STREETS - A ROCK OPERA

Line-up: Jon Oliva (Vocals/Keyboards); Criss Oliva (Guitars); Steve Wacholz (Drums); Johnny Lee Middleton (Bass)

Grading Scale: 0 - F; 1-5 - D(+/-); 6-10 - C(+/-); 11-15 - B(+/-); 16-20 - A(+/-)

Most notable song: "Believe" - 20(A+) Other outstanding tracks: "If I go Away" - 20(A+); "St. Patrick's" - 20(A+); "Somewhere in Time" - 19(A); "Tonight he Grins Again" - 19(A); "Streets" - 18(A)

Songs Rating - 17.89(A-) Skill/Creativity Rating - 19.12(A) Overall Rating - 18.5(A)

Synopsis: Savatage's album, "Streets" is the bands very first rock opera, and what an impressive piece of work it is. The story is about DT Jesus, a guy who sold drugs in the streets of New York City. After a while he buys a guitar and starts playing shows in local clubs. DT was good, and soon got signed to a major record label. Things were going great for DT until he starts using the drugs that he sells. Before long, everything is falling apart; DT quits the band, and goes back to New York to hide away.

I wont tell the rest of the story here, you'll have to read the song-by-song breakdown, or better yet, get the album. I just want you to know, this album takes you on DT's journey to find himself and his faith, and the many trials faced along the way. It is just incredible as the band puts so much emotion into the music, you wouldn't think they could have done better if they themselves had been DT (Jon Oliva and DT's stories do have many parallel's, but it was unintended, Paul O'Neill wrote this story long before meeting Savatage and the Oliva brothers). In the end Savatage shows a very real view of God and religion, as well as an understanding of what this life is all about. The music is very diverse as the band is currently moving in a more progressive direction, with more symphonic/orchestral sounds, and heavier use of the piano/keyboards.

They also have a more polished and deeper sound overall, with more layers, especially on the guitars. Even on vintage Savatage songs like "Jesus Saves", the riff is heavier, and it cuts deeper, and there is also the welcome addition of keyboards playing the riff simultaneously with the guitars. I believe this is an album that can be enjoyed regardless of musical taste or preference, and a must have for anyone who believes that there is power in music, and likes to be moved emotionally and spiritually by it. This album will certainly do that, trust me, it does every time I listen. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up.

Song by Song Break Down:

1. Streets - 18(A) - This song is an intro to the story and does a good job of laying out the scenery and setting of the story: The streets of New York City. It also foreshadows very well. The song portrays the ideas of lost innocence that will difficult to find again. It does this a few ways, with the arrangements and the lyrics. The first thing we here is a children's choir (representing innocence) and then it quickly fades with a keyboard melody and some chimes playing and then Jon Oliva's sinister voice comes in, and then the guitars slam in as well (representing innocence lost). The first words form Jon are "Darkness falls - so hard, come and play" demonstrating the innocence being replaced by darkness. So, we are invited to come and play in the dark - well it's easy to get lost or confused in the dark, which is just what happens with DT, he gets lost playing in the dark and now must find his way back without a light. The line "Streets of illusion, soothe the shattered fate" show us that these streets have only illusions and false dreams (temporary solutions) to offer up to try and heal the broken soul. The 2nd verse again shows that innocence is lost, "Somewhere out there, gardens bloom and grow. Children awaken, to a world they know. Somewhere the sun shines, somewhere the light's kind, somewhere they seek the day." Somewhere sounds nice, but as they say at the end of the verse, "Somewhere's so far away". The same theme continues following the 2nd verse/chorus with an aggressive guitar solo that gives a feeling that the innocence is all gone. Then they follow that with and instrumental section with children's voices over the top, and they're begging like bums on the street, giving us the ultimate illusion that innocence is lost. After that, Jon beckons us near, to listen, as our story is about to begin. I can't think of a better song begin this album - perfect.

2. Jesus Saves - 15(B+) - This starts out with a bum telling us about DT Jesus, "One character who made it outta here" Then the sounds of the New York streets fade and we are hit with a great guitar riff. This is a great rocker, but I feel like they cram too much of the story in here, and really sounds like a narrative. But I believe there is good reason for that, so we wont fault them too much on that. This song starts with DT "sellin' nickel candies"(Drugs) 'til he had enough money to by a guitar. He puts a band together and they start playing in bars. Before long DT is huge and signed by a record label. But soon, DT started using the drugs he was selling, and then started to miss shows 'til he finally just quit altogether. He went back to New York, where he hid away from the world in bars and got lost in his addictions. So there it is, all of that crammed into one song. Like I said they cover a lot of ground, but that's because that's not where the focus is supposed to be. Overall, a pretty good song that helps move the story along, but not a spectacular musical phenomenon.

