"Not sure about the song"? I'm not even a Queensryche fan, but this song is one of the most beautiful, original, amazingly arranged pieces I've ever heard. You're so caught up in the meaning, that you just lost out on appreciating on of the most beautiful arrangements, I've ever heard. I can't even take you serious, after you comments. Really sad.
I know it's been six months and more and I'm very late responding to this, but my interpretation has always been that this is nearly a lullaby - somebody had a nightmare where a person has died, and now the singer is reassuring the dreamer that it was only just a bad dream, and that the dreamer is "safe" to go back to sleep and can indeed take control and steer away from such things. Calming, soothing.
@@ThomasJ_Music I'm musing over your reactions to both this song as well as Take Hold of the Flame. I understand exactly what you're getting at with THotF when you say that Geoff's voice is just too much in that video - it doesn't seem to put me on edge as much as it does you, but I can absolutely see where you're coming from, and it's an entirely legitimate reaction even if I don't feel it myself. I also understand exactly where you're coming from on feeling that the band has just faded away from this song entirely. For all that I love it, I agree that it's very much a stripped down ballad that doesn't give them a huge amount of opportunity to shine. As regarding all the recommendations for Operation: Mindcrime... I'm of mixed thoughts. If you drew a line representing a Queensrÿche spectrum, THotF is very far on one end, and Silent Lucidity is very far on the other. It's difficult to get a sense for their usual range from only the extremes. Their typical output, though, is *very* much further towards THotF than SL. I think it (Operation: Mindcrime) would VERY capably answer your disappointment with the band being so subdued in SL, and while I do think that Geoff is *slightly* more subdued in O:M than in THotF, I'm not certain whether it will be to a sufficient degree to make the difference in whether you find enjoyment in the experience or not. I don't feel that all these O:M recommendations you're receiving sufficiently take that into account. On top of it all, to get the proper O:M experience, I do agree that it should ideally be heard end-to-end to preserve the integrity of the concept album, so now it's a full week or so of commitment asked for something so fraught with risk. I would love it enormously if O:M were the magic solution that lets you see Queensrÿche in the same light that the rest of us do, but I have a difficult time feeling that that's actual likelihood moreso than wishful thinking.
Not just dreams, lucid dreaming, when you realize you are in a dream and you take control. I've done it by accident a couple times but some people can do it intentionally. It's really an incredible, magical experience. You can do anything. You're only limited by yourself :)
One of my favorite bands since more than 30 years. The album "Operation mindcrime" is like a movie/story and it's a masterpiece. I saw last year Queensryche at the Wacken Open Air Festival (Germany) and they are still great.
This song’s about lucid dreaming, which is supposedly a thing that occurs when, while dreaming, you’re able to realize that you’re dreaming. I’ve never been able to do it, although I have realized that I was dreaming before at least a couple of times. Apparently it’s something that you can train to do. The theory goes that, if you’re able to become aware of the fact that you’re dreaming, you’ll be able to control whatever happens in the dream-you’ll be able to do absolutely anything you want to do in the dream world, create whatever sort of dream world you’d like to live in, etc.
Totally fair review. The song was written about lucid dreaming like you thought by lead guitarist and writer at the time Chris Degarmo. He’s also the one doing the solo on lead electric guitar & the acoustic guitar bookending the song and at the bridge, juggling between the two. Guitars. Now both he and Geoff Tate are gone from the band. He flys jets and Geoff tours singing old Queensryche songs for the most part. Man I miss the 80s/90s
Queensrÿche was my favorite band in my youth. The two songs you’ve watched are what I would consider showcase moments for the band. Take Hold put them out as a band to watch in 1984 but they were still really finding their identity. Silent Lucidity was their big mainstream hit in 1991 and was certainly designed to be that radio friendly single. As someone who has never heard of the band I don’t feel like your reactions are unfair at all. But the rest of the band has always been very highly regarded as well. While I’m not convinced (based on your reactions) that Queensrÿche will ever really be your cup of tea, if you want to give them a chance to hear the whole band playing together at their peak set aside an hour and listen to Operation:Mindcrime in one sitting. You’ve earned my subscription with your honesty and thoughtfulness. That’s rare in a lot of music reaction videos. Look forward to digging in to your other videos!
Thanks Paul. I do intend to listen to OM but just not got round to doing it yet. I might make more of an album review video once I’ve heard it rather than a reaction. I do try my best to be as honest as I can, even if that means upsetting some people. Glad to have you on board 🙂
This song ill listen it before I die. Its bringing my inner peace and make me ready to leave this world smiling and positive what will await me in the afterlife
This is one of those chilled out songs that is lovely to fall asleep to. I agree it's relaxing and I really like that when I'm in the right mood. Personally, I really like the song, although I know what you mean, Geoff Tate does outshine the rest of the band in this song. I don't know that many songs by them apart from this one, so I don't know if they have other songs where the band are more at the forefront of things. I think it's possible the music is not very intrusive because it's about a dream though, and it's supposed to have a lulling kind of feeling. *Maybe*
Hi Tommy, this is the song I've already forgotten about.. till now. It's a nice, melancholic one, but i wouldn't listen to it over and over again, as I do with many songs. It's nice to listen to it sometimes though. I like that you don't sugarcoat you opinion, whether someone likes it or not. We all have different tastes so keep it up with good work. 👍🏻
If you are truly interested in Mindcrime, you could watch Operation: Livecrime. Its the entire album live with movie footage for the album. Also it was the tandem of Tate and guitarist Chris DeGarmo. They wrote the majority of the music. You could watch MTV unplugged, Queensryche Della Brown. And see the rest of the band in a more personal setting.
