Geoff Tate

Amazon.com
It's often the case that when a frontman records a solo album, it sounds so close to their regular gig that you wonder why he cared to bother. And with Queensryche's Geoff Tate, whose voice is as distinctive as a fingerprint, it presents an even bigger challenge. Yet on his solo debut he manages the task flawlessly. The overall style is dramatic yet mellow, with hypnotic midtempo melodies and layers of lavish harmonies. "Helpless" incorporates Euro-dance rhythms and Spanish guitars, "The Passenger" is jazzy, and the pretty piano ballad "In Other Words" builds with a lovely string section. "Off the TV" and "Flood" rock a bit heavier, featuring Queensryche-like crashing guitars and Tate's trademark high notes. If you're looking for Operation: Mindcrime or Empire revisited, you won't find it here. But if Geoff Tate's voice sends shivers up your spine, this may be a contender when you list your favorite albums of 2002. --Gail Flug

Geoff Tate,Geoff Tate,Sanctuary Records,Adult Contemporary,Pop,Pop/Rock,Power Metal,Progressive Metal,Rock,Rock/Pop,Soft Rock

Geoff Tate

Average customer rating:

A comeback- Sort of.
QUEENSRYCHE rocks NOW, as THEN!!
excellent
If you like progressive, then progress!!
When it Works it Works

Operation: Mindcrime II
Queensrÿche
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Operation: Mindcrime
Karmacode
A Matter Of Life And Death
10,000 Days
IV

ASIN: B000E1ZBHM
Release Date: 2006-04-04

Tracks:

Freiheit Ouverture
Convict
I'm American
One Foot in Hell
Hostage
Hands
Speed of Light
Signs Say Go
Re-Arrange You
Chase
Murderer?
Circles
If I Could Change It All
An Intentional Confrontation
Junkie's Blues
Fear City Slide
All The Promises

Amazon.com

Queensrÿche's sequel to the classic 1998 concept piece Operation: Mindcrime is not as good as the original. Mindcrime II lacks the sense of sweeping cinematic awe found on the original and although the quintet has managed to create an album that's equal to or above any studio outing it's done in recent years, there's nothing here that will bolster the band back to its former glory. A distinct lack of standout songs is perhaps the greatest problem. "Revolution Calling," "I Don't Believe In Love," and "Speak" became Queensrÿche classics not because they were part of the grand concept found on O:M, but because they could be drawn out and held up as fine examples of writing that probed the corrupt spirit of the age. O:M bled heavy truths from its deepest grooves.

Those familiar with the concept from the first album should note that this second installment focuses on protagonist Nikki and his desire to exact revenge on the corrupt Doctor X, making for a more insular narrative. That's a problem because one of the great thrills of the original Mindcrime was the scope of its scorn; here, the band never reaches beyond the confines of the world it created for this updated fantasy. The urgency that emanated from the earlier affair hasn't become muted, it has simply faded.

Yet, this new record's better than you might first believe and proves difficult to fully dismiss. In the 18 years since the original installment the band has become leaner, often more exacting, possessing a confidence that was less pronounced on earlier recordings. Scott Rockenfield's drumming has grown more interesting with time and the years have done little to lessen vocalist Geoff Tate's multi-octave expertise. The dual guitar attack of Michael Wilton and Mike Stone lacks the depth that the classic Wilton/Chris DeGarmo pairing had, but it proves enamoring on tracks such as "The Chase" (featuring a surprisingly pallid-sounding Ronnie James Dio), the swaggering "Junkie's Blues," and the near return-to-form "Fear City Slide."

No matter its strengths, O:M II ultimately reinforces the idea that while Queensrÿche's greatest moments may still lie ahead, the prospects of that being true become increasingly scant with each passing record. A decent enough stab at rekindling old glory that fails with admirable flair. --Jedd Beaudoin

Album Description

Seattle quintet Queensryche has always stood apart from other heavy metal bands through their artful progressive bent and intense observations on the world around them. With their third album, 1988's Grammy-nominated and critically acclaimed Operation: Mindcrime-a concept opus born out of Reagan-era disilllusionment-Queensryche transcended the metal label and sealed their reputation for cerebral musci and heady lyrical vision. Set 20 years later, and awash in "rock, revenge, and redemption," this brilliant new sequel was inspired by current political and social climates.

