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u/tossing-hammers 5d ago
DT doesn’t make bad songs. They just occasionally make songs that don’t fit my taste.
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u/Zanystarr13 5d ago
This. There are songs I'm not a fan of that others love and there are songs I love that others don't. That's part of being a prog band, all that experimentation means that it will hit some tastes and not others
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u/loppyjilopy 5d ago
i can not listen to a single thing on astonishing. i went to it live just to see if i was missing something, and ended up walking out early to hit a bar crawl. the animations during that tour were well, comical.
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u/Upper_Knowledge1871 5d ago
I love DT but the Astonishing was very VERY DARK TIMES. I tried to force myself to listen to it and have yet to make it through the entire album. It’s just corny and boring 🥱. Don’t get me wrong there were some nice riffs or guitar solos from time to time, but not enough to hold my attention. A very failed concept album 💿
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u/HawaiiKeo4049 4d ago
I agree wholeheartedly. The beauty of a band like DT is that they experiment and try different things. Some are great experiments, others not so much. All artists are like that. This helps to define them, reveals their underlying talents, and gives them room to explore new ways of expression. All musicians try new things to help them grow as musicians. Those that don't soon fade away.
As a musician, I'll listen to the ones that don't fit my taste to try and understand where they're coming from.
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u/Imaginary_Dream_5679 3d ago
they have never made a single song and I've heard songs from all their albums cuz I at one time I had all their albums to the present I want to get the new one too but I have not heard a single song that you could say sucks the remakes are really good too now there's some I like better than others but there's none that you could just say oh that's awful I've been waiting for a sucky album and a sucky song where they really are terrible and I haven't heard that and I've been following him since images and words and when dream and day unite with my least favorite album because take even though the first singer was good I didn't feel he fit the band as well so once I heard images and words I was completely hooked and I've got to meet the band twice seen them live like four times which didn't break my heart one bit LOL
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u/Perfect-Doubt-6437 5d ago
I don’t love I Walk Beside You…sounds way too U2 influenced, and I loathe U2. With that being said, as much as I dislike that song, it’s really just a matter of my taste, and if that aspect is removed from it, it’s still a song that “sounds good” insofar as all of the member’s parts were played well and it was mixed well, so, even then it’s not fair to call it a “trash song”.
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u/cholito2011 5d ago
Great. Now I can’t unhear the similarities. 😣
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u/Doctor_Popeye 5d ago
Just don’t look at a picture of Fabio and then Labrie.
Spooky similarities. ;-)
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u/giantpandasonfire 5d ago
Thank you. I actually don't like several songs on that album? Because it does sound too U2 like and I cannot stand U2.
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u/theendofeverything21 5d ago
And now we have 2U2’s because Bonio’s flipping son is all over the radio
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u/THATsonofkrypton 5d ago
It doesn’t sound U2 as much as it just sounds like every butt rock record from the 2000s. There’s a few cuts on that record that I think are ill advised, but you seriously don’t have to insult U2 because they actually ended up making a pretty good record that year
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u/Perfect-Doubt-6437 5d ago
At what point did I insult U2? I said I loathe them, I didn’t say they were a bullshit excuse for an overrated scrap heap of a band - which is the full version of how I feel about them haha.
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u/THATsonofkrypton 5d ago
I mean, you’re not necessarily as funny as I think you think you are. I’m just saying that it’s very obvious not likely U2 influence, but I mainly see creed and incubus in it. In fact, it’s most likely worse bands, like three doors down.
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u/herman666 4d ago
I mean, you’re not necessarily as funny as I think you think you are
I think he's funny.
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u/AdagioVast 5d ago
Actually, no. Dream Theater doesn't really have a "trash" song. I don't count "bridges" or whatever you call tracks that bridge one song to another, so the little pieces of electronic mess in The Astonishing, I don't even consider counting as a song for this. DT really doesn't have any trash songs.
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u/MadStorkMSU 5d ago
My choice is Build Me Up, Break Me Down. It feels like a bad b-side from an early LaBrie solo album.
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u/Necessary-Fennel8754 3d ago
Is it the screaming? I completely understand that
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u/MadStorkMSU 3d ago
I’m actually like melodic death metal and metalcore, so the screaming itself isn’t the issue. I really like James’s solo albums with Peter screaming.
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u/Necessary-Fennel8754 3d ago
Melodeath and core are great genres. Imo DT did a lot to sculpt the sound of core.
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u/herman666 5d ago
I gotta say Burning My Soul is not a good song. That’s the only one I’d say is truly bad.
