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Dream Theater => Dream Theater => Topic started by: The Letter M on March 06, 2019, 10:18:57 PM
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Since InsideOut released the Track By Track Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mf4vGLSDVuI) for this song earlier today, I figured I'd start up the thread dedicated to this ballad off the new album. It really struck me as a beautiful song the first few times I heard it, and I love the guitar solo after the first verse/chorus, very soulful! When the drums come in, it definitely kicks things up a notch, especially with that change in the guitar riff doing arpeggios in the verse.
The chorus on this one is also one of the stronger ones on the album, and while James did write the lyrics and sings them very well, Petrucci steals the show on this one nearly throughout the whole song. I also REALLY love the fill that Mangini does right before James comes in with "Out of reach"...it's just so tasty!
On an album full of hard and heavy-hitting songs, this ballad really stands out more and I think it's as strong as anything else on this album.
-Marc.
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My favorite trivia from that video: they finished the music in just 30 minutes!
Has anybody already deciphered the secret word that JR's keys played in this song?
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I love James' melody on the verses. His delivery is similar to some of his solo work that I really enjoy. This song is right in the "pocket" vocally. Great Piano lines and the guitar solo hits me, that tone is excellent. Great ballad, one of DT's best IMHO. " Although you're hurting and afraid" is a great vocal line
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It's slowly growing on me. I didn't like it that much at first - a bit too 80s radio power ballad - but the more I listen I'm starting to hear some To Live Forever lineage, which is making me like it more.
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I don't care for the first verse, but when the guitar kicks in and the second verse starts, this song really takes off. Solid inclusion on the album and nice lyrics by James.
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I have to say that I've never really cared for DT's ballads. Sure, some are ok but I never really look forward to listening to them or seek them out individually. For example, I like WFS only because it leads into LTL.
This one though . . . I liked it on the very first listen. Very catchy music and lyrics. I found myself actually skipping to it.
Just another example of why D/T is such a good album - even the balads are good :biggrin:
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I love James' melody on the verses. His delivery is similar to some of his solo work that I really enjoy. This song is right in the "pocket" vocally. Great Piano lines and the guitar solo hits me, that tone is excellent. Great ballad, one of DT's best IMHO. " Although you're hurting and afraid" is a great vocal line
Totally this! Did anyone here get what is the lyrical twist on this song that bosk refered to?
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Best part of the song is the buildup in the second verse, when the guitar comes in: "Sadness in her smile, love, it's been a while..."
Also it's cool how after the first verse the mini-solo starts, you'd expect it would be just some interlude, but it goes on and on, always delicate and melodic.
All in all Out of Reach is a nice sweet little ballad, a moment of calm between the two long songs of the album.
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If I have to have a "least favourite" song on D/T, this is probably it. Don't get me wrong, it's a good song, but it hasn't absolutely gripped me yet unlike all the other songs on the album. My mind often wanders during this track, especially its placement between arguably the twin peaks of the album, namely AWE and PBD.
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I like this one a lot. DT almost always does a really good job with the slower tunes and they nailed this one. Songs like this are why JLB is so valuable. :hat
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Some people say that this is a ‘by-the-numbers’ DT ballad, but I think it’s stronger than AFTR, FFH and BTS. As people mentioned, great piano/guitar parts and James really shines with both lyrics and vocals. One thing I do really like is his vocals fading out at the end, the reverb effects were put to excellent use there!
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Did anyone here get what is the lyrical twist on this song that bosk refered to?
I was wondering about that too.
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Like it a lot and liked it from the get go.
B.Lee
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I never liked it, and is my least favourite ballad ever (I love DT ballads in general)
My problem here is that the initial verse is so bad musically (imho) that destroys the listening experience, to me.
The only similar case in the DT discography is the "our deeds" section in Beyond this Life, it's cacophonic to my ears...
Sorry to say this. :)
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Can't stand the song....I just wish for once DT would make a ballad/slow song that gets to me...
For me, they just can't do it and fail each album. At least I can always cut those off my phone.
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Can't stand the song....I just wish for once DT would make a ballad/slow song that gets to me...
For me, they just can't do it and fail each album. At least I can always cut those off my phone.
I generally prefer the heavy songs any day of the week, and I feel that DT "ballads" in general don't do it for me, with a few exceptions. But for whatever reason, the ones on the last four albums have been OUTSTANDING.
