Music Snob's Dream Theater Tier List: Part DEUX

I rank all of Dream Theater's albums to date.
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[@loweffortproductions1985]

As a Dream Theater fan, I am extremely disappointed the band did not take the opportunity to name Octavarium "Balls", and The Astonishing "Balls 2".

[@bazookaman1353]

This joke is too good.

[@bunnysoup6858]

I'm going to forever be calling them that now

[@AdvaitBhalerao]

Also, they didn't call Distance over Time as Speed.

[@loweffortproductions1985]

​@AdvaitBhalerao Naw, that would be too obvious. They SHOULD call that album "The skull of Yorick, a dramatic turn of events - by Hamlet Shakespeare (feat. Dream Theatre)" Hmm... "correctly" renaming all Dream Theater albums, that sounds like a Spicy video idea @Become The Knight. Especially now that our boy Michael has returned

[@AdvaitBhalerao]

@@loweffortproductions1985 Yos

[@wallie2k747]

Falling into infinity is underrated af in my opinion, theres a lot of greatness to it but its kinda sad for me to see that its so underappreciated

[@forentertainment3259]

Apart from New Millennium, You Not Me and Burning My Soul I love the songs on that album. I think Anna Lee in particular is really underrated.

[@wallie2k747]

@@forentertainment3259 definitly. I mean, the combo of Hells kitchen and lines in the sand in the middle, then Trial of tears at the end?? Its fantastic

[@cleversonluiz5839]

Facts

[@BecomeTheKnight]

I know there's people out there (even friends of mine) who really dig this album, and I don't understand it lmao.

[@mirkecWii]

@@BecomeTheKnight say what you want but lines in the sand has one of petruccis top 5 solos imo

[@zennyfrommoga]

A little surprised The Glass Prison got no mention when talking about Six Degrees. That song is the definition of a banger to me.

[@pyramidhead3109]

my favorite DT song I think

[@teeple1877]

Dude.. yeah. Wtf? I absolutely love TGP and Blind Faith.

[@guitar_jero]

It breaks my heart that so few have listened to A Dramatic Turn of Events front to back. It is a masterpiece.

[@dodgrblu]

I have, Breaking All illusions is great, On the Backs of Angels and Build Me Up Break Me Down are quite good, but the rest is just not that captivating. it feels like DT on autopilot, no songs that really make me want to listen to them again. but even the 3 i mentioned I haven't really gone back to like I have others since the album's release.

[@TheDarkEternalKnight07]

It's a good album, but the album is an "Images and Words 2.0"

[@dodgrblu]

@@TheDarkEternalKnight07 without the same magic about it.

[@TheDarkEternalKnight07]

@@dodgrblu yes, but it's the best of the Mangini era imo

[@gdmcgill]

@@dodgrblu Lost Not Forgotten, Outcry, and Bridges in the Sky are all great too.

[@jimmymckie2272]

I started listening to Dream Theater because of you around 5 years ago and I'm going to go see them for the first time next February. Can't wait and thank you for getting me into this band!

[@Rio_1111]

Ha, I'll see them too. Really excited!

[@fortheloveofmusic860]

Yes, my first time seeing and hearing Dream Theater live February 10th!

[@Cheddar_Wizard]

Not thinking A Nightmare to Remember is a good song is crazy. Great lyrics, haunting hook, and a lot of great movements in between.

[@Slashbag69]

It's a great song besides Mike Portnoy's cringetacular vocal part towards the end of the song.

[@MusicalJackknife]

What I don't understand, watching so many DT videos and reading comments, is how The Best of Times isn't way up there on people's lists. No one hardly even mentions it but it's been one of my favorites for a long time. Maybe the fact that they never played it live, so people don't know it as much? Or maybe it's not proggy enough, idk

[@AdityaLewis-oh6tm]

absolutely! one of my favorite DT pieces. that threw me off along with the take on scenes, and a view. but to each his own.

[@necroplastful]

@@Slashbag69 DAY AFTER DAY AND NIGHT AFTER NIGHT WROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Slashbag69]

@@necroplastful He sounds like kids I went to high school with who thought they were metal af 🤢

[@puttu_racing]

Hi Mike, just wanted to say thank you for getting me into Dream Theater. My favorite albums so far are Images and Words, Octavarium and a Dramatic Turn of Events.

[@meowtherainbowx4163]

I feel like _Black Clouds and Silver Linings_ is the first Dream Theater album that didn’t introduce any new styles or vibes to their sound. However, the quality of songwriting is so good that it stands as a summary of their greatness rather than a redundant experience. It took a while, but “The Best of Times” really grew on me.

[@MusicalJackknife]

I literally just finished a comment about how nobody talks about that song, but it's been one of my favorites for a long time. I think it's Petrucci's best solo hands down, but most people prefer some solos from songs I dont even know

[@pchavez8833]

Yeah, as much as a “normie” opinion it might be, Images and Words is their best album. Learning to Live is easily one of the best progressive rock/metal songs ever, maybe even one of the best songs ever in general. All of the songs stand out and perfectly play their part in the album, and everyone in the band was on their A-game at this time. Perfect 10/10 album.