Customer Reviews:

A comeback- Sort of........2007-06-19

I have to admit that this album is growing on me when I listen to it more and more. At first I thought "blasphemy!", or "how could they do this"?
However, as I thought about it more and more, and read over interviews and years and years of discussion, studied Queensryche's history (one of my favorite bands at this moment), I began to see the reasons why the band chose to tackle this task. Its an enormous task, to be certain, because following up an album that is such a classic etched in time is not easy feat. On one level, OMCII is a very shallow sequel storywise. In fact, the story seems almost unnecessary when one looks at the album. Nikki gets revenge, then dies. I think it sums up most of the album's storyline, I feel that its a bit dissapointing in that regard. But the real motivation I believe for the band to do it, is not for a return to previous financial glory, but to PROVE TO THEMSELVES that they could do such an album without the input of one Chris Degarmo.
Its apparent that since his depature, the band has fumbled in the dark creatively (and critically, considering the scorn critics have lashed at their two previous releases) and the band wanted SOMETHING, ANYTHING to give them the motivation to do a good album again. So the results (this is only one persons opinion of course) are that the band chose to do Operation Mindcrime II.

Did they succeed? Yes and no. As previously stated, the storyline doesn't have that much depth. Sure it goes into Nikki's mind (in my opinion not enough), and his conscience, but I don't know if the story does anything but give an overview of a tortured soul.

Musically, however, Operation Mindcrime II is definitely back to where Queensryche were years ago.

Some "alternative" trappings remain (despite some previous statements to the contrary, there are some dropped d tuned songs on the record, more beatlesque or Zepelinish parts), and this is mixed with a mid period dual guitar format that QR used to explore on such records as Rage for Order or the original Mindcrime. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Its not that they totally abandoned the more alternative (or 70's rock based) sound of albums Promised Land onwards, but its not a one hundred percent trip back to the Eighties sound either.

The songs are there. Songs such as "the Hands" and "I'm American" are the best Queensryche have sounded in years. The album gets a little long winded in the second half, but thats ok, because the music is still more impassioned and epic then they've been for many years. Tate's singing is the best its been in years as well.

All is not great however. I don't feel the emotion is present that was on the original, even though it could have been.

Overall though, I think this is a step in the "Ryche" direction (couldn't resist the pun)!
I think that they have solidified the new lineup, and while Degarmo is not with the band anymore, they have proved that they are not creatively bankrupt with regards to writing music. The problem I see with it, is that they're halfway up to their previous glory, and its going to take more than a sequel to their best loved album to get there. I would have given this album four or five stars if the album was shorter, and it wasn't a sequel to Mindcrime (and the production was less muddy at times). It would have been still cool to have as a concept album, but by all means they could have come up with a different story and make that one more dramatic and convincing. By the way, rumor has it that the next album is being written, and that it will be a concept album, not at all related to the Mindcrime opus.

QUEENSRYCHE rocks NOW, as THEN!!.......2007-06-18

Everyone gets older, even those complaining about rock stars aging and "losing their pipes." I don't care if Geoff's pipes seem a little worn out. The fact of the matter is that Queensryche is a great rock band overall, with or without Chris DeGarmo. From what I've seen and heard, apparently it sounds like sour grapes on Chris DeGarmo's part, as he really is being inconsiderate to the fans of Queensryche while he was in the group. By abandoning Queensrych, he's abandoning Queensryche fans. Perhaps he think he's better than the other members of Queensryche. If that's the case, I don't care if he EVER comes back to Queensryche. There's nothing more I hate than a STUCK UP MUSICIAN! There will ALWAYS be someone better, including someone BETTER than you, Chris DeGarmo. Of course, he added his 2 cents to the band, as did the other members and all members' contributions are critical. I really enjoy Queensryche's song "Open" on the Tribe album. This, in fact, could have very well been a track on Empire. I will always be a Queensryche follower/fan. Just remember: All musicians are gifted and there is no room for conceit among the multitude of talented musicians.

excellent .......2007-06-10

If your a Q fan than yes this release has some great moments and is worth picking up!It took me awhile to buy it only because of the name they used for a title. Anytime you see a part 2 you have be on artist cashing in alert if you know what I mean. But this cd could have been called anything else and is still very good!! This cd is more of a rocker than tribe. The only thing that I would of liked to see is a free bonus dvd with this release it probably would of helped the sales of this effort of a band that was on top in the early 90s.

