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THE REVIEW
Awake, the third album by Dream Theater, was recorded and released in 1994. After the enormous success of Images and Words released in '91, the public expected a work similar to the latter. But, as would happen on several occasions, the American band defies the crowd by releasing an album very different from Images 'n' Words.
The five musicians once again do a splendid job from all points of view, composing extraordinary melodies and writing lyrics that are not frivolous but worthy of their name. Throughout the album, there is a very gloomy and dark atmosphere, broken only by a few song sections. This atmosphere is masterfully created by a new way, compared to the previous album, of singing by LaBrie and by excellent melodic compositions from Moore. Obviously, Petrucci and Portnoy do not fall short, instead, they demonstrate their prowess; finally, there's an excellent Myung who always does his duty. In short, an extraordinary work that is perfectly recorded and mixed, on par, in my opinion, with the legendary Images and Words and the beautiful Metropolis pt.2.
The album opens with "6:00": an introductory track that begins with Portnoy’s disarming solo. Then there's "Caught in a Web": an excellent and very metal track in which LaBrie's chorus gives chills. In "Innocence Faded", LaBrie’s incredible high note should be highlighted once again. Then comes the beautiful "A Mind Beside Itself": three extraordinary tracks, jewels of the Dream Theater. It is followed by the famous "The Mirror" seamlessly tied to "Lie": two solid and technically monstrous tracks (like the others, for that matter). Finally, the last three tracks come, perhaps the most beautiful and profound of the entire album. There's "Lifting Shadows off a Dream" with a chorus where LaBrie gives chills even more; then "Scarred" reaches its peak with Petrucci's solo, which is one of the most beautiful ever. Concluding with "Space-Dye Vest": an extraordinary track in which Moore best expresses his melodic vein. In conclusion, Awake is a beautiful album that all lovers of good and beautiful music should have in their collection.
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Summary by Bot
Awake, Dream Theater's 1994 album, offers a darker and more complex listening experience compared to their previous work. Featuring exceptional musicianship, it blends melancholy atmospheres with powerful melodies. Key tracks like 'A Mind Beside Itself,' 'Lifting Shadows off a Dream,' and 'Space-Dye Vest' showcase the band's technical and emotional range. This album stands alongside 'Images and Words' and 'Metropolis pt.2' as a milestone in progressive metal.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Dream Theater
American progressive metal band formed in 1985, known for virtuosic musicianship and landmark albums such as Images And Words and Metropolis Pt. 2.160 Reviews
Other reviews
By BathoryAria
Awake is a sweet (so to speak) awakening for our ears.
One of the band’s most interesting albums, as well as one of the classics of prog-metal.
By R1095852
"Petrucci’s solo towards the end... it’s the most beautiful solo on the CD or I would dare say the most beautiful he has composed."
"Awake is certainly not a CD to listen to every day but tracks 4-6-9 and 11 deserve a lot."
By AR (Anonima Recensori)
The intro is wrapped in immense drama rendered such by the cold notes of the piano that at first impact seem almost alien to the context.
"A Mind Beside Itself" is the sum of the Dream Theater thought... truly beautiful.
By splinter
"The result is the excellent 'Awake' – an album that confirms all the characteristics that contributed to making 'Images And Words' a big hit: technique, power, and expressive research."
"'The Mirror' is perhaps the most powerful track of the album: obsessive and pounding rhythm, an almost thrash style, but without forgetting the melody."
