Is Scarred Underrated?

[Tick]

I have been listening the Awake lately and a light went on while listening to Scarred. What a great freaking song. I always liked it, but its on a whole different level now for me.
Does this song get the love it deserves?

[orcus116]

It gets a lot of undue hate for sure considering some of the criticisms are really baffling. Easily one of their most mature and reserved songs and I saw reserved because there is hardly anything flashy in the song and the few shredding runs are done very tastefully.

[Jarlaxle]

A lot of people seem to obsessively love this song, but for me it's just a meh song. It's good in parts, but never is it really great like so many other DT songs. This is just my opinion, but I think it is just a tad overrated.

[bosk1]

Does this song get the love it deserves?

Absolutely.  Most fans love it.  Like a lot of things, I think the hate just stands out because the minority that dislike it are more vocal about their dislike.

I know it took me a while to get into because the jarring transitions were some of the most extreme DT had done, and it really seemed odd at first.  But it's probably a top 10 song for me (and at least top 20).

[orcus116]

I know it took me a while to get into because the jarring transitions were some of the most extreme DT had done

Now I understand there are transitions but jarring and extreme are two words I'd never use to describe them. I honestly barely even notice them because they flow so well into each other. The songs they've written recently? Oh yeah. Jarring and extreme is a word used to describe the transition from say the "Peaceful Sedation" part to the solo section in "A Nightmare To Remember".

[KevShmev]

Considering it is their best song, yet many don't acknowledge it as such, then I would have to say that, yes, it is underrated.

[Dublagent66]

I've always loved Scarred ever since the first time I heard it.  Why some don't like it is completely incomprehesible to me.

[ariich]

A lot of people seem to obsessively love this song, but for me it's just a meh song. It's good in parts, but never is it really great like so many other DT songs. This is just my opinion, but I think it is just a tad overrated.

Same here. I don't really get the obsession over it, but each to their own.

[Seventh Son]

Top 10 DT song and 2nd best off of Awake for me.

Completely agree with the points Orcus made.

[tri.ad]

I think that Scarred is amazing. I don't mind those who dislike the song, but it sometimes baffles me how vocal they can get with the hate every time they have the opportunity to do so.

[TAC]

Scarred is my 3rd favorite Dream Theater song, and I've loved it ever since I got Awake.

[j]

As long as there is a person in the world who dislikes it, Scarred will be underrated.

It did take quite awhile to really grow on me though.  I agree with bosk about the transitions.  Even now they're a little unorthodox.

-J

[ariich]

I think that Scarred is amazing. I don't mind those who dislike the song, but it sometimes baffles me how vocal they can get with the hate every time they have the opportunity to do so.

I would argue that this is what happens to anything that is disliked by anyone here.

[Seventh Son]

I think that Scarred is amazing. I don't mind those who dislike the song, but it sometimes baffles me how vocal they can get with the hate every time they have the opportunity to do so.

I would argue that this is what happens to anything that is disliked by anyone here.

Indeed. I'll defend Space-Dye Vest on the forum until the day I die! 

[TAC]

I think that Scarred is amazing. I don't mind those who dislike the song, but it sometimes baffles me how vocal they can get with the hate every time they have the opportunity to do so.

I would argue that this is what happens to anything that is disliked by anyone here.

Indeed. I'll defend Space-Dye Vest on the forum until the day I die! 

I'm with you! Scarred is #3 and Space Dye Vest is #5.

[GuineaPig]

Scarred is my 3rd favorite Dream Theater song, and I've loved it ever since I got Awake.

[tri.ad]

I think that Scarred is amazing. I don't mind those who dislike the song, but it sometimes baffles me how vocal they can get with the hate every time they have the opportunity to do so.

I would argue that this is what happens to anything that is disliked by anyone here.

True, but when it comes to Scarred, it's taken to a whole new dimension.

[RuRoRul]

It's not so much underrated since a lot of people love it, but for me it's the clear best song on Awake. Yet even though lots of people sing Awake's praises (more than I would), Scarred isn't often one of the things they say is great about it, even though I'd say it's the best thing on there.

But really I don't think any old DT song is underrated.

[Vivace]

For me Scarred is probably the most mature and solid song they have ever written. 

[chrisbDTM]

For me Scarred is probably the most mature and solid song they have ever written. 

this.

cool unison. JP has an AMAZING guitar solo. and the outro is the business

[Ħ]

I think most individuals either overrate Scarred or underrate Scarred, mostly the latter.  There are a lot of people that would place Scarred in the top 5, which I feel is unjustified in light of all the other material out there.  There are also a lot of people that really bash Scarred (probably in response to those that love it). 

I think Scarred is right in between.  It has some real shining moments, such as the intro, the solos, and the "Do you feel?" section, all of which are the best moments on Awake.  However, the rest is quite bland and forgettable, in my opinion, and the transitions between parts aren't polished at all.  It's also a fade-out song, which it ought not to be, since it's long enough to be an "epic."  I do enjoy the ending they crafted in OiaLT very much, though.

Scarred would probably make my top 50, but would definitely be on the lower end.  From my experience, most people that talk about Scarred on the forums either rank it in their top 15 or not at all.

[TAC]

Scarred would probably make my top 50, but would definitely be on the lower end.  From my experience, most people that talk about Scarred on the forums either rank it in their top 15 or not at all.

BrotherH..what's your DT Top 10 look like?

[Seventh Son]

I think most individuals either overrate Scarred or underrate Scarred, mostly the latter.  There are a lot of people that would place Scarred in the top 5, which I feel is unjustified in light of all the other material out there.  There are also a lot of people that really bash Scarred (probably in response to those that love it). 

