Vocal Coach Analysis of Queensryche's "Silent Lucidity" | is this even the same band? 

gosh dang I flipping love Geoff Tate's voice... the composition in this song is absolutely incredible as well.

You are only scratching the surface of Geoff's unbelievable voice throughout the 80s and 90s when he was vocally unstoppable. Do the live MTV Unplugged version of "I Will Remember" next for another amazing live performance. And if you really want to freak out Queensryche fans....do a FULL ALBUM reaction to Operation Mindcrime. Its a LANDMARK album in rock history and the singing is absolutely mind blowing throughout.

I was sitting here thinking "Is she gonna catch that high note at the end?" The smile gave me my answer. 😊 Geoff is absolutely phenomenal with his range and control!!! Easily my favorite metal vocalist. I can listen to him for hours and songs that I've heard a thousand times will still blow my mind.

Chris DeGarmo (one of the guitarrist of that era of Queensryche) is a powerhouse of a songwriter, this song is a testament to that.

You really need to listen to the entire Operation Mindcrime album. My favorite story/concept album of all time. It's easily Queensryche's most famous album.

I will never forget the MTV unplugged with Queensrÿche, this song and the "anybody listening" is printed in my memory forever

Hearing Geoff Tate sing "I'll be watching over you " with that amazing voice, kinda makes me feel like I've got a guardian angel.

This is, hands down, one of the most beautiful songs ever recorded. Not a lot has been said about the orchestration in this song among reactors, but I think it really helps to feel the emotion that Silent Lucidity conveys. Michael Kamen, who wrote that orchestration, also wrote the soundtrack music for the HBO series "Band Of Brothers" and also conducted the symphony on Metallica's "S&M" performance. I also like to point out the lyric "the walls you built within come tumbling down and a new world will begin" that Scott "illustrates" with a descending drum fill to musically describe it. I've written a story in my head, hopefully to someday soon put into written words, in which this song, among a few others, is part of the soundtrack because it has inspired a scene within that story. "Silent Lucidity" is timeless, and will stand the test of time for those who truly appreciate the results of talented writing, composing, and musical performance. Lastly, I will recommend Queensryche's "Eyes Of A Stranger" for more of Geoff's virtuosity. Before doing so, however, please read up on the album from which comes to better understand the song's lyrical and video content. Updated comment: As some others have posted/recommended as far as Queensryche goes, I Will Remember and The Killing Words from the MTV Unplugged show are definite must sees for your enjoyment ;) Have a great day Julia!

Geoff's voice is one you can easily fall in love with.

Masterpiece indeed!! A song that has been with me since it came out, and I am 54 years old now... Still can´t listen to it without getting watery eyes. The melodies, lyrics, the strings, the dynamic so well balanced. And the guitar-solo, that is exactly what the song needs, right there and then! Yes, one of the best songs I have ever felt!😍 Great reaction Julia, thanks for chosing this amazing song! 🙂

I got emotional watching your reaction to this. One of my favorite songs. You forget sometimes that what you're so used to listening to is SO good. It helps to be reminded by people like you who understand what they're listening to react to it. Thank you!

The unplugged version really shows off this bands talent.

I've seen Queensryche several times throughout the 80s and 90s. Never disappointed!! Geoff's voice is amazing live!!

The song got a Grammy nomination in 1992. It was very popular on the radio at the time of release.

This is one of those songs that transcends time, immortal, a masterpiece without a doubt. Your smile says it all, beautiful reaction. Cheers Julia!

That's not a dumb smile, Julia. That's sheer joy and bliss you are experiencing. This song is a musical roller coaster ride that will take you places, mentally and emotionally. This song is my favorite from Queensryche. It's both soothing and haunting at the same time. And for me, it hits differently some thirty plus years later. I can't believe it's been that long. Time indeed marches on. You just earned yourself a new subscriber. Keep up the great work. And never, ever, apologize for how a song makes you feel. Music is about bringing out emotions. But you already know that. 😉

This and Pink Floyd's Learning to Fly are my personal favorite songs to listen to as I sit back and try to forget everything going wrong in the world.

As a former competitive figure skater, I always would try to find music that I could put physical movement to a piece of music. When I first heard this song, all I wanted to do was physically express movement of my body. The first part of this song up to when he says, "Silent Lucidity" was used for my program and it was so easy to choreograph skating elements and footwork. This composition makes me feel strong emotion requiring physical expression. Loved this song then and every time I hear it.