[@dodgrblu]

an all time classic, it just has something special about it

[@medievalsteel9126]

Not a normie opinion, just a correct one

[@acc3209]

Agree 100% with everything you said

[@lucapasini3392]

I've listened to Systematic Chaos multiple times during a dark period, one year ago. It's special to me. Ministry of Lost Souls speaks to me on a deeper level.

[@necroplastful]

Its an amazing album. I herald it as one of their best for years, fairly alone I will add.

[@LagunaPadre361]

That solo in Misunderstood I just love thinking about how it was tracked when i listen to it.

[@dodgrblu]

Lines in the Sand with Hell's Kitchen is one of the greatest pieces of music they have made. Falling Into Infinity is a mixed bag, but damn that's a massive highlight. New Millennium is pretty cool too. I urge you to listen to those songs again, they've only grown with time.

[@gibblezz]

Trial of Tears as well

[@UziStorm_1727]

Honestly, Burning My Soul is my favourite song from the album.

[@StudioSappy]

best mixed DT album hands down

[@ewitsdonovan]

It’s interesting that you like the first half of Awake over the second half. I actually think the opposite. Space Dye Vest is a top ten track for me.

[@TheBoss4711]

I immediatley paused the video there to go check that I wasn't just misremembering where Space Dye Vest was. Easily my favorite song on the album.

[@rahbeat9785]

on popular opinion: 'Stream of Consciousness' is DT's best most neatly packaged instrumental

[@rahbeat9785]

and 'Erotomania' is a close second

[@EzioMonty117]

My days of listening to Dream Theater 24/7 are long gone but i still hold them with massive amounts of respect as they have shaped my music taste, more so when it came to me exploring prog metal and its subgenres: My ranking: 1. Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence 2. Scenes From a Memory 3. Images and Words 4. Octavarium 5. Awake 6. Black Clouds and Silver Linings 7. Distance Over Time 8. Train of Thought 9. A Dramatic Turn of Events 10. Falling Into Infinity 11. When Dream and Day Unite 12. Systematic Chaos 13. A View From the Top of the World 14. Dream Theater 15. The Astonishing

[@guitar_jero]

WDaDU > Systematic Chaos?

[@EzioMonty117]

@@guitar_jero Indeed. WDaDU is mediocre but it's got charm and with it being their first album, the band are already showcasing some pretty solid (and not overindulgent) chops on their instruments. While Systematic Chaos has the expected musicianship, the heart is missing to me and i just end up getting bored while listening to it, especially with the drawn out instrumental sections in songs like TDEN or Ministry for example.

[@Houlgravely]

Good video. A few observations- 1. The Astonishing over Six Degrees? Really? Really?? Brooooo 2. These Walls is literally the best song and also has best hook on all of Octavarium. If anything, the rest of the songs don't measure up at all. 3. Agreed completely on Scenes From A Memory. It flows well but the songs individually don't do much for me either. 4. If the production was better on When Dream and Day Unite, it would probably be in their all time top 5 for me. I love the writing on it, that late 80's near-jazz fusion feeling to the proceedings. They recorded it in the same place that Queensryche did Operation; Mindcrime and I can hear some of that energy in the album. You may want to give it a few more spins when you are in a different frame of mind and see what you think. 5. A Dramatic Turn of Events has some good stuff on it, but I wouldn't put it over Train Of Thought or Six Degrees under any circumstances. 6. Images & Words will always be Dream Theater's best album and it is literally flawless. Your explanation as to why is perfect.

[@necroplastful]

I agree with 6 degrees. I love The Astonishing but no way in a million years is it better than 6 degrees. Like thats not even a take at this point. What the hell? Love These Walls too, I dont get his hate on this one. For Scenes? I can listen to Beyond This Life and Finally free as standalones very well. But when I do I always get the urge to hear the entire thing. I agree that When Dream is a pretty good album all things considered you could do much worse for a debut. But influences still are shown, and it shows A LOT. I agree with your ADTOE take. Completely actually. I disagree on this. I think it has aged more than people would be willing to admit. Its a fucking awesome album dont get me wrong but eh, I probably listened to it too much idk.

[@dillonslaterguitar]

Images and Awake are always gonna be their best to me, followed by the stretch of albums from Scenes to Octavarium

[@tatemalmsteen]

This comment deserves all the likes!

[@nikelodeon6852]

Images n words takes me back to my childhood even though I'm not a 90's kid. The keyboard patches and melodies just have a very homely feeling to them. The only other album that feels like home for me is Steven Wilson hand cannot erase.

[@tiago.8977]

Awake is the greatest prog metal album ever recorded in human history. It's prog, it's heavy, it's dark, it has feeling. Fuck, it has it all. Also, FII is amazing.