Operation: Mindcrime .... Anything off that album. Will answer all ur questions. That one album will blow ur mind. This song was a nice ballady radio song, it's great, but NOT Operation Mindcrime 😁🤘 ... Try: The Needle Lies, Eyes of a Stranger, Suite Sister Mary
Listen to Operation Mindcrime. Geoff Tates voice is so distinctive that it does appear to be "Geoff and the band". Same problem with Queens Freddy Mercury.
Nice video mate, I like the idea of giving bands a second chance, do you think you could react to Parting Soliloquy by Black Tongue or Where Owls Know my Name by Rivers of Nihil at some point ?
I will disagree with you on one point...I find Chris Degarmo to be one of the more underrated guitarists in metal. He's a more lyrical soloist than a riff master, but his playing is always pleasing to me. Definitely try out some of "Operation: Mindcrime"...if that doesn't win you over, nothing will. Great review!
Personally what I love the most about queensryche is Jeff Tate his voice is just phenomenal and he has an amazing vocal range speaking from a singer myself I truly appreciate that and I've seen them many times in concert and I've always been blown away but I get your point about how no one else in the band really truly stands out but before you finalize your verdict try a few more songs. I think you should try jet City woman next.
I think there should be more comments about operation mindcrime...geez people we get it. I've heard operation mindcrime but it's not their only good album.
Probably one of the best songs ever written and you're not sure?! I heard this song for the first time when I was a kid and was blown away. I've heard it a thousand times since and still feel the same way about it. Queensryche is flat? That's like saying Pink Floyd is average. Not sure if you should be critiquing musicians!
QUESTION: So, I noticed you reacted to "Victim Of Changes" by Judas Priest. Rob Halford has a similar range in vocals with the super high falsetto, etc. Why isn't he "showing off" and "making the song all about him" but Geoff Tate's lead vocals do somehow?
Good question. Not sure. Just the impression I got when I first watched it. Maybe it was because I watched the live show 🤷🏻♂️ maybe him taking the spotlight says more about the band accompanying him, than about Geoff. Perhaps not feeling the music as much as I did with JP? not sure. I like questions like this though because it gets me thinking. I like trying to understand where an opinion forms.
I like the song. But I actually get where you're coming from. It's true. It's a lovely vocal. But the background is overwhelmed by strings. It's lovely. I'm not as picky as you are, but I can understand your consternation over the rest of the band's contributions, or lack of, in this particular song.
I would just like to know if you ever did listen to "Operation: Mindcrime" in its entirety after your reaction videos to "Take Hold Of The Flame" and "Silent Lucidity". And if you did, I would like to know what you thought of it, and if you didn't, then I would like to know why the heck not, and are you going to in the future?
This was the first metal album I ever heard. I still listen to it now. Although I realise that Operation Mindcrime is better! Queensryche are still going with a different singer, I saw them in Manchester last year and they were still good.
You should listen to the concept album: ‘Operation: Mindcrime’. At least listen to ‘The eyes of a stranger. Even much better than this song. Or listen to the song ‘Seduction of decay’ by Avantasia with Geoff Tate as singer. I almost always have lucent dreams. Very nice that you’re part of the story as you can steer the dream more or less. You really should see a live concert like Live Evolution.
Paul Helberg thanks Paul. I’ve been unlucky this week haven’t it! First tool, then Pearl Jam, now this! Luckily it’s the video and not the music that’s getting it blocked so I will reupload without the music video
Listen to the Operation Mindcrime album. It is a story album. The band signs through, but Geoff is the star, because he is a bad ass. The vocal flexing in THF is amazing, don't be jealous.
Charles, I wasn’t jealous my man! It was just an observation. I’ve already said in hindsight listening to the live performance as the first showing was probably a bad idea. Anyway, I did a whole weeklong series on operation mindcrime and it’s one of the best albums I’ve ever heard. If you decide to watch them, hopefully you’ll se my mind had already changed about these two songs before i listened to OM
need edgy huh? i notice you haven't reacted to Judast Priest: Painkiller. these guys are the fathers of Thrash metal and are the reason metal bands wear leather and spikes. their entire Painkiller album plays out as a story, and their title song "Painkiller" is the start of that story. also, i noticed you liked when Geoff Tate hit those lows...try some Home Free, start with their Butts Remix. Home Free is an acapella group, but they dont sound like one
@@scottkirkhomes1260 glad you enjoyed them, but the fact they were nominated for a Grammy, doesn’t mean my opinion isn’t valid. You don’t agree with it, but don’t try to make me sound stupid for having an opinion please
Artists/singers with actual talent and ability ought to show restraint? Really, mate? Then do not ever listen to Opera - mild admonishment, but we are discussing the arts! Do you really think that talented people would lie in the back forever? A bit absurd - apologies. Appreciate the voice rather than condemn it. You’ve listened to Metallica and Slayer - it’s because the singers’ range and ability - of those bands, is so limited - that you might then listen to someone with an exceptional voice and then dare say such nonsensical things about overpowering a track - sheer madness - from your last video of this group. It had appeared that you had a deep aversion about the‘80’s and had even lumped it all with glam metal. Aside from the era, Queensryche was hardly a glam band. I think you doth protest too much lol
I’m not expecting him to sit back forever, but show me some dynamics, show me something else other than you can jump into the high ranges and keep your note there. Show me the different colours of your voice and I still don’t think he did that in Take Hold of the Flame. I do get the feeling though that when I listen to more, I will start to see these different sides to Geoff and THOTF will be one of those where I say ‘yeah he really shown what he can do in that song’, but that being the only Queensryche song id ever heard, there’s no benchmark for me to set against and it seemed a bit full on
NorthernEar many-thanks for yours - Geoff Tate is in fact, a Baritone and not a Tenor. Silent Lucidity effectively showcases that but, a Baritone can also make some use of his head voice (falsetto) or blend with the chest voice. Typically, those who had trained as one or the other often stick to just one - and Geoff had indeed, received formal training early-on in life. It’s perfectly OK not to like the vocal stylings - horses for courses - but he did offer far more than his contemporaries in the pop and also rock, hard rock world from that era. Ability oughtn’t ever be viewed as “showing off”! Lastly: I don’t think that you’ll like his vocals on the Operation Mindcrime album - I would imagine that you would characterise them as OTT, banshee shrieks lol And I certainly would advise you NOT to ever listen to the track, “Queen Of The Reich” but perhaps now you might, purely out of curiosity 😆
I think you’re judging these books by their covers., Geoff Tate has a voice that was meant to be sung in falsetto/ high belts.,, Scott rockenfield is one of the most underrated drummers of all time. These peeps below me are right. Operation mindcrime is arguably one of the greatest albums known to man from start to finish. And you chose to do a wimpy ass radio hit that got played out no matter how decent it is.. try deep cuts.,, everyone knows that. Chris DeGarmo is an absolute shredder on the strings.,, which in turn doesn’t justify your option on the band not doing enough....do more homework before putting a band on the “2nd chance” chopping block. (Side note) Take Hold of the Flame is probably one of their greatest hardest songs with such a powerful message to never give up on yourself and/or others. It was meant to sound as high as he it Did.., it recorded the same way.., and in fact the studio version is better., better sound quality of course.., this video is just an extension is to their commanding stage presence.!!!! Be better bro.!