I remember when this song came out, and saw them perform this live in the early '90s. Watching you experience this song for the first time brings tears to my eyes. I'm the father of a ten year old girl and this song hits so differently now than it did twenty + years ago. Thanks for sharing!

Michael Kamen was an absolute genius! He directed the orchestral portion of this song.

Your smile is contagious. Thank you for sharing that. I have been a huge Queensryche fan since I was in high school and it was such a pleasure singing along with Geoff and learning how to get that kind of range.

Remembering when this song came out, I was just a teenager and absolutely blown away. Now all these years later watching you react and have those similar feelings…. So emotional. Thank you.

"I will Remember" MTV is a beautiful song showcasing the warmer side of his voice. Also "enforce" and "Child of Fire" both from Tokyo are also fantastic showcases for his vocal dexterity.

I already have this time blocked off on my calendar-I’m so stoked for this!

Just go with it Julia!! Yes, YES, multiple listens just increases one's appreciation of this song (and the smile most definitely remains!!) I've probably heard it 1000 times, and I never get tired of it! Indeed, Geoff's voice is magnificent here, as is the music/composition.

Thank you so much for appreciating this band and especially Geoff's abilities 💯

This song is going to live forever. It's just dripping with emotion and that voice.

Great reaction Julia. Geoff Tate is amazing. "Roads To Madness" is a hidden gem from their album-The Warning is another must listen. Of course, the whole Operation:Mindcrime is a must listen, but as a whole album reaction.

Amazing reaction from Julia. Her almost giddy introduction of 'Take hold' to The Fairy Voice Mother told me how much she appreciated Geoff's talent but her 'I can't wipe the dumb smile' comment proved it. Near the end of her co-reaction with Lolli, Julia told her 'now you have to hear 'Silent Lucidity,' so she's going down the Queensryche now too. And while I concur with the suggestions here I'd like to add, 'Roads to Madness' and 'The Needle Lies." Or if you really want to go down a rabbithole, 'Screaming in Digital.'

This song has so many beautiful layers, each time you listen you can pick out something new. It's a gift, and you said it correctly: a true composition. Also, as a drummer I have to give you props for calling out Scott Rockenfield's contributions to this wonderful piece of music. As usual, he rides in the pocket effortlessly, providing a solid rhythmic foundation, while providing flairs that add to the overall "feel" (his tom fill on the lyric "come tumbling down" being a rather more obvious example, but it stands out). The strings add so much extra depth and emotion, but it's the cello at the very end playing the lullaby "Go to Sleep Little Baby" that is just the perfect outro to this masterpiece. I'm so glad you enjoyed it, we could clearly see how moved you were as you listened for the first time. Definitely go back and listen to this over and over, it just gets better each time!

I’m so glad that you are enjoying Queensryche. You might consider consider reacting to a live performance from the Mindcrime tour next: I would love to see what you make of “The Mission” or “Suite Sister Mary”.

You noticed the "dreamy" nature of this song, both in music and lyrics but, did you notice the "lullaby" in the low horns at the end? Just a great, magical, incredible brilliance. You are just fantastic, by the way... Just fitting to this song!

This was probably their most 'mainstream' hit, and the song that introduced me to them. As a teenager I had trouble sleeping in actual quiet due to auditory hallucinations so I'd leave the radio on, and this track became part of my 'bedtime playlist' for it's soothing tones and dreamlike imagery. I fell in love with the rest of their work as well after delving deeper, but this one still has a special place in my heart.

I was just thinking that I'm glad Julia's enjoying this and then she says "I can't get the dumb smile off my face". Geoff has such a great range and quality to his singing, his voice is like the smoothest of caramel.

I love the homage to Brahm's Lullaby at the end...

What a fun reaction!!! You should always trust our suggestions! 😂 Well done!! 🤗

Geoff tate, who would believe he is a baritone after hearing him doing flawless E5s in take hold of the flame? Silent lucidity is a masterpiece, im looking forward to this one

One of my all time favorite songs. I'm a big fan of The Moody Blues and I always felt that this song would fit in perfectly into their concept album Days of Futures Passed especially with the orchestral instruments. My Dad passed away 2 days ago, and it was very soothing to watch this video and hear this amazing song and your incredible analysis. Thank you for sharing. ~Be Blessed

I am so glad you listened to this one too. His range is just incredible, like you feel it in your soul.