[@leddygee1896]

“Lines in the Sand” from Falling into Infinity is a great Song, not to mention John’s Searing and emotive solo… Dug Pinnick guest Vox too!!

[@jasons2210]

I have a soft spot for the self title because it came out my freshman year of college and I remember listening to it non-stop on my way to and from class. I wouldnt say its my favorite album by any means, but nostalgia plays a big part in why I like it as much as I do.

[@AFryingPan]

I've finally come around to loving the astonishing. I prefer it more than the last 2 albums for sure. The music was just more fun and playful

[@BecomeTheKnight]

It felt like they were taking risks! And it felt more inspired to me anyway.

[@cunjoz]

THANK YOU! the last two albums are quite forgettable apart from the barstool warrior, invisible monster and the alien.

[@robertisagigachad666]

Always nice to see someone who has systematic chaos, images and words, and a dramatic turn of events in their top 3. Can't really see why this list could be seen as controversial, but I usually agree with your tierlists so... 1. Systematic Chaos 2. Images and Words 3. A Dramatic Turn of Events 4.Train of Thought 5. Scenes From a Memory 6. Octavarium 7. Awake 8. Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence 9. Black Clouds and Silver Linings 10. A View From the Top of the World 11. Distance over Time 12. When Day and Dream Unite 13. The Astonishing 14. Dream Theatre 15. Falling Into Infinity

[@AlwinArrasyid]

I appreciate A Dramatic Turn of Events better after that listening party you hosted a while back. I love every song in it, especially Bridges in the Sky. I loved it to the point that I was jumping, singing, and crying like crazy when they performed that song live on their tour this year. So, thanks Mike for that!

[@mrbavenger]

Hot take: Sacrificed Sons is the best song on Octavarium, and a top 3 DT song ever. It's definitely in my top 5 songs of all time.

[@QuirkyFactos]

Sacrificed Sons, Peruvian Skies for me.

[@erusean8492]

Sacrificed Sons is easily the best in Octavarium, I agree. That album is kinda meh for me as a whole but that track is one of the few standouts

[@bvq330]

My favourite song on the album is Octavarium, it's the song that got me into DT, but Sacrificed Sons is a close second!

[@slapp3r439]

the rag time solo in dance of eternity is my favorite dream theater moment. Jordan really is a wizard

[@obiwanjustpeekinginonya]

Love me some dream theatre tier lists. Thanks Mike!

[@MetalRob81]

Falling Into Infinity is my favorite DT album, followed closely by Images and Words. Lines in the Sand and Peruvian Skies are 2 of my favorite DT songs.

[@wesleytrott6397]

Systematic Chaos is definitely underrated. I'm so happy you said that

[@lockecole57]

1. Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory 2. Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence 3. Images and Words 4. Train of Thought 5. Octavarium 6. Black Clouds & Silver Linings 7. Systematic Chaos 8. A View from the Top of the World 9. A Dramatic Turn of Events 10. Awake 11. Falling Into Infinity 12. Dream Theater 13. Distance Over Time 14. The Astonishing 15. When Dream and Day Unite As you can see, without counting Images and Words, the era that I enjoy the most is the 2000s (especially the first half of the decade), but honestly they all kick ass. The most recent album was amazing and I'm excited to see what's next for my favorite band ever :)

[@miguelruiz8873]

Was more surprised by Mike's list than I thought I'd be. My personal ranking: Masterpiece: Metropolis pt 2 Images and Words Systematic Chaos Great: Train of Thought Black Clouds Distance Over Time Six Degrees Good: Awake Octavarium Self-Titled There's better: A dramatic turn of events The astonishing Meh: A view from the top of the world Falling into infinity When dream and day unite

[@TP_Rockstar]

Self titled has a special place for me, being the first time I (knowingly) listened to Dream Theater. Having a long history in classic music while being a fan of more classic metal (Iron Maiden etc.), hearing False Awakening Suite was my greatest metal awakening. Hearing a metal band composing music in this way, like how my music teachers and fellow musicians talked about it was exactly what I needed to delve into Dream Theater. I then learned how much I'd actually heard them before without realising it, but False Awakening was a true awakening for me

[@brockbaldridge7620]

How can you not like the glass prison or the great debate?? That’s shocking

[@akhmedthemerchant4741]

Falling into infinity for me has a fun aspect that not a lot of dream theater has for me. It's certainly not one of their best albums, but it has a character that just brings you back kind of like an old friend you don't talk to much anymore but you always enjoy when you do

[@226butters226]

Thanks for giving Misunderstood some love. Probably the DT song I come back to the most

[@StudioSappy]

how the FUCK is the Astonishing anywhere near the top & FII anywhere near the bottom, y'all are cracked

[@davidepannone6021]

> complains about the snare sound on self titled > Praises i&w production

[@artimmenersilvers7841]

Mike I can confidently say that you’re the one that got me into systematic chaos. When I first got into DT, I had only heard some songs from train of thought. But then I stumbled across your old videos on the ministry of lost souls and panic attack and they blew my fucking mind. To this day, ministry and in the presence of enemies reign as masterpieces of DT’s discography

[@JT_5544]

Six Degrees is my favorite DT album, but respect your opinion man! Great video overall. Also totally agreed on Awake, first half is great, second always felt a bit off, except Space Dye Vest and The Mirror.

