Dream Theater, Another Day - A Classical Musician’s First Listen and Analysis

[@lightlezs7048]

This song while nice, is definitely just the tip of the iceberg of what Dream Theater are able to compose, really hope you check out some more of their songs.

[@Jeroen_K]

It's also one of a short list of Dream Theater songs in which they actually make music instead of endless fretboard, keyboard and drums acrobatics with poor screechy singing on top. 😋

[@lightlezs7048]

@Jeroen_K Yes, instead it's screechy singing with... nothing else noteworthy? I'm joking of course, idc about complexity or lack of it, but you should keep in mind that complexity is subjective, whatever you call "acrobatics" is pretty normal (not "overwhelming" or whatever you're implying) for many prog and metal fans, while this specific song seems to IMO lack substance. So no need to call it "not actual music" when it simply doesn't suit your taste and neither are you the target audience.

[@Jeroen_K]

@@lightlezs7048 I was joking, throwing the usual cliche out there. 6:00 is a favorite of mine; quite proggy I’d say. Joking except for the singing; I just can’t stand it, but yeah, to each their own. 👍

[@Jeroen_K]

6 o’ clock, the song, not the timestamp… damn you, YT 😅

[@lightlezs7048]

@@Jeroen_K That's understandable, I'm not into the vocals that much either, thus the reason I'm more into the long instrumental focused tracks from DT then this type of songs.

[@inspector_echo]

My first reaction was “this is not one of there most known or recognized pieces!!” But then while watching, I realized this is the perfect introduction to Dream Theater for Amy. They have such range and are so profoundly versatile, we need to appreciate this piece for what it is.

[@xschizophreniax]

LEARNING TO LIVE!!

[@AntonNidhoggr]

Oh yes, I think that one is my favourite from the whole album (the whole album is great though).

[@Lambgarnish]

I think Another Day is a sensible and gentle introduction to Dream Theater as their catalogue includes many much heavier and more complex pieces for someone not used to progressive metal. It took me a few months to wrap my head around their music (having come from a classical and 4/4 rock background myself) but they soon became my favourite artist. I hope you will come back to Dream Theater and that Vlad will gradually ratchet up the experience so you can come to (hopefully) enjoy tracks like Illumination Theory and Octavarium. P.S. Thank you so much for analysing Dream Theater - they are Queen fans too!

[@DiegoDeschain]

I'm so happy that you finally made it to Dream Theater. There are so many songs that you'd love by them. I hope you get to an epic next, Octavarium would be right up your alley.

[@FightingSilenceAk]

I thought Change Of Seasons

[@mikaelakerfeldt27]

love your reaction to Dream Theater !! you should definitely try Octavarium or Illumination Theory. They are long songs but they are very classically composed.

[@stargazer_nzm2112]

Yes, Dream Theater always keep it simple and relaxed.

[@NedJeffery]

"Popular and accessible". Coming up next, Dance of Eternity.

[@trokoshea1]

The Count of Tuscany would probably be a good 2nd step as it's part of a more "mature" part of their portfolio. :)

[@nicosimioni7363]

Yessssss, I'm so glad you got to react to Dream Theater! I hope you can do Octavarium some day.

[@charlesdaniel1367]

I love your content and I’m so happy you are going to start exploring my favorite band. Of course this song is one of the most unusual songs in their catalog but still, none the less, loved.

[@FarscapeOne81]

An analysis of their concept album Scenes From a Memory would be interesting or a 30 min song like Octavarium...

[@andreasferenczi7613]

Thank you so much, finally you have come around to my favorite band! I love them for exactly all the things you have been saying. Outstanding analysis.

