Voto:
Review made just like a dog’s ass. First of all, the ratings don't match the comments, which I find stupid and meaningless. First and foremost, you have to say that this is a Prog Metal album and, as such, it is composed of remarkable technique and outstanding lyrics. In this record, Petrucci does not yet dominate the others, and his solos are much more melodic than in subsequent albums. Don’t talk about the lyrics, which are "essential" in a Prog Metal album, don’t mention the meaning of Pull Me Under, nor that of another day, nor the citation of Nuovo Cinema Paradiso in Take the Time. You say the album is full of rhythmic changes like a dog's ass, excuse me, what world do you live in? Even Rush, Genesis, and Yes did that, and it’s a hallmark of Prog in general. Then you mention the hasty ending of Pull Me Under, what???!!! It’s done on purpose, to confirm the sense of sudden end, both in death and in Pull Me Under. Another day is repetitive?! It brings a tear to your eye and you give it a 7?! What coherence. In Take the Time where do you see the super fast solos? Are we joking? There are solos between the 4th and the 6th minute and they are much more based on rhythm rather than speed. :"4) "Surrounded" is a beautiful song with a gorgeous piano intro. The verse, even though it's very pop, is really nice especially in the transition to the chorus. Once again, LaBrie's voice stands out, it seems he’s more suited for these kinds of songs because it's very engaging. The song then ends as it began. The result is very good, one of the least technical and more emotional. 8/10". Here, I really burst out laughing, I have no words. In Metropolis, which is loved even by those who aren’t Dream fans, you make a three-line comment, you don’t explain a damn thing, neither the story nor how it’s composed, you just limit yourself to saying that there are the usual super-fast solos; I remind you again that we’re talking about prog metal, eh. Besides the fact that there’s a beautiful but very short bass solo, which you don’t mention, you also don’t talk about the drum sequences, nor the parts where keyboard and guitar blend excellently. huh.... But here comes the good part: -6) "Under A Glass Moon" is a good metal song with a spectacular solo by John Petrucci, but it’s also overloaded with too many unnecessary transitions. I would shorten it a bit from seven minutes, but since they’re a progressive metal band, do people want to hear technique? Huh. 6.5/10", first of all, could you list what the unnecessary parts are and why you consider them such? Then I’ll answer your question; yes, prog metal is also a lot of technique, in fact, even in prog rock there was a lot of technique.
7) "Wait For Sleep" is the (thankfully) shortest song on the album, where Portnoy's drums are absent and it takes space for a melody on keyboards accompanied by LaBrie's voice. Even though it’s nothing special, the singer’s voice manages to make it quite good. 6/10, why thankfully? When you write a review, you shouldn’t include your tastes, the songs, regardless of their length, are boring or beautiful, then the rest of the comment doesn’t make sense at all. You don't mention that it’s one of the most beautiful compositions by keyboardist Kevin Moore.
"Learning To Live": yet another bland dish stuffed full of changes and solos from keyboards and guitar, with no head or tail. The bad thing about this, however, is not only this but also its length: Eleven minutes!! I give it a 6 out of 10 for the good interlude; as for the rest, it didn’t attract me at all. Too much smoke and no roast, oh really? I should hope not, the same stale comment for all the songs. Then it didn’t attract me at all? What kind of comment is that?! Inside there are beautiful parts, they aren’t even fast, there’s an acoustic part by John Petrucci, there are parts from Wait For Sleep, there’s a beautiful bass riff, who knows...
A comment should then be made about your introduction.