This song and performance was nominated for a Grammy for best performance by a group. It was also their biggest hit that was all over radio in 1990-1992. But I guess the band is uninteresting musically. I'm confused, you knock the band for Tate "showboating" because that is distasteful to you...but then knock the band because the other musicians in the band aren't showing off?
I didn’t knock the band in the first one. I actually enjoyed the song. In the first song he was too much in my opinion. It’s like being a party and someone shows you there party trick! The first time you see it, you think wow, that’s amazing, you might even take a picture and send it to a mate. But then when they walk around the whole time showing everyone their party trick, he just becomes the annoying guy that shows everyone his party trick. Don’t get me wrong, what he does is great, but I don’t need to see it all the time. With the second song, he was great, he shown he can sing and sing fantastically. It allowed me to focus on the band. This time I wanted to see what the band can do every now and then. Again, don’t be that guy going around showing it all the time, but it would have been cool to show it us once. It’s a fine line and I feel like I haven’t seen what the band can do, the first time because Geoff took all the limelight and the second time because they just didn’t show me
@@ThomasJ_Music If Tate's singing isn't your taste that's cool. I personally don't like Halford's or Dickinson's vocals because I feel that their vocals don't enhance the music. I acknowledge that its a personal preference. Tate's vocals with his range, and especially the legato and phrasing that he uses, fits my personal taste and the first time I heard him sing I was sold. I'm cringing a little at the party trick analogy, though, as it implies that Tate's ability to sing in a connected head voice up to E5 serves no other purpose but to show off. Is he flexing? Of course he is! But, in the context of the era the band would be ridiculously short sighted to fail to incorporate their singer's talent into their overall performance. Which they did. Often. They had a unicorn of a lead singer. Other tha Dio, Halford, Dickinson and Kiske...maybe Gillian (all tenors), I can't think of any other lead vocalist of any band who deomonstrated Tate's vocal abilties in the late 70s to late 80s. He's a baritone with a 4 octave range who could pull off live gigs flawlessly. This allowed for Chris DeGarmo (lead guitarist) to flex his creative muscle musically, unconstrained. For the past few decades of rock/metal this isn't the preferred style, of course, unless you get into "power metal". Again, context, I guess. I would caution you to not listen to Operation: Mindcrime or their older material if Tate's vocals aren't to your taste. His vocals will likely prove a distraction from the overall performance, which is a pity since the story is epic and startingly relevant to today's socia-econic and political climate. Tate wrote the story and most of the lyrics (except for The Mission) but obviously with his voice in mind and that might be too much. Even their earlier album Rage For Order (which is a masterpiece!) is relevant today and nothing in the 80s sounded like it musically. Queensryche was a hughe influence to progressive metal bands who came later, such as Dream Theater, because of these two albums. Finally, if I could make a "third times the charm" suggestion, take a look at their MTV Unplugged performance.
I’m not sure whether to say that your reaction to this band will ensure that I’ll never take you seriously or to encourage you to listen to a hell of a lot more QR. To criticize Geoff’s range in a LIVE concert is about as dumb as it gets to me, but there you go.
@@ThomasJ_Music I understand. I’m a lot older and at that time I hung around metal acts. We were absolutely Godsmacked by Tate’s voice so we saw it differently I guess. He was defo showing off, I thought he was the greatest vocalist alive then.
@@stevefortner6413 maybe it was another example of the live shouldn’t be the first experience of a song. Maybe if I heard the studio version which I imagine is a little more dumbed down than the live and then watched the live, then I would have appreciated it more. I think Empire by Queensryche is going to win the next vote, so there will probably be a reaction to that in the next day or so
The last time I commented on Queenryche I got a lot of negative feedback, so I will only say that Geoff has a lovely voice and this is my favorite tunes by this band. Good reaction Tommy and good luck with the angry responses.
Sorry NorthernEar, I don't think your ear has become sophisticated enough to appreciate what it is listening to. Difficult to watch a channel when you can see some serious shortsightedness. Maybe it's your age and the substandard garbage that Record Labels have succeeded in feeding your generation? Perfect example of your lack of insight: Queensryche band members are widely considered exceptional musicians. The lead guitarist Chris de Garmo is an awesome guitarist who is considered 50% of the best of Queensryche. Scott Rockenfield is an excellent drummer bar none. Perhaps you aren't as musically knowledgeable as you may think? Opinions are free, knowledge is learned, mate.