[@Leo0718]

A lot of the movement in this piece is due to the fact that they don't progress via chords, but via modality, a defining feature of progressive music. While typical musical compositions change chords and the notes used in the melodies change scales to follow this chord changes, in progressive music as chords change the melodies stay on the same scales and switch composition to reflect the movement through the modes. So, they are the same notes, but it is the composition and its harmonic use what makes it move through. Thus this feeling that things are changing but somehow we are staying home. Dream Theater definitely has a lot of experimental compositions (both harmonically and rhythmically), this one is just one of their simplest one (they always have one or two ‘radio pop’ songs in every album). But they can get very crazy very fast, swinging from operatic suites to metal falling from the sky. They are one of the most musically interesting bands in history to me. This song in particular has always had a special place in my heart due to my own father's life with a chronic disease. Truly beautiful how it mixes sadness, anger, hope and nostalgia all into the same sound while never leaving ‘home’ it reflects the exact nuanced mix of emotions that families of chronic illness and cancer patients usually feel.

[@jzero4813]

This really nails why this is a good introductory song - because it's the vanilla example of their genre that shows off the main thematic undertone to their style.

[@liubomirfakirov6198]

I recommend The Dance of Eternity

[@luvincste]

i would rather go to hell's kitchen or overture 1928

[@jonathanhenderson9422]

I know people geek out over the time signature shifts, but they have so many pieces that hold together better musically. If anything, I think tracks like DoT are precisely the kind of thing that confirms haters' opinions that they're all about instrumental wankery rather than songwriting.

[@cosmonatty4614]

Definitely! Most iconic song of the band!

[@liubomirfakirov6198]

@jonathanhenderson9422 l suppose people who can't wank with left foot would always be envious to those who can. Kidding but you got my point don't you 😎🤘

[@Prime_Mover2112]

Very happy you are getting to Dream Theater! I hope you do a deep dive into their catalog.👍🤘

[@donaldkeiser695]

Thank you Thank you Thank you!!! Been waiting for you to react to DT. So many songs and so many styles. LOVE YOUR REACTIONS!

[@GordonHeaney]

This is one of their simplest songs!

[@Anselmiankey]

The guitarist who best mimicked the sax even without synth was the late great Allan Holdsworth, one of the most important musicians of the 20th century.

[@TheOicyu812]

Long-time fan of Dream Theater. I still have a promotional copy of When Dream and Day Unite on cassette tape in my music collection.

[@robertpetre9378]

Under a glass moon is another masterpiece by Dream Theatre lots of interesting polyrhythms and time signatures from Mike Portnoy

[@ybycomh]

Surrounded and Learning to Live are my favorite Dream Theater songs, also from this same great album.

[@jonathanhenderson9422]

Definitely one of their simpler songs back when they were still aiming at mainstream radio. It's not bad by any means but they have so many songs that are much more musically interesting. Octavarium is perhaps their magnum opus.

[@kreigalm1723]

"Pull Me Under". This was a modest and worthy start however! Pull me under would put you square in the heart of their style..

[@LowEndUniversity]

Have been enjoying your insights lately, Amy! When I saw this song pop up, I knew it’d be a great pick for you. There is no band I’ve listened to more in my life than Dream Theater, and in a way, they taught me so much about music when I was growing up. There’s so much worthwhile music to explore with this band, and I hope you’ll circle back to them. This song is an absolute gem that I appreciate more and more the older I get. Cheers!

[@larsnait]

Octavarium is a must

[@LeeKennison]

While I'm glad you have finally been introduced to Dream Theater, this is not the song I would have picked as your intro, simply because it is not representative of their more typical sound. Most of their songs are going to have a harder metal edge, although the type of metal that I think you tend to find more appealing than you do the much harsher thrash/doom/death/etc styles that you don't find as appealing. They are incredibly skilled musicians, which is more evident in some of their other songs. I enjoyed your reaction, with your typical great analysis job. I just hope the next time you get to hear one that is more typical of their sound, so that you have a good reference of that sound and what many here find appealing in their music.

[@minmodulation]

It's extremely refreshing to hear appreciation for Dream Theater's excellent melody writing and "pop-prog" arrangements of their first album. There's consistency yet also variation with usually each verse repeat.

[@tasos0140]

Amy has listened to enough hard rock and metal by now so as to identify right away this one as poppy. And it is one of the poppiest by DT. Yet, a good song, but not characteristic of their capabilities. Great rection and review.