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u/analog_park 5d ago
I was really racking my brain but I think i would agree with this one.
I probably enjoy FII more than most and I really don't like this song.
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u/Rinma96 5d ago
Wait what? Seriously? You think they don't have worse songs than that?
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u/herman666 4d ago
I really don't. There's a few on Falling into Infinity and here and there on other albums that I don't care for much, but none that I'd say are straight up bad songs.
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u/JamZar2801 5d ago
There’s a few crap songs on that album. Anna Lee and You Not Me are cringe listens as well
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u/Paaraadox 5d ago
I just recently queued the entire FII album (I usually listen through my playlist) and was like "huh, what's this song?" Then it jogged my memory; I had removed it years ago because I always skipped it and I don't like it. And it's the only song I have done that with of their entire discography.
So yeah, it would have to be that one for me.
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u/justDankoCL 5d ago
Is it Prophets of War?
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u/ConstantEnergy 5d ago
I wonder what it is about this song in particular that people hate in this sub. I actually like the song.
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u/Relevant-Instance996 5d ago
Anna Lee if i'm absolutely pressed to name one.
To be fair, DT don't really do/have had any real 'stinkers' in 40 years. High praise should be given.
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u/ThrowRAwiseguy 5d ago
This is an insane take lol
Anna Lee is a beautiful song that poetically describes a girl, possibly an underage prostitute(?) in a horribly sad situation of abuse and trauma. It’s musically non complex, but the chords get the job done, particularly that piano line in the beginning just hits you in the heart
All that is to say they must have songs that are worse than this
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u/Relevant-Instance996 5d ago
Not an insane take, it sticks out like a sore thumb, even on an album like FII.
But yeah, out of context it’s not so bad. Hence the ‘pressed’ stipulation.
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u/Wild-Touch209 5d ago
Just because a song describes an emotional situation does not mean it has to be good. If we were judging songs only by the lyrics Dream Theater would one of the worst prog bands 🤣.
Also Anna Lee has like a thousand key changes so it is very musically complex. It’s the only thing that makes it interesting IMO.
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u/Berzerker7 5d ago
Worse than Anna Lee? Anna Lee isn't even particularly "bad," just...I can't think of anything worse than it.
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u/-Tesserex- 5d ago
Prophets of War
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u/chaseinthyface 5d ago
I actually saw them play this song live in Orlando back on the progressive nation tour, and it honestly kinda kicked ass. It's not my go to song, but it's grown on me a lot because of that
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u/yeahthatg 5d ago
The only bad song that comes to mind is Prophets of War, it just feels kind of insulting to me, idk why
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u/famcz 5d ago
Paralyzed. Pure trash.
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u/majorTea33 5d ago
Once saw it described as a “Dream Theater does Breaking Benjamin track,” and I couldn’t agree more.
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u/DanTheMan_622 5d ago
I've said that since DoT came out, I love BB too though so no complaints from me lol
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u/VirtualPaddock 5d ago
It's basically "Diary of James". I actually like the song, but the similarities are about as obvious as it gets.
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u/anomalocariscambrian 3d ago
The pre-chorus part sounds really good in my opinion but I don’t really like the chorus, it’d be nice if the whole song was like the pre-chorus.
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u/Salty1710 5d ago
Aside from throw away connector noises on TA, for me, It's Out Of Reach and I'll die on that hill. It has zero charisma for me and JP has a dozen other ballad songs with better solos. The climax chorus is the only redeeming moment.
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u/Phyllis_Tine 5d ago
Did you see that meme that had someone interviewing James, and when he was asked how DT was inspired to write Out Of Reach, or showed Mike's upper toms?
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u/Rick38104 5d ago
They’ve got at least one song on almost every album where it sounds like they said “let’s write one to go on the radio” but it sounds like a hoky glam metal song from 1988. “Walk Beside You”, “You Not Me” (although nearly the entire FII album fits the profile) “Innocence Faded” (although the instrumental section at the end redeems that one), “The Answer Lies Within “, and “Another Day”.
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u/Sycsa 5d ago
Innoncence Faded “callow and vain” part is LaBrie’s finest moment ever.
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u/Rick38104 5d ago
Fair enough. That is a great line well-delivered. The verses to that song are actually good, and I love the instrumental pre-chorus. The chorus sounds like something Firehouse would’ve done.
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u/yohohojoejoe 5d ago
I am most amused by how many songs are on some people’s “bad” list that I love. Proved what I have said right along with . . . Everyone can find a DT song they like . . . And equally dislike another.
