Released: July 2009
Format: standard album (CD or download)
Songwriting: 6
Performance: 9
Recording: 5
First Impression: 6
Staying Power: 5
Don't get me wrong. Dream Theater remains one of the most talented "progressive metal" bands in existence. The problem with such talent is that there is an expectation of consistently high quality. Stray too much from the formula and fans get upset. Stick too much to the formula and fans get bored. Unfortunately "Black Clouds and Silver Linings" falls into the latter category. Though it is flawlessly executed, all the musical talent in the world does not make up for tired songwriting.
There is also a three CD "special edition" of the same album. The second CD is a set of covers. Some are good. Others are boring. One is particularly painful (who sang that song? Freddie Mercury? Well then why don't you let him sing it!). The third CD is a set of instrumental versions of songs on the first CD. Two extra CDs of filler. Say it with me: "meh."
Suggested Sample Track: "The Count of Tuscany"
Recommendation: Unless you're a diehard fan, skip this one. Listen instead to Dream Theater's stellar back catalog ("Images and Words" and "Awake" in particular").
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