[@kevinneace9008]

I'm happy to see that you appreciate ADTOE as much as you do. Bridges In The Sky is my favorite DT team, and it was amazing to hear live for the first time.

[@shagginwagon8447]

Im happy to hear you think so highly of Systematic Chaos. I never hear anyone talk about it. It's my second favorite after Images & Words.

[@goncalobaia1574]

Gotta say, although I definitely don't necessarily agree with everything, I definitely come back to this video once in a while when I want some input on albums that I haven't payed much attention too. Very useful video, even though I'm quite certain you weren't aiming for that

[@thiccrib]

I'm still waiting to hear his opinions on a change of seasons lmao. Also systematic chaos is so fucking good dude

[@CompleteProducer84]

I fully support your love for The Astonishing, and agree that the first disc is far better. I have wished so hard that they could have consolidated it into one super long disc, subtracting some of the weaker tracks and strengthened the story. Also, this was awesome! I feel like the last fully-devoted DT vid you did was the "I'm bored of DT" video about The Alien, so I was getting a little worried there. And last - I am shocked that you don't love "Home", since you are a huge vocal melody guy (and the chorus is arguably their catchiest)

[@ni_n__ho.oh__n_in]

My two cents: 1 Scenes from a memory 2 Awake No; it never sleeps, no matter how many spins. This wasn't always this high on my rankings. How can I explain it? This album has got something special going on...Timeless. 3 Images and words This changed things back in the day. 4 When Dream and Day Reunite Alike Awake, this whole thing is one big epic ball I can't get enough of. 5 A Dramatic turn of events Full of "deepcuts" that deserve more than six degrees of attention - "Portnoy ain't on it so let's bash it": wrong! 6 Octavarium Weren't for obvious influences this would be higher - the concept is great! Diversity is welcome. 7 Black Clouds and Silver Linings Bring me more epics! Ignore the singles if you will. 8 Train of Thought This is a banger! Absolutely love three tracks on here but again, inescapable influences diminish it, and it is lacking the soul of the band, I guess. It used to be a lot higher on my list! 9 Distance over time By the numbers yet great tracks won't be ignored. 10 Falling into infinity Oh Man, call it what you like but New Millenium, Peruvian Skies, Hell's Kitchen, Lines in the sand and Trial of Tears would be the highlights of many band's careers. 11 Systematic chaos Ministry of Lost Souls 12 Six degrees of inner turbulence Disc one: a blend of noisy effects with sweet wankery. I enjoy moments and that's it. Disc two: sounds like christmas prog to me - I know, I know, I'll give it another spin, later! 13 Dream Theater I dig Rush's cover: The Looking Glass - :) * I haven't sit in the company of the missing two for more than a Hello.

[@ocpofficialrep7026]

i shall now begin my D.T. adventure

[@twocatsyelling723]

Cracks me up how often DT fans are like "I don't like FII". I think it's a fine album with some great songwriting on it. I guess they aren't playing 19/16 enough for some. It's the album that possibly has the most "No true Scotsman" fallacies thrown around about it... ie. "No true DT fan likes FII", which is bullshit.

[@Axisjampa]

I think Mike is too young to understand the Falling Into Infinity deep feeling, sorrow and sadness. In my list it's the masterpiece.

[@MidQualityPerson]

Or maybe he just has a different opinion. I do enjoy Falling Into Infinity quite a lot as well, but I know that people do dislike it. I get where you are coming from and I know that understanding music does take time for it to fully develop. But he probably just doesn’t enjoy it because it’s just that unappealing 😊

[@StudioSappy]

amen brother

[@jonathanfletcher4203]

I've only been listening to Dream Theater for a few months, but I would say my favorite song by them is a tie between The Spirit Carries on and On The Backs Of Angels. My favorite album front to back is definitely A Dramatic Turn Of Events.

[@rotemharari1565]

to me dance of eternity for me is one of my favourite dt songs, i think it is the one that i come back to the most.

[@kornel2584]

All albums go to meh category. I hate Dream Theater, Nirvana is better! All the DT songs are the same, and all of them are built up from 2 chords...

[@kornel2584]

@Turnips hehe

[@skutecnyatom]

Who are you making fun of exactly?

[@ashrasmun1]

I'm surprised how much I agree with you about Scenes from Memory

[@Multizkoo]

My top 3 Dream Theater albums: Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence, A Dramatic Turn of Events, A View from the Top of the World

[@niamone8399]

I love A Dramatic Turn of Events so much nowdays, I rarely skip any tracks from it.🤘

[@Ryan-ux4yz]

I think your tier list are awesome and very honest I saw your Beatles and Metallica tier list both really great bands I was wondering when you were going to do a Led Zeppelin tier list

[@felippedias5446]

After years listening to Awake, it deserves to be sided by Images and Words in a masterpiece tier. I also learned to love the first album, is a true gem, great album from start to finish.