[@Zundfolge]

This is the second weakest song on this album (Wait for Sleep is the weakest, but its really only a 2 minute voice and piano interlude, not really even a complete song). The rest of this album are among their best works. But this song is a good introduction to James LaBrie.

[@bludrugo29]

I have always considered Dream Theater to be incredibly talented. They are all virtuosos of their respective instruments, and I particularly admire Petrucci since I’m an amateur guitarist myself. They have amazing songs, extremely complex yet with captivating melodies. However, I’ve always thought that Labrie’s voice is a bit too cold and sterile, even though he is an exceptional vocalist.

[@theorc9098]

Agreed. If he had more warmth, or more than two vocal colours, then they'd have been far easier to listen to over the years. I find his belting quite shrill.

[@marcblachman2322]

😅 very good! Amy needs to hang out with Dream Theater for a while. A definitive fit for the channel. Love to see a deep dive into Scenes From A Memory.

[@digibirder]

Beautiful simplicity with a very sbutle undercurrent of what Dream Theater is mostly known for: complexity and heaviness. Images and Words is still my favourite album of theirs. A true classic. I'm interested to see where you go next with them. Buckle in Amy, this will be fun!

[@pablopolanka]

This is one of their most radio-friendly, late-80s pop styles, with only a vague, passing resemblance to metal prog. It's not even close to what they enjoy writing and playing. DT is one of my favorite bands of all time, certainly my favorite prog rock band, and I've been a big fan of all the greats since the earliest versions of King Crimson, Genesis, and Yes.

[@walterwhite3195]

Wow!! You did Dream Theater? Please please please do "Home", or actually the entire "Scenes From A Memory"...

[@netuno60]

Thank you for your reaction and analysis.

[@davidellinsworth3299]

Illumination Theory (especially Live at the Boston Opera House) is my favourite I've listened to so far.... I just got into Dream Theater a month or two ago..... Dayumm!! From what i e heard of them so far Another Day is not a general reflection of their greater body of work at all.... it sounds radio friendly .. Dream Theater dont do that.

[@Nialligimino]

Are you trying to tell me that 42 minutes isn't a radio friendly length for a song? 24 has to be ok though, right?

[@MikkoRantalainen]

This performance was old enough to not have Jordan Rudess in the band. If you want to hear more complex song, try The Dance of Eternity where Jordan Rudess does some insane keyboard work and the rest of the band is executing similar tricks.

[@Dan-C-71]

The entire Metropolis Part 2 album is incredible. There’s a video out there of Mike Portnoy reading off the meter changes in The Dance of Eternity and it’s mind blowing.

[@eTetsuo]

Like here to request the reaction for the Scenes From a Memory full album

[@michaelrstover]

Always follow up another day with a dark, eternal night

[@EduardoAMendonca]

So it begins!!!!

[@gh8447]

28:12 That is a Soprano Saxophone played by Jay Beckenstein. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Another_Day_(Dream_Theater_song) look under _Personnel_ -> _Additional musicians._

[@AlcoTube]

DT super fan here 👋. Love your analysis.

[@almarhulsegge1859]

Loved your reaction! ❤. A perhaps musically more daunting song would be Octavarium, of which The Daily Doug said something like he knew musical dissertations that weren’t as intricate as that song. Keep up the good work!

[@JoseRomero-og6zx]

Esta canción es la expresión de que menos es más, de los mejores análisis que he visto en años de DT.

[@swanneez5246]

In 1990 I bought an album from Spyro Gyra Point of View. Never was really into this kind of music. But something got me hooked. Later I found out Jay Beckenstein from Spyro Gyra played the solo on Another Day and that DT used the studio where Spyro Gyra recorded. I lend the album to someone but never got it back. Brilliant album Point of View.

[@usuallyclueless4477]

You hit the nail on the head! although, this is one of their poppiest songs even though they have some very interesting things in there. A tame and easy introduction to Dream Theater before people discover their 'crazy' stuff.

[@clutchkman]

Super talented band!

