Images and Words by Dream Theater
Progressive Metal Masterpiece
Proof positive that one can be a virtuoso musician and also have heart,
Dream Theater are in impressive form on this album, arguably their best.
They do it by never allowing technical flash to overwhelm their songs;
theres substance under the style, in the form of ear-catching riffs and
aggressive rhy thms. The opening Pull Me Under is, quite simply, a great
song, from its sparse introduction to its heavy-duty main riff to its
memorable lyrics. Dream Theater, as its name implies, is an introspective
band, exploring the complexities of the human heart an d bringing them to
life with songs like Learning to Live, Take the Time, and Wait for Sleep.
Unlike many metal bands, they favor an optimistic outlook, as with Another
Day and Surrounded, and even the dazzlingly complex Metropolis, Pt. 1 is
an entertaining listen. -- Genevieve Williams
What can I write that hasnt already been written on this album, here on
Amazon? This 8-track album is nothing short of excellent that is the
complete opposite of sophomore slump. I state somphomore because this
album is the follow up to their 1989 debut, When Dream and Day Unite.
James Labrie makes his uncanny debut here, since his departure from
former Canadian glam band, Winter Rose. His voice is nothing short of
great, following in the steps of vocal greats, Geoff Tate, Bruce Dickenson,
Ronnie James Dio, and even Rob Halford. Images & Words has much
better production than When Dream and Day Unite, and a set direction in
which the band was looking to move into. Like with WD &DU, this album
has an 80s vibe to it, especially apparant on tracks 2, 4, and 7.
Pull Me Under is their breakthrough track, the only track to this day
receiving MTV airplay circa 1992 (when MTV was good) making it their
number 1 hit. Unique how this was, since the subject of the song is dying.
Excellent song structure, vocals and guitar work.
Another Day was their next single considered to be the ballad of the
album. Its a wonder why this got zero radio & MTV airplay back then, but
maybe not so much since hair ballads were quickly replaced with the
grunge movement during this time. --Im not insinuating Dream Theater
was a hair band. They are not. Anyway, great song, excellent vocals,
beautiful solo...one of Petruccis best, played with such emotion (provi ng he
is more than just a shredder)
Take the Time was their third single, cut down (like Pull Me Under) for time
purposes...and also never recieved the airplay it deserved. Another staple
for the band, with some of Labries best vocals again, and killer
guitar/keyboard solos from Petrucci and Moore.
Surrounded, I must admit, is the track I occasionally skip when I dont listen
the album in its entirety. Its a good song, its just if I HAD to rank them in
order, this one would have the misfortune of being at the bottom. In my
opinion, this has a heavy 80s pop feel very evident especially during the
opening keyboard intro. This is another ballad as well, and the combination
is probably the reason why I would put this one at the bottom of the barrel.
But its a shallow barrel, because cmon... its Dream Theater.
Metropolis Pt. 1 is Dream Theaters signature song according to most DT
fans, including myself. Audiences go nuts when the first notes are played
in DTs concerts. Absolutely the perfect prog rock song and band could
ever put out. The songs beat is one you will not grow weary of. Though the
solos and drumming in this song are great, they are not intricate, which
definately compliments the song. This song serves as the backbone to a
future album they will release.
Under A Glass Moon is another great track, heavy like Pull Me Under.
Interestingly, the guitar solo for this song was featured in Guitar Magazines
Top 100 back in 2002. I also have to admit, excellent back to back solos by
Petrucci and Moore.
Waiting For Sleep is a soothing track that gives listeners a little breather
from the previous track, and acts as the bridge between that track and the
following one. A nice little quiet piano piece written by Moore, fronted by
the soothing vocals of Labrie.
Learning to Live is the albums closer, which is another staple not only on
this album, but for Dream Theater in general. Written by bassist Myung, his
lyrics focus on a problem that was high priority at the time of its release,
AIDS. As a staple, it is considered an epic track very well written, lyrically
and musically. I love this track, especially for the way it
concludes...wrapping up the album.
Images & Words is THE album to start with, when getting into Dream
Theater. Pretty much all of the 4 and 5 star reviewers here will agree. This
is a must buy, so order or go out and buy this album NOW!!!
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