If you like progressive, then progress!!.......2007-05-11

Dictionary definition: "Pro-gres-sive a: characterized by progress b: interested in new ideas c: moving forward or onward : ADVANCING Antonyms: dormant, lazy, sluggish, static, conventional, mainstream." What part of this don't we understand?

Why listen to "Operation: Mindcrime II" if you already have "Operation: Mindcrime"? Well, why listen to "Wish You Were Here" or "The Wall" if you already have "Dark Side of the Moon"? Why listen to "Red" if you already have "In the Court of the Crimson King"? Why listen to "Thick As A Brick" if you already have "Aqualung"? Why listen to "Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence" if you already have "Images and Words"? Why listen to "10,000 Days" if you already have "Lateralus"?

"Hello? McFly!?" It's "progressive" music. It progresses. It presents new ideas (musically and lyrically). It moves forward and onward. It advances. It is not dormant, lazy (sticking with the "same old same old"), sluggish, static, conventional, and definitely NOT mainstream.

No Queenryche, much like Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull, King Crimson, Dream Theater, or Tool are not "starving for popularity." ("Middle age will do that to you"?!?!! Please!! If progressive artists were interested in popularity they would do the same things over and over that brought them to popularity at periods of their careers. If anything, middle age has made these artists some of the finest musicians in the world and able to do what they want to do. After all, do you want an intern operating on you or a seasoned surgeon?) Whew!! Glad I got all that out of the way, aren't you?

Fellow fans of progressive music, please do us all a favor. UNITE!! DON'T PAY HEED TO THE THREE-STAR REVIEWS!! "Operation: Mindcrime II" is an excellent album and it deserves the attention of progressive music fans everywhere. And the sheer fact that it came along some 18 years after the original and is still coherent and excellent is even more astonishing.

We often hear of the "big four" bands of grunge music, those being Soundgarden, Nirvana, Alice in Chains, and Pearl Jam. (Love `em all, by the way.) I believe we can also speak of the big three bands of progressive metal, those being Tool, Dream Theater, and, yes, Queensryche.

The music on "Operation: Mindcrime II" is impeccable, as we have come to expect from Queensryche, and Geoff Tate's vocals are definitely not middle-aged sounding. This guy has one he** of a set of lungs. The unique lyrical rhyming is present as well. I defy the other (emphasis on "other") armchair critics here to produce something that is a fraction, a miniscule fraction, as creative and interesting.

While "Operation: Mindcrime II" might not be as memorable as the original, it is still more than worth owning and will make hard core progressive music/concept album fans happier than a kid in a candy store.

I conclude by explaining my 5-star rating. I feel that this album deserves four stars but I am so annoyed by the average three-and-a-half rating that I feel compelled to do what I can to raise the average. GO TEAM PROGRESSIVE!! RAH! RAH! RAH!

When it Works it Works.......2007-04-16

I was not a fan until Empire so this whole Operation Mindcrime saga was new to me.

At least 5 of the tracks on this album are almost unforgettable

this includes:

Hostage
Speed of Light
One Foot in Hell

Geoff Tate's vocal's alone merit buying an album. even his uneven solo album had its moments. But when QR sings and plays about the challenges of mid-life and given any background into QR and the intelligence of their message (and any self-awareness) the only logical and emotional response is to buy this cd and crank it up - way UP.

Average customer rating:

Tate's voice is supreme!
Pleasing and soothing
GREAT CD BY A GREAT SINGER,
Points for Very Different
Bold but not particularly good record.

Geoff Tate
Geoff Tate
Manufacturer: Sanctuary Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Operation: Mindcrime II
Building Empires
Q2K
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Promised Land

ASIN: B000068QXG
Release Date: 2002-06-25

Tracks:

FLOOD
FOREVER
HELPLESS
TOUCH
EVERY MOVE WE MAKE
THIS MOMENT
IN OTHER WORDS
PASSENGER
OFF THE TV
GRAIN OF FAITH
OVER ME

Amazon.com

It's often the case that when a frontman records a solo album, it sounds so close to their regular gig that you wonder why he cared to bother. And with Queensryche's Geoff Tate, whose voice is as distinctive as a fingerprint, it presents an even bigger challenge. Yet on his solo debut he manages the task flawlessly. The overall style is dramatic yet mellow, with hypnotic midtempo melodies and layers of lavish harmonies. "Helpless" incorporates Euro-dance rhythms and Spanish guitars, "The Passenger" is jazzy, and the pretty piano ballad "In Other Words" builds with a lovely string section. "Off the TV" and "Flood" rock a bit heavier, featuring Queensryche-like crashing guitars and Tate's trademark high notes. If you're looking for Operation: Mindcrime or Empire revisited, you won't find it here. But if Geoff Tate's voice sends shivers up your spine, this may be a contender when you list your favorite albums of 2002. --Gail Flug

