IMAGES AND WORDS

Images and words confirmed and enhanced the good impression evoked by its predecessor album. Even 16 years later (at the time of writing), some of this album's songs appear so clear and fresh to seem to be recently recorded. It also introduced a peculiar sound that influenced so many clone band later on. It has to be considered one of the landmarks of progressive metal.

The band had its first commercial hit in the opening Pull me under, which constituted an encore for long time and whose structure has been referenced in many other bands' songs later. Another day is probably the first poppish ballad from the band, which still included a nice guitar solo. Take the time is the first small epic of the album, featuring several informal miniparts, very tight playing and bright sound. Surrounded is another poppish song with a nice 9/8 theme and good structure. The following Metropolis - part 1 is considered one of the best song of the band, probably rightly so. It features several heavy guitar riffs, clear keyboard work and an amazing instrumental interlude - the first on a long line for the band. Under a glass moon is rythmically and structurally complex, and is a showcase of Petrucci's ability. Waiting for sleep is a delicate piano ballad introducing the conclusive epic of the album, Learning to live, again built upon several sections, very well written and played by all.

The album features a far better production than the previous When dream and day unite, with the drum and guitar in evidence. Particularly, Portnoy's playing is very energetic and crushing here. Still, Myung's bass is creative and audible - the latter will not always happen in the future.

This is one of DT's best release to date, with really few things out of place. As a side note, A change of seasons should have originally be included in this album. That would have definitely elevated it to the masterpiece level.