[@Wetfeet569Gaming]

I really liked this video Mike, holding ADTOF close to your heart perfectly explains why it’s your number one. I’m the same way with octavarium because it was the first album that got me into metal and prog. Good and fair list, I really liked how u got into more detail about each album

[@seghj]

I have a strange relationship with DT: while I think that they are long past their peak years and just do the same thing over and over again, I still quite enjoy their latest albums. Things I hate about them (since the 00s): - the AWFUL cheesy lyrics - La Brie's live vocals - Jordan's Keyboard solos Things I still love: - their sense for melodies and drama - the Instrumental-"wanking" is always fun :)

[@Jdmp09]

15. Falling into Infinity 14. When Dream and Day Unite 13. A View From The Top Of The World 12. Black Clouds & Silver Linings 11. Dream Theater 10. Train of Thought 09. Six Dregrees of Inner Turbulence 08. Octavarium 07. The Astonishing 06. Systematic Chaos 05. Distance Over Time 04. Awake 03. Images and Words 02. A Dramatic Turn of Events 01. Scenes From a Memory

[@garrettculley8907]

I get what he’s saying with Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence. I love The Glass Prison, Misunderstood, Disappear and all of the title track but I really don’t care for Blind Faith and The Great Debate. And when 2 out of 6 songs are just meh that’s 33% of an album that’s just mediocre. My personal ranking would probably go… 15. When Dream and Day Unite 14. Dream Theater 13. A View From the Top of the World 12. Distance Over Time 11. The Astonishing 10. A Dramatic Turn of Events 9. Falling Into Infinity 8. Metropolis Pt. 2 7. Systematic Chaos 6. Black Clouds & Silver Linings 5. Awake 4. Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence 3. Octavarium 2. Images and Words 1. Train of Thought

[@guibassttini]

Octavarium next to astonishing, almost closed the video

[@TheBoss4711]

Your take on A Dramatic Turn of Events is so crazy to me. It is my least liked album (I don't really count When Dream and Day Unite). Most of the album just feels so dull even in parts that seem like they were meant to be exciting. Maybe that's a production issue, but I guess I just can't get passed it. I say "most of the album" because it turns out that it actually has one of my top 3 songs, Breaking All Illusions. I may have forgotten the album existed without it. More songs grew on me later and I'm glad that they did, but it's all on the back of that song (pun intended). Also, saying that Lost Not Forgotten is the worst song on the album might actually be crazier to me than ranking the album so high. I would consider Build Me Up Break Me Down, Far from Heaven, and Beneath the Surface all below it. Side Note: There are really no songs you like from Falling into Infinity? Did you forget Peruvian Skies, Lines in the Sand, and Trial of Tears? These are all among my favorite DT songs.

[@goatedgus]

Very respectable list. Love to see systematic chaos and dramatic turn of events get the love they deserve but it does pain me to see falling into infinity be that low, as it got me into DT. I do think overall that Black Clouds and SIlver Linings is the best DT album I've ever heard

[@seanwool]

Glad to see The Astonishing getting some love!

[@BenjaminTeacher]

I disagree with various elements of this list, specifically the disrespect towards FII. I may have to make my own tier list video....

[@XiyuYang]

My personal rank, worst to best 15. *The Astonishing 0/10* It's astonishingly bad 14. *Self-titled 3/10* Had a few (5 though) but pretty generic as well, I like it a little bit better than Systematic Chaos. 10. *A View From the Top of the World 6.5/10* Still playing it safe, the amount of self-referencing in this album is (pun intended) astonishingly high but as a whole it's moderately enjoyable. They are way past their creative peak at this point so I don't expect that much anyway. Title track is much better than Illumination Theory though, which is not exactly a high bar. 9. *A Dramatic Turn of Events 6.5-7/10* 1 amazing song (Breaking all Illusions), and 8 fillers. 8. *Octavarium 7/10* Title track is objectively a musical masterpiece coming close to the band's best work. The rest of the album range from mildly enjoyable at best, to downright contrived at worst (looking at you two, I Walk Beside You/The Answer Lies Within). 7. *Black Clouds and Silver Linings 7-7.5/10* Two amazing songs (Nightmare & Tuscany), one good song (The Best of Times) and three cheesy try-hards. 6. *Train of Thoughts 7.5/10* Not what I would typically expect from DT, but quite a solid release nonetheless. Shows how diverse their song writing can be, although at moments too wankery/show-off, even by DT's wankery standard. 5. *6 Degrees of Inner Turbulence 8/10* Pretty good, has some of the most experimental and moving materials in the band's history, disc 2 is coming close to the band's best when it comes to composition and concept. 4. *Falling Into Infinity 8-8.5/10* Did not expect to see this one here did ya? Lots of people (understandably) hated it, but personally this album is really moving, personal, well written, and comes off as touching, sincere and (at moments) unfiltered. I love it. Also, Hollow Years >>>>>>>>>>>> Wither. 3. *Scenes from a Memory 9.5/10* Objectively a masterpiece, I shuffle the top 3 around depending on the day of the week. 2. *Images & Words 9.5/10* The album that defined Dream Theater, it also set progressive metal apart from USPM influences (Fates Warning, Queensrÿche, Crimson Glory) and still holds its influence among a generation of fans and musicians, also partly the reason why I picked up guitar. 1. *Awake 10/10* My personal favorite. Songwriting, arranging, performance, lyrics, concept, emotion, passion, energy, coherency, diversity, production... This album has it all, their pinnacle in my eyes. 0. *A Change of Seasons (the song)* If I have to pick just one song that represents this band, it's this song. Almost like a more concise version of Awake. Their Magnum Opus.