3. Tonight he Grins Again - 19(A) - This song covers DT's struggles with drug addiction and I find very few songs on drug addiction that have as much emotion as this one. Which is no surprise, Jon Oliva wrote this one. It's also no surprise that this is Jon's all time favorite Savatage song. None of this comes as a surprise because Jon Olvia had had his own personal struggles with drug addiction. For Jon this song is about his own life, and so he is able to put so much more emotion into this song, and also because he knows what it's like to be in this situation, he knew just how to write this song. This song shows what it's like to feel completely alone, "The lost is search of his own". In search of a friend, but unable to find one, DT sinks further into addiction. What I really like is the first part of the 2nd verse, we he sings "It's cold this pain, burning inside my veins", and there's the piano and guitar fades, it all paints a vivid picture in my mind of a person alone in a dark room, shaking just after a drug fix. The imagery of the lyrics is amazing. This song not only helps further the story, but can stand on it's own.

4. Strange Reality - 17(A-) - This is DT's wake up call. He sees an old blues guitarist who he once admired, "dressed in rages, soaked in gin' and realizes, "that could be me" if he doesn't turn his life around. I love the lyrics for this song, as DT is coming to all these realizations, they depict the picture very well. He's been waking up with no memory of the night before, and his excuses are wearing thin. Everything is just the same to him. "Another day, Another Night, Another drink, Another fight. Somehow it's all the same." And he is so lost in his addiction, he can't even think to the future, his mind is clouded with the here and now and satisfying the next drug craving. Overall, he created this "Strange Reality", and this realization sparks a desire to change.

5. A Little to Far - 18(A) - Short, and simple, but effective. Here we have DT speaking to his innocence. "Do you remember, look at me, and all the thing we said we'd be." He realizes that ".somehow reaching for that stars, I think we went a bit to Far." And now he's got to get back. Get back to what? Well, that is open for interpretation. It could be back to a reason (as a later Savatage song on another rock opera states), back to a meaning, back to life, back to innocence. It could be anyone of those, so take your pick. I personally believe that is all of them. In this song DT is reflecting on all the years wasted, given away to "gods who couldn't get enough." Which in this case means drugs, but doesn't have to. I believe that we have all gone "a bit to far" with something in life and need to get back to what we where before, so I feel that I can relate to this song as well as any former drug addict. I also think that this song is another one that Jon Olvia relates to well, and wrote straight from his heart, and his performance is very emotional. This song defiantly expresses the feeling of having wasted years with anything that has made you less of a person. Remarkable song.

6. You're Alive - 17(A-) - This is DT's turnaround. He quit his drug habits, and with help from his old friend and manager Tex, got a band together and started playing shows again. I love this song. Very upbeat and gets me real excited every time I listen to it. Definitely captures the feeling of having just turned things around, it really makes you feel like you're alive after having been dead for a while.

7. Sammy and Tex - 18(A) - This is a great rocker, and the lyrics really do a good job of telling the story. Like "Jesus Saves" this song is much like a narrative, and a lot happens here, but with this song, the arrangement helps some moments come alive. The song starts with some chopping guitars, and then goes into an awesome riff as Jon starts to tell us about Sammy. Sammy's a drug dealer who DT owes about $30,000 from his days of drug abuse. Sammy has come to collect his dues, when he and DT start to get into a fight. DT is really in trouble, but just then Tex walks in and sees that his friend needs some help. Tex grabs Sammy and slams him against the wall, and just as it seems he's got things well in hand, Sammy pulls out a knife. At this point in the song, there is an instrumental build up that creates the imagery of the two guys struggling, and the tension is building, then we have the solo, which is where Sammy goes on a rampage and stabs Tex. After this Sammy runs away, afraid of the rage he sees building up in DT as he sees the only friend he has die. DT is crushed and now has a flurry of emotions going through him, why is it that just after he got everything back together, it's fallen apart?

8. St. Patrick's - 20(A+) - DT, lost in confusion, goes to St. Patrick's cathedral, and begins to question God. This song is one the best on the album as we hear the arrangement help tell more of the story. The song starts with piano and clean vocals as DT begins to ponder and question. Then as he begins to unleash a little anger, the guitars and drums join in and Jon begins to growl a little. Then later, we have a bridge that creates a huge build up as the anger and frustration welds up inside of DT. He then lashes out on the next stanza of lyrics and Jon delivers this very well. Just following that, it fades into a very melodic and harmonious guitar solo as DT calms down. He then apologizes for the out rage, but asks for an answer and leaves. The song bring up important questions that need to be asked when you are searching yourself for what you believe, and are trying to find your faith. The rest of the album, DT is looking to have a faith finding experience, and does a lot of soul searching as he seeks the answers to his questions.

