How talent soars beyond mere genre

Yeah, yeah, we know, we know. We’re a little late with this one.

But so was everyone else, including radio programmers and music buyers.

Images And Words sold a relatively paltry 15,000 copies early on, but in recent weeks that figure has soared to 350,000; the album will be gold by summer, according to Billboard magazine.

What’s the reason? Well, aside from people waking up, the song “Hold Me Under” was released to radio in the U.S., and people immediately stared to notice this unique group.

But never mind why it took so long for the group to get the credit it was due. The important thing is that Dream Theater has put out the most impressive progressive hard rock album since Queensryche’s Operation: Mindcrime.

The aforementioned single “Hold Me Under” will make you an instant believer in Dream Theater’s unique style. The song features the brilliant vocals of Toronto native James LaBrie and a gorgeous, complex arrangement that shows off the immense talent of all five members of the band.

Next up is “Another Day,” which will be likely be the song that puts Dream Theater at the top of progressive heap.

LaBrie soars on this track, and somehow the band’s complexity gives way to a more accessible sound that has made this some the album’s new single.

After that is “Take The Time.” which combines the band’s songwriting skills with characteristically complex, wonderfully textured instrumentation.

The song opens with spoken rap into before sliding into some propulsive rhythms from bassist John Myung and drummer Mike Portnoy, as well as some sizzling guitar work from John Petrucci.

You’ll have to listen hard – but it’s worth it.

Side two opens with the progressive epic “Metropolis – part 1 (‘The Miracle And The Sleeper’),” a musically exciting track whose thought provoking lyrics that make the song more of a musical story that once again demand the listener’s attention and once again rewards it.

LaBrie sings, “As a child I thought I could live without pain, without sorrow / As a man I’ve found that It’s all caught up with me / I’m asleep yet I’m so afraid.”

This track as well as the classically influenced ballad “Wait for Sleep” and “Under a Glass Moon” make it clear that Images And Words is a collection of music for the thinking person – a must for fans of Pink Floyd, Rush and Queensryche and a damn good idea for anyone with and open mind, a curiosity about great music regardless of genre, and a willingness to invest a little time and attention.

To put it another way, if you write this album off as “some heavy metal thing,” you’ll be cheating yourself. Dream Theater is a hard rock band, but one that proves how talent can always lift a band and an album beyond any genre.

And overwhelming listen.