[@rahbeat9785]

8:59 not even 'This Dying Soul?' c'mon now underrated track

[@PeytonDrums05]

Distance over time is actually my favorite

[@ExodusPlayzz]

Black Clouds & Silver Linings was the first album I truly appreciated. I also really enjoy A View From The Top of the World with the exception of a couple songs.

[@codydrummer]

The "eat my ass and balls" thing is from Mike Portnoy. One of his fills is actually Morse code for that phrase.

[@handthatfeedsmusic]

Mike’s guitarist DT fan brain: Ah yes, I love the part when the tambor transposes the Phrygian dominant to a B7#z@($; rather than a B7#z@($% My dumb caveman drummer brain: Man hit drum good

[@HEVELproyectofficial]

The astonishing it's so fucking underated

[@waterdive122productions6]

I've been a Dream Theater fan ever since the release of A View from the Top of the World, and they've grown to be a top 5 band of all time for me. My list has a few hot takes in it, so you have been forewarned. Anyways, here's how I'd rank their albums: #15: When Dream & Day Unite- 1989 (Good album, but a lot of the songs feel kinda forgettable to me. Also, I'm not too crazy about Charlie Dominici's vocals, but they get the job done very well. My favorite songs are Yste Jam, Afterlife, Fortune in Lies, and Only A Matter of Time. Also, RIP to Charlie Dominici, who just passed away yesterday). #14: Dream Theater- 2013 (Again, another forgettable album in my opinion. There are bangers on here like The Enemy Inside, Illumination Theory, Surrender to Reason, Along For The Ride, Looking Glass, and Bigger Picture, but the rest are very hit and miss for me. Good album though). #13: The Astonishing- 2016 (A 2 HOUR LONG CONCEPT ALBUM, ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! In all seriousness, this is a pretty good album, but why does it need to be 2+ hours long? If Rush can pull off a story like this with a 20 minute song (2112), why can't Dream Theater do a similar thing?) #12: Awake- 1994 (I told you there were some hot takes, and this is one of them. I like Awake, but I don't really like how it flows, particularly on the second side of the record. There are great songs like 6:00, Erotomania, The Mirror, Lie, Caught in a Web, and Space Dye Vest, but the album, as a whole, just doesn't gel well with me). #11: Distance Over Time- 2019 (From here on out, these are albums that I love from Dream Theater. What a banger of an album. This really feels refreshing after the gauntlet of an album that was The Astonishing. My favorite tracks are Untethered Angel, At Wit's End, Pale Blue Dot, and Fall into the Light). #10: Falling into Infinity- 1997 (Here's an album I bet you didn't expect to see this high. I really enjoy this album. I like the more laid back, and atmospheric side of this band on this album, and it has some of my favorite songs from Dream Theater. They include, Lines in the Sand, New Millennium, Hell's Kitchen, Peruvian Skies, and Trial of Tears). #9: A Dramatic Turn of Events- 2011 (Another great album, with a lot of meaty tracks. Breaking All Illusions, Bridges in the Sky, Outcry, On the Backs of Angels, and Beneath the Surface are all my favorite songs from this album). #8: Train of Thought- 2003 (This is such a badass album. As I Am, In the Name of God, Stream of Consciousness, Honor Thy Father, and This Dying Soul are all bangers from this album for me. What a badass album). #7: Octavarium- 2005 (I feel the same way about this album as I do with Train of Thought. Another badass album, with a genius concept. My favorite tracks are Octavarium, Never Enough, The Root of All Evil, Panic Attack, and The Answer Lies Within). #6: Systematic Chaos- 2007 (Why are there so many people who dislike this album? This is Dream Theater being both badass and musically creative at the same time. The energy on this record is just out of this world, and it holds some of my favorite Dream Theater songs, like Ministry of Lost Souls, In the Presence of Enemies 1 & 2, The Dark Eternal Night, Repentance, and Forsaken). #5: A View from the Top of the World- 2021 (As I said earlier, this is the album that got me into the band, so of course this would rank highly for me. Plus, Transcending Time is one of my favorite Dream Theater songs. That, coupled with The Alien, the title track, Answering the Call, Invisible Monster, and Awaken the Master are all of my favorite songs on this album). #4: Images & Words- 1992 (I know it's blasphemous not to put this at #1, but I have my reasons. Pull Me Under, Under a Glass Moon, Metropolis Part 1, and Learning to Live are all classics, and are easily some of the best songs the band has made. I also really love Take The Time, Surrender, and Wait for Sleep, even though I consider these tracks to be a bit weaker. Plus, Another Day is a top 5 song from Dream Theater for me. A flawless album from start to finish). #3: Metropolis Part 2- 1999 (Another perfect album from start to finish. What an excellent concept album. There are so many bangers on here, like The Spirit Carries On, Home, Through Her Eyes, Beyond This Life, and Strange Deja Vu). #2: Black Clouds & Silver Linings- 2009 (I'm afraid I really disagree with your take on this album. Every song is perfect for me. The Count of Tuscany, Nightmare to Remember, The Best of Times, Shattered Fortress, Wither, and Rite of Passage, every song is an absolute banger. A masterpiece album for me). #1: Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence- 2002 (This right here is one of my all time favorite albums. Every song just hits me right in the heart. Glass Prison is so chaotic and heavy, Blind Faith is such a banger, Misunderstood is so beautiful, The Great Debate is one of their most entertaining songs, Disappear is a beautifully dark song, and the 42 minute title track, Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence, holy cow. One of the best songs I have ever heard. This song moves me in a way that no other song from ANY other band has. What a masterpiece of a song off of a masterpiece of an album). *I also have to mention Change of Seasons from 1995. The Change of Seasons song is also another masterpiece. I just left its album off the list due to it being an EP, not a full blown album. However, if Change of Seasons was an actual album, then it would probably be at #2 or #3 for me. What a masterpiece. That's my Dream Theater list. I hoped you like it.

