Octavarium (a concept album?)

Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic

My thoughts on Octavarium and the thought that it can be be mistaken as a concept album.............

After a few listens you'll realize the genius that is Dream Theater. As with many of their earlier works, the true meaning and brilliance of the songs appear after several listens. Grab a good pair of earphones and escape for over an hour as you listen to this awesome CD. The first tune, Root Of All Evil, takes off where Train of Thought left off. While you listen you may think "oh no, it's Train of Thought all over again" because of its continuation of This Dying Soul (although after ten or so listens I feel that this entire CD is a continuation of This Dying Soul) but you will enjoy the groovy rhythm and instrumental superiority that is Dream Theater. The next song, The Answer Lies Within, is a breath of fresh air from the last cd and the first song. It is extremely mellow with positive lyrics, beautiful vocals and music - sort of like what you'd expect when you'd go to your parents for advice or on Sunday at church. These Walls is one of my favorites on the CD. Jordan Rudess and John Petrucci support James Labrie to provide a tight and well written "song" that can easily be a single. With lyrics concerning the thought that we can be better than what we are and "walls" are holding us back from being all that we can be (a theme that is repeated in several songs on the album). The next song "I Walk Beside You" will shock the die-hard Dream Theater fan. It is truly a radio hit (unlike You - Not Me). It is a Great (Feel Good) Song - Something I knew Dream Theater could create. With lyrics that produce religious undertones (sort of like what God would say to us if He was able to talk to us) and a vibrant uplifting rhythm it should be played on radio stations throughout the world. Things change on the album with Panic Attack. This is where Dream Theater can show a listener what they are made of. Awesome rhythm, intense lyrics and tremendous vocals all rolled up into a superior song. Unlike their last few albums, there isn't any 5 minute virtuoso solos on this track - It's pure adrenaline - compact and solid!! Lyrically realistic as to what one would experience while experiencing a Panic Attack (I've had several and its obvious that some member of Dream Theater had experienced one). Very heavy tune that I can't wait to see played live! Never Enough is another one of my favorites -cool lyrics and extra cool arrangements. I don't think I have heard a song that was played like this before. It's one of those songs you would like to dedicate to a dictatorially possessive boss. Sacrificed Sons and Octavarium are two extra long songs that show the talents of all members of the band including John Myung. Sacrificed Sons has a beautiful chorus and a killer solo. It is based on the 9/11 tragedy and it disguises itself as "yet another 9/11 song" but the meaning is (imo) what was experienced emotionally while this tragedy occurred, before our eyes, on national TV. Leading to doubt what "faith in God" can do to make the exact opposite of God's intent unfold. It graphically describes what I think the average American was experiencing on that horrific day. Octavarium takes Dream Theater to a different level. Old Pink Floyd is running scared on this one. An audibly incredible intro with some of the most beautiful sounds I have ever heard recorded which turns into a deep and emotional song with fascinating lyrics and choruses. It is definitely up there with a Change of Seasons in my book. It gets better and better with each listen as does the entire CD. It picks up the theme of growing older and searching for security as we approach middle age (in sort of a Beatle-esque type of way). A beautiful bass line by Myung leads into a picture painted by Labrie's vocals of an individual who is numb (catatonic). It's as though Dream Theater is creating a metaphor of the average middle aged person in the world - numbed by life's challenges. You will enjoy the melody outlined by a flute and a beautiful guitar solo that finishes this 75 minute cd with class! Throughout the CD you will hear this melody that is akin to a Mozart or Chopin symphony on the context of its beauty. The lyrics of each song seem to flow together as a concept album would (although DT claims that this is not a concept album) with the theme of the ups and downs of life due to external circumstances (alcoholism, religion, terrorism, oppression). Many people will relate to the lyrics of this masterpiece. I hope the fans will enjoy Octavarium as I currently am. Listen to it over and over and you will agree it ranks among the best this band has ever produced. Thanks again Dream Theater for making life a little more interesting in 2005.