In a world where most bands with any longevity seem to fall significantly short of expectations when releasing new material, that is hardly the case with Dream Theater and their latest, A View From The Top Of The World.  It picks up where 2019’s Distance Over Time left off and takes it to a whole new level for Dream Theater fans all around the world.  In my opinion, it’s one of their best produced albums to date, and that saying a lot based on the incredible catalog they have released over a storied 30+ year career. A View From The Top Of The World checks off all the boxes and then some as one of 2021’s top progressive rock releases.

I’ve been following Dream Theater for the better part of 25 years and am always amazed at how this band seems to reimagine itself with each new release.  While some of their albums have fallen short of my lofty expectations along the way, A View From The Top Of The World captured me from day one and continues to get better with each passing spin.  It has everything I would want in a Dream Theater album including brilliant writing, incredible production value, and of course unparalled musicianship courtesy of John Petrucci, John Myung, James LaBrie, Jordan Rudess, and Mike Mangini. 

Clocking in at 1 hour and 10 minutes, A View From The Top Of The World is not their longest release by any stretch and definitely not Dream Theater’s most remarkable.  However, the seven songs that make up the album are all bangers and collectively may be one of the best produced releases they have dropped to date.  There is a cohesion and energy that flows from “The Alien” through “Sleeping Giant” and crescendos into “A View From The Top Of The World”, a brilliant 20 minute masterpiece that elicits all the genius that we have come to know and love in Dream Theater. 

Bottom line, I love A View From The Top Of The World and think you will as well. It’s definitely not an album you’ll listen to once and have an immediate “Amen” moment.  It’ll take a few revolutions to warm up to, but guarantee you’ll be hooked when you finally lift the needle.  It’s classic Dream Theater at its best, and has something for even the pickiest of fans. And as a true concert junkie, I cannot wait to catch them live in 2022.  Dream Theater performances are one of a kind, and truly unparalleled in the industry regardless of genre. John Petrucci, John Myung, James LaBrie, Jordan Rudess, and Mike Mangini are everything that is right in the music industry today, and their amazing talent is an incredibly positive diversion in what still feels like a super chaotic world.  So, sit back, grab a drink, and drop the needle on what is surely going to be one of 2021’s best progressive rock releases.

Be well and keep rocking!   Hunnypot Approved!     Overall Rating:  9.5 out of 10

Artist:  Dream Theater,  Album: A View From The Top Of The World,   Release Date: October 22, 2021,   Label:  InsideOut Music