[@pingodoy58]

Hi Mike. What about A Change of Seasons? I would put, Octavarium on the Masterpiece tier, and Awake on the Good tier. I love ADTOE and as a Portnoy fanboy, I would love to hear this album with Mike on the drums. Great video.

[@mwmmatt1]

A Change of Seasons isn't an album, so it's not on the list

[@regularjack2]

Dunno how you can put The Astonishing anywhere near Octovarium, it’s dead last, it’s rubbish their worst. Also get ADTOE outta S tier, some of the weakest choruses on that album IMO

[@metal_bassist]

Thank gosh somebody else thinks the astonishing is good! Listened through it multiple times and would love to see it or something with this idea on Broadway

[@KilroyWasHere83]

WOO! DAYTONA BEACH! Right in my backyard! Can't fucking wait!!!

[@MusicalBoarder]

Im SOOOOOOOOO happy that Portnoy is back with DT. Also very surprised you dont have BCaSL higher.

[@InfernalRitesCharts]

I'm glad to see there's someone else that isn't crazy about Scenes. I'm one of those people where if something is supposed to be a concept album, the story is really fucking important to me. The story on Scenes, in my opinion, is bad. It just is. I fully admit Fatal Tragedy is a guilty pleasure of mine, but for the rest of this album, I don't see why the fanboys so vehemently defend it. In terms of concept albums, The Astonishing is leagues better.

[@federicoantonietti7851]

What do you think of the suite "a view from the top of the world"? Personally, I feel like it's one of their best, better than the count of Tuscany in my opinion. I didn't think they could make such a long song so well in 2021.

[@Rightchickenwing]

Yep, On the Backs of Angels is intriguing me so far

[@darryllyle5250]

Where would you put the A Change of Seasons LP? It's only 1 Dream Theater song and the rest are covers sure, but A Change of Seasons happens to be my favorite Dream Theater song. I really wished they had put it on Images and Words like they originally wanted to.

[@PetterDragland]

Sorry, but rating all of the post-Portnoy albums over Falling Into Infinity is criminal. Hell's Kitchen/Lines In The Sand has to be in my top 5 tracks from DT. Trial of Tears is another stunning track. Sherinian has way better taste for keyboard sounds compared to Rudess and generally serve the music much better.

[@psyrik]

See you in Jacksonville! Been a fan since like 20k subscribers, hope i get the chance to say hi! 1. S - ADTOE 2. S - SFAM 3. S - Images and Words 4. S - Black Clouds 5. S - Train of Thought 6. A - Six Degrees 7. A - Octavarium 8. A - Systematic Chaos 9. B - Dream Theater 10. B - The Astonishing 11. C - D/T 12. D - FII 13. D - View 14. D - Awake 15. F - WDADU

[@TheNaro127]

So glad to hear the love for ADTOE. I fell I love with that one as well. Hope all is going well!!