[@washysama]

There has to be a quick follow up of this with Metropolis, so you get both sides of the band

[@gregorykenfield3134]

What you heard is an actual woodwind instrument. The earlier underlying sounds you asked about were indeed guitar, and were likely produced by turning down the volume knob, playing the note, then creating the swelling sound by turning the volume back up. This easily one of the most accessible DT songs ever written. But do not be fooled...this is the most talented band that ever existed, and the bulk of their music is incredibly technical while remaining full of emotion. Thank you for reacting to my favorite band!! Hopefully, it will not be for the last time. God bless, and Merry Christmas!!

[@altair8598]

The opening chords remind me at first of the 'Head Over Heels' riff (Tears for Fears); then it diverges. First listen for me. Great analysis Amy.

[@JuanMartinez-qw7px]

That song was the inspiration for the title of a Bond film,, Die Another Day.

[@BuildEnvironmentTV]

Liner notes credit Jay Beckenstein with Soprano Sax on this song.

[@rtwbikerider]

Beckenstein was a member of Spyro Gyra (jazz / pop?). He was also the owner of the studio where this was recorded (Bearsville). I think he volunteered his services for a couple of songs on the album.

[@PortviShock777]

Yes! More Images and Words please! ❤

[@lauscho]

Great that you're finally getting to Dream Theater, but I will say that this is BY FAR one of the band's tamest songs. Not much in terms of what makes their music "progressive". It's a great song, but it's not terribly representative of the band's more technical aspects like their insane instrumental parts with time signature and key signature shifts. On the other extreme of this is their entirely instrumental "The Dance of Eternity", which is a hell of a tune to have to dance to! Or from this very same album, "Metropolis Part 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper" combines the songwriting flow of this piece with the technicality of "Dance of Eternity" in its sprawling middle section. Maybe I'd do like you have with Metallica and save the 24-minute epic "Octavarium" for later so you still have a masterpiece waiting after hearing some of their music... edit: and I can see why you're saying what you are around 7 and a half minute in. Like I said, this tune is one of their tamest. But then again, a lot of their more complex tunes still have great, uncomplicated melodies. That's probably why I love the band so much, they really understand the mix of technicality and good songwriting. Have you done any Rush yet? You should, Dream Theater has a LOT of roots in Rush's music.

[@lauscho]

And yes, that's a saxophone at the end. A guest appearance by Jay Beckenstein, of Spyro Gyra, who owned the studio where this album was recorded.

[@jovana_r]

I enjoyed this reaction even more than I expected. I don't know much about Dream Theater but I know two or three of their songs and "Another day" is one of them, why I'm very glad that you were introduced to the band whit it, even though it is one of their most simple and accessable songs. Actually, long time ago I was forced to listen to many of their songs and it was all very confusing to me. I couldn't connect to any of them, because it was just too complicated for me. I have always struggled with progressive metal because of that complexity. But now, after this reaction of yours, I kinda wish you to react to more of their music because I feel like you could bring it closer to me and maybe even make me like it. Somehow, through this reaction I feel like it might be possible. Thanks, Amy! 🖤

[@STDanny0018]

I love your reactions, I'm tuning in weekly to see what's next and seeing dream theatre ...wow! LOVED IT I would love to see what you think of a band called Enter Shikari from England the song is called "Dear Future Historians" I would LOVE to hear your take on it. Keep up the Terrific work👍

[@Aging_Casually_Late_Gamer]

Aw man, bridges in the sky is superior in my opinion.

[@thomassharmer7127]

I've always loved soprano saxophone - a nice touch here. The vocals become a bit too musical theatre for my tastes, but there's no doubting their capabilities.

[@Brog1976]

That's a soprano sax at the end of the song played by Jay Beckenstein

[@riccardocorsini9063]

Dear Virgin rock, you started with one of the simplest songs by Dream Theater, yours is a very nice analysis, but don't believe appearances because they are the kings of odd time signatures and very intricate musical passages and I would really like your analysis of these pieces many of which are also proposed below by other users.

[@stormy8207]

If you don't already know it, you might like the poem by Dylan Thomas (1947), Do not go gentle into that good night. It is rumoured it was written for his dying father.

[@MetalGearyaTV]

This is just a pop song written for radio rotation. It's not characteristic for the band's creative output almost at all.