9. Can you Hear me Now? - 17(A-) - In this song, DT is again speaking to his innocence as he searches for the answers within himself. He searches deep inside to try and reach back to his faith and innocence, but can't seem to find it, but he still knows it's there somewhere. The lyrics are really good for this song, but the arrangement, though good, doesn't serve its purpose well. However it is still a very good song.

10. New York City Don't Mean Nothing - 16(A-) - DT, unable to find much of anything within himself, begins to questions others. But with no one to confide in, whom should he talk to? Well, he is out on the streets and just asking who ever he can find, the first person questioned is a bum (the same one who gave us the narrative earlier I believe) The bum explains that he once had it all, but now has nothing, then offers some good advice, but no concrete answers, so unsatisfied, DT moves on.

11. Ghost in the Ruins - 16(A-) - This is another great rocker, which fills its spot in the story well. DT now has asked a pimp for answers. But the pimp can only offer up temporary solutions, like sex, and DT had already wasted enough time with temporary answers, so the search continues.

12. If I go Away - 20(A+) - DT has gone on to question a prostitute and drug addict, but still no answers. He is now feeling defeated and begins to wonder if he even matters at all. He again speaks to his innocence, and finds himself soul searching within himself, but this time there seems to be some progress towards and answer. This song is amazing and every bit deserving of a perfect score. Amazing lyrics that paint a picture and music that really makes you feel lost and out of place, and it makes you wonder your own importance. This song also opens our eyes a little bit. It makes us see that we are all on this road of life, looking for the answers, but we all have different views on everything. We'll never find the answers unless we learn to see things from others points of view, then we'll begin to be able to put everything into context. We also see a great perspective of forever. "Forever is a long time they say, well maybe some day, I'll meet you there" In this, DT is referring to the answers he can't find. This is also true - some answers we won't find until we stand at the gates of forever (heaven). As I said, progress is clear, but the search is not over (in reality, it never is) so we continue.

13. Agony and Ecstasy - 17(A-) - As DT is wondering his worth, he feels the growing temptation to start using drugs again, and it hits him hard. This song is DT's addiction speaking in the back of his mind. This is very well written song with a great guitar assault of awesome riffs and blistering solos. Jon is sing in his true form with his signature growl, and we get the sense that DT is really having a hard time fighting this one back, but then he gets a little help from a higher power.

14. Heal my Soul - 18(A) - At this point some answers start to come. DT, struggling to stay away from his addiction, receives strength from the Lord, in form of a spiritual experience. DT sees a crowd of people around a homeless man as he is dying. No one will go near him because he smells so bad. DT, who always felt the worse thing was to die alone, goes to comfort the old man. The man looks gratefully into DT's eyes and then dies. Then DT sees the mans spirit climb out of the body, and follows it to the top of an old building. There the spirit asks the Lord permission to come home. That is what this song is, the spirits prayer. The song is based off a Welch traditional tune, and is very hymn like, and the background voices give it that spiritual experience type feel. A beautiful piece of work.

15. Somewhere in Time - 19(A) - So now our story is winding down. DT, after his spiritual experience is headed home, and on his way he is again pondering and searching within himself. At this point some answers have come, but that is not what is important. The important thing here is he comes to see that all the answers are not going to come all at once, but "somewhere in time". And they will come in Gods time, not our own. Another message of the song seems to be that when times are tough, and trials seem to be so hard and real, we need to cling to what ever hope and faith we can find, no matter how intangible it may seem. Just look at these lyrics and you'll see my point (or, should I say Savatage's point) "I've been grasping at rainbows, hanging on 'til the end. But the rain is so real lord, and the rainbows pretend." So you see, DT has been going through one of life's storms, and the trials seem to be to much as he clings to the only hope he has. Anyway, DT hasn't got all the answers, but he is satisfied and willing to wait, knowing the answers will come - somewhere in time.

