Readers should be advised that the following is a commentary on the track "A Change of Seasons" and not the entire album itself.
Although time is a linear concept, often enough we wish it was not. The past and present, our actions and change are what shape either a fortunate or unpleasant future for an individual. The only devices we have to track the past and relive it are our own memories, which are all too often unreliable.
"A Change of Seasons" by
Dream Theater is an album that portrays how time can alter the individual; warping him/her via the loss of innocence and the transitions from childhood to adolescence and finally to adulthood.
Essentially, what one finds on this album is an intimate portrayal of how experiences can define an individual's journey through the stages of life, and how these staggered intervals of development can be dealt with and received.
The song carries the continual message of change, and achieves this through the lyrics and instrumental sections. The integration of similes, metaphors, imagery and religious undertones undoubtedly portray the effects of change in its most obvious state. However, it is the music itself that conveys the songs core and heart. The band manage to assert this using their instruments, by assimilating louds, softs and offering contrasts in order to illustrate a more practical image of change.
"A Change of Seasons" seems to dabble with philosophies on life, and even the most definite change of all - death. However, when one gets down to the nitty gritty, the real message is to make much of time and not so much to regret the loss of the past.
The title track
"A Change of Seasons" is a 23 minute and 8 second picture that comes to life. It grabs you and holds you down, and might as well turn your world upside down and inside out. In a sense it is similar to an exceptionally written novel, because there is profound depth and truth to this piece.
The song itself is divided into seven contrasting expositions of powerful, emotionally driven music that never crosses the fine line between beautiful and corny.
Part I, entitled
"The Crimson Sunrise," sets a comfortable atmosphere for the responder. What we have is very few instruments, leaving the listener to get acquainted with an ambiguous, but heartfelt introduction.
There are no contrived riffs or fills or any inappropriate effects, but only the wooded acoustic sound of a guitar and later on, the ambient chords of the keyboard which guide the listener through a truly quaint introduction.
However, as the textures thicken - a crescendo is reached. A build up of the metallic, cold cymbals contrasts in terms of tone colour with the acoustic guitar. It guides the responder into a much more involved and contrasting section of this introduction, perhaps suggesting great change. Following this are tremendously technical works of brilliance that illustrate the many emotions of change. Some that come to mind are anger, indifference and even chaos. Any competent musician should find solace in this section due to the outstanding musicianship of the band, which tantalizes all the senses.
"Innocence" and
"Carpe Diem" are the titles of parts II and III, which are moving sections of music accompanied by the vocal styling of James Labrie. The lyrics are romantic and carry a tone that resonates thought provoking life-lessons and experiences. The main appeal of this section is that just by listening, one can hear the realist ideologies within the lyrics.
Technically speaking, this is a section that has a lot going on in terms of all the instruments. One will find many lines of the guitars and drums in unison and odd time signatures - but most interesting are the lyrics.
The constant repetition of 'seize the day' is a vivid message that conveys the thoughts of the band. Excerpts from poetry and movies such as 'table for five' and 'dead poets society' are integrated into the song; mainly to highlight that time is a neglected property. This is defined in the lines from Robert Herrick's "To the virgins: to make much of time" which states "Gather ye rosebuds while ye may/ old times are still a-flying/ and this same flower that smiles today / tomorrow will be dying."
The rosebuds allude to the innocence of childhood and youth, and that it should be relished before it is eventually lost.
This section (Carpe Diem) also alludes to a very tragic event that occurred in the life of Mike Portnoy, the drummer of
Dream Theater, and lyricist of this song. One may find that an image of a plane crash is apparent in this section, which in my personal opinion is a type of remembrance, or example of what making much of time is all about.
Stylistically, this song is a haven of contrasts and twists that catch you by surprise and make you re-evaluate the term 'fusion'. Jazz, a bit of blues, rock and metal comprise this treasure trove of musically enlightenment.
I firmly believe that this is a once in a 'livetime' song that can have a myriad of effects on the responder and even make one question their own value system.
All aspects of this composition are at a high standard, with exceptional work being showcased on all the instruments.
One in a million.
Written by
Yoni Thursday, February 27, 2003
Show all reviews by YoniRatingsYoni: 10/10Members: 10/10 - Average of 2 ratings.
Member ratings
 | Steen (Staff)
Rating: 10/10
Ahh, my favourite Dream Theater song. What to say that hasn't been said already? It is jus... · Read more · |
 | Sandra
Rating: 10/10
One of my favorite DT songs. Every time I hear the guitar in the beginning, I get this spe... · Read more · |
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