AWAKE

For my Dream Theater album ratings I will discuss each of my favorite and least favorite songs on the album and any other aspects of the album that either increases or decreases the final rating I have given the album.

"Awake" followed up the legendary "Images and Words", and wow! This is an (almost) perfect way to follow up a classic album like Images and Words. Highlights on this album include the three piece epic that covers the entire second side of the vinyl record of the album, but particularly "Voices" (1). The two final songs on the record are also fantastic and are both worthy of being on the predecessor to this album. They are of course "Scarred" (2) and "Space-Dye Vest" (3).

(1) I have always loved all three parts of this epic, especially the amazing instrumental introduction "Erotomania" and of course "Voices". Catchy and phenomenal musicianship. 9.5/10

(2) This is equally great as "Voices" and would fit perfectly on "Images and Words". Nothing I would change about this song, and despite it being just over 10 minutes long it doesn't get boring. 9.5/10

(3) This is one of my all-time favorite Dream Theater songs and easily my favorite Kevin Moore-written song. Beautiful keys and LaBrie's vocals are perfect as well. A perfect song all around. 10/10

Although there are no weak tracks on this album, I would say that the album is not quite as consistently great as Images and Words but then again it is significantly longer. When the weakest songs on an album are masterpieces like "Innocence Faded" and "The Silent Man" and maybe even "Lie" you know it's a good album you're talking about.

This is the first Dream Theater record I ever bought on vinyl and it is one of their absolute best. Again, there are no clear weak tracks and although one or two songs are not quite as great as everything else I would still keep this album at a 5 star rating. My second favorite Dream Theater album, only beat by its predecessor.