STUPID DREAM

Stupid Dream is the start of the "pop-era" Porcupine Tree, and consequently is where Porcupine Tree starts to get interesting, at least for me. The previous albums, while certainly progressive, have always had an overly ambient, atmospheric sound that mostly did nothing for me. Stupid dream sees a huge influx of pop elements into the music, as well as a hint of the metal that is to come in later albums. It is also important to remember that this is the second album where the band is actually, well, playing as a band, and the result is a high level of musicianship.

Song-wise, this album is pretty consistent, that is to say there really isn't any weak material, but conversely there's nothing extraordinary either. As mentioned, the songs are very pop-oriented, with an alternative edge. The songwriting is quite good, and most of Wilson's vocal melodies are catchy as anything. Unfortunately, as is commonly seen in pop, the song structures are rather predictable. Shorter songs like 'This is No Rehearsal,' 'Piano Lessons,' and 'Baby Dream in Cellophane' end up following a standard Verse-Chorus format, or similar. The real treats here are the longer songs, 'Even Less,' 'Don't Hate Me,' and especially 'Tinto Brass,' which is backed by a great rhythm section. Of course, the Pink Floyd influence is certainly not gone, and can be heard in parts of most songs.

If I could best describe this album I would simply use average. There is nothing amazing, but certainly nothing offensive. This is a great album to get into for fans of a poppier sound in prog, but Porcupine Tree has certainly done better.

5/10