on September 25, 2011, 02:38:40 AM
Tonight, BiTS quite possibly became my favorite DT opener.  It's neck and neck with TGP.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: m0hawk on September 25, 2011, 02:51:43 AM
Tonight, BiTS quite possibly became my favorite DT opener.  It's neck and neck with TGP.

Did they blow their load too early with BiTS being the opener? Looking at the setlist, the next few songs just pale in comparison!
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: FretMuppet on September 25, 2011, 02:56:34 AM
The riff in the second verse is just br00tal
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: gm5k on September 28, 2011, 01:38:43 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YITUPrXpqCM

Good video of BITS from Seattle show  :tup
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: Bertielee on September 28, 2011, 01:51:59 PM
Strange, but it's probably my least favorite of the album. I don't know, I find it too much, don't know how to explain it better.

B.Lee
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: N4Player on September 28, 2011, 02:03:56 PM
this song has all kinds of win written all over it. It's so incredibly good. Words fail to describe what this song does to my ears.

You pretty much described almost every song on the album. Staying on topic, BITS took a few plays to sink in and then hit like a ton of bricks. Can't wait to hear this opener live next week. Perfection!
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: vulcandj on September 28, 2011, 02:22:05 PM
For me, it's the best song on the CD (with most of the others being a close 2nd). Something about it reminds me of TGP. Don't know if its the sound, or the arrangement, or what the heck it is. Maybe it's the energy. I almost lost my voice when they opened with it.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: bosk1 on September 29, 2011, 01:20:32 PM
I can't wait to see JM do the tuvian throat singing live!

(https://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r243/ariich/forum%20stuff/PearsintheSky.png)
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: vulcandj on September 29, 2011, 02:12:44 PM
(https://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r243/ariich/forum%20stuff/PearsintheSky.png)
[/quote]

 Too Funny!!!:rollin
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: kirksnosehair on September 29, 2011, 02:58:44 PM
This one and "Breaking All Illusions" are two of the best songs Dream Theater has ever created, and I didn't think I'd ever need to write something like that again.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jamesman42 on September 29, 2011, 04:18:22 PM
Best song on the album.

This.

Having a little trouble nailing the "TEAAAAARRRRING" part, which makes me really impressed with JLB's vocals on here.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: Nofire on September 30, 2011, 10:28:31 AM
I LOVE the riff that's playing during the "Shaman take my haaaaand!" part, and especially what JM is playing!
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: Hprog on September 30, 2011, 01:43:23 PM
Outcry, Breaking all Illusions and Bridges in the Sky are the best three songs off the album, and I totally love BITS and also thought of it as the best possible concert opener, and they're using it! Can't wait to hear it live. The chorus really touches me. The song sounds fresh and inspired. One of DT's best!

Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: Jaffa on September 30, 2011, 01:44:46 PM
After much deliberation, I've decided it's my favorite song on the album.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: bss4life15 on September 30, 2011, 03:21:21 PM
My 2nd favorite, behind Beneath The Surface.  That instrumental section is so good
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: JimmyJava on September 30, 2011, 05:12:49 PM
Crossing bridges in the sky
On a journey to renew my life
Shaman take my HAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


One of the best moments in DT history. Seriously.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: cyberdrummer on October 29, 2011, 06:14:13 PM
I love the old school keyboard sound in the solo section, it reminds me of ACOS. Hope JR uses it more often in the future.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: KevShmev on July 12, 2015, 07:28:33 PM
Four years later, this song has aged extremely well.  It still absolutely slays, and remains, IMO, a top 20 DT song. :metal
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: Cable on July 12, 2015, 08:31:28 PM
I think the only fault I can find in the song is the instrumental section. More to the point, JP's solo is not my cup of tea. Otherwise agreed, hits hard, hits soft, and I remember it fondly for being the opener of the ADTOE tour.

I do think they should have kept the working title, but it may have given off a negative vibe perhaps.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: Ruba on August 03, 2015, 03:45:41 PM
Damn it kicks serious ass live! Too bad they didn't play the whole awesome intro from the tape.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: jakepriest on August 03, 2015, 04:07:02 PM
Four years later, this song has aged extremely well.  It still absolutely slays, and remains, IMO, a top 20 DT song. :metal