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I also prefer the heavier prog metal side of DT. However, OOR is another example of a perfectly crafted DT power ballad. Along the same lines as LSOAD, TITL and Wither. I tend to not like the slower ballads such as FFH and BTS and many others that appeared on TA.
This song just has a beautiful combination of melodies between the keys and guitar and James just sings it so well. Extremely memorable as I am finding out with most of the material on the album.
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This is actually my third fav song on the album behind ATW and S2N, brilliant.
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Really enjoy this song, especially the big chorus at the end.
Anyone else get a huge Satriani vibe from Petrucci’s solo in this? It’s the most like Satriani that I’ve ever heard someone else sound both in sound and melodic choices. I would totally have thought this was Satch if heard in isolation until the last few seconds when you hear a more Petrucci style melody right at the end. This is not a criticism, I love Satriani, it’s just an observation as he has such a unique sound and this is the first time Ive ever heard someone sound so much like him.
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It sounded more Schon than Satriani to me. But coming off a G3 tour, I wouldn't be surprised if there is some Satch influence in there somewhere.
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Anyone else get a huge Satriani vibe from Petrucci’s solo in this?
Yep, thought that the very first time.
It sounded more Schon than Satriani to me. But coming off a G3 tour, I wouldn't be surprised if there is some Satch influence in there somewhere.
I can hear a bit of Schon too mate now you mention it.
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There was something about this song that hit me hard and I couldn't figure out what. Then it occurred to me that the lyrics reminded me (or I interpreted them) in the context of my daughter who was just born prematurely (1 lb, 9 oz). She almost died before the hospital finally stabilized her. Now she's fighting for her little life. I'm listening to this song interpreting the lyrics in completely the unintended context, but in a way that deeply affected me.
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There was something about this song that hit me hard and I couldn't figure out what. Then it occurred to me that the lyrics reminded me (or I interpreted them) in the context of my daughter who was just born prematurely (1 lb, 9 oz). She almost died before the hospital finally stabilized her. Now she's fighting for her little life. I'm listening to this song interpreting the lyrics in completely the unintended context, but in a way that deeply affected me.
Damn, DZ, I'm sure we're all rooting for her and hoping it all works out. Keep us updated.
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Starts off well enough but then turns into a mess at the 2:45 mark when they turn the volume WAY UP and try to make it EPIC and Petrucci does those cheesy pentatonic licks. Yikes!
It’s a great piano melody by Rudess but they should have kept it a low key song, ala Far From Heaven or Wait for Sleep. I’m actually surprised DT has such a hard time with ballads as Rudess can probably write these slower piano tunes in his sleep.
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Yeah bosk, Neal Schon is definitely lurking in there to me too :D (add to that that James' vocals do remind me of Steve Perry in some ways as well) I like MM's drumming on it too
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I hear way more of Schon in the outro to At Wits End, not so much with Out of Reach. As far as DT ballads go, I think most of them are pretty awesome! Chosen is probably my favorite of all DT ballads, but Out of Reach is really good too.
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Ballads are hit and miss for me and I do like a good power ballad.
I find stuff like Hollow Years, Anna Lee, Take Away My Pain and The Answer Lies Within pretty dull. On the other hand I love The Spirit Carries On, Chosen, Another Day, Space Dye Vest and This Is The Life.
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Ballads are hit and miss for me and I do like a good power ballad.
I find stuff like Hollow Years, Anna Lee, Take Away My Pain and The Answer Lies Within pretty dull. On the other hand I love The Spirit Carries On, Chosen, Another Day, Space Dye Vest and This Is The Life.
Nice you're mentioning Chosen and This Is The Life too.
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Did anyone here get what is the lyrical twist on this song that bosk refered to?
I was wondering about that too.
I'm also missing that twist. I don't think it has been discussed.
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The lyrics are a little ambiguous, which I like. A lot of 'love' songs use dependency and suffocation imagery as this one does, which leaves them open to interpretation. I actually prefer James' lyrical style to anyone else in the band because I think that at his best he strikes an excellent balance between telling a story and being poetic. He has a knack for finding a striking image or turn of phrase (exhibit A, 'Disappear').
Musically I find this song to be beautiful and it serves as a good breather before Pale Blue Dot (which is still my favourite track on the album).
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The lyrics are a little ambiguous, which I like. A lot of 'love' songs use dependency and suffocation imagery as this one does, which leaves them open to interpretation. I actually prefer James' lyrical style to anyone else in the band because I think that at his best he strikes an excellent balance between telling a story and being poetic. He has a knack for finding a striking image or turn of phrase (exhibit A, 'Disappear').