[@BuildEnvironmentTV]

Which is really funny since Pull Me Under actually wound up charting way higher and is significantly less radio-friendly.

[@RG-kz9yt]

I believe this is the song that had a member of a jazz band named Spyra Gyra playing like an Alto Sax or whatever Kenny G also plays. This was not really a song for radio play, but rather them pushing their boundaries and music stylings.

[@Bozitsar1]

Its time for Dance of Eternity…😊

[@talben-tov5020]

It is a great song of itself. The open guitar chords and solo are characteristic of Petrucci, Labrie is at his best and everything is just tight. I think May rightly pointed out its accessibility as a pro and not a con

[@LeeGion_981]

Dream Theatre have always been a hit or miss band for me, which is strange because prog metal is my favourite genre.

[@allenlocke1935]

I hear ya:)

[@lucasironi5675]

you have to finish the wall, you've almost done !

[@rlsxs4ever]

i know you must have a lot of suggestions for your playlist, but please consider "one last kiss" from utada hikaru, and "kizuna no kiseki", from man on a mission and millet

[@realguitarthur]

Great analysis, Amy! Glad you finally made it to Dream Theater!!! I think their sound can be best described as RUSH + Metallica + Tool. Check out In the Name of God next!! You will not be disappointed!! :)

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

How about finishing The Wall????

[@KevinC-t6p]

While I like this song, I would have thought Pull Me Under would have been a better first listen of this band

[@lucaskopke6886]

Metropolis pt1 is quintessential DT in my opinion best first song to listen to.

[@Zundfolge]

Considering that was the world's real introduction to the band, I would agree.

[@eleonn]

​@@lucaskopke6886 the problem with Metropolis p I is that most of the time it ends up just being way too much for the casual/random listener.

[@warnerww83]

This is the Coke Zero of Dream Theater. Enjoy your trip down the rabbit hole 😂 There is so much more left for you to mine.

[@allenlocke1935]

That was a soprano saxophone played by the producer and studio owner and also member of Jazz group Spyro Gyra. Can't recall his name. Can anyone tell me what denotes this being in the key of C flat as apposed to being in the key of B?

[@JamesKlas]

That is a real sax. Just to boost the algorhythm

[@larsnait]

28:37 yes, it is saxophone

[@charlesdaniel1367]

And I believe it is the only time Dream Theater used a saxophone in their recordings

[@przemysawdobrzynski2590]

Strange introduction to DT to be honest. It's not their typical song, it's rather standard rock ballad that don't have a lot in common with the rest of their catalogue. It could've been recorded by any solid rock/metal band from the 80's or early 90s. I wonder why did you choose that, these kind of "normal" songs are pretty much rare within their catalogue so it seems like it has been chosen consciously.

[@felipecampos3045]

you NEED to listen to learning to live next

[@RossanoMacchioni]

Symphony x Paradise lost ballad.

[@mixedmartialanarchist6469]

When will you discover the band Journey, or have you already?

[@Pedro_MVS_Lima]

I do agree with the comments stating that this would not be your typical DT song. Not that I know a huge lot about DT, but I do know they go far beyond the capabilities shown in this theme. I don't mean to dismiss the theme in itself, even if it doesn't impress me. It's well made, well played and produced. Don't like it? Leave it and go somewhere else more to your liking.

[@dali2162]

I recommend the album 'Danger Money' by UK.

[@joeloedeman5160]

It's interesting that Vlad started you with this song. You spoke about the accessibility of the piece. Perhaps the only song by Dream Theater which would be described that way.

[@DerEchteBold]

If you're not completely foreign to Rock I'd say Pull Me Under is much more accessible, I've never heard this song here before and I found it quite disappointing and boring, would definitely put me off the band.

[@jonathanhenderson9422]

They have plenty of accessible pieces, usually a handful on each album. Not all of them are so overtly commercial as this, though.

[@joeloedeman5160]

@@jonathanhenderson9422 I knew I was exaggerating by saying that no other DT songs could be described as accessible, but they aren't known for that.