[@metalbraincoder]

Meh: 16 - The Astonishing There's Better: 15 - Falling into Infinity 14 - When Dream and Day Unite Good: 13 - Octavarium 12 - Dream Theater 11 - Black Clouds and Silver Linings 10 - Train of Thought 9 - A View from the Top of the World Great: 8 - Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence 7 - A Change of Seasons 6 - Distance Over Time 5 - Systematic Chaos Masterpiece: 4 - A Dramatic Turn of Events 3 - Awake 2 - Images and Words 1 - Metropolis Part 2: Scenes From a Memory

[@electric_keys]

I completely agree about ADTOE. I think it is the best thing they've released in the Mangini era. Sure, some of the songs feel like intentional rewrites of Images and Words, but I'm fine with that.

[@TheRealJoeNathan]

My top 6 changes order constantly, but it always contains the same albums. I come back to Black Clouds and Train of Thought the most. S (no bad tracks): 1. Images and Words 2. Awake 3. Black Clouds & Silver Linings (underrated, The Count of Tuscany and A Nightmare to Remember are both in my top 5) 4. Train of Thought (incredible, especially Endless Sacrifice, and In the Name of God might be in my top 10) 5. Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence 6. Scenes from a Memory (I agree that it’s a great listen, but no standout tracks) 7. A Dramatic Turn of Events A/B: 8. Octavarium (not big on I Walk Beside You or Never Enough. I always thought the vocals didn’t sit right in the mix) 9. A View from the Top of the World 10. Falling into Infinity 11. Systematic Chaos (Ministry of Lost Souls is the only track I truly love, the rest have their moments) C/D: 12. The Astonishing (some of their worst songs but also some hidden gems) 13. Distance Over Time 14. Dream Theater Need to listen to it more: 15. When Dream and Day Unite

[@elymamasig]

I think I somehow agree with your tier list. I love The Astonishing and I knew you would love it. It's not their best overall, but I think it is their best "black sheep" album. They made it like a full-on musical play-like album, Disney-type as other people say, but I think it's one of their best moves for them to be appreciated by more people.

[@joehenshall8735]

Thank god someone agrees with me on A Dramatic Turn of Events. It’s fucking beast. People go on about the production, especially he drums. But who fuckin cares when Petrucci is playing like that. Unreal

[@alvarojflorez]

Falling Into Infinity at the bottom and The Astonishing near the top triggered me. To me it's exactly the other way around.

[@Envysick]

Falling into Infinity in the "Meh" category it's just nosense

[@krunchhead]

Interesting Mike, yousay the stories don't matter, but do lyrics matter? This has always been a weakness for DT. I simply can't get passed the cheesy story and lyrics on The Astonishing, it kills it for me. In order to keep you engaged in such a album with short interludes, and as you mentioned, great singing by LeBrie, they should have done better in the lyrical department. It's the same reason I don't hold Metropolis in such high regard. Operation Mindcrime its not.

[@kevinw8688]

He doesn't love any songs and it's not bad but it's a masterpiece. Got it. Though you nailed Images and Words, that record is beyond insane. I like Black Clouds, think that's much under-rated.

[@RanterInShades]

My Dream Theater ranking: 15. When Dream & Day Unite 14. The Astonishing 13. Falling Into Infinity 12. A View From the Top of the World 11. Self-titled 10. Distance Over Time 9. Black Clouds & Silver Linings 8. Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence 7. A Dramatic Turn of Events 6. Awake 5. Systematic Chaos 4. Train of Thought 3. Images and Words 2. Octavarium 1. Scenes From a Memory

[@JVR10893]

Having Systematic Chaos ranked above Scenes From a Memory is insane.

[@mrbavenger]

My ranking would be (leftmost of the tier being my favorite) Masterpiece: Images and Words, Awake Great Album: Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence, Scenes from a Memory, Systematic Chaos, A Dramatic Turn of Events Good: Falling Into Infinity, Octavarium, Train of Thought, Black Clouds and Silver Linings, A View from the Top, Distance over time There's Better: Self Titled, Astonishing Meh: When Dream and Day Unite

[@BreakfastChickenGuy]

You should do a nu metal band tier list in the future because I would actually be interested to know which of those bands you like most.

[@nemoprahl9238]

I have four word, A CHANGE OF SEASONS

[@CptTachyon]

Masterpiece: Awake, Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence Great: Black Clouds and Silver Linings, Distance Over Time, Octavarium Good: A View From A Top Of The World. Train Of Thought, Systematic Chaos, A Dramatic Turn of Events There's Better: Self Titled, Falling Into Infinity, Scenes From a Memory, Images and Words Meh: When Day and Dream Unite, The Astonishing I don't hate The Astonishing, I respect it a lot since it's the only DT album in the last decade where they were really trying to make a distinct identity for an album I honestly believe Images and Words has no stand out songs and that Awake was the album I was told Images and Words was. Metropolis's instrumental felt like a parody of Dream Theater, like what detractors claim the band is about. Scenes From a Memory has Home, which as incredible, and Strange Deja Vu. Rest of the album is just fine. Funny how for me, the follow ups to the two best regarded albums, ended up being the albums I loved the most.