Musically I find this song to be beautiful and it serves as a good breather before Pale Blue Dot (which is still my favourite track on the album).
This song is like classic DT, but not. It has the musicality but is so short and pointed. Everything in the song happens so fast- no build up or flourish. It is a beautiful song and the best on the album. I am obsessed with JP's solo that breaks into harmonics after each phrase. To me, the 2 songs on DOT that most represent the band are Barstool Warrior and At Wit's End, but Out of Reach is a great departure.
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After having the album since release now, I find myself coming back to this track time and time again, to the point where it could well be my very favourite from the album. I actually really like the DT ballads, but this one is an absolute gem. I remember saying I wish they put another repeat of the massive chorus in there, and I think that still stands. But I love this track - haunting and beautiful...
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Did anyone here get what is the lyrical twist on this song that bosk refered to?
I was wondering about that too.
I'm also missing that twist. I don't think it has been discussed.
I have been told it's that the "protagonist" gets friendzoned by the girl. Honestly, I can't see that at all (and I hate the concept of 'friendzone', so that doesn't help). The lyrics feel more like "although we can't be together, I hope you can overcome your problems" to me.
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I have noticed that I have this song in my head a lot first thing in the morning when I wake up.
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One thing I appreciate about this song is the different structure, guitar solo before the 2nd verse and the chorus is last.
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One thing I appreciate about this song is the different structure, guitar solo before the 2nd verse and the chorus is last.
The guitar solo coming in before the 2nd verse definitely immediately jumps out at you. It kind of reminded me of Still Loving You by Scorpions, in that respect. The part before the solo, too, feels more like a pre-chorus at best, but more like a part of the verse. I wouldn't call that a chorus, so having that solo be in between the two verses, instead of a chorus, as one would expect, was a really cool choice on their part.
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One thing I appreciate about this song is the different structure, guitar solo before the 2nd verse and the chorus is last.
The guitar solo coming in before the 2nd verse definitely immediately jumps out at you.
It's cool because when you first hear it, you assume it's just a short bridge to the next verse but instead it goes on for quite a while, always melodic and nice.
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One thing I appreciate about this song is the different structure, guitar solo before the 2nd verse and the chorus is last.
The guitar solo coming in before the 2nd verse definitely immediately jumps out at you.
It's cool because when you first hear it, you assume it's just a short bridge to the next verse but instead it goes on for quite a while, always melodic and nice.
Yeah, and after multiple listens I still sometimes think it's the bridge and then I'm pleasantly surprised.
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I'm not saying this is the best song on the album, but it's definitely one that I keep coming back to, and the one that will pop into my head throughout my day.
I wish they were playing it on the tour. But hopefully they will get to it at some point.
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OOR is a top 3 song on the album for me right now. Super duper power ballad! :hefdaddy
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I'm not saying this is the best song on the album, but it's definitely one that I keep coming back to, and the one that will pop into my head throughout my day.
I wish they were playing it on the tour. But hopefully they will get to it at some point.
Couldn't agree more.
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I keep coming back to this song.
To me this is like a counter to Space Dye Vest.
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I have always loved this song. Speaks to me on a deep level. One of my favorites in the catalog.
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I have always loved this song. Speaks to me on a deep level. One of my favorites in the catalog.
As sad as it may be I can relate to the song.
Because I had something similar happened to me years ago. Like how Labrie described the Man in the song is some one who frequents a coffee shop who then got captivated by a girl and little did he know the girl there is really troubled.
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I have consistently felt that this is one of the best DT ballads (top 3) and time has not changed my view of it. It's a really beautiful song- simple and direct. The lyrics are great too.
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I have consistently felt that this is one of the best DT ballads (top 3) and time has not changed my view of it. It's a really beautiful song- simple and direct. The lyrics are great too.
It's my favorite song from that album.
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I have consistently felt that this is one of the best DT ballads (top 3) and time has not changed my view of it. It's a really beautiful song- simple and direct. The lyrics are great too.
It's my favorite song from that album.
I can get behind this.
One of the things that really sets ADTOE apart from the rest of the Mangini-era albums, for me, are the ballads.
