Musical Analysis/Reaction of Queensrÿche - Silent Lucidity

[@JWSoundworks2]

🎵🎸Moody, atmospheric, instrumental, one-man-band prog? Right this way 👇 kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5-6lmadlJyjp6M

[@stratcat3216]

Lifelong guitarist here.. I could not agree MORE! Musicians! heads up! serve the song! Cheers man ;)

[@eanhalt1]

Next time listen to the lyrics! A true master class in writing. The arrangement is terrific and yes it tells a story. Truly emotional journey. Lyrics are after all a big part of this song.

[@Sumaleth]

30 years on and this song still manages to give me the chills. Queensryche's albums from their first EP through to that Promised Land album is one of the best streaks in metal, and maybe all of music. Not that I've listened to all of music, mind you, but there wouldn't be many bands or artists with a greater run of albums. They all had their own feel too: the EP was _very_ influenced by Judas Priest, for example, though they went their own way after that. (They really struggled after Promised Land, unfortunately, and it has only been with the last few albums, and a new singer, that we've started to hear them in top form again.) They've always made extensive use of "supplemental sounds". I think of QR as a sort of prog'ish-metal version of Def Leppard in that regard -- highly produced, beautifully crafted soundscapes with just the most tasteful dual-guitar solos (duolos?) you could want. Okay, so recommendations for reactions. Start with the standard I guess (mostly known for the amazing vocal performance but the whole song represents a great look at the pre- or proto-prog version of QR): kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpybZZeMpptnas0 (Take Hold of the Flame, live, 1984) Or Empire, the title track from the same album as Silent Lucidity (was always a personal fave of mine): kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIS3lKdoe6uUo9k (Empire, official music video) Or this amazingly creepy cover from Rage For Order: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4jNhJmEfc98q6s (Gonna Get Close To You, original by Lisa Dal Bello) And there's a few I'd pick from Promised Land (I think it's as good as Op: Mindcrime), but this one is haunting: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIXIaGWwd5mbnpo (Out of Mind) They're not a "prog" band in the same sense as a Dream Theater or a Spock's Beard.. they just kinda did their own thing and weren't easy to pigeon hole. I think your "cinematic" comment was a better term there; cinematic metal, alongside a later band like Beyond Twilight.

[@JWSoundworks2]

Thanks for the superb info and suggestions there, man. Appreciate that!

[@salami124]

@@JWSoundworks2 Would appreciate your reaction to Take Hold of the Flame, live ( You'll be surprised by the awesome range Geoff Tate has with his voice ) Tokyo 1984 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpybZZeMpptnas0

[@Qyngali]

@@JWSoundworks2 Michael Camen did the orchestration on this song, I'm sure you know what that is. :) I agree with everything posted above, but I would add Roads to Madness to the list, one of their most epic songs from The Warning, the album they released before Operation Mindcrime. Oh, and you were spot on with the time, this was released in 1991. Silent Lucidity is a very atypical song by them, ithey don't really have another song in their catalogue that sounds like it. It's also their biggest hit by far.

[@ricarcorpse]

Fully agree with you. There's nothing wrong with any of Queensryche's music until "Promised Land", which is brilliant. Very much about the songs and music than the technicality (which they have, for sure) Check Fates Warning too. They deserve all the success Dream Theater has and more, in my humble opinion.

[@dertodesking.]

You're right, from the first EP through Promised Land really is incredible.

[@justdave9610]

Take hold of the flame live from Tokyo is a great song. It's probably their most reacted to song but it's an amazing performance and I'd enjoy watching you react to it as well

[@the-dave-house-project]

Hi Dave. Just another Dave here to back you up on this one. Lol.

[@jen43072]

This song makes me simultaneously feel tremendously sad and triumphant. The strings are so transcendent.

[@rofyle]

I was the same way. Passed them over in the 80s and then realizing in the 2000s that I had passed on something really great. It's like catching a really great, visually stunning movie on television and then realizing I should have gone to the theater to see it instead.

[@gesundheit602]

Brahms lullaby at the end, nice touch.

[@thisisanno]

This is one of the most beautiful songs ever written. Period. And psychedelics are required to truly 'feel' it.

