Wow, people are really going deep with their analysis and criticism...
As a principle, I always approach new albums from bands I like without so much baggage. Right now I could not tell you where I would place ADToE on a DT Ranking, or even Rank the songs in the album properly. I'm not listening to the song comparatively, I'm just listening to them.
This is my track-breakdown based on my first listen of the new album.
1- On the Backs of Angels remains a great song. 9/10
2- Build Me Up, Break Me Down is, in my opinion, the kind of song I was expecting from AM. Really cool song, great chorus. That being said, I will probably listen to it a lot less than most other songs on the album (the energy of the song needs me in the right mood to really appreciate it). 8/10
3- Lost Not Forgotten - Though the first couple of minutes are brilliant, I felt the rest of the song was not really that good. The part more or less in the middle of the song (where the snippet ended) is also amazing, but I just haven't gotten into this song yet. Maybe with a few more listens... 7/10
4- This Is The Life - Wow, this totally blew me away. I had some relatively low expectations for this song, but it's completely amazing! I love the way the chorus sounds different every time it comes around and the intro is brilliant! Very, very good song! 9/10 (maybe 9.5/10)
5- Bridges in the Sky - Another song that really got me, because I wasn't expecting it to be so good. The chorus (and its extended version) are incredible. 8.5/10, at least.
6- Outcry - This one was exactly as I expected! Though I can agree with people saying it had too little vocal activity, I absolutely loved the instrumental section. Still, too much going on for me to be sure how much I like it. 8.5/10, at least.
7- Far From Heaven - Seems I'm one of the few who thinks this, but this is one of the most beautiful songs I have heard in a very long time. The piano composition is beautiful and LaBrie sings with such emotion that it is hard not to feel this song. It's no epic, it's a short, simply beautiful song. 10/10
8- Breaking All Illusions - Like Outcry, I feel there could be a little more singing on this song, though I would rather have it extended with vocals than having them simply put on the song as it is. Regardless of that, one of the more positive sounding DT tracks and absolutely brilliant. As I listened to it, I saw myself often smiling like a fool. My favourite moments of the whole album are probably on this song. 10/10
9- Beneath the Surface - This is one of the few songs that did not surprise me (positively or negatively). Simple, moving, beautiful. Love the solos closer to the end. Only problem for me is I don't really get the lyrics... What is going on in that song? The basic premise I got (I think), but the chorus really confuses me. Still 9.5/10
All in all, the album is quite varied and the "ballads" are definitely winners, maybe some of the best DT has ever done.
Topic: *OFFICIAL* A Dramatic Turn Of Events discussion thread -- **SPOILER ALERT!!!** (Read 155717 times)