Setting aside The Astonishing (bc I frankly don't consider it a traditional DT album), DT12, DOT, and AVFTOTW are all just so, for lack of a better word, dense. Even DT12's 'ballad' ("Along for the Ride") feels almost impenetrable, something that is not aided at all by what I feel is an offensively 'thuddy' drum sound.
On an album that is practically balls-to-the-wall from beginning to end, "Out of Reach" is a much needed moment of space (much like "Vacant' was to TOT).
And, yes, the lyrics are pretty top-notch....that JLB can definitely paint a picture with his words.
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And, yes, the lyrics are pretty top-notch....that JLB can definitely paint a picture with his words.
I complimented James in person for his lyrical contributions on this album, and he was VERY appreciative.
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And, yes, the lyrics are pretty top-notch....that JLB can definitely paint a picture with his words.
I complimented James in person for his lyrical contributions on this album, and he was VERY appreciative.
Me too. I also told him there was a growing consensus that At Wit's End might be one of DT's best songs in a while. So I'd like to give myself credit for them adding that to the set for the next leg. :D
I also told him his lyrics are pretty profound as they tend to deal with super heavy subjects and he said something along the lines of, "Ya know I'm not a very serious guy but I am observant and that's what I put into the lyrics."
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I also told him there was a growing consensus that At Wit's End might be one of DT's best songs in a while. So I'd like to give myself credit for them adding that to the set for the next leg. :D
Ha. You might have been. I know I wanted to mention that to JP when I saw them on the first leg of that tour. But I actually didn't really get to talk to him much because he was really sick. He came out kinda late for soundcheck and just kind of stood against the back part of the stage sipping tea out of a Starbucks cup. He waved and said hi from there, told me he was feeling really sick, and that was it. After the show, didn't see him. I assume he went right to sleep.
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And, yes, the lyrics are pretty top-notch....that JLB can definitely paint a picture with his words.
I complimented James in person for his lyrical contributions on this album, and he was VERY appreciative.
Me too. I also told him there was a growing consensus that At Wit's End might be one of DT's best songs in a while. So I'd like to give myself credit for them adding that to the set for the next leg. :D
I also told him his lyrics are pretty profound as they tend to deal with super heavy subjects and he said something along the lines of, "Ya know I'm not a very serious guy but I am observant and that's what I put into the lyrics."
At Wit End has become one of my all time favorite DT songs. I also managed to get one of the signed lyric sheets for At Wits End through Prog magazine (I believe) that had a limited run with the signed lyrics. For me, AWE is classic DT.
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And, yes, the lyrics are pretty top-notch....that JLB can definitely paint a picture with his words.
I complimented James in person for his lyrical contributions on this album, and he was VERY appreciative.
Me too. I also told him there was a growing consensus that At Wit's End might be one of DT's best songs in a while. So I'd like to give myself credit for them adding that to the set for the next leg. :D
I also told him his lyrics are pretty profound as they tend to deal with super heavy subjects and he said something along the lines of, "Ya know I'm not a very serious guy but I am observant and that's what I put into the lyrics."
At Wit End has become one of my all time favorite DT songs. I also managed to get one of the signed lyric sheets for At Wits End through Prog magazine (I believe) that had a limited run with the signed lyrics. For me, AWE is classic DT.
Funny you bring that up. I'm a hoarder and forgot I had it framed and ready to be put up but I had it tucked away in a closet. Just found it 2 weeks ago and it's been hanging up since.
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Having never listened to DoT yet, I decided to listen to this song thanks to this thread.
I think it is a very good ballad, JLB sounds really good and the music sits in a good place. I liked that in about 4 minutes, it progressed from soft to a more full sound.
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And, yes, the lyrics are pretty top-notch....that JLB can definitely paint a picture with his words.
I complimented James in person for his lyrical contributions on this album, and he was VERY appreciative.
James's lyrical contributions are consistently great IMO. I wish he would write lyrics more often. Off the top of my head he's written Anna Lee, Blind Faith, Disappear, Vacant, Sacrificed Sons, and At Wit's End. There's several more that he's done that I'm not recalling but those songs all have a very poignant/significant lyrical meaning that I really appreciate. They always tend to bring a little more to the table than the typical JP lyrics.
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James seems to have a knack of writing lyrics that fit the song. Not being a songwriter, I feel it is a tremendous skill. to not just write words but to write words to suitably accompany music.
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James seems to have a knack of writing lyrics that fit the song. Not being a songwriter, I feel it is a tremendous skill. to not just write words but to write words to suitably accompany music.
That's a great point.