METROPOLIS PART 2 - SCENES FROM A MEMORY

I am probably in the minority of Prog Archive reviewers. I don't think Metropolis 2 is a masterpiece or near masterpiece. I really enjoy Dream Theater's music, but this isn't DT at their best IMO. I would pick Awake or Images or Words, which I awarded 4 stars, to listen to first. Since this is a concept album, we should address the concept. I'm on board with a fellow reviewer, lazland, here. Unlike others, perhaps, I like the fact that the album doesn't give us a overly complex story to follow. I like the way the story is structured.

Music should be entertaining, first and foremost, An interesting story has to be supported by interesting music. This is the point where Metropolis 2 falls short of some of DT's other albums. There aren't as many memorable songs here. "Beyond This Life" and "The Spirit Carries On" qualify, but many of the tracks don't. The longer songs contain too much gratuitous soloing, although I like beyond this life. With my favorite albums, I can look at the track list and instantly recall the songs. That doesn't happen for me with Metropolis 2. In terms of performance, I'm very satisfied with what's here. Other than an occasional tendency to hit high notes just because he can, I like James Labrie's singing style. Because this is Dream Theater, the playing is of course brilliant. No one would ever say these guys can't play!

I think Jordan Rudess is an excellent choice for keyboardist. I like the quirky choices he sometimes makes. I'm afraid I've come off as overly critical for an album that falls into the very good, if non-essential, category. Having budget problems will do that to the best of reviewers! This is still a Dream Theater album, which is a whole lot better than most of the music that demands our hard-earned cash. Metropolis 2 gets 3 1/2 stars from me.