IMAGES AND WORDS

The exceptions are really bad semi-popish prog ballads Surrounded and Another Day. They have structure and melody, just not good ones.

One the plus side, this is the only album that I like James LaBrie singing. It actual fits well in the production unlike later work.

Pull Me Under - Starts great and makes you really think they might be on to something then it kicks into psuedo metal double Kick and + guitar synch rhythm thingy that is on 12039823409823460580234 other metal records. It just ruins the continuity.

Another Day - Not bad for for an AOR rock ballad. Silly and disconnect lyrics where one sentence has nothing to do with the next ruin it though. Fun to sing along as long as you don't care that the words could be just about anything and retain the idea.

Take the Time - Again ruined by the "metal" moments. But, probably the best song on the album.

Surrounded - errr...a not very good AOR rock ballad.

Under a Glass Moon, Waiting for Sleep (intro to Learning to Live sort of) and Learning to live are basically a run of pointless riffing with lyrics that are the worst sort of poetic schtick. It's almost emberrassing to listen to.

If you like DT and some other neo-metal prog (making up my own genres), or if you like guys that jam like crazy, then this is a good album. If you want a little more direction and consistancy, not to mention lyrics that aren't pathetic then this probably isn't for you.

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