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My Top 10 Dream Theater Songs

A difficult choice for a band that consistently make some of the rbest progressive metal out there.
1Octavarium

Oh wow, where do i start with this? This 24 minute epic is pretty hard to describe in a
nutshell but it's worth a shot anyway. The song itself is divided into 5 different parts
and absolutely stuffed with beautiful ethereal noises and some of the more aggressive
metal tones too. Each part gets heavier and heavier as the song progresses. This
works extremely well in Octavarium because it gives the entire song many different
sounds, textures and emotions throughout, which means there is plenty to enjoy. The
first and second part focus on quite a melancholic atmosphere which is very relaxing
with LaBrie's soothing vocals and acoustic guitar. The third and fourth part feels like
being trapped in a sonic maze which slowly but surely gets more aggressive. Some of
the duels between Petrucci and Rudess are as sweet and blissful as they will ever be in
these parts. The final part is a cascade and the ultimate Petrucci solo which really feels
triumphant and an extremely fitting way of finishing an album and any 24 minute song.
2Finally Free

The epic closer to the concept album, Metropolis part 2. This is the song where
everything is brought together and a fitting ending for such a classic album. This is, in
my opinion, LaBrie's brightest moment in all of Dream theater's history. He
successfully conveys the emotions of each character in his vocals and makes the
concept so much more powerful and meaning. The song itself, has different phases
such as a mournful start which is full of sorrow from the character which has just
killed his brother and ex lover. The reprise from "One Last Time" is also present, but
only more powerful than ever as the final words of one of the characters to his lover
as he dies. It feels that to me, there are 3 sides to this song. A dark, hateful side
which is accompanied with some pretty evil sounding orchestral strings and gentle
piano. The satisfaction of "freeing your mind" and a sort of final goodbye part too.
One of DT's most emotive and beautifully epic songs out there for sure.
3Learning To Live

Ahhh, Learning To Live. This is a prog classic. Even from the first few seconds, you can
tell that it's going to be one epic prog adventure. This song is everywhere, it shifts and
changes everywhere which causes it to be one of the least repetitive songs in DT's
catalogue. Learning To Live is basically the work of prog masterminds coming together
in a moderately paced song which has enough diversity to fill an album. My favourite
part of this song comes right at the end, when all we can here is Myung plucking away
at his bass and all of a sudden Petrucci's guitar comes soaring in and filling up your eyes
in guitar bliss. Classic.
4The Spirit Carries On

Ethereal and elegant would best describe this song. It's a gentle butterfly following
Nicholas' understanding of life in the Metropolis Part 2 plotline and then flows into some
Petrucci wizardry which fits in very well as the song climaxes into choirs, a gospel singer,
strings and of course, James LaBrie. This song oozes feelings and the best ballad DT
have. That's it really, nothing more needs to be said about this song.
5Endless Sacrifice

Heavier than normal DT is still very very good. This is a song about Petrucci struggling
to deal with his touring life away from his wife. The lyrics clearly point this out, they are
full of pain and sorrow, for which LaBrie puts them to use perfectly, emphasising all of
Petrucci's feelings. Onto the music, and it's pretty damn good too. Some of it sounds
lonely such as the first verse and pre-chorus and then moments after the chorus are
powerful as everything is brought together in a bang. The solo here is also one of the
best that DT have where it's very quickly paced and aggressive. There's a short section
right in the middle of it where it sounds like something you'd hear in a circus act which
is strange but makes the whole thing more interesting. The aggressive and powerful
riffing, driven drumming and fanatic bassing and keyboarding all make this song as
amazing as it is.
6About To Crash (Reprise)

I happen to be one of the few people who don't really consider SDOIT as a full song, but
rather each segment as full songs in their own right. Being the shortest song on the list,
what truly makes this song is the latter half of instrumentals. Each member (bar LaBrie)
has their own moment in 2 minutes of pure soloing bliss and is progresses extremely
well. Another thing this solo does which others don't necessarily is make me feel. Very few others do
this and as the solo progresses it feels as if I'm falling ears first into a orchestra of pure beauty.
Certainly my favourite Dream Theater solo moment.
7Metropolis - Part 1

One of the first few songs I heard from DT. It didn't particularly strike me as being
interesting when I did first hear it but some of the thoughts circling my head were
being confused by all the sounds the song presented. LaBrie certainly tried to
impress here, and he does it to his success. Powerful vocals, that are passionate
and touching, but that's not even the best part. The solo very well done here and it's
a rare occasion where you get to here a Myung solo right in the middle of it all. it
progresses neatly and nicely and is in general, just a very satisfying progressive
tune.
8Anna Lee

When thinking through this list, I was quite amazed that this song beat out the likes to "The
Glass Prison", "Surrounded" and "In The Name Of God". It's just that I find this song as very
lush and tranquil. Despite being quite cheesy and poppy for the most part, this song is still
very graceful. LaBrie is very emotive in his performance which really makes you emphasise
"Anna Lee" in this case, and the struggle that is clearly shown in the lyrics. The piano
dynamics are absolutely astounding and really hit you in all the right places. Though some
may disagree with where I've placed this song, no one can deny it is nothing less than a
stunning song.
9Fatal Tragedy

Now this in my opinion, is probably one of the most underrated DT songs in their
entire catalogue. It starts off quite strangely but after the first chorus things really
start to kick in. It's incredible that this band can write a story within their lyrics too.
They're direct and can almost be read like a book and this is the work of some
seriously solid writing. Petrucci and Portnoy complement each other here very well
whilst Rudess provides some of the more emotive tones in this song. Last but not
least is the solo. Rudess shows some of his technical skills here, but towards the
end paves way for an epic battle between the members of the band where Myung
has one of his greatest moments perhaps.
10The Best Of Times

I tend to like the Dream Theater songs which have more personal meanings and
raw emotion in them. Step in "The Best of Times", Mike Portnoy's beautiful ode to
his dying father. There's a happy part that makes you want to smile and skip
through a bed of daisy's and then a segment following it which makes you want to
cry your eyes out at it's beauty. LaBrie's performance here is spot on and Petrucci's
solo rightfully sums up the song in style with raw emotion flowing through the
guitarist. Lyrically, this is also one of the better more recent Dream Theater songs
and it feels as if there was true passion and grief behind them. Stunning.
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