Julia, this is my absolute favorite reaction video - period. This song ALWAYS gives me goosebumps. I’ve yet to watch a reaction that mirrored my emotions to this song- until now. It was a sheer pleasure to watch you enjoy and become enthralled. I can’t relate to your musical understanding and academic understanding of the composition and performance, although I loved hearing a professional breakdown, but I greatly appreciated your more visceral emotive responses. Thank you

hopefully this opens the door for more Geoff Tate/Queensryche reactions. Well done.

Another great vocal analysis video! And Yes, you have to do a video for the Queensryche’s Live MTV Unplugged version of “I Will Remember You”. You will love Geoff’s voice and the Band’s performance.

JULIA! I can't tell you the satisfaction your reactions to Queensryche and Geoff Tate's vocal abilities give me!! For decades I've loved this band, and especially Geoff, so to hear your excitement, emotional response, and expert breakdown of his singular voice just makes me SO happy! I've had over three decades of listening to QR continuously, and their songs NEVER get old or boring no matter how many times I've heard them! I love the emotion that the music, lyrics, and Geoff's vocals make me FEEL! I love your analysis! Which is always super interesting. And your enthusiasm is exactly the way I feel! I love how you love Geoff! How could anyone not? I've read through most of the comments and I agree with the song suggestions everyone has been giving. Just please, carry on with QR and Geoff! There is a lot more ONION to be peeled!! You and Lolli! 😝

This is a beautiful song. I was dumbstruck when it came out. Just amazing.

This is Queensryche's magnum opus. Timeless indeed.

As a drummer myself it’s finally nice to hear how well Scott Rockingfield’s warm drum sound is appreciated by a reactor especially a vocal reactor and its exactly what the song calls for: No more..No less! I play TAMA drums with Remo heads and Zildjian cymbals with the same hanging chain system on my kit! I bought it right after I saw this video originally on MTV!

The song is one of my favorites it starts out like a lullaby with this dark velvety Rich tone then it builds into this beautiful chorus with the strings and the drums in the background vocals and then it just drops out and it's silent and all you hear is this beautiful acoustical guitar through the darkness it's so well written and so well executed it's truly a work of art and how it was constructed.

Part of that dreamy and unresolved feeling is their love of the suspended chords, sus2 and sus4. Replacing the Maj or min 3rd with the major 2nd and perfect 4th makes it feel open and vaguely dissonant. DeGarmo and Wilton really lean into those musical moods in their writing. That's really one of the biggest hallmarks of QR's music. Geoff's vocals is another. LOL

I’m really glad you’ve been checking out Queensrÿche and enjoying it so much. I’m really hoping if you decide to take on another one of their songs you choose “Eyes of a Stranger” I think that one would have everything you’re looking for, lows and highs. Keep up the great work really enjoy your content and I’m not even a singer, well…. except when no one’s listening lol

Beautiful reaction Julia as always 💖. There's one song that captures Geoff's total range called Roads to Madness and the last part will leave you jaw dropping 😳 its what his voice is ALL about period.

It was beautiful seeing you experience this song for the first time. I was in high school when this came out, and gawd, the feels. It's a wonderful thing to see someone experience, over thirty years later, much the same thing I did. Jeezus. Thirty years. *FEELING OLD INTENSIFIES* Thank you for this beautiful (and existentially traumatic-- heh) exprrience.

One of the best musical compositions of the rock/pop genre every created. It still remains an absolute favorite of mine after all these years. The vibe, the feels, the production - it's all there and so much more. I urge you to listen to it again with headphones in a dark room and pay attention to the sonic imagery that this song paints. It's a masterpiece!!!!!

I really loved your silent lucidity breakdown. When it comes to the sound’s coming in all over the place. Imagine what that was like for us when that song came out in 1991! We were not accustomed to things like that it blew our minds. Like the spoken word part in the song “Empire”

Every production choice made for this hits perfect for me. Just an amazing arrangement

Your reaction throughout this song is one of your best yet, that smile you give when the song goes to another level is priceless! Great tune!

This band was awesome with the magic of Chis DeGarmo and Geoff Gate on lead vocal also great backing vocals strong head chest voice amazing range up to e octave . pure melodic harmony throughout the movement puts the listener into a harmonic experience of the ears.