16. Believe - 20(A+) - I had always heard that this was the best Savatage song ever written. I already had three albums, and there was some really good music on those albums, so I had my doubts. But just to see, I looked up the lyrics to this song on their website. I was stunned, I hadn't even heard the song, but I knew it was the best, and I just had to hear it. So bought this album, and was delighted to here that every song on here is amazing, but this one still stands out, above the rest. Wow, it's amazing. In our story, DT has had the trial of his faith, and so now the Lord will answer him. In the 1st verse, the Lord tells about the dire situation DT is in. "So after all these one night stands, you've ended up with heart in hand." and the mistakes he made "Regretful for the things you're not, and all the things you haven't got." then to Lord explains why he needs him "For all the roads you followed, and all you didn't find, and for all the dreams you had to leave behind." Then the Lord answers the earlier questions DT had "I am the way, I am the light, I am the dark inside the night. I here your hopes, I feel your dreams, and in the dark I here your screams." This is the Lord saying 'Yes, I am real, and I know what you are going through.' Then the chorus continues "Don't turn away, just take my hand, and when you make you final stand. I'll be right there, I'll never leave, all I ask of you is believe." Here the Lord is saying 'Not only do I know what you are going through, but I care. And as long as you don't turn your back on me, I will help you through even your darkest hour.' In the 2nd verse we here about how DT gave up his innocence for "bits of string" which in this case is drugs (but doesn't have to be, apply it to your life). "But when you had too add them up, you found that they were not enough, to get you in, pay for sins, repeated." So true. After everything we do, when we have to add up our bits of string we will all find that it is not enough, and we need our Savior to make up the difference. After the 2nd verse/chorus we get DT's perspective as he realizes why he needs the Lord. For this part, they used a stanza of lyrics from the song "When the crowds are Gone" from the album "Gutter Ballet". That song is about some one who can't seem to let go of the past, and how he's just wasted his time holding on to unfinished dreams. I think it's perfect to tie DT to such a situation, since he has been struggling with a past life that he alone can't let go, and so he needs the Savior to pull it away from him. We then have the chorus a final time and the song ends. The musical arrangement is brilliant. It starts with Jon on the piano and vocals, and then builds as we start the 2nd verse the rest of the band joins in. As we get to DT's point of view we have an awesome guitar melody that really epitomizes the feeling of having been through so much and now, finally, getting an answer. Then following the emotional solo, we have the grand finale chorus! This song is pure brilliance and amazing as it sums up the trials of the story and brings hope to the future of DT. You'll never really know until you listen to it, so don't waste any more time - pick up this album!

Skills by Position Break Down:

Guitars - 20(A+) - What's not to like here? Criss Oliva has awesome riffs and amazing solos, and some truly magical moments as he pounds out every ounce of emotion from each chord and individual note. It is truly a shame that this man is not recognized for his brilliant talents. Drums - 16(A-) - The emphasis with Savatage has never been on the drums, but with the emotional performances of the Oliva brothers, but no doubt Steve Wacholz is a sufficient drummer who gets the job done. It is also important to note that Jon Oliva does play drums on a few tracks, and proves to be very good. Keyboards - 20(A+) - Jon Oliva is one of my favorite piano/keyboards players out there. And I'm not just talking about the heavy metal keyboard players - I mean at all, including individual piano players. He is just amazing, always has brilliant piano passage that evokes so much emotion. Much like his brother, it is sad he is never recognized for his great talents. Bass - 18(A) - Johnny Lee Middleton is a good bass player. Jon Oliva does the bass on a few tracks, but Johnny Lee Middleton does most of the work here. He truly is a great bass player, but was so unfortunate (if you really want to look at it this way) to be in a band with the Olvia brothers, because everyone else is overshadowed by their great performances, and much like the Oliva brothers, he goes unrecognized for his great talents. Vocals - 20(A+) - Jon Oliva, in his final album with full vocal responsibilities for the next ten years, pours out an incredibly emotional performance, unmatched by any other of his (or anyone else's for that matter) I know. Much of this is due to the similarities in the storyline and what he has been through personally. He relates well, and we could tell by his magical performance.

Creativity Break Down: Music - 20(A+) - No doubt this is some of the best music that has ever been written, and because of the diversity, likable by anyone. Savatage takes a huge step toward the more progressive direction they take for the next decade. The music shows a lot of maturity, thanks to Paul O'Neill's collaboration with Savatage's primary songwriters, the Oliva brothers. Lyrics - 20(A+) - The lyrics are amazing as they form a cohesive storyline, and also explore so many different emotions and experiences. Everyone can relate to at least one song here, if not all of them. They have such a fine way of taking an ordinary statement, and through brilliant and careful word selection, make it extraordinary. They always use just the right words are not afraid to be profound. A lot of this is thanks to Paul O'Neill and his profound view of life, and his musical ideas. Arrangements - 19(A) - Thanks in part to the great production of Paul O'Neill, the arrangements on "Streets" is much improved over previous Savatage releases. Each song is arranged so well, with more layers, and a deeper, more polished and mature sound, that emphasizes its role in the story, and the emotional performance of the Oliva's. A great job done here.

Share this SAVATAGE review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to
• Report this review (#63812)
• Buy SAVATAGE music online with PA partners
• Show all SAVATAGE MP3/Stream
• Go to SAVATAGE page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Streets - A Rock Opera page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for SAVATAGE related discussions