THE HUMAN EQUATION

When I think of greats in the modern day Prog era it is impossible to ignore this album. In fact it sticks out like a sore thumb and I can't stop thinking about it. While Ayreon brings in a lot of talent and great artists that make it difficult not to purchase an album it can also be hit and miss. The Human Equation is a masterpiece!

James Labrie is the perfect leading role for this album. Operatic and theatrical at the same time. Incredible freakish vocal range that can match the rest of the cast on demand. He can really put in emotion in to the feelings that go into the story. He really shows a side of versatility here that he can't show on many Dream Theater albums being a lead singer almost all of the time.

Marcela Bovio is really impressive. I'm really surprised she hasn't gotten the recognition she deserves. And to know she is not only a really good singer but also a really good musician and multi-instrumentalist. She really matches James Labrie really well with her own unique style.

Eric Clayton is fantastic. Think opera and David Bowie rolled into one.

Of course Heather Findlay who is the perfect folk singer and perhaps the best folk singer ever? If Joni Mitchell was a professionally trained phenomenon. That's probably the best way to describe Heather Findlay.

Mikael Åkerfeldt is another great singer. I'm sure the death growls throughout his career have polarized many. I always wondered how much more Opeth I would have listened to or got through had he sang like he does on this album and abandoned the growling entirely. To each his own I guess.

Interesting concept about a man being in a coma after a car accident only to reflect on regrets and wishing he could fix everything and his thoughts of second chances. I think almost every human being could resonate with the lyrics of this album one way or another. We all have regrets, make mistakes, habits we need to break, and things from the past that haunt us we desperately want to put behind us. The lyrics on this album really hit me personally. I don't know just how many Prog albums I can connect to like this one. I was in multiple accidents that should have taken my life so this album becomes that more personal.

Really love the character development throughout the storyline. Childhood to present. I can go on and on with the storyline and concept of this album but than I need to get out how great the music is. The music is fantastic. More Prog than Prog Metal but a great blend of both. Everything from Folk, Celtic, Classical, Rock Opera, etc, and a few different crossovers of different styles of Prog. Much of what you love about Dream Theater and Mostly Autumn. Also much of what you love from the Progressive Rock classics from the 70's. I feel like this album has something for everyone who loves Prog. Very accessible to Prog fans especially.

The quality and musicianship is everything and better you would expect from Ayreon. In this case this is difficult not to list it among the greats. Almost everything you get from this album is top notch and it's as memorable as anything else that made you a Prog fan in the first place. Revered by many and for a great number of reasons.