Holy shit it's been four years... I gotta say all of the album has aged extremely well. I disliked it at first but now I would rate it in my top 4 albums probably. No weaker tracks except for Far From Heaven which is still far from a bad song.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: JiM-Xtreme on August 07, 2015, 05:50:37 AM
The album is among my least favourites of DT, but this song to truly saves it from being bottom of the barrel. Fantastic live opener with a beautiful, singable chorus. Very glad they're pulling it out of the bag this tour to represent ADTOE. I think I'd rank it somewhere in my top 15-20 DT tracks.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: Train of Naught on August 07, 2015, 12:07:49 PM
I've made a top 100 a while ago and it ranked #14, I don't think I've once doubted whether it deserves that spot, amazing song, epecially live!
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: zecawolf on August 08, 2015, 03:26:50 PM
I like the whole album. But BITS is up there with 3 other songs. TITL, Outcry and BAI.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: Train of Naught on August 09, 2015, 04:25:05 AM
I like the whole album. But BITS is up there with 3 other songs. TITL, Outcry and BAI.
Exactly my favorite four ADTOE songs, although I love the whole album.  :metal
TITL took some time to grow on me but is now possibly my favorite DT ballad.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: JayOctavarium on August 09, 2015, 09:10:44 PM
Love Shaman's Trance.


Favourite song off the album TBH
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: pcs90 on September 05, 2015, 03:44:08 PM
I think the only fault I can find in the song is the instrumental section. More to the point, JP's solo is not my cup of tea.

I do think they should have kept the working title, but it may have given off a negative vibe perhaps.

I actually really like that instrumental section including the guitar solo...best solo on the album is in BAI though. The intro is so awesome and the chorus is great too. Really hard for me to rank the songs on this album because almost all of them are amazing.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: tarskian on June 13, 2016, 01:08:12 PM
Apologies for dredging this thread up, but I wanted to ask a question to those of you who have knowledge about the nuts and bolts of this song.

One of the things that I really like about BiTS is the super-deep bass during the "Sun, come shine my way..." verse of the song. On my audio setup it sounds really delicious, and deeper and fuller than most anything that JM has done on prior albums (one possible exception: Another Day). It sounds somewhat comparable to when JM uses the Moog Taurus 3, especially on Illumination Theory during the "We seek to understand..." section. This could totally be an artifact of my audio setup, or maybe I'm just imagining things, but to me it sounds like there's more than just JM's bass going on here (and also more than JP just going really deep on the 7-string). On LaLP JM isn't using the Moog in this section, but that doesn't mean that he didn't use it in the studio.

Anyways, if anyone could explain the super-deep bass in this section, I'd appreciate it. If you think I'm just hearing things and need to get my ears checked, I suppose that'd also be helpful, lol.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: Metaldude on May 13, 2021, 09:13:36 PM
My first post in the DT forums and I post it in honor of my favourite DT song.
I have only been listening to DT for about a year and have not even heard all their songs yet but they have stolen the #1 spot on my music sphere from Metallica.
I just love this Bridges in the Sky - has a magical spiritual quality to it and that is punctuated mostly by "To the power of the earth I'm calling..."
Breaking all Illusions is also a masterpiece.
JP is the most inventive and creative lead I have heard since Tony Iommi.
Amazing.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: geeeemo on May 13, 2021, 10:03:43 PM
My first post in the DT forums and I post it in honor of my favourite DT song.
I have only been listening to DT for about a year and have not even heard all their songs yet but they have stolen the #1 spot on my music sphere from Metallica.
I just love this Bridges in the Sky - has a magical spiritual quality to it and that is punctuated mostly by "To the power of the earth I'm calling..."
Breaking all Illusions is also a masterpiece.
JP is the most inventive and creative lead I have heard since Tony Iommi.
Amazing.

Enjoy the ride!! I am 5 years in,
...and DT also usurped Metallica for me. To this day, it is still hard for me to want to listen to any other band.
It is so awesome to have this great catalog of music - none of which sounds the same!. JP's guitar evokes emotions in me that have no name.
In my 5 years, I have seen them 7 times, gone to 3 VIP's, hosted a pre-show fan club meet up and 1 aftershow :o.
I recommend Scenes from a Memory if you haven't listened. Other than that, everyone loves different songs and albums (ok Images and Words too).  Rock on!  :metal
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: Max Kuehnau on May 14, 2021, 05:24:59 AM
My first post in the DT forums and I post it in honor of my favourite DT song.
I have only been listening to DT for about a year and have not even heard all their songs yet but they have stolen the #1 spot on my music sphere from Metallica.
I just love this Bridges in the Sky - has a magical spiritual quality to it and that is punctuated mostly by "To the power of the earth I'm calling..."
Breaking all Illusions is also a masterpiece.
JP is the most inventive and creative lead I have heard since Tony Iommi.
Amazing.
one of my alltime favourites by DT as well. ADTOE and DT12 are my alltime favourite albums by DT to date. Precision galore.
Title: Re: Bridges In The Sky: Appreciation Thread
Post by: Dublagent66 on May 14, 2021, 06:56:16 AM
It's got a nice chorus.