First of all, this isn't on Operation MIndcrime so I'm not sure where you were going with your comments. This song was on the Empire album. Second, there's a wonderful video of the band singing this song, sorry you chose this version. It truly is a more inspiring thing to watch the band. Third, everyone told you the truth but you're way too young to know the time period that all this music came out in. There were mediocre concerts, good concerts, great concerts and some really shitty concerts. I'm 60 plus and having been to all of the concerts of all the rock greats from Led Zepplin to Montrose to Journey to Aerosmith to Heart to Guns N Roses to Queensryche to Soundgarden to Pearljam, in the top five of all the best concerts I ever saw was Operation Mindcrime. You're wrong about this group. You're wrong about the rest of the group being background players. Guess you would have to know the history of rock at that time, finding your niche at that time, finding your style at that time, fighting against the stigma that some political groups were pushing against rock at the time, and knowing the bands as a whole at that time. A little bit of fluff" - they were fighting against an America that had started sliding into a Reagan then Bush conservatism and part of that was the constant militant criticism of rock groups at the time. It was back when we fought like hell to keep those stupid parental warnings off of album covers. In order to get on the radio, in order to make that money so they could do a tour that would do justice to the Operation Mindcrime album, they had to have "a little bit of fluff." Your criticisms actually show me that you have no idea what life was like for us rockers and the groups we loved. Time to do a little background of rock/metal, particularly of progressive rock during the 80s and early 90s. Lastly, I just found your youtube channel and I couldn't be less impressed. Your comments on the very first video that you saw of Queensryche -- it was so obvious you had made up your mind that I held little hope that this song would help. I would have suggested actually watching one of the many concerts available online of Queensryche before passing judgment. Until you see a whole live concert, you just won't see what we saw. In your case, it probably wouldn't help because to me it seems like you just don't get it but stranger things have happened. In the meantime, maybe I'll check back but I doubt it.
Hey! Firstly I would say check out my reactions to the entire mindcrime album and you’ll see my opinion of the band has changed. I’ve been open on those videos that maybe I was a little jaded by what I heard in the first video and that affected my opinion of this song. I will say though, I react to what I hear, not what I hear in context to what was happening at the time. And rightly or wrongly, the comments I make are my opinion at that time. My opinions and comments can be influenced by lots of things, even whether I’m having a good day or not, but they’re still valid because that was what I was feeling at that time If you’re less than impressed with my channel, then keep scrolling and watch something else. By all means leave your comments on what I’ve said and we can discuss it, but leaving comments about my channel in general is just trying to spoil my day and that’s not cool. Perhaps you should practise what you preach and see all 250+ videos ive made before you make a judgement on me 🤷🏻♂️
@@ThomasJ_Music You're right. I will practice what I preach and watch more videos of yours before I make any more judgments on your opinion. I honestly wasn't trying to spoil your day. It was just upsetting to me to see your opinion and I was having trouble expressing why it was so upsetting. I guess it was a case of "you had to be there" to understand my thought process and of course, you couldn't be. So much of the progressive rock of the times was a reaction to the environment we were living in. Some truly great music came out because of it. Between the Bay Area in California and Red Rocks in Denver, I had some of the best times of my life at the concerts of the 70s, 80s and early 90s. Queensryche was one of those bands that had a message, had amazing lyrics, an amazing lead singer and really terrific guitar players but seemed to have a hard time finding a way to wade through the river of metal and "hair bands" in the beginning. I'm glad and grateful they found their way to their target audience and more - eventually. Queensryche concerts were well worth the 2-3 day wait in lines or ridiculously outrageous scalper prices we paid for tickets at the time. Truly. But Thank you for taking the time to respond. And when my computer gets fixed (dammit, it's the video card of course - sigh, they are impossible to get right now) so I can get off the terrible speakers on this laptop, I will check out a bunch of your reaction videos. Fair is fair.
it is about comforting a child who has had a nightmare, DeGarmo wrote after his son had one and teaching him how to take control of them
"Not sure about the song"? I'm not even a Queensryche fan, but this song is one of the most beautiful, original, amazingly arranged pieces I've ever heard. You're so caught up in the meaning, that you just lost out on appreciating on of the most beautiful arrangements, I've ever heard. I can't even take you serious, after you comments. Really sad.
Watch someone else then
@@ThomasJ_Music I'm confident, that won't be a problem.
J Pake off you pop then
Once you press play on Operation Mindcrime you can't press stop or pause. The story sucks you in.
I know it's been six months and more and I'm very late responding to this, but my interpretation has always been that this is nearly a lullaby - somebody had a nightmare where a person has died, and now the singer is reassuring the dreamer that it was only just a bad dream, and that the dreamer is "safe" to go back to sleep and can indeed take control and steer away from such things. Calming, soothing.
There’s a part of me that keeps saying this is a band I should like. For whatever reason, I just don’t seem to, or haven’t seemed to enjoy them
@@ThomasJ_Music I'm musing over your reactions to both this song as well as Take Hold of the Flame.
I understand exactly what you're getting at with THotF when you say that Geoff's voice is just too much in that video - it doesn't seem to put me on edge as much as it does you, but I can absolutely see where you're coming from, and it's an entirely legitimate reaction even if I don't feel it myself.
I also understand exactly where you're coming from on feeling that the band has just faded away from this song entirely. For all that I love it, I agree that it's very much a stripped down ballad that doesn't give them a huge amount of opportunity to shine.