[@nickrr5234]

Nice reaction, but this is very bland by DT standards. Something like the Count of Tuscany would be much more interesting.

[@jmurray2018]

That song was real cool. Are you gonna do Marillion soon ? His vocal range did hurt my ears but I got used to it. The Guitar sounds awesome

[@Tommy-he7dx]

Wow, did Amy say "Stuck Up" :) at this rate, she'll be cussing like a Dock Worker in about 60-70 years :D

[@jmurray2018]

@14:29 your expression was just like Freddie Mercury, very majestic and theatrical.

[@luvincste]

dream theater today?! this was unexpected

if you liked the sax solo try his own jazz fusion band - spyro gyra

[@pentalarclikesit822]

Prog metal isn't my favorite subgenre, but if you like it, it's not as well known as Dream Theater, but Savatage's album Dead Winter Dead is a masterpiece. (Kind of more towards the symphonic metal end rather than standard progressive metal, though . . .)

[@Pendragon667]

G'day Amy, i just came here from your "One Winged Angel" reaction video and would like to ask if i might fancy you listening to "Liberi Fatali" from Final Fantasy VIII?

[@antoniomonsanto3925]

What about reacting to "The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown" ?

[@robinhightower9031]

''Ode to Billy Joe,'' by Bobbi Gentry, pls.

[@luizarthurbrito]

Has she done "another day in paradise" by phill collins? It'd be nice

[@sirsancti5504]

Welcome to the "prog" (as of Progressive) side of rock/metal. Just remember: anything can and will happen in this genre. Now, This is not the tipical sound of DT. It is a nice introduction to their capabilities, though. They are usually more heavy-sounded and quicker. My personal preference of a great song: "Glass Prison". If I'm allowed a sugestion, keeping it "prog": Ayreon.

[@greveolaf8284]

The Ministry of Lost Souls would be a good second listen to Dream Theater.

[@WastrelWay]

Yes, Amy, it starts in 4/4 time and the next measure is in 5/4, as far as I can tell. When you were playing it on the harp, I saw you get confused because you weren't allowing for the rest at the end of the 2nd measure. I can't stand Dream Theater, but you are great. It's nothing to with R&B, which frequently has syncopation.

[@netuno60]

It seems like I am listening to Journey. That's strange.

[@Marnee4191]

Ooooh, Amy should do a Journey song! I don't think she has done one. But anyway, it didn't remind me personally too much of Journey, but it did remind me of some band or song I can't put my finger on. My personal take on this is that most Journey songs are far better than this, although I don't typically like the basic rock music of that time (but Journey is pretty good, imo). I have a smattering of Dream Theater on my main Spotify playlist. I added them recently, having only heard of them two years ago. I listened to quite a few of there that I did not add, and which I hid. I can really appreciate their talent, while actively disliking a lot of their music. This is one such song. I hope I never hear it again, but I watched the whole thing, because Amy is awesome, and I found her reaction and analysis to be interesting, nonetheless.

[@SpartanGuy83]

Definitely some Neal Schon influence here.

[@oobenoob]

Cheesy. But I suppose an easy listening introduction to DT. I encourage you to fast forward to the next album Awake.

[@juampasto24]

Please react to "The count of tuscany".

[@Duncan_Idaho_Potato]

This is an interesting choice for your introduction to Dream Theater. It is NOT representative of the band's sound as a whole. That's true for most of their ballads, especially on the earlier albums. It is an understatement to say that they hold back on the histrionics of most of their other music. If the typical Dream Theater song were a roller coaster, it would snap the necks of anyone who rode it with all the crazy twists and turns. In other words, this is Dream Theater at its most laid back and... "normal", lol.

[@marcblachman2322]

DT’s “Home” should be next. Another Day is nice, but just a late 80’s pop song/power ballad, albeit DT style. Not the best representation of what they can do. AD is reflective of about 0.01% of their output.

[@davidgregg9489]

Nice. Now please do a real DT song.

[@IvanRatama-p9m]

Can you consider reacting and analysing John Myles with "Music"?

[@LuddyVonBeat]

Better