There are a few reasons for Tate's vocals being different: 1. He's a natural baritone, so he had this quality in the earlier song, but didn't emphasize it; 2. This is seven years later, so I imagine it would naturally deepen a bit; 3. He was also reportedly a heavy smoker at the time, so that probably had an impact. If you want to hear this live, the band performed this song at the MTV music awards in 1991(?) with a full string section. Oh, and there's an MTV Unplugged version of Is Anybody Listening? that showcases his talent, too.

It's amazing how many powerhouse singers in metal are actually bass-baritones who have the ability to sing much higher. Geoff is verging real close to a true bass voice, which hearing him singing high, you'd never believe it.

I remember the song being big when I was a child. But being a fully grown adult now I can really grasp all of the messaging behind this song and it is truly breath taking. It's a beautiful song, much like the lovely Julia who chose to review/ react to it. 😊

Geoff Tate is the greatest metal vocalist of all time, none comes close with his rich nuances of voice.

I can’t help but to get chills each time I hear Geoff’s voice! Back in those days he was at pinnacle, untouchable! I love! I madly love the way you approach music and specially Queensryche music! Thank you Julia for such an inspiring emotion! I’ll love, really love to see your take and emotion on following Queensryche songs: Eye of the Stranger, Suite Sister Mary, Speak The Word and Gonna Get Closed To You! Keep this videos coming Julia, you are the best!

For a person that constantly heard from the generations before that rock music was just a "bunch of noise" it's always gratifying to watch young reactors discover just how incredible the whole era of music from the 60's to the mid 90's was!

I listened to this so much when our son was born in the early 90's, the words seemed so fitting and the vastness of being a new parent. I can immediately transport to back then and the emotions this song brought to me. He has such a distinct/pure voice

Queensryche has been amazing from the get go... and this song was just so, different. Different in the most remarkable way. It is eerily beautiful. A treasured masterpiece.

That "Soul set free to fly" vocal drop haunt the shit out of me to this day. 💯😎🤣

Queensryche is just the perfect band with no weaknesses. Truly one of the best bands of all time.

Check out Geoff's vocal on the Promised Land track, "Someone Else?" It's the album closer and features Geoff on vocals and Chris DeGarmo on piano, no backing harmonies and no other instrumentation. About as stripped down of a sound you'll get from Queensrych and really showcases his stylistic choices. There is a full band version on the reissue as a bonus track, but you want the original piano-only version.

Anybody listening is my all time favorite by Queensryche, please give that a go. The whole Empire album is amazing, I still play it all the time.

Gah! Just missed the premier! This is such a good song and am enjoying your reaction. Elizabeth noticed that in the end, the bass and cello played the opening bars to Brahams' Lullaby. That's a really nice touch in a song full of nice touches. If you are struggling to hear the spoken voices on the bridge, you can turn on closed-captioning which does have them. I never caught them all until about the fourth or fifth listen to the song.

Hi Julia! interesting "Tidbit" for you... Michael Kamen was a pretty famous composer at the time who did the string arrangement on this song... He also worked with Pink Floyd at one point... also did the string arrangement on Nothing Else Matters by Metallica... Many people thought this was a Pink Floyd song or was a cover of a Pink Floyd song...

3:19 thought you reached into the TV😂 Love your facial expressions listening to this. Ive heard this song a billion times and every time I feel it.

The most "radio edit" song from Queensrÿche. Such an underrated band 🤟

About time you got to this! 😀

"Anybody Listening" is another surreal vocal banger I think you love it another Geoff Tate masterpiece.

Check out Geoff on "Queensryche MTV unplugged"....."I Will Remember" and "The Killing Words" are legendary standouts ,often referenced and reacted, for good reason.

I'd be totally down with you turning into a Geoff Tate fan channel. Lol so many great songs with very different musical genres. I'd love you to do The Lady Wore Black, from thier first album Quuensrych EP. Then Gonna get close to you from thier 3rd album(2nd full album) a cover of the Dalbello song. Screaming in Digital is another favorite, such a great album that's gone under the radar. Then Suite Siter Mary from thier 4th album Operation Mind Crime and follow the band in release order of albums to her the changed the band goes through.

