Dream Theater

One topic no one has written about (not that I have seen) is James' progress as a singer. At the show in Helsinki in January, it struck me that he must be singing better than ever these days. I can remember 20 years ago when I saw DT for the first time live, there were many notes out of tune by James, and also on the live records from earlier days, up until "Once in a live time" it could sound, well, nicely said, not soo good. But "Live at the Budokan" is much better, and as I said, in Helsinki almost a month ago it was fantastic! What a power, energy, and so in tune! Very impressive. In addition, the man is running, jumping, headbanging and singing quite demanding parts at the same time, and when he's speaking between the songs, he doesn't even sound exhausted! If someone from the band (I know at least Jordan sometimes reads these topics) sees this... Please say congratulations to James. He nowadays belongs to the worlds top rock vocalists.

I've posted extensively about this subject on the unofficial DT forum and the JP forum. I completely disagree with everything you said about his alleged progress. I disagree to the extent at which I think the reality of the situation is actually the exact opposite of what you just described.

I don't want to keep beating a dead horse, as, like I mentioned, I have posted on this so many times, but I'll be happy to discuss further if you're curious.

Also...I'm not sure which concert you attended over the past decade during which the vocal power was either powerful or "in tune."

I saw them one week ago and James was flawless he was perfect, every single note he sang was in tune and filled with energy!!
He really is better than ever

JL is a phenomenal vocalist, just watch live at budokan or score. listen to the cover of stargazer, he is truly amazing and i think his critics need to relax or if they can do better they should stop talking and start singing!

@matthewrosa: Great comment man! I agree with this guy.

I like JL, I like his singing and he is a great vocalist who had some problems, but overcame. DT's music is solid, because the whole is greater then each part so I've never had an issue if the only instrument that didn't have it's own Tech needed repair.

He has gotten better in concert...Just don't count Chaos in Motion. I am very surprised they released that one....it was terrible. It is impressive to maintain that level of vocal ability after so many years as someone's voice naturally fades/drops.

@A10fouru: CIM's missing from the discography section of the website...hmmm.

I can't speak for the ADTOE tour, but he does seem to be on top of his game now more than ever. Surely there are some things he can't pull off so well now, however, how many vocalist can still do things the same they did twenty years ago!

James is a hero, the one and only for DT!!!! i think being a singer in a band like DT is already heroism by definition......... especially after the trauma he had, well, he doesn't seem to spare himself. He's been awesome during the ADTOE tour, taking off my hat to him!

James has always been my favorite member of the band. I love 'em all, but James is my favorite (and a master singer). And no, I'm not "instrument biased"; I'm a drummer, if anyone wants to know.