As regarding all the recommendations for Operation: Mindcrime... I'm of mixed thoughts. If you drew a line representing a Queensrÿche spectrum, THotF is very far on one end, and Silent Lucidity is very far on the other. It's difficult to get a sense for their usual range from only the extremes. Their typical output, though, is *very* much further towards THotF than SL. I think it (Operation: Mindcrime) would VERY capably answer your disappointment with the band being so subdued in SL, and while I do think that Geoff is *slightly* more subdued in O:M than in THotF, I'm not certain whether it will be to a sufficient degree to make the difference in whether you find enjoyment in the experience or not. I don't feel that all these O:M recommendations you're receiving sufficiently take that into account.
On top of it all, to get the proper O:M experience, I do agree that it should ideally be heard end-to-end to preserve the integrity of the concept album, so now it's a full week or so of commitment asked for something so fraught with risk. I would love it enormously if O:M were the magic solution that lets you see Queensrÿche in the same light that the rest of us do, but I have a difficult time feeling that that's actual likelihood moreso than wishful thinking.
Love the honesty regarding your first reaction and love this one. Honesty is the best. This made me sub. Love the honesty.
Not just dreams, lucid dreaming, when you realize you are in a dream and you take control. I've done it by accident a couple times but some people can do it intentionally. It's really an incredible, magical experience. You can do anything. You're only limited by yourself :)
One of my favorite bands since more than 30 years. The album "Operation mindcrime" is like a movie/story and it's a masterpiece. I saw last year Queensryche at the Wacken Open Air Festival (Germany) and they are still great.
By the way everybody is right about operation mind crime
This song’s about lucid dreaming, which is supposedly a thing that occurs when, while dreaming, you’re able to realize that you’re dreaming. I’ve never been able to do it, although I have realized that I was dreaming before at least a couple of times. Apparently it’s something that you can train to do.
The theory goes that, if you’re able to become aware of the fact that you’re dreaming, you’ll be able to control whatever happens in the dream-you’ll be able to do absolutely anything you want to do in the dream world, create whatever sort of dream world you’d like to live in, etc.
Autumn Phillips I’ve only ever managed to do it once or twice it’s anazing
Ah, just got to the part in the video where you explain lucid dreaming!
NorthernEar, that’s awesome. I’d love to be able to do it-I have really terrible nightmares, so I think it could help me a lot.
Google it and try it out! I’d love to hear if it worked for you!
Totally fair review.
The song was written about lucid dreaming like you thought by lead guitarist and writer at the time Chris Degarmo. He’s also the one doing the solo on lead electric guitar & the acoustic guitar bookending the song and at the bridge, juggling between the two. Guitars. Now both he and Geoff Tate are gone from the band. He flys jets and Geoff tours singing old Queensryche songs for the most part. Man I miss the 80s/90s
Queensrÿche was my favorite band in my youth. The two songs you’ve watched are what I would consider showcase moments for the band. Take Hold put them out as a band to watch in 1984 but they were still really finding their identity. Silent Lucidity was their big mainstream hit in 1991 and was certainly designed to be that radio friendly single.
As someone who has never heard of the band I don’t feel like your reactions are unfair at all. But the rest of the band has always been very highly regarded as well. While I’m not convinced (based on your reactions) that Queensrÿche will ever really be your cup of tea, if you want to give them a chance to hear the whole band playing together at their peak set aside an hour and listen to Operation:Mindcrime in one sitting.
You’ve earned my subscription with your honesty and thoughtfulness. That’s rare in a lot of music reaction videos. Look forward to digging in to your other videos!
Thanks Paul. I do intend to listen to OM but just not got round to doing it yet. I might make more of an album review video once I’ve heard it rather than a reaction. I do try my best to be as honest as I can, even if that means upsetting some people. Glad to have you on board 🙂
This song ill listen it before I die. Its bringing my inner peace and make me ready to leave this world smiling and positive what will await me in the afterlife
This is one of those chilled out songs that is lovely to fall asleep to. I agree it's relaxing and I really like that when I'm in the right mood.
Personally, I really like the song, although I know what you mean, Geoff Tate does outshine the rest of the band in this song.
I don't know that many songs by them apart from this one, so I don't know if they have other songs where the band are more at the forefront of things. I think it's possible the music is not very intrusive because it's about a dream though, and it's supposed to have a lulling kind of feeling. *Maybe*
Dude, check out more. They are great!
Hi Tommy, this is the song I've already forgotten about.. till now. It's a nice, melancholic one, but i wouldn't listen to it over and over again, as I do with many songs. It's nice to listen to it sometimes though. I like that you don't sugarcoat you opinion, whether someone likes it or not. We all have different tastes so keep it up with good work. 👍🏻
Thanks Monika! Yeah I know what you mean. There wasn’t anything bad about the song, it just didn’t do much for me that’s all
If you are truly interested in Mindcrime, you could watch Operation: Livecrime. Its the entire album live with movie footage for the album.
Also it was the tandem of Tate and guitarist Chris DeGarmo. They wrote the majority of the music.
You could watch MTV unplugged, Queensryche Della Brown. And see the rest of the band in a more personal setting.
Operation: Mindcrime .... Anything off that album. Will answer all ur questions. That one album will blow ur mind. This song was a nice ballady radio song, it's great, but NOT Operation Mindcrime 😁🤘 ... Try: The Needle Lies, Eyes of a Stranger, Suite Sister Mary
Listen to Operation Mindcrime. Geoff Tates voice is so distinctive that it does appear to be "Geoff and the band". Same problem with Queens Freddy Mercury.
Geoff could give you the high notes like nobodies business but....he has many diff levels to his voice.
Yep, certainly saw a different colour to his voice here
Nice video mate, I like the idea of giving bands a second chance, do you think you could react to Parting Soliloquy by Black Tongue or Where Owls Know my Name by Rivers of Nihil at some point ?
I will disagree with you on one point...I find Chris Degarmo to be one of the more underrated guitarists in metal. He's a more lyrical soloist than a riff master, but his playing is always pleasing to me. Definitely try out some of "Operation: Mindcrime"...if that doesn't win you over, nothing will.