Customer Reviews:

Tate's voice is supreme!.......2007-05-14

I just love this album...Geoff Tate has the best voice and is simply one of the greatest artists around. I hope he continues to put out singles as well as albums from Queensryche!

Pleasing and soothing.......2006-07-11

This work is much different from QR stuff, softer and more melodic. It's well thought out and well executed. Quality work, just as you would expect from one of the greatest progressive singers of the last 20 years.
If you are a QR fan and enjoy quality music, even at softer levels, then this CD is worth your bucks.

GREAT CD BY A GREAT SINGER,.......2006-02-16

NO ONE CAN SING LIKE GEOFF TATE, IM SORRY, THIS GUY IS THE BEST.MY FAVORITE SINGERS GO IN THIS ORDER, GEOFF TATE#1 MICHAEL KISKE =#2 KLAUS MEINE#3 BRUCE DICKINSON#4 AND TOBIAS SAMMETT AT#5..AS FAR AS THE CD GOES IT'S VERY GOOD,IT'S GEOFF TATE COME ON ..

Points for Very Different.......2005-11-10

Bravery points go to this for its wide reaching, mellow experimental vibe. It almost seems like too much of a scattered mix. "Off the TV" and "Grain of Faith" are a couple of very cool tracks. "A Passenger" has its moments. I'd give it an extra half star, if I could find the icon for that. Definitely not a first time listen favorite. File in multiple listens for true review category. For as many styles as are broached (don't listen to that queer Michael Bolten comparison, this is some mixed, very good, creative stuff), I'd call this Mike Patton on qualudes. Tate is genre switching, at break neck, sleepy speed (ha).

Bold but not particularly good record........2005-06-20

Queensryche vocalist Geoff Tate's first solo effort is a mixed bag. On the one hand, Tate is brave enuogh to step far from the shadow of Queensryche and find his own sound. On the other hand, it suffers from weak songwriting, similar to the problems that have plagued Queensryche since the departure of Chris DeGarmo.

This in a way is probably a bigger shadow for Tate to try and crawl out from under, DeGarmo as a compositional voice was so powerful and his ability to express in any number of forms is clearly something the band and their vocalist struggle without. Some of the better ideas on this record suffer from poor songwriting ("Touch", "Off the TV") and occasionally poor execution ("A Passenger"). Mind you, there are a couple standouts (opener "Flood" is a nice slice of synth pop and "This Moment" is brilliant-- sounds like a reinvention of '50s pop music), but its overall a mixed effort.

Oh a final note for those who wanted a Geoff Tate record to be the same brand of metal they were used to with old Queensryche-- this is as far from that as possible. Its mostly pop music.

An interesting effort, but not one I suspect you'll find yourself turning back to.

Average customer rating:

Amazing Album
A collection of Queensryche/Geoff tate from his solo and tribe. Studio tracks, not live

Face to Face
Queensryche , and Geoff Tate
Manufacturer: Immergent
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

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Essential
Butchering the Beatles: A Headbashing Tribute
Q2K
Operation: Mindcrime II
Operation: Mindcrime (2 CDs + 1 DVD)

ASIN: B000ION6OK
Release Date: 2006-10-31

Tracks:

Desert Dance/ Queensryche "Tribe"
A Passenger/ Geoff Tate "Geoff Tate"
Losing Myself/ Queensryche "Tribe"
Flood/ Geoff Tate "Geoff Tate"
The Art Of Life/ Queensryche "Tribe"
Off The T.V./ Geoff Tate "Geoff Tate"
Blood/ Queensryche "Tribe"
Helpless/ Geoff Tate "Geoff Tate"
The Great Divide/ Queensryche "Tribe"
Every Move We Make/ Geoff Tate "Geoff Tate"
Open/ Queensryche "Tribe"
In Other Words/ Geoff Tate "Geoff Tate"

Album Description

The music of one of Progressive Metal's pioneers and the solo material of their lead singer collide in virtuoso fashion on "Face To Face." Latter day Queensryche classics such as "Open" and "Art Of Life" interlace with material from Geoff Tate's debut solo album and weave a tapestry of sonic majesty. Videos and photo galleries from Queensryche and Tate crown this awesome package!

