BLACK CLOUDS & SILVER LININGS

My first reaction to this album was pretty negative but I've listened to it a couple more times and it's grown on me a bit. I have a feeling I'll notice more things I like with further listens, as is common with DT's typically complex arrangements. Right now I think it deserves 3.5 stars but I'm giving it the benefit of the doubt that I'll like it more in the future so I'm giving it 4 stars. Also let's face it, DT fans are pretty harsh with their ratings because of the standard we've come to expect from this great band.

But yeah, the lyrics are pretty cheesy and I agree there's no real "wow" moments in the traditional sense, although the cool synthesizer solo in the last track gives me goosebumps. Musically it's not very impressive but the effect is awesome, and isn't that what's really important? I'd argue that it's equally impressive to create a strong atmosphere with simple long notes as it is to rock your face off with layers of technical wizardry. It's a testament to DT's virtually unmatched versatility. This is probably their best album in the last 8 years and I'm looking forward to the next one. Hopefully they'll get an awesome drummer to replace Mike Portnoy, and maybe he'll be a good lyricist too!

Also it would be great if DT would go back to their roots and write like they did in the nineties. Their albums in the nineties are AWESOME, particularly Images & Words, Falling Into Infinity and Metropolis 2. The breakdown in "Surrounded" gives me chills every time. "Lines in the Sand" has the most incredible guitar and keyboard sounds I've ever heard. I'm not claiming to be a prog connoisseur, but I know what sounds good to me and Dream Theater's 2000 + music is mediocre compared to their earlier releases. I have mad respect for the band and I understand that they want to explore new sounds and styles but I would LOVE to see them go back to their roots because that's where the magic is.