[@bobfeyereisen5521]

Psychedelics not needed. The journey is a trip just listening to the amazing song

[@tenbones1274]

Anything from the albums 'Rage for Order' or 'Operation: Mindcrime' and you're GOLDEN! Recommendations from Rage for Order - 'Neue Regel' , 'Walk in the Shadows', 'Screaming in Digital', 'I Will Remember' - but you can't go wrong with any track on the album. Operation: Mindcrime - Honestly this is a concept album that deserves to be listened in order, in its entirety. It is one of the greatest albums ever made, regardless of genre. A true masterpiece. Enjoy! look forward to you reacting to more QR!!!

[@andydevereux2195]

I've loved this song for a long time but now I know why , I genuinely love the way you draw my attention to things and now it's like a rediscovery of the song , I'm hearing it with new ears and I thank you for that

[@JWSoundworks2]

Thank you, Andy. Glad you enjoyed it! 🤘

[@6lillium]

Despite what some may say ,Chris DeGarmo ( guitarist playing at the beginning) was the heart and soul of Queensryche. They were never the same without him . He wrote this song after becoming a father. Empire is a more commercial album , but Promised Land , Here and the Now Frontier , and Q2K are full of great songs. I would try "I Am I" , and "Out of Mind " . NOW....the hidden gem ( aside from Operation Mindcrime) is the often overlooked album Rage For Order. It was YEARS ahead of it's time , especially when you consider it was out in 1986.... This is the album where Queensryche parted ways with heavy Metal , and prog metal was born. Standout tracks.... " London" inspired by the Ann Rice novels " Neue Regel" .... 😱!!!! "Walk In The Shadows" the radio " hit" . Personally , I'd start with the Rage album first....

[@MrKlove01]

Chris' daughter wasn't born until '94 or so and I believe that she is his only child, although I could be wrong there. This album and song came out in '90, so unless he had another kid before her, it wasn't a reaction to becoming a father. I can remember reading interviews where he specifically talks about writing this song as a reaction to the success he was having with lucid dreaming experimentation.

[@ronparsons8786]

I really love how you noticed the connective tissue with some Pink Floyd here. I'd never consider that consciously but it's certainly there. And I agree with you that the middle section there is unexpected and even a little bit unsettling which I think is what they were going for. Geoff Tate's voice is a gift from God

[@SarahFromCanada]

So much emotion in this song. I love it so much.

[@amyaeschbach3581]

You really took me back with the reaction. So thank you. 1990-91 this song played on my headphones while I have to lay down in the grass somewhere and just listen to every aspect of this song, then hit rewind to listen again and again. It always took me places and I couldn’t get enough of the transcendence I felt through their music. And I thoroughly enjoyed your reaction, the thoughts about the swells in the different entrances of the different instruments and how they would fade out to just hear the singing and come back in using such restraint. You are very inspiring. And another please go back and give Tori Amos another try! I’ve never seen anyone react to the song icicle as their first hearing of her. That song is very different from almost all of her other songs. Please try winter or crucify or silent all these years. So glad I found you today.

[@JWSoundworks2]

Thanks again, Amy. Very kind of you to leave the kind and positive feedback! Music has the incredible power of transporting us straight back to a time of our lives within seconds of hearing it! 😊👍

[@jeroens9160]

I concur

[@badm0t0rf1nger]

"Empire" is one of those albums I *still* listen to on the regular. Straight thru, you know.... *as an album* I'm going to have to go listen to the rest of the album after watching this! LOL :)

[@purplekat5864]

I LOVE hearing reaction videos from vocal coaches, and actual musicians (like yourself) because you know a lot about music and can appreciate the technical and musical elements that we non-musicians can't articulate! I know what I like, but can't break it down coherently in music-speak. YES! I love how QR is about the whole song. They rarely become indulgent in their guitar solos. They do what serves the song! I could go on forever about this band (original lineup). Geoff's vocals cannot be matched, and they are an incredibly versatile band. They can write a wide variety of music! Please listen to their first two albums to get an idea of what they can do! (The Warning, and Rage for Order). Would LOVE to hear you review more of their songs! Thoroughly ENJOYED your analysis!! This has already become too long, so I'll just end by saying that I also loved your song that you play in the opening VERY much! I'll be watching for more from you!