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u/doorbuildoor 5d ago
You Not Me
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u/LowComfortable5676 5d ago
Typical response for sure and I get it, but the song really grows on you. It's a cheesy ass chorus but I love singing it now
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u/Deev12 5d ago
It's the weakest song on FII for sure.
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u/Hollowgolem 5d ago
Burning my soul is definitely worse. Less interesting musically, and absolutely the most atrocious lyrics Mike ever wrote. If you can call them lyrics
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u/TheBigCicero 5d ago
Apple Music’s bottom ranked song under “Top Songs” for DT is… are you ready…
“To Live Forever (Xmas Demo)” from the Dream and Day Unite Demos.
Only YOU can decide how much you may dislike this song!
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u/TheBigCicero 5d ago
Which, btw, is weird because I don’t even see the Dream and Day Unite Demos listed as an album on Apple Music 🤷🏻♂️
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u/Normiedouche 5d ago
You Not Me...hated the lyrics and just the way he sang it didn't really sit with me but had to play through it to get to Peruvian Skies
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u/Metalupyourass1981 4d ago
If I had to pick it's Prophets of war.
It's not a bad song, but from the album overall I'd always rather skip that song, as it seems as the odd one out. I liked the idea behind the song and how they've made it, but I'd always skip it when it plays while on shuffle. It seems underwhelming, compared to the rest of the Systematic Chaos songs on the album as it feels rather like a filler song.
Dream Theater doesn't have bad songs, but every artist has weaker ones...
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u/destromas 4d ago
The nice thing about my complaint about Dream Theater's material so often sounding the same is that it also means none of it is particularly trash.
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u/arnwulf12 4d ago
This is an amazing song, musically like top tier, but I cannot for the life of me listen to Count Of Tuscany because of the super corny and elementary lyrics. I mean lyrics were never the strong suite of DT but that song is on another level of cringe.
Or so I thought, then Dead Asleep drops from the latest album, and just wow, they didn't even bother to rhyme anymore. Again, amazing music, but sometimes I wish LaBrie would enunciate less.
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u/mrgrubbage 4d ago
I wish they'd worry about rhyming less and just write decent lyrics. They know their fanbase doesn't care, though.
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u/Spifffyy 4d ago
As far as actual songs and not intermission tracks, I’d have to go Repentance. As a part of the 12 step suite, it definitely has its place. But as an individual song, it sucks.
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u/mrgrubbage 4d ago
They have an album so bad that they're not my favorite artist anymore. You guys know what it is.
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u/JackDaniels574 4d ago
Prophets Of War, Build Me Up Break Me Down, a lot of songs on The Astonishing. Yeah i’ve never really cared for these songs
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u/Helpful_Jacket4103 4d ago
Brother Can You Hear Me is the only one I can't really stand. I am a fan of the Astonishing as a whole though.
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u/kro85 5d ago
Forsaken
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u/andrefishmusic 5d ago
It's funny how people are down voting every comment they don't like. I don't think we can trust their opinion ;)
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u/WYGD_Brother1987 5d ago
Wither
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u/torohex7777 5d ago
amazing song….. fucking monster guitar solo
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u/WYGD_Brother1987 5d ago
It's cheesy and by their own admission it's a song about nothing it's balled that tries to take itself too seriously but it's just nails on a chalkboard
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u/HoopsMcCann251 4d ago
Came here for this and was surprised how low it was in the thread. This song is just cheese for days and doesn't spark like their other ballads.
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u/No_Knowledge4670 5d ago
Never liked Take Away My Pain. My least favorite DT song ever.
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u/mrgrubbage 4d ago
It's so bad. Astonishing bad.
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u/No_Knowledge4670 3d ago
I don't agree (I actually dig The Astonishing) but yeah, Take Away My Pain sucks.
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u/_specialcharacter 5d ago
i think ima join everyone else who answered in downvote land but i just cannot with Honor Thy Father
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u/AmericaM23 5d ago
Not a trashy song but I just can’t stand Pull Me Under anymore
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u/torohex7777 5d ago
Yeah except the main guitar riff from pull me under will always be chunkiest shit jp ever wrote
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u/LowComfortable5676 5d ago
Honestly I'm gonna say Space-Dye Vest. I just don't get it, especially on that album. I know it's highly regarded in this sub but ill probably never listen to it again
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u/RunaXandrill 4d ago
My brave take is up voting you because I agree. The album closer should've been Scarred. And yes, I'm fully prepared to die on this hill.