Great review!
Great track!!
Personally what I love the most about queensryche is Jeff Tate his voice is just phenomenal and he has an amazing vocal range speaking from a singer myself I truly appreciate that and I've seen them many times in concert and I've always been blown away but I get your point about how no one else in the band really truly stands out but before you finalize your verdict try a few more songs. I think you should try jet City woman next.
I think there should be more comments about operation mindcrime...geez people we get it. I've heard operation mindcrime but it's not their only good album.
Probably one of the best songs ever written and you're not sure?! I heard this song for the first time when I was a kid and was blown away. I've heard it a thousand times since and still feel the same way about it. Queensryche is flat? That's like saying Pink Floyd is average. Not sure if you should be critiquing musicians!
Because it doesn’t match your opinion?
Geoff Tate #1❤️
Eyes of a stranger or I dont believe in love from Operation Mindcrime are both Phenomenal songs you should check out!
QUESTION: So, I noticed you reacted to "Victim Of Changes" by Judas Priest. Rob Halford has a similar range in vocals with the super high falsetto, etc. Why isn't he "showing off" and "making the song all about him" but Geoff Tate's lead vocals do somehow?
Good question. Not sure. Just the impression I got when I first watched it. Maybe it was because I watched the live show 🤷🏻♂️ maybe him taking the spotlight says more about the band accompanying him, than about Geoff. Perhaps not feeling the music as much as I did with JP? not sure.
I like questions like this though because it gets me thinking. I like trying to understand where an opinion forms.
I like the song. But I actually get where you're coming from. It's true. It's a lovely vocal. But the background is overwhelmed by strings. It's lovely. I'm not as picky as you are, but I can understand your consternation over the rest of the band's contributions, or lack of, in this particular song.
I prefer Prog Ryche to Metal Ryche, love this song
I would just like to know if you ever did listen to "Operation: Mindcrime" in its entirety after your reaction videos to "Take Hold Of The Flame" and "Silent Lucidity". And if you did, I would like to know what you thought of it, and if you didn't, then I would like to know why the heck not, and are you going to in the future?
I haven’t yet, the last couple of months have been a bit hectic but I definitely will soon! :)
@NorthernEar Are there any bands you started listening to after you discovered them on here? PS: Only the bands you really like. Not Queensryche
Metallica, nightwish, actually Queensryche - I thought Operation Mindcrime was immense, Rush
In my opinion Operation Mindcrime is the second best concept album after Pink Floyd’s The Wall. I wouldn’t classify it as Metal though.
3rd best. Metropolis Pt 2 is second.
This was the first metal album I ever heard. I still listen to it now. Although I realise that Operation Mindcrime is better! Queensryche are still going with a different singer, I saw them in Manchester last year and they were still good.
You should listen to the concept album: ‘Operation: Mindcrime’. At least listen to ‘The eyes of a stranger. Even much better than this song.
Or listen to the song ‘Seduction of decay’ by Avantasia with Geoff Tate as singer.
I almost always have lucent dreams. Very nice that you’re part of the story as you can steer the dream more or less.
You really should see a live concert like Live Evolution.
You need to try watching the Live MTV Unplugged session.
You should check out metal church gods of wrath
Hi Tommy, just letting you know that Lamb of God Momento Mori is blocked in America by SME on copyright grounds.
Paul Helberg thanks Paul. I’ve been unlucky this week haven’t it! First tool, then Pearl Jam, now this!
Luckily it’s the video and not the music that’s getting it blocked so I will reupload without the music video
It's a good song, but the production on it is done so very, very well.
Empire is my favorite song by this band.
Its a ballad from the 80s.
Listen to the Operation Mindcrime album. It is a story album. The band signs through, but Geoff is the star, because he is a bad ass. The vocal flexing in THF is amazing, don't be jealous.
Charles, I wasn’t jealous my man! It was just an observation. I’ve already said in hindsight listening to the live performance as the first showing was probably a bad idea. Anyway, I did a whole weeklong series on operation mindcrime and it’s one of the best albums I’ve ever heard. If you decide to watch them, hopefully you’ll se my mind had already changed about these two songs before i listened to OM
Ryche Rules!
The greatest metal album of all time. “Master of Puppets”
You should know Eddie Jacksons parts from Mindcrime. And if YOU could not hear Scott on the live version pf flame then you are a clown.
😂
need edgy huh? i notice you haven't reacted to Judast Priest: Painkiller. these guys are the fathers of Thrash metal and are the reason metal bands wear leather and spikes. their entire Painkiller album plays out as a story, and their title song "Painkiller" is the start of that story. also, i noticed you liked when Geoff Tate hit those lows...try some Home Free, start with their Butts Remix. Home Free is an acapella group, but they dont sound like one
You're right. They were nominated for a Grammy for this song . . . but you must be right. LOL
Scott, you’re sounding like a music snob buddy. They’re my opinions. I’m entitled to them. 👍
@@ThomasJ_Music Snob? Nice try. I watched your review of Operation Mindcrime. That commentary I enjoyed!
@@scottkirkhomes1260 glad you enjoyed them, but the fact they were nominated for a Grammy, doesn’t mean my opinion isn’t valid. You don’t agree with it, but don’t try to make me sound stupid for having an opinion please
@@ThomasJ_Music Dude, don't be a douche. I gave you a compliment.