[@JWSoundworks2]

What a kind and encouraging comment to receive. Thank you very much for that! I will definitely have to look into more from Queensrÿche. Thank you for the suggestions! 😊🤘

[@plasticflowers1]

Agreed, I would love you to do a similar analysis on Rise n Shine, the third side of 3 sides to every story by Extreme.

[@99sheepy]

Great reaction, I always found the solo pretty unique, how the guitar keeps playing the same lick, as the key center changes behind it. Very cool. This song was certainly their biggest commercial hit. I had been into Queensryche pretty early, and certainly the impact of Operation: Mindcrime was huge on me, when it came out. An often overlooked album is Rage For Order, which came out right before Mindcrime, in 1986. The band really started experimenting with sounds and orchestration on that album, and I don't think it was well received, for whatever reason. But, it's a great album. If you want to check out the song Neue Regal, from that album, you hear bits of what the band would later publish on the Mindcrime and Empire records. But overall, I'd have to say the song Suite Sister Mary, from the Mindcrime album, is their pinnacle.

[@JWSoundworks2]

That solo was gorgeous, and such an unexpected turn with the constant modulations under the end of it. Seems to have more symbolism now that I'm more clued into the dreaming aspect of the song. Perhaps the modulations could be representative of scenes changing (ref dream scenes) and the repetitive guitar lick symbolic of you being the constant in the changing worlds? Who knows, certainly very unusual, I wouldn't be surprised if there's some meta symbolism going on in other areas of the production considering the subtle use of Brahms lullaby motif at the end. Superb!

[@The_Tribal_Beef]

Yes ! One of my favourite songs 👌 nice one John 🤟

[@michealashcraft8072]

It is otherworldly, ethereal, just WONDERFUL!!!Doc Mike USN

[@Solitude54]

Yes, epic is the word! This song made me aware of lucid dreaming and changed my life 4-ever. 🤘🏻

[@jeffwarren4938]

Saw them open for Dio in '84 or '85 in Evansville,IN....two world class vocalist in one night...great show.

[@HoracioAlonso-i8d]

Congratulation,the best reaction of the grand song Silent Lucidity

[@AustriaTop40]

One of my favorite songs from one of my favorite bands, combined with John. To say it in your own words John: beautiful!

[@JWSoundworks2]

🙂🤘Lovely comment, thank you! I really loved this one!

[@AudiophileTubes]

MASTERPIECE AND MASTERCLASS!

[@irishinnish1]

Sad to see you didn't get a stronger reaction to Queensryche from the comments. QR fans are pretty ravenous. Also, you haven't gone back to them in almost a year, which is a little sad lol. My experience with QR came a little late as well. I didn't catch onto them until 1989 when a friend turned me on to "Operation: Mindcrime." This is the album that changed my life. I'm not even remotely exaggerating lol. Honestly, although I love the 'Empire' album, it really is a stark departure from their previous work, and I would never suggest that album to anyone listening to them for the first time. If you're still interested, I'd suggest maybe their Live in Tokyo version of the song "Take Hold of the Flame." That's a fan favorite, and it's a great introductory showcase of the band just before they hit their peak. Id' also DEF suggest "Operation:Mindcrime," but with a couple of caveats: 1) Learn the background of O:MC before you listen to individual songs. The album is a rock-opera, a full-on story, complete with characters, a plot, and a full storyline. So listening to individual songs is a lyrical nightmare unless you realize it's part of a bigger story, 2) Don't go by music videos. React to actual album tracks. Sometimes the videos for O:MC get edited down. Anyway, great reaction. I hope to see more Queensryche in the future.

[@The_Tribal_Beef]

I'm having a giggle to myself about your library story , I took out all the Ozzy and black Sabbath albums from laurelhill school library and didn't return them , naughty me 🤣

[@JWSoundworks2]

That school library had some amazing metal albums in it. I used to fill my pockets with library request cards, go home, fill them all in, and then drip feed 2 or 3 a week into the reception. Some of them, it seemed they'd went and bought just because of the request as I had the first stamp on them when it arrived! Pantera - Trendkill, Morbid Angel-Blessed Are The Sick are a couple off the top of my head which I found in there! Made school nearly worth going to.

[@andersgranstrom7128]

Hey man, great playing at the intro there!! Love it! Beautiful guitar! Silent Lucidity.: Magical song - unique! Has been with me, since I heard it, and I am 53 years old today. Yeah, it is just one of the best songs I have heard, actually. Cheers!

