Favorite Dream Theater album between these two?

[TheHoveringSojourn808]

question in poll

"images & words" is like the epitome of classic dream theater, right? it's got those intricate, mind-bending instrumentals, the signature petrucci guitar work, and labrie's vocals soaring over the complex arrangements. it's a prog metal masterpiece, no doubt.

now, fast forward to "the astonishing." on the surface, it seems like a departure, with its concept album narrative and orchestral elements. but here's the thing - strip away the orchestration, the storyline, and what you've got is dream theater doing what they do best – crafting epic, ambitious compositions.

both albums showcase the band's technical prowess and their ability to weave complex musical narratives. "images & words" is more straightforward, hitting you with prog metal brilliance, while "the astonishing" takes a theatrical, conceptual approach. but at their core, both albums share dream theater's DNA.

think about it – the emphasis on storytelling through music, the dynamic shifts, and those extended instrumental passages. sure, the presentation differs, but the essence is remarkably similar. they're like two chapters in the same book, exploring different facets of dream theater's sonic palette.

[Elite]

I like The Astonishing quite a bit, but I predict that this will be an absolute landslide victory for Images & Words. I also don’t really see the similatprities between the two albums, other than that they were both made by ‘Dream Theater’.

[Mladen]

Well, since I can select two options, I'm voting for both, as I do love both. 

But I do prefer Images and Words.

[Zydar]

You mean between my #1 DT album (and a Top 10 album of all time) and my least favourite by a huge margin?

Images.

[Zantera]

I don't rate Images as high as some people (probably my #4 of the DT albums) but it's 8 great songs and a classic album and The Astonishing is 2 ½ hours that feels like 6 hours where the most memorable part is "father is this true? bug was always you" for all the wrong reasons.

[WilliamMunny]

This entire thread feels like a giant troll, but there's something about the logic of the OP that I can't seem to penetrate–this might literally be the moment where AI begins its assault on humanity.

Oh, and Images by a country mile.

[pg1067]

I'm surprised it's (currently) only 11-6, but I suspect that's at least partly a reflection of the relatively small number of forum members who check this section.

[hefdaddy42]

Images & Words by 12 parsecs.

[BlackInk]

I respect I&W more than I actually like it, but it's still not close. Listening to The Astonishing is like watching The Room. It's funny, but it's really not good.

[RoeDent]

Wow, a poll in P&S that isn't a survivor

[TheHoveringSojourn808]

Wow, a poll in P&S that isn't a survivor

you're welcome!

[Dream Team]

I’m afraid to ask, but why did you make it possible to select both?

[The Letter M]

I’m afraid to ask, but why did you make it possible to select both?

If you choose not do decide, you still have made a choice.

-Marc.

[Dream Team]

What a way to go out, the guy couldn't even post a poll correctly  .

[TheHoveringSojourn808]

What a way to go out, the guy couldn't even post a poll correctly  .

some people just can't pick between the two, so i wanted to give those folks an option