Scenes vs I&W

[LKap13]

Yep and now hopefully this new album heralds a new era of excellence

[TheOutlawXanadu]

I occasionally drop by the DT subreddit, which is probably where the young and hip fans go nowadays. It doesn't seem to me as though "The Big Four" is as frequently cited over there. I see a lot more love for some of the later Portnoy albums, which I feel like are not as praised over here. Just kind of a random observation that I found interesting.

That's funny; I've never been there.

Really? 

But I'm young and hip, no?   

I'm guessing you're old and hip like me.  50's is the new 20's right!?

Age is only a number.

*cries as my bald spot gets bigger, my knee continues giving out, and another tooth starts hurting*

[nick_z]

It's I&W for me, without the slightest doubt.

[Samsara]

I occasionally drop by the DT subreddit, which is probably where the young and hip fans go nowadays. It doesn't seem to me as though "The Big Four" is as frequently cited over there. I see a lot more love for some of the later Portnoy albums, which I feel like are not as praised over here. Just kind of a random observation that I found interesting.

That's funny; I've never been there.

Really? 

But I'm young and hip, no?   

Stads, you're young at heart and have at least one good working hip, so I think you're good.

[TheCountOfNYC]

Images and Words is the single best collection of songs Dream Theater have released on one disc, but an album is more than just the songs. Nowhere is this point encapsulated more than on Scenes From a Memory, an album with some pretty great songs in its own right, but as an entire listening experience just feels more complete. It is not just Dream Theater at their peak, not just the best prog metal album ever, it’s one of the greatest progressive metal albums of all time. It’s just a special record.

[The Letter M]

Images and Words is the single best collection of songs Dream Theater have released on one disc, but an album is more than just the songs. Nowhere is this point encapsulated more than on Scenes From a Memory, an album with some pretty great songs in its own right, but as an entire listening experience just feels more complete. It is not just Dream Theater at their peak, not just the best prog metal album ever, it’s one of the greatest progressive metal albums of all time. It’s just a special record.

But is it especially special?

-Marc.

[pg1067]

It was definitely a moment...a moment in Dream Theater history.

[Herrick]

Images and Words for Herrick.

[Lethean]

Images and Words is the single best collection of songs Dream Theater have released on one disc, but an album is more than just the songs. Nowhere is this point encapsulated more than on Scenes From a Memory, an album with some pretty great songs in its own right, but as an entire listening experience just feels more complete. It is not just Dream Theater at their peak, not just the best prog metal album ever, it’s one of the greatest progressive metal albums of all time. It’s just a special record.

But is it especially special?

-Marc.

Yes. How could it be anything but?

[hefdaddy42]

Image & Words

[HOF]

Just historically speaking, I&W had the far bigger impact on my life and I think it definitely has better songs than SFAM. SFAM I always liked more than loved, even when it first came out (the music is cool but the story remains clunky at best). But I’d probably say SFAM has aged a bit more gracefully for me. Don’t revisit either one all that often these days. If I put on DT these days, it’s likely to be Awake or FII (or ACOS).

[RandalGraves]

I think this is a good litmus test for those who enjoy the quality of individual songs on an album versus the "album experience." I mean, not like Images isn't a great album experience, but there's something about an overture and leitmotif that hits right when done well. Scenes was my introduction to DT so I guess I have to side with it on that basis alone but, man, talk about two killer DT experiences.

[Bluefish]

Images and Words.