Artists/singers with actual talent and ability ought to show restraint? Really, mate? Then do not ever listen to Opera - mild admonishment, but we are discussing the arts! Do you really think that talented people would lie in the back forever? A bit absurd - apologies. Appreciate the voice rather than condemn it. You’ve listened to Metallica and Slayer - it’s because the singers’ range and ability - of those bands, is so limited - that you might then listen to someone with an exceptional voice and then dare say such nonsensical things about overpowering a track - sheer madness - from your last video of this group. It had appeared that you had a deep aversion about the‘80’s and had even lumped it all with glam metal. Aside from the era, Queensryche was hardly a glam band. I think you doth protest too much lol
I’m not expecting him to sit back forever, but show me some dynamics, show me something else other than you can jump into the high ranges and keep your note there. Show me the different colours of your voice and I still don’t think he did that in Take Hold of the Flame. I do get the feeling though that when I listen to more, I will start to see these different sides to Geoff and THOTF will be one of those where I say ‘yeah he really shown what he can do in that song’, but that being the only Queensryche song id ever heard, there’s no benchmark for me to set against and it seemed a bit full on
NorthernEar many-thanks for yours - Geoff Tate is in fact, a Baritone and not a Tenor. Silent Lucidity effectively showcases that but, a Baritone can also make some use of his head voice (falsetto) or blend with the chest voice. Typically, those who had trained as one or the other often stick to just one - and Geoff had indeed, received formal training early-on in life. It’s perfectly OK not to like the vocal stylings - horses for courses - but he did offer far more than his contemporaries in the pop and also rock, hard rock world from that era. Ability oughtn’t ever be viewed as “showing off”!
Lastly: I don’t think that you’ll like his vocals on the Operation Mindcrime album - I would imagine that you would characterise them as OTT, banshee shrieks lol And I certainly would advise you NOT to ever listen to the track, “Queen Of The Reich” but perhaps now you might, purely out of curiosity 😆
I love you bro.,, no homo.,,
This guy has no clue the severity of the insults to Queensrÿche he just made. “Sheer madness” I love it.! 💙💙✊🏼
Ruben Pantoja oh I do. I’ve been having comments about it ever since! 😂
NorthernEar
Lol well.,, we learn from our mistakes brotha., 😄 keep rockin on this..! 🤘🏼
I think you’re judging these books by their covers., Geoff Tate has a voice that was meant to be sung in falsetto/ high belts.,,
Scott rockenfield is one of the most underrated drummers of all time.
These peeps below me are right. Operation mindcrime is arguably one of the greatest albums known to man from start to finish. And you chose to do a wimpy ass radio hit that got played out no matter how decent it is..
try deep cuts.,, everyone knows that.
Chris DeGarmo is an absolute shredder on the strings.,, which in turn doesn’t justify your option on the band not doing enough....do more homework before putting a band on the “2nd chance” chopping block.
(Side note) Take Hold of the Flame is probably one of their greatest hardest songs with such a powerful message to never give up on yourself and/or others. It was meant to sound as high as he it Did.., it recorded the same way.., and in fact the studio version is better., better sound quality of course.., this video is just an extension is to their commanding stage presence.!!!! Be better bro.!
This song and performance was nominated for a Grammy for best performance by a group. It was also their biggest hit that was all over radio in 1990-1992. But I guess the band is uninteresting musically. I'm confused, you knock the band for Tate "showboating" because that is distasteful to you...but then knock the band because the other musicians in the band aren't showing off?
I didn’t knock the band in the first one. I actually enjoyed the song. In the first song he was too much in my opinion. It’s like being a party and someone shows you there party trick! The first time you see it, you think wow, that’s amazing, you might even take a picture and send it to a mate. But then when they walk around the whole time showing everyone their party trick, he just becomes the annoying guy that shows everyone his party trick. Don’t get me wrong, what he does is great, but I don’t need to see it all the time.
With the second song, he was great, he shown he can sing and sing fantastically. It allowed me to focus on the band. This time I wanted to see what the band can do every now and then. Again, don’t be that guy going around showing it all the time, but it would have been cool to show it us once.
It’s a fine line and I feel like I haven’t seen what the band can do, the first time because Geoff took all the limelight and the second time because they just didn’t show me
@@ThomasJ_Music If Tate's singing isn't your taste that's cool. I personally don't like Halford's or Dickinson's vocals because I feel that their vocals don't enhance the music. I acknowledge that its a personal preference. Tate's vocals with his range, and especially the legato and phrasing that he uses, fits my personal taste and the first time I heard him sing I was sold. I'm cringing a little at the party trick analogy, though, as it implies that Tate's ability to sing in a connected head voice up to E5 serves no other purpose but to show off. Is he flexing? Of course he is! But, in the context of the era the band would be ridiculously short sighted to fail to incorporate their singer's talent into their overall performance. Which they did. Often. They had a unicorn of a lead singer. Other tha Dio, Halford, Dickinson and Kiske...maybe Gillian (all tenors), I can't think of any other lead vocalist of any band who deomonstrated Tate's vocal abilties in the late 70s to late 80s. He's a baritone with a 4 octave range who could pull off live gigs flawlessly. This allowed for Chris DeGarmo (lead guitarist) to flex his creative muscle musically, unconstrained. For the past few decades of rock/metal this isn't the preferred style, of course, unless you get into "power metal". Again, context, I guess.
I would caution you to not listen to Operation: Mindcrime or their older material if Tate's vocals aren't to your taste. His vocals will likely prove a distraction from the overall performance, which is a pity since the story is epic and startingly relevant to today's socia-econic and political climate. Tate wrote the story and most of the lyrics (except for The Mission) but obviously with his voice in mind and that might be too much. Even their earlier album Rage For Order (which is a masterpiece!) is relevant today and nothing in the 80s sounded like it musically. Queensryche was a hughe influence to progressive metal bands who came later, such as Dream Theater, because of these two albums. Finally, if I could make a "third times the charm" suggestion, take a look at their MTV Unplugged performance.
I’m not sure whether to say that your reaction to this band will ensure that I’ll never take you seriously or to encourage you to listen to a hell of a lot more QR. To criticize Geoff’s range in a LIVE concert is about as dumb as it gets to me, but there you go.