CD Side:

- Complete album in stereo

DVD Side:

- Complete album in 5.1 surround sound
- Queensryche "Desert Dance" Live Performance Video
- Queensryche Photo Gallery
- Geoff Tate "On The Record, Off The T.V." video
- Geoff Tate Photo Gallery

BONUS Downloads via DVDLauncher.com:

- Grain Of Faith/Geoff Tate
- Over Me/Geoff Tate
- Rhythm Of Hope/Queensryche
- Tribe/Queensryche
- Doing Fine/Queensryche

Customer Reviews:

Amazing Album.......2007-01-10

Great album from one of the greatest bands and singer off all time. Great combination of Tribe and Solo Album.

A collection of Queensryche/Geoff tate from his solo and tribe. Studio tracks, not live .......2006-11-10

I almost missed this release, not publicized and not initally available in my local record stores. Thanks you amazon. This is a collection of the music of Queensryche and Geoff tate from their short stint with Sanctuary records for tribe and his solo album. These are re-releases of the studio tracks, not live. I had to own it as a ryche fan, but not so big fans, if you happen to have their studio albums, thats probably enough. Otherwise, this does also contain the DVD side with some video, and reportedly some bonus music. I have yet to be successful accessing the bonus stuff, the site just isn't taking my UPC number. So, check it out. Not a must have, but one a ryche fan might like.

Average customer rating:

And I can see why:
Geoff Tate flying solo is a great change of pace!

Geoff Tate
Geoff Tate
Manufacturer: Silverline
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Pop | Styles | Music

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Q2K
Operation: Mindcrime II

ASIN: B00068CMHU
Release Date: 2004-11-02

Tracks:

Flood
Forever
Hopeless
Touch
Every Move We Make
This Moment
In Other Words
A Passenger
Off The TV
Grain of Faith
Over Me

Album Description

Multi-platinum rockers Queensryche, have been proven to be one of the most enduring bands, not afraid to experiment and journey into new territories. Frontman Geoff Tate keeps this vision intact while embarking on his debut solo album. This contemporary songwriting masterpiece includes songs that are rooted in modern-rock, electronica, and even a bit of acoustic styling and world music.

A DualDisc is a two-sided disc made up of a CD on one side and a DVD on the other, DualDisc's breakthrough technology allows one disc to have it all. A full album on the CD side. All sorts of special material on the DVD side, including the full album in a 5.1 Surround Sound, exclusive video content and lyrics. DualDisc work wherever you play CD's and DVD's, including car stereos, PC's DVD Players, game consoles and CD players.

Customer Reviews:

And I can see why:.......2007-07-13

They invited Ronnie James Dio to perform the part of Dr. X on thier new DVD Mindcrime 1 and 2 release, these are two of the very best if not the best vocalists in rock music to date and I hear that they are both classically trained and I can almost see the humbleness in Ronnie James Dio when I see him in other video productions such as the movie -
Metal: A Headbangers Journey

*** If you happen to see this review email me at: laughingpig1@yahoo.cm

Geoff Tate flying solo is a great change of pace!.......2006-04-25

An excellently written project. In many ways different than Queensryche, yet with that familiar vocal trait that only Geoff can produce. Often considered the best voice in rock music, a listen to this album shows you exactly why.

Sign of the Times (4 Tracks w/ Unplugged)

Average customer rating:

Sign of the Times (4 Tracks w/ Unplugged)
Queensryche
Manufacturer: emi
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000OOU3YU

Product Description

1997 Import Cd single made in Holland Contains 4 tracks, 2 are RARE UNPLUGGED PERFORMANCES, and 1 is a RARE PREVIOULSY UNRELEASED SONG, the complete track listing is: . Sign Of The Times DeGarmo 3:33 3:41 , Chasing blue sky (PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED), 3. Silent Lucidity (MTV Unplugged) , New York, MTV Studios,4. The Killing Words (MTV Unplugged) (MTV Studios