5-7-5-7 section? Sorry but I listen to music for enjoyment, I don't pay any attention to stuff like time signatures and I couldn't care less about anyone's playing ability. The only thing that matters to me is what sounds good to my ears.
I just needed something to call the final part of the instrumental section in the middle of the song, and there are 5s and 7s flying all over the place at that point. I too listen to music for enjoyment, but I enjoy the extraordinary talent of Jordan Rudess, and how he flawlessly executes just about anything he tries to. I can spot wrong notes in any music, and, after playing that section myself about 1000 times, I know the notes very well. Derek had quite a few problems there, and wrong notes definitely do not sound good to my ears.
I think one of the reason why Awake is a fan favourite is because the keyboard are more laid back.
This is probably true, and it is the reason Awake is my least favorite album. I hate the keyboards on it.
What I really can't stand is when he sounds like he's trying to play rythmn guitar. There is a time and place for keyboards and Jordan needs to learn when to just stop playing.
He only plays 'rhythm guitar' to cover for JP. Not even John can duplicate live the stuff he plays in the studio.