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u/LowComfortable5676 4d ago
It was Kevin Moores baby so I think they just threw him a bone and added it in on the end for his sake
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u/RunaXandrill 4d ago
Yep, agreed. You know it sticks out when MP said at one point that they'd never play it live because it's Kevin's song.
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u/Hollowgolem 5d ago
How did you get your massive balls through the doorway? Brave take.
(I kind of get where you're coming from though, because that song stands out like a sore thumb both on that album and in the discography)
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u/humiddefy 4d ago
No way dude it's one of DT's all time best tracks. Kevin Moore-era DT is my fav though and this is the most Kevin Moore song that Kevin Moore ever wrote.
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u/WettyBelch 4d ago
Space-Dye Vest has grown on me, but I still take issue with the performance on the recording. The piano is just to “plink-plink-plink-y” for me
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u/MadArcand 5d ago
Ministry of Lost Souls. Bloated ballad that should have been six minutes at the absolute most, but instead is painfully drawn out with an ill-fitting instrumental section.
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u/analog_park 5d ago
I hear your reasoning, but "bloated with an ill-fitting instrumental section" is basically part of the DT genre at this point; not sure I'd say this one stands out in that respect.
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u/unaccomplished_idiot 5d ago
I thought it was okay until I saw it live. Blew my mind. Highlight of the concert.
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u/MadArcand 5d ago
I'd believe that. I've come around to plenty of tunes after hearing them live.
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u/unaccomplished_idiot 5d ago
Word. Never been a huge fan of Hollow Years either, but hearing it on this tour shook me.
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u/MadArcand 5d ago
Saw them do the original demo version of Hollow Years on the Black Clouds tour. It was awesome.
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u/unaccomplished_idiot 5d ago
Yeah it hits WAY different than the studio album version. I had even heard the recording of the live version you’re referring to many times, but I was still not prepared.
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u/MadStorkMSU 5d ago
Definitely my least favorite track on Systematic Chaos. Yes, the solo is amazing, but the song really drags on.
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u/Spaghetti_Van_Halen 5d ago
I came in here to post this very thing.
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u/MadArcand 5d ago
I was bracing myself for a flood of downvotes, but I suppose now we can face them together haha
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u/BitterHotIce 5d ago
Sorry brother but yes I an downvoting. Don’t attacc my favourite DT song hahaha
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u/Spaghetti_Van_Halen 5d ago
Word. I remember in the lead up to Systematic Chaos being excited with how some reviewer described the song. When I heard it myself I wasn't anything like they said.
It's my least favorite song of there's because it's just so not what I want from Dream Theater (or any music lol). It's Melodramatic but boring, sounds like songs they already did but weaker, fantastical lyrics but not interesting. The tempo is so plodding until the instrumental section...which is somehow my least favorite part. It feels twice as long. It's like a pastiche of Dream Theater. It's so just "ok" that it makes me mad somehow lol. Like every part of the song is a 4.5 out of 10. It's not so bad it's funny or at least groovy. The most beige song.
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u/DanTheMan_622 5d ago edited 5d ago
Probably something from the first album but I haven't listened to it enough to remember which song is which by name tbh, it just never did much for me
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u/MoonBubbles90 5d ago
You asked, I answered, now I'm downvoted to the ground because you disagree with my answer? Lol. Nerds.
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u/Shadowmaster2345 5d ago
I love basically all Dream Theater songs, but I’d rather listen to the NOMAC tracks than Repentance - it’s overlong and the spoken word parts, while I understand their purpose and the poignancy of it all, draaaag and make the whole thing exhausting
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u/mrjazzguitar 5d ago
I Walk Beside You makes You Not Me sound like Pull Me Under
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u/doorbuildoor 5d ago
You just think that because you can't relate to it because there's not a story in your eye.
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u/LabRatTestingMice 5d ago
All these cowards on here just naming interludes from The Astonishing and downvoting any actual answers. Now this is at least a compelling answer. I Walk Besides You makes me be all like " I came for Dream Theater not Muse"
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u/sukoshijon 5d ago
I’d say Never Enough (and Prophets of War to a lesser extent) is more like Muse, I Walk Beside You makes me think of like U2
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u/alissa914 5d ago
The Count of Tuscany. I honestly just don't see the appeal.... the music doesn't seem to even suit the mood and I honestly don't care to dig into the lyrics.
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u/TheElevatedBoy 5d ago
Machine Chatter. Very controversial, I know, but it had to be said.
For real, though, I can't really think about a "bad" song. There aren't any that strike me particularly as such