Review Summary: An album that is sparked with the band at their best and their worst. Takes a couple of listens to really sink in.
Well, it goes without saying that this is the most criticized Dream Theater album to date. A lot of fans seem to jump onto the bandwagon of "This is an awful album" and so on, before they have actually listened to it and given it a chance. I will use a slightly different formula for this review. I will analyze the standout tracks, and provide comments on the individual contributions made to this album.
-The Standout tracks-
New Millenium – Starts off with a groovy, almost techno keyboard solo from Derek before Myung gives way for a very cool bassline. I think this track is the perfect way to open the album, as it basically sums up what the rest of the album will sound like. Derek is stamping his influence all over the songs here, and that is one of the main reasons why FII stands on its own amongst other DT albums. The vocals however are a let down, even as a strong LaBrie fan. This is mainly due to the vocal rupture he experienced in 94; we can see that he is struggling on this release.
Peruvian Skies – This song emphasizes the point that DT like to incorporate multiple styles into their music. It starts off with slow balladry, but before long builds up to a crescendo, with some of the heaviest riffing on the album. John P has a memorable solo here as well, and the vocals are actually very enjoyable. Unfortunately, as with most of this album, Portnoy is not delivering what we normally expect from him, but his double kicking in the bridge did make me smirk once or twice. Overall, it goes without saying that this is one of the stronger songs on the album.
Burning My Soul – For what ever reason, this song seems to be constantly bashed by DT fans. I actually find it very enjoyable however. John Myung kicks things off with a funky bassline, before John P joins him with some simple power chords. The lyrics are a little bit too faux-aggressive, but are delivered well by James LaBrie. Derek’s solo is very typical, and I find myself rocking to it. So overall, great song, and an underrated one.
Hell’s Kitchen – A DT instrumental, and a very fine one at that. This will be known as one of the most heartfelt DT tracks, and it is not hard to see why. It contains a gorgeous solo by John P, and John Myung delivers once again; it is so good to see the bassist actually act as a frontman in the album, rather than a supporter. It runs at only 4 minutes in length but still feels complete. With most DT tracks they do tend to be guilty of just meandering along but not this one. A terrific track.
Anna Lee – It seems to me that most people who don’t like FII don’t like this track. It is actually one of DT’s most ignored, underrated tracks they have written to date. The vocals and lyrics are the standout for LaBrie on this album, but the man who really makes this song is Derek. It is funny how after the two keyboardists left the band, they left songs for us to remember them by. (Kevin Moore left Space Dye Vest, Derek this song.) Anyway, John Petrucci once again shows us what he can do by not playing just a fast, shredding solo but a very passionate one. It is a shame he doesn’t keep that formula with his solos these days. Well I have rambled enough; this is arguably one of the Best ballads DT have ever come up with.
-Individual contributions to the album-
James LaBrie- – Falling Into Infinity will certainly not be known as the LaBrie album; as I previously mentioned, his vocal rupture did take a toll on his voice here. As a result he does not show as the range we have grown used to hearing from him. However, the lyrics in Anna Lee are written by him and are actually very touching. His vocal work compliments the lyrics very well in Burning My Soul also, and he is solid in Peruvian Skies. Other than that, he is rather underwhelming and does nothing of note. Did not help with the songwriting process.
John Myung – The bass is definitely louder in the mix, giving John more time to shine. He delivers in almost every track here, and for an aspiring bassist I found Falling Into Infinity to be an album I will look back on. He provides lyrics for Trial Of Tears, and while they aren’t as good as Learning to Live, are still very professional. It is a shame he does not write more lyrics for the band. This album here could possibly be considered a highlight for John’s career, along with Images And Words.
Derek Sherinian If you have ever seen the guy perform live, he really is a rocker. Did not provide any lyrics, but his keyboard playing more than makes up for it. He almost has a jazzy, techno sound to his keys which gives FII a whole new sound. Very interesting. It is a shame he did not leave on a higher note, as many fans consider FII Dream Theater’s worst effort.
Mike Portnoy – Unfortunately Mike does nothing of note on this album, which is very atypical for him and the band. His fills simply are not up to par with his other albums, which is a shame really. One feels the album could have been much stronger had Mike put more effort into his drum fills.
John Petrucci – While his lyrics are mediocre at best, his playing makes up for it. He uses more melody in his solos, and as a result they have more emotion. Often when I am listening to this album, I feel that the only thing keeping FII together is John Petrucci. Highlights for him in this album would surely have to be Peruvian Skies and Hell’s Kitchen.
So to conclude, this album consists of Dream Theater at their best, and Dream Theater at their worst. Songs like You Not Me, Lines In The Sand and Take Away My Pain are among the worst songs the band have ever come up with, but on the other side of the spectrum, Hell’s Kitchen, Peruvian Skies and Anna Lee are among their best. For beginners to DT’s music I would recommend steering clear of this album, as it simply is not consistent enough to grab you. For everyone else, get in! It is a DT album so with it we get the odd time signatures, long songs, and dissonant riffs we have grown used to hearing over time.