This song engulfs you and draws you in, it's a journey. I love this song❤

Julia, I love your expert analysis in all of your reactions. I'm so excited that you have discovered the sureal voice of a generation that is the legend Geoff Tate. I just saw him perform in concert this past weekend in Las Vegas. Unbelievable performance, he still sounds amazing. I first witnessed his glorious voice in 1986 on the Rage for Order tour. I was and still am, mind blown by his voice. I must recommend that you listen to Roads to Madness from their first album. That is another incredible song and it continues to showcase his vocal skills.

Beautiful description of a beautiful composition. Thank you for breaking it down.

What makes a great vocalist beyond pitch and technique, is versatility. This song has a lot of the former, but really leans on the latter. If you want more like Take Hold type of songs from this album, you need to check out Empire, Jet City Woman, and Another Rainy Night Without You.

Just ❤ Queensryche. And this is actually one of the songs that kept me going in dark times ("so here it is, another chance"). It's great to have a professional analysis of the vocals as it makes me appreciate the song even more. THANKS @JULIA NILON

Check out Eyes of a Stranger. Geoff's ability to go from lullaby to broken wine glasses is mind blowing.

Sometimes a perfect song comes along. This is one of them

An absolutely beautiful song, his voice is amazing.

They put on one of the top 5 concerts I have been to. Black Sabbath, RUSH, AC-DC, Lynyrd Skynyrd were the other four.

My fave reaction of yours yet!!!! Its joyous seeing your enjoyment!

Now I'm just waiting for your to react to Eyes Of A Stranger....that seems to be the typical progression of all these reactions here on YT. Love your reactions and analysis

Operation Mindcrime is elite level writing and composition…..it takes time and nature to bring together artists of this calibre working in perfect harmony for the briefest of moments to create masterpieces like this…as a concept album,this has few parallels…listen to your audience Julia…do the album reaction…it’s an experience….

It's a beautiful song, and Geoff Tate is amazing.

Hi Julia. I love the way you completely feel the music in its entirety, voices and instruments. Words. Everything. Queensryche (the original, first formation: Tate, DeGarmo, Wilton, Rockenfield, Jackson) were my fav band for many years and I had the incredible privilege to see them in concert in 1996 in Italy. Geoff was one the best voices we ever had. Amazing. Please, check on "Someone Else?" from "Promised Land" album. Is the last track and Geoff ended the concert (above) playing the piano while singing. I still remember that as one of the most intense experiences in my whole life (I'm 53yo). The amazing music of old Queensryche is still shining today ❤. Keep up the great work you are doing mate 💪🙌 and thank you 🙏

Julia, if you’re interested in hearing another song from Queensrÿche that showcases Geoff Tate’s higher vocal range similar to “ Take hold of the flame” then you can check out and do an analysis of the live from Tokyo version of the song “Queen of the Reich (Realm) from same concert that you did TaKe Hold the Flame from. You will definitely love it.

Talent of Queensryche is Geoff Tate however mastermind behid the group was Chris DeGarmo. That's why the group is perfect up until DeGarmo left. And downhill from there.

I love your reaction,the next Queensryche reactions will be Eyes of a Stranger or the live versión of Suite Sister Mary. Please,i can't wait to see your reactions at those Masterpieces.

Queensryche is so unique and amazing that they are literally in a class all by themselves musically. Also,Geoff Tate's vocal range is off the charts. Loved your analogy and reaction video. This just reminds me why I have loved this band since I first heard them in the 1980's. Check out their video Eyes of a Stranger if you really want to hear Geoff really belt it out.

geoff tate's range back in the day be mad crazy he could go from a "air raid siren" to a rich "baritone lullaby"

Where are the TOOL reactions on your channel?

Hello Julia. Great reaction! If you want more vocal gymnastics from Geoff then there is another song on The Warning album, Roads to Madness... Its pure vocal range and to date I have not heard any vocal coaches react to this song. Go with the album version, almost a 10 minute long so lots to comment on! Another song that cements Geoff Tate as one of the best vocalists of his era.....

Very VERY professional analysis. Love your takes! ty

Y Love your take on this, so emotive. Epic song also!!

Julia, I really hope you stay on this journey with Queensryche. A couple of deep tracks that you will love, are the cover of Simon & Garfunkel's Scarborough Fair, Avantasia's Alchemy, and from the soundtrack of The Last Action Hero, "Real World".