Images and Words by Dream Theater

Images and Words, the second album by the Dream Theater, from 1992, universally recognized as the first representative example of progressive metal, one of the most important heavy metal albums for the evolution of the genre in the nineties and beyond, and in my opinion the most important masterpiece by Dream Theater.

It contains tracks that have become true classics such as Pull Me Under, Take the Time, and the beautiful instrumental track Wait for Sleep, which are representative of Dream Theater's progressive metal sound.

57 minutes, 8 tracks, 5 of which are between 7 and 11 minutes, their first album with James LaBrie. 

Curiously, in the album booklet, the authors of each individual track are indicated, but the words "music" and "lyrics" are replaced by "images" and "words" (in the photo)

The band's technical skill is exceptional, with complex rhythms and odd time signatures with Mike Portnoy and impressive solos by guitarist John Petrucci and keyboardist Kevin Moore.

Pull Me Under is the most well-known track from the album and introduced the band to a very wide audience.
Metropolis is a powerful track that is highly representative of the band's sound.
Another Day is a melancholic track with a splendid saxophone by Jay Beckenstein, leader of Spyro Gyra
Learning to Live closes the album with over 11 minutes, it is very complex and emotional, a true masterpiece.

It contains one of the most beautiful guitar solos I have ever heard, that of Under a Glass Moon, and LaBrie's voice is truly impressive. 

This is a milestone of progressive metal, for its technique, the complex structures of the tracks, the emotional charge, and the mix of heavy riffs with sweeping melodies. An album I recommend to everyone without exception. Essential album.

Tracklist

1. Pull Me Under (8:14)
2. Another Day (4:23)
3. Take the Time (8:21)
4. Surrounded (5:30)
5. Metropolis - Part I "The Miracle and the Sleeper" (9:32)
6. Under a Glass Moon (7:03)
7. Wait for Sleep (2:31)
8. Learning to Live (11:30)

Duration 57:04

LineUp

- James LaBrie - lead vocals and backing vocals
- John Petrucci - guitar
- Kevin Moore - keyboards
- John Myung - bass
- Mike Portnoy - drums, percussion

With:
- Jay Beckenstein - soprano saxophone (2)

Note: All links to the musicians' works are in the TAGS under the article title or on the "Artists" page