Dream Theater – Images and Words (Release Year – 1992)
I still remember the day when I heard Pull Me Under on the radio for the first time. I was out of town for business in Detroit. The DJ didn’t say who it was, but I was immediately blown away. I had to know who this was, and quickly.
Images and Words was the release that opened up the world of progressive metal for this listener. At the time of this album’s release, glam metal was on the decline. Progressive metal offered listeners something new, and Images and Words, quickly put Dream Theater on top of the progressive metal scene.
Images and Words is Dream Theater’s second release, and the first for singer James Labrie. The first CD, When Dream and Day Unite, didn’t take off, and the band’s singer Charlie Dominici was fired. The band didn’t start gaining success until James Labrie joined the group.
I did not start paying attention to this genre of metal until I heard this album. Images
and Words offers a somewhat unique style that was certainly ground breaking to me, and many others. The musicianship on this record is nothing short of stellar. John Petrucci showcases his awesome guitar skills, and Mike Portnoy proves to be one of the best drummers out there. James Labrie’s great voice ties it all together for one nice package.
There are a few songs that blend well with mainstream metal including Pull Me Under, Another Day, and Take the Time. It isn’t until later in the album where you find gems like Metropolis Part 1, a nine minute monster of a song that seems to fly by. Dream Theater can craft heavy tunes, and turn on a dime, and create music that is AOR quality. They back up their tunes with incredible live performances. For this listener, Images and Words is still an extraordinary listening experience. This release is essential for all progressive rock and metal fans.
Rating:
Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Pull Me Under
2. Another Day
3. Take The Time
4. Surrounded
5. Metropolis – Part 1 “The Miracle And The Sleeper”
6. Under A Glass Moon
7. Wait For Sleep
8. Learning To Live
Dream Theater is:
James LaBrie – vocals
John Myung – bass
John Petrucci – guitars, vocals
Mike Portnoy – drums, percussion, vocals
Kevin Moore – keyboards
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Hard Rock Hideout 
In my opinion, IAW is one of the three most iconic albums for Dream Theater. It embodies their first significant change from Mechanic, and the arrival of LaBrie. The next one would be Scenes from a Memory: Metropolis Pt 2; finally, their latest release Systematic Chaos, which brings them under new managment on a new record label that seems to be far more active in promoting DT commercially;
Dream Theater is in the studio again, and I can’t wait to see what magic they produce!
Ya, Pull Me Under introduced me to Dream Theater, but ironically it isn’t even close to being my favorite DT songs. Under a Glass Moon, metropolis pt.1, and Learning to Live have all withstood the test of time for listenability. I love everything DT puts out, and can’t wait for the day when everyone will share in their goodness. . .