[@cc_1983]

Surprised to see this making this list! Will watch

[@palantir135]

It’s a song about dream control which everyone can learn how to do. Beautiful song.

[@robertoblanco1648]

Impresionante version !! De una gran banda ....enorme Queensryche

[@cliffniiranen1044]

The Lady Wore Black Take Hold of the Flame live Tokio Many many terrific song choices.

[@JWSoundworks2]

If you're enjoying the content, folks, please consider... 🅿Supporting me on Patreon 👉www.patreon.com/JWSoundworks 🎸Buying my original music 👉🎹therupalface.bandcamp.com/ ☕Supporting me @BuyMeACoffee 👉www.buymeacoffee.com/JWsoundw... Thanks!🤘 JW

[@aidanumpherson]

Loved the reaction bud. On the Marillion topic check out some of their early stuff when Fish was the lead singer. It's really amazing stuff dude, check out live from Lorley 1987 if you get a chance, you wont regret it.

[@mr.scary22adrian82]

Amazing reaction. Refreshing and informative.

[@RudyBleeker]

Definitely a band I need to check out more. Like you I've known of them for a long time, but never really got into their music even though it's apparently very good.

[@Mike75W]

Cool reaction man - good stuff!

[@davidjenkins4751]

Well done young man! Well done!!!

[@titodude]

Amazing review! Loved it!

[@anthonycary6436]

Best reaction I've seen on this track!

[@BitWrecker]

You're the first review that brought up Pink Floyd. I've said it since the day I heard it decades ago

[@nimasharifi7999]

Great reaction! Yea it gave me Marillion vibes too, maybe cuz of the vocals n the synth. This is the only Queensryche song I've listened to n I love it but I donno why I never got into them. I'd like to hear more.

[@michellemondragon2400]

By the way Silent Lucidity was the on the Empire album and was released in 1991

[@michaelheyward7668]

A beautiful power ballad! Have enjoyed it since it debuted...

[@russellward4624]

Chris DeGarmo the guitarist wrote most of the album. He had been reading a book about controlling your dreams and the spoken word stuff is straight from the book. The song is based on that which is whybthe voices are all wobbly like in a dream.

[@orcdoc]

Seeing you have an excellent poster from "The Beyond" on your wall, I'm guessing you are a horror fan. The sequence in the middle with the spoken word part also features samples from "Hellbound: Hellraiser II". Both Dr. Channard and the skinless Julia are in the mix, the "Help me" at the end of all that comes from just after she is resurrected :)

[@JWSoundworks2]

Big horror nerd, yep ! 🤓 I've seen all of the movies from the Hellraiser series but I wouldn't have picked up on that (I'm mostly familiar with the first film). I know thag Doug Bradley did quite a bit of voice-over work on some Cralde Of Filth albums. Thanks for the info!

[@Rob-tk6ug]

Glad you mentioned "Pink Floyd". For some reason every time I hear this I think "Pink Floyd "

[@prchise]

I remember when I first heard about them in mid 80s and getting Operation Mindcrime. What an album, mega! As for Silent Lucidity, awesome orchestration, arrangement, ambiental sounds, you just close your eyes and go on a journey. Good reaction, by the way 😉 you nailed it again, mate 🤘

[@JWSoundworks2]

Cheers, dude! Definitely have some making up to do with this band!

[@prchise]

@@JWSoundworks2 I have recommended to you to react to, in my opinion, most underrated metal.band ever, Wintersun. At risk of being a boring git, I'll do it again. Please give them a listen. The song is Sons of Winter and Stars. They deserve a proper reaction. You'll use the term "epic" again. I guarantee you with my life!

[@JWSoundworks2]

@@prchise I haven't forgotten, don't worry! I very nearly got to that song this week, actually. Shouldn't be long now. Please do bear in mind I have a list of hundreds of requests at this point 🙃 🤘

[@prchise]

@@JWSoundworks2 that is very, very much appreciated, mate. I know you get hundreds of requests and it's impossible to please everyone. I have a feeling Wintersun will be up your alley with their compositions, tempo changes, virtuosity and simply original stuff. And the complexity is off the charts. Looking forward to your take on them, dude 🤘

[@JWSoundworks2]

@@prchise looking forward to it! Sounds right up my street, indeed. I'll make sure I get a good night's sleep beforehand and have a nice strong cup of coffee on standby! ☕🤘😁

[@elf1955]

Michael Kamen was responsible for the orchestration behind Silent Lucidity, as he was with Pink Floyd’s Comfortably Numb.