I think Scarred is right in between.  It has some real shining moments, such as the intro, the solos, and the "Do you feel?" section, all of which are the best moments on Awake.  However, the rest is quite bland and forgettable, in my opinion, and the transitions between parts aren't polished at all.  It's also a fade-out song, which it ought not to be, since it's long enough to be an "epic."  I do enjoy the ending they crafted in OiaLT very much, though.

Scarred would probably make my top 50, but would definitely be on the lower end.  From my experience, most people that talk about Scarred on the forums either rank it in their top 15 or not at all.

11 minutes long doesn't qualify as epic?

[KevShmev]

It's also a fade-out song, which it ought not to be, since it's long enough to be an "epic."

  

An epic can have a fade-out.  Plenty of them do.

[Seventh Son]

It's also a fade-out song, which it ought not to be, since it's long enough to be an "epic."

  

An epic can have a fade-out.  Plenty of them do.

Close to the Edge
Rime of the Ancient Mariner
Learning to Live

to name a few.

[Ħ]

Seventh Son, I am saying that Scarred certainly DOES qualify as an epic, and as such, it deserves a more bombastic, epic conclusion, which it lacks due to the fade-out.  And yes, I agree that that doesn't always have to apply, since songs llike LtL are fade-out...but it just works for LtL, with a "the dream will go on" feel to it.....while it just isn't called for in Scarred.

TAC, there is a difference between MY subjective top 10 and THE objective top 10.  I'd rather not say MY top 10 since I need to save that for the official thread; but THE top 10 probably looks like this:

1.  Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
2.  A Change of Seasons
3.  Learning to Live
4.  Octavarium
5.  The Count of Tuscany
6.  Metropolis
7.  In the Name of God
8.  The Spirit Carries On
9.  Trial of Tears
10.  Finally Free

[orcus116]

You seem to have a thing for album closers.

[Ħ]

 

That's cuz they're usually the best and most polished. 

[Dream Team]

I think most individuals either overrate Scarred or underrate Scarred, mostly the latter.  There are a lot of people that would place Scarred in the top 5, which I feel is unjustified in light of all the other material out there.  There are also a lot of people that really bash Scarred (probably in response to those that love it).  

I think Scarred is right in between.  It has some real shining moments, such as the intro, the solos, and the "Do you feel?" section, all of which are the best moments on Awake.  However, the rest is quite bland and forgettable, in my opinion, and the transitions between parts aren't polished at all.  It's also a fade-out song, which it ought not to be, since it's long enough to be an "epic."  I do enjoy the ending they crafted in OiaLT very much, though.

Scarred would probably make my top 50, but would definitely be on the lower end.  From my experience, most people that talk about Scarred on the forums either rank it in their top 15 or not at all.

I agree that those sections are by far the best. The verses are quite forgettable, although people cream over them because JLB forgot to clear his throat before singing  . However, that 3rd(?) verse where he goes "it calms me to know that I WWWWOOOOOOOOOOONNNTTT" is one of DT's greatest vocal moments.

[ReaPsTA]

Considering it is their best song, yet many don't acknowledge it as such, then I would have to say that, yes, it is underrated.

Hahaha.  I know what you mean.

[ariich]

TAC, there is a difference between MY subjective top 10 and THE objective top 10.

What? There's no such thing as an objective top 10. Unless you mean the collective opinions of the fanbase, in which case all we really have is this thread:

https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=8535.0

Here it is in all its glory, DTF's 2009 DT song rankings and ratings:
1. Octavarium: 9.623
2. A Change of Seasons: 9.416
3. Metropolis Pt 1: 9.273
4. The Glass Prison: 9.150
5. The Count of Tuscany: 9.082
6. Trial of Tears: 9.077
7. Learning to Live: 9.075
8. In the Name of God: 8.993
9. Voices: 8.917
10. Take the Time: 8.835

On which note, I thought about redoing it this year, but I figured I'll wait until there's a new album out.

[Lowdz]

It's not underrated by me. One of my favourites from Awake and may even be number 1. i love the heavy riff. I love the light and shade.

[orcus116]

Here it is in all its glory, DTF's 2009 DT song rankings and ratings:
1. Octavarium: 9.623
2. A Change of Seasons: 9.416
3. Metropolis Pt 1: 9.273
4. The Glass Prison: 9.150
5. The Count of Tuscany: 9.082
6. Trial of Tears: 9.077
7. Learning to Live: 9.075
8. In the Name of God: 8.993
9. Voices: 8.917
10. Take the Time: 8.835

What was this board thinking? Gross.

[ariich]

It actually makes me wonder whether anyone has that exact top 10.

[Ħ]

TAC, there is a difference between MY subjective top 10 and THE objective top 10.

What? There's no such thing as an objective top 10. Unless you mean the collective opinions of the fanbase, in which case all we really have is this thread:

https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=8535.0

Here it is in all its glory, DTF's 2009 DT song rankings and ratings:
1. Octavarium: 9.623
2. A Change of Seasons: 9.416
3. Metropolis Pt 1: 9.273
4. The Glass Prison: 9.150
5. The Count of Tuscany: 9.082
6. Trial of Tears: 9.077
7. Learning to Live: 9.075
8. In the Name of God: 8.993
9. Voices: 8.917
10. Take the Time: 8.835

On which note, I thought about redoing it this year, but I figured I'll wait until there's a new album out.

What is TGP doing above LtL?  Yeah, there's no way that's the definitive top 10.  And, yes, I'll have to disagree with you in that there exists a perfect, objective top 10 that exists outside of what any individual thinks.  But there's not really a point in arguing about that.