9. Dream Theater - Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence (2002)
Notable Tracks: Misunderstood, The Glass Prison, The Great Debate Dream Theater, a band that has been producing incredible music for years, released this album in 2002. While they have produced other fantastic albums since then, this one takes the gold for musical innovation, lyrical talent, and a near-perfect showcasing of instrumental backing. What sets them apart from other bands is their overall style and seemingly never-ending tracks. At first listen, this album may make you may feel like you've crash-landed on an uncharted island with a smoke monster, a madman, and a really big dude to provide the occasional comic relief. Well, after listening more times than I can count (and I can count really, really high), I'm still enveloped by those same feelings. The album begins with one of their best songs, The Glass Prison, then eventually moves to Misunderstood (one of my personal favorites). I suggest beginning with the first song and letting the album play, for a terrific story unfolds. This album is Dream Theater's true masterpiece. I've always been a lover many 90's rock genres, including older Dream Theater records; however, none of those 90's productions display their talents and ability to encroach the listener's psyche like this particular album. And if you're a lover of the drums like I am, then Mike Portnoy will never disappoint. Enjoy!