[@javierlodolini7446]

Excelente reacción 👏👏

[@foley15136]

I haven’t yet gone all through your catalog of reaction and analysis videos, but one band that I suggest you check out is “Yes”, if you haven’t already. Their most popular album is probably “90125”. My opinion is that they did their best work on the album “Talk”, followed by “Union”. They got on the charts in the early to mid 80’s, though they were around for a while. Their popularity lessened going forward (just live every band ever), but I think the writing got better. Trevor, especially. Some of it is grand and almost like a movie score by of vibe, but you’ll be moved. Especially if you put those headphones on, crank it up, lay back and close your eyes. You _will_ feel it.

[@foley15136]

I meant to add; do that with the first two songs of the album “Talk”.

[@darrylwillett8359]

Love the sounds bites from Hellraiser 2.

[@djfattytuna2858]

I second @rbrebrook that Rage for Order is unique and a must-listen. I will even make perhaps an unpopular suggestion to skip the reaction and instead settle in with your headphones. The dual guitar work has become under appreciated, especially with the interplay with Tate's vocals. I'll also add that Chris DeGarmo's solos always fit the song as did Scott Rockenfield's drums.

[@gamelivejonathan2843]

Pra mim todas as apresentações deles são incríveis, as melhores que já vi! Realmente são tão perfeitos em sua performance que duvidei se era ao vivo ou se era playback... Tive que conferir a música original pra ter certeza e pasmei. São sem dúvidas os melhores. Que banda incrível! Que voz tem Geoff Tate ❤. Espera que mais brasileiros tenham conhecimento deste tipo de música incrível. Meu filho de 16 anos disse "mãe, tu descobriu essa música, é uma pérola". ❤

[@T.C.216]

I've always said it's one of the greatest songs created

[@srt8turboawdjeep146]

You would love Roads to Madness from The Warning, the entire album is solid and established them as a leading heavy metal band in the 80's. Then Rage for Order went a bit electronic / ecletic / techno ... listen to I Dream in InfraRed & Screaming in Digital. Operation Mindcrime was their breakout concept album, great to listen uninterrupted.

[@deborahlambe1422]

Listen without interruption, it will touch your soul

[@Sn0wShepherd]

Yeah that first chorus / bridge at 17 and 1/2 to 18 minutes is very reminiscent of The Beatles White Album

[@tomc6208]

There’s a reason that you made a comparison to Comfortably Numb. M. Kamen did both the orchestrations. Bands would just send him a song and he would come back with this.

[@the-dave-house-project]

Silent Lucidity was Queensryche's 'Enter Sandman', if you understand my meaning. The vast majority of people, even back when this came out, didn't even know who they were... but they all stopped what they were doing with this came on anyway, regardless of what style of music they were into. The lead singer, Geoff Tate, is/was an incredible singer with a 4 octave range.

[@module79l28]

Hey, a Marillion reaction would be nice! Preferably something from the first album. ; )

[@jonnyhegarty]

It's impressive how you can tell the era just by the production sound, always enjoy your reaction/analysis but please listen operation mindcrime even in your own time

[@KirkLangford-nf8bs]

As the gates of Heaven open❤

[@oswaldoaguirre8634]

Un tema magistral de 1990

[@JaneDoe-ge5di]

As others recommend too, please check out Take Hold of the Flame! Tokyo 1984 🔥🔥🔥Geoff Tate s range was fantastic

[@russellward4624]

You're right. The guitar riff was the orriginal part of the song. It was the last song done on the album and the hardest for them to write. When they gave the demo to the producer he told them to drop it and it wasn't good. It was still very rough at that point. And they kept working on it and gave it to him again and the lightly went off and he was like yea this is a hit.

[@shuriken4852]

I would recommend reacting to the Queenryche concept album Operation Mindcrime, which to me is their masterpiece.

[@melox458]

EMPIRE :)

[@russellward4624]

I would recommend Nue Regal for your next Queensryche song.

