IMAGES AND WORDS

If Yes, Jethro Tull, and King Crimson set the model, this is the paradigm shift (okay, bad reference, I know). I had this album on my iPod before I even knew what genre they were. What sparked my curiosity was seeing Under a Glass Moon on the 100 Greatest Guitar Solos list. I listened and decided, "Okay, this kicks ass." Then I listened to the other songs and thought, "This whole album kicks ass."

Pull Me Under- Great song overall. Like the bass intro. Some instrumental sections get tiring and repetetive, but a great song overall. (3.5/5)

Another Day- Love this song. Shows a more softspoken yet powerful side of Dream Theater, and blends traditional with progressive for a very nice piece. (4/5)

Take the Time- Haven't listened that much. What I've heard is good. (3/5)

Surrounded- Okay, I haven't actually listened to this song because I always get so excited for Metropolis when I listen straight through. (-/5)

Metropolis- Possibly the new definition of progressive. This song has it all, and the lyrics are pretty good too. Love the bass tapping, love the keyboard guitar duality in the instrumental, love this song so damn much. (5/5)

Under a Glass Moon- I will always be particularly partial to this song, as it was the first Dream Theater song I ever listened to. This whole song makes a war of biblical proportions play out in my head, with the intro, the dissonance, some of LaBrie's best singing, and one of the most kickass instrumental sections in the history of music. Love Portnoy's drumming before the guitar solo on the Score DVD, love Rudess's solo on Score, love Petrucci's solo on both the album and the DVD. One of my top five favorite songs of all time, definitely my favorite Dream Theater composition. (5+/5)

Wait for Sleep- Extremely good placement, an effective ballad to contrast the powerhouse before it. Very good keys, good singing, a good song overall. (3/5)

Learning to Live- Excellent display of instrumental virtuosity and talent. I do like the lyrics on this, but the main draw is easily the incredible keyboard playing by Kevin Moore. Very good way to finish the album. (4.5/5)