I didn’t criticise his range at all. I actually said his voice was fantastic and he’s a great singer. Just I don’t need to see it all the time.
@@ThomasJ_Music I understand. I’m a lot older and at that time I hung around metal acts. We were absolutely Godsmacked by Tate’s voice so we saw it differently I guess. He was defo showing off, I thought he was the greatest vocalist alive then.
@@stevefortner6413 maybe it was another example of the live shouldn’t be the first experience of a song. Maybe if I heard the studio version which I imagine is a little more dumbed down than the live and then watched the live, then I would have appreciated it more.
I think Empire by Queensryche is going to win the next vote, so there will probably be a reaction to that in the next day or so
BTW. Thank you for the Rush series. It was outstanding and actually moved this old metal goat. Masters indeed.
You have picked 2 songs that don't really do them any justice try something from operation mind crime or promised land.
Actually you should listen to the whole of operation mind crime in order. I don't know what I was thinking, its such a great album.
The last time I commented on Queenryche I got a lot of negative feedback, so I will only say that Geoff has a lovely voice and this is my favorite tunes by this band. Good reaction Tommy and good luck with the angry responses.
*Dons a tin hat*
Sorry NorthernEar, I don't think your ear has become sophisticated enough to appreciate what it is listening to. Difficult to watch a channel when you can see some serious shortsightedness. Maybe it's your age and the substandard garbage that Record Labels have succeeded in feeding your generation? Perfect example of your lack of insight: Queensryche band members are widely considered exceptional musicians. The lead guitarist Chris de Garmo is an awesome guitarist who is considered 50% of the best of Queensryche. Scott Rockenfield is an excellent drummer bar none. Perhaps you aren't as musically knowledgeable as you may think? Opinions are free, knowledge is learned, mate.
I’ve listened to two songs by them... mate. I haven’t said any of them are bad musicians.
Dude you are lost.........
First of all, this isn't on Operation MIndcrime so I'm not sure where you were going with your comments. This song was on the Empire album. Second, there's a wonderful video of the band singing this song, sorry you chose this version. It truly is a more inspiring thing to watch the band. Third, everyone told you the truth but you're way too young to know the time period that all this music came out in. There were mediocre concerts, good concerts, great concerts and some really shitty concerts. I'm 60 plus and having been to all of the concerts of all the rock greats from Led Zepplin to Montrose to Journey to Aerosmith to Heart to Guns N Roses to Queensryche to Soundgarden to Pearljam, in the top five of all the best concerts I ever saw was Operation Mindcrime. You're wrong about this group. You're wrong about the rest of the group being background players. Guess you would have to know the history of rock at that time, finding your niche at that time, finding your style at that time, fighting against the stigma that some political groups were pushing against rock at the time, and knowing the bands as a whole at that time.
A little bit of fluff" - they were fighting against an America that had started sliding into a Reagan then Bush conservatism and part of that was the constant militant criticism of rock groups at the time. It was back when we fought like hell to keep those stupid parental warnings off of album covers. In order to get on the radio, in order to make that money so they could do a tour that would do justice to the Operation Mindcrime album, they had to have "a little bit of fluff." Your criticisms actually show me that you have no idea what life was like for us rockers and the groups we loved. Time to do a little background of rock/metal, particularly of progressive rock during the 80s and early 90s.
Lastly, I just found your youtube channel and I couldn't be less impressed. Your comments on the very first video that you saw of Queensryche -- it was so obvious you had made up your mind that I held little hope that this song would help. I would have suggested actually watching one of the many concerts available online of Queensryche before passing judgment. Until you see a whole live concert, you just won't see what we saw. In your case, it probably wouldn't help because to me it seems like you just don't get it but stranger things have happened. In the meantime, maybe I'll check back but I doubt it.
Hey! Firstly I would say check out my reactions to the entire mindcrime album and you’ll see my opinion of the band has changed.
I’ve been open on those videos that maybe I was a little jaded by what I heard in the first video and that affected my opinion of this song.
I will say though, I react to what I hear, not what I hear in context to what was happening at the time. And rightly or wrongly, the comments I make are my opinion at that time. My opinions and comments can be influenced by lots of things, even whether I’m having a good day or not, but they’re still valid because that was what I was feeling at that time
If you’re less than impressed with my channel, then keep scrolling and watch something else. By all means leave your comments on what I’ve said and we can discuss it, but leaving comments about my channel in general is just trying to spoil my day and that’s not cool. Perhaps you should practise what you preach and see all 250+ videos ive made before you make a judgement on me 🤷🏻♂️
@@ThomasJ_Music You're right. I will practice what I preach and watch more videos of yours before I make any more judgments on your opinion. I honestly wasn't trying to spoil your day. It was just upsetting to me to see your opinion and I was having trouble expressing why it was so upsetting. I guess it was a case of "you had to be there" to understand my thought process and of course, you couldn't be. So much of the progressive rock of the times was a reaction to the environment we were living in. Some truly great music came out because of it. Between the Bay Area in California and Red Rocks in Denver, I had some of the best times of my life at the concerts of the 70s, 80s and early 90s.
Queensryche was one of those bands that had a message, had amazing lyrics, an amazing lead singer and really terrific guitar players but seemed to have a hard time finding a way to wade through the river of metal and "hair bands" in the beginning. I'm glad and grateful they found their way to their target audience and more - eventually. Queensryche concerts were well worth the 2-3 day wait in lines or ridiculously outrageous scalper prices we paid for tickets at the time. Truly.
But Thank you for taking the time to respond. And when my computer gets fixed (dammit, it's the video card of course - sigh, they are impossible to get right now) so I can get off the terrible speakers on this laptop, I will check out a bunch of your reaction videos. Fair is fair.