Metropolis, Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory

Nothing else to add! Just the BEST!

A track by track analysis: 1. Regression 3/5 stars Merely an introduction to the next two songs, being very short. It’s decent. 2. Overture 1928 4/5 An instrumental recap of moments of Metropolis Pt 1 with additional material thrown in. It’s fun for being the first actual song on the album. 3. Strange Deja Vu 4/5 Nicely progressive, however it is more rock than metal, much like the rest of the album. The uptempo change of pace is my favorite part of the song. 4. Through My Words 3/5 Even shorter than track 1! It connects so closely to the following song that listening to it as a singular track is a bit unsatisfying. That said, it really connects well to Fatal Tragedy. 5. Fatal Tragedy 6/5 My personal favorite song of the record is also the heaviest. Has a great melody and Jordan Rudess’ keyboard wizardry is quite explosive. 6. Beyond This Life 4/5 In a catalog of potentially inaccessible material for normal listeners, Dream Theater creates its most inaccessible song yet. It’s that technical. The melody is odd, and the ending keyboards turn into a freaky circus show. Almost too crazy for me. 7. Through Her Eyes 6/5 A perfect ballad, and one I consider to be superior to the second ballad on this album. The female vocals open this song rather well from my view, and the final guitar line by Petrucci in unison with LaBrie’s vocals is solid too. 8. Home 6/5 The second heaviest song here is full of incredible Middle Eastern sitars and exotic sense of style. I dig it a lot 9. The Dance of Eternity 6/5 What Dream Theater collection would be complete without songs like this or Metropolis Pt 1 or Panic Attack? A truly essential song by this band with many iconic attributes typical of their sound. And it’s instrumental, too. 10. One Last Time 4/5 This sounds like a Broadway show tune a little bit, but then it goes a bit nutty somewhere in the middle and loses control. In other words, very progressive. 11. The Spirit Carries On 1/5 I have heard precious little of Pink Floyd, but this song sounds like what I’ve heard from Pink Floyd and I really don’t like it. It’s as pompous as the works I’ve heard from the Floyd, with arrogant existential lyrics and an equally arrogant gospel choir. I don’t know why so many fans love this song, I think it’s the absolute worst song by Dream Theater ever. But then again I don’t like Pink Floyd and maybe most DT fans do, so what do I know? All I know is this is fodder for detractors of DT to claim the band as self-absorbed snobs. 12. Finally Free 5/5 The song ends the album quite nicely, and the final twist in the album’s story is truly horrifying. Mike Portnoy’s drum solo is ear candy and the rest of the band is as competent. I like the repetition of One Last Time. Consensus: Many Dream Theater fans consider this the best album they’ve ever cut, and they’re not entirely wrong. However it’s more progressive rock than progressive metal, and so Images and Words or Train of Thought are better in my eyes. There are a surplus of band classics, it must be said and one cannot hope to assemble a complete collection of DT albums without including this one.

I make that statement knowing full well that Pink Floyd's masterpieces "The Wall" and "Dark Side of the Moon" are also concept albums. Those are 2 of the best albums ever made. However, as a concept album, DT's "Scenes From A Memory" exceeds them.It's narrative is seemlessly woven through the music and lyrics and eveything tells one story. It plays like a 1 hour and 18 minute song. This is the pinnacle of progressive rock.

This should have won numerous awards back when it was released. Epic album!

This is masterpiece

This masterpiece is a must have for any DT fan, or anyone looking for top-notch musicianship. This is my #1 favorite pick. Awake & Images and Words coming in second and third place. Enjoy and long live Dream Theater!

I bought the album after reading that it was voted best prog rock album in a Rolling Stone poll and listening to some samples. After listening to the whole album, I appreciated the technical virtuosity of the musicians but it isn't particularly original and I kept thinking of 'Stonehenge' by Spinal Tap.

This album, made me want to start playing keyboarding to and guitar. I rate it 10 stars if i could. Archai!!!!! Quit following me! I see you in every album review section that I go to.

This is the best album.

This album is the single greatest thing my ears have ever had the privileged of hearing. Praise DT.