[@agustinroquejr338]

This song is unmatch..

[@patrickv391]

This song is about me.

[@JohnFriberg]

Chris DeGarmo is a genius. #truth

[@serenshadow89]

Someone has the full Operation Mindcrime visual album video up on YT. I know you said you've listened to the album but have you seen the visual album? Full visual album video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n52xgIejfLyketU

[@serenshadow89]

I've also found a full copy of their Operation Livecrime concert. The story, drama, and theatrics are so, so worth the watch! Geoff Tate is really at his best live and performing on a stage. Geoff doesn't just sing a song, he performs it. This is a Rock Opera and it is FANTASTIC: Queensryche Operation LIVEcrime: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6DdkImhjttnfsU

[@jonfazzone5125]

Guitar Solo Definitely has a David Gilmore vibe. Similar vibe of Mick Ronson’s Guitar Solo in Moonage Daydream

[@stewjacks1]

Give The Road to Madness off of The Warning, a listen. Great song

[@ATFISHING]

Just about anything from for first two albums is money.....The Warning and Rage for Order

[@6lillium]

Marillion...... H " era" start with Brave Fish " era " Misplaced Childhood ( a desert album for me)

[@NativeNewMexican]

Please check out Bulbous Bouffant by The Vestibules. It's your kind of humor with cool rhythms.

[@keithvincent4]

Marillion/Pink Floyd vibes 100%.Top Band.

[@alanpeterson4939]

Definite progressive elements. Certainly not lyric-chorus-lyric-chorus-solo-lyric-chorus standard format. I agree, this could fit into a Pink Floyd album.

[@javierdoldan]

Michael Kamen arranged the orchestration.

[@Rikrik1138]

A few suggestions, NM-156 and Roads to Madness from The Warning, Neue Regel, The Whisper, and Screaming in Digital from Rage For Order, I Am I, Damaged and Promised Land from the Promised Land album. Some of these are well known, but most are fairly obscure gems in their catalog.

[@michellemondragon2400]

It's actually not synth, it's strings, at least it was when I saw them do it live! Funny you should mention Pink Floyd. The guitar players main influence is David Gilmore. Just wait till you hear the guitar solo!

[@jsmoot1]

Very Pink Floydish. But beautiful

[@mickowen3318]

i made the same mistake no idea how it got past me

[@stevend474]

Queensryche was one of those bands that was prog before progmetal was even a term anyone used. Every prog band that followed was just riding on their coattails.

[@jeffwarren4938]

Journey's first three albums were the first prog. Metal in 1975...before Steve Perry joined...completely different band...Rolie, Ainsley Dunbar, Neal Schon and Ross Valory...the first prog./space/ fusion band...everyone rode their coattails.

[@logancampbell6157]

Check out the song promised land! It's amazing

[@alexj9056]

I hear a lot of Pink Floyd in this song. Ah, the 90's...

[@theswordoftheevening9865]

This is the best song ever... the Promised Land not so much. This is from Empire the title track, Jet City Woman, Another Rainy Night and Is Anybody Listening. These were called "power ballads" in 1991 when this came out. A lotta bands like Metallica and GnR did them and were very successful.

[@theswordoftheevening9865]

a real journey huh? A Roundtrip Journey In Your Head lol.

[@luissadra9026]

activa los subtítulos, hubiera sido interesante.

[@pudgydaddy]

Great analysis. BTW, the orchestration composer is the same dude that did The Wall, so that's why it sounds so similar/familiar.

[@kevgump]

Anything from Liliac

[@Rikrik1138]

I’d also like to point out that this isn’t synth in the beginning of this song, the band sprung for a full on orchestral accompaniment for this song.

[@hugosantos1476]

No one seems to catch the "shepard tone" in this song

[@jpake]

Not synths. Actual orchestral instruments.

[@fuge90]

very Baroque , like if Bach wrote the song

[@andreknippschild1105]

Hum...it's not synth, it's a full orchestra, arranged and conducted by the famous film score composer Michael Kamen (X-Men)

[@JWSoundworks2]

Been so long since I did this I can't remember what I said. But I do remember talking about the string arrangement in this song.

[@cosplayboundlive]

Theres no synths.. Thats a true and real orchestra by Michael Kamen.