Black Clouds & Silver Linings
by Dream Theater
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. AllMusic
    80
    For all its abundantly positive qualities and minor but clear distinctions from prior efforts, is still an archetypal Dream Theater album; one that's unlikely to broaden their audience all that much, but is conversely guaranteed to thrill their hardcore converts with its renewed devotion to the most exigent and stimulating facets of the band's chosen musical domain.
  2. Sputnikmusic
    80
    Basically, Black Clouds & Silver Linings is an album that continues the band’s increased use of metal riffs combined with extended musical interludes but also brings in strong compositional skills that give the songs the kind of consistency they require in order to be truly memorable and engaging.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 91 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 77 out of 91
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 91
  3. Negative: 5 out of 91
  1. lordjrs
    Apr 21, 2012
    9
    Probably the best album of Dream Theater. A Nightmare to Remember, The Best of Times and The Count of Tuscany are the best songs of the album,Probably the best album of Dream Theater. A Nightmare to Remember, The Best of Times and The Count of Tuscany are the best songs of the album, with a lot of emotions, lyric and instrumental speaking... Wither is a good but sold-out song, A Rite of Passage it's good and The Shattered Fortress it's basically a remix of the other 4 songs on the Twelve-Step suite that serve as the grand finale. So, this album deserves a 10.… Full Review »
  2. Ikarus14
    May 10, 2011
    10
    Probably the best album of their career thus far. Sort of builds on what made them successful into one monsterous masterpiece that mixes inProbably the best album of their career thus far. Sort of builds on what made them successful into one monsterous masterpiece that mixes in both dark and light themes perfectly. Awesome stuff.… Full Review »
  3. JeffreyW
    Sep 11, 2009
    10
    Pleasure for the ears, probably the most complex and beautiful album of the decade.
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