First, I have to say I'm a bit sad to see Looking Glass go out, as it's probably a top 5 song for me. The Accolade should been the song to go imo. Oh well.
My votes on this round go to.....
The Odyssey
It surprises me to see The Accolade giving The Odyssey such a strong fight. Don't get me wrong, I love The Accolade, it's definitely in my top 10, but top 4? Not for me.
The Odyssey is longer, has an awesome orchestral intro, lots of great vocal melodies, and really takes the listener on a journey. Top 3 material. The only part I've never been that fond of is Part V - Sirens.
The Divine Wings of Tragedy
It's actually not that long ago since Rediscovery was lurking around/below my top 10 list, but it's definitely in my top 10 now. Epic ending to the best album made in mankind. The polyrhytms, the incredibly smooth mood changes, Russ' vocals....Rediscovery is simply a piece of pure art.
But, coming up against Divine Wings, I'm afraid it stands little chance. It's just such a beast of a song. As previously said, I often imagine an epic battle between Evil and Good when listening through this masterpiece. Dante would be proud....
There's just so many unbelievable great parts in this song. The opening staccato rhytm with the evil-sounding keyboard, Russ' amazing performance on the "Looking down from a blue sky"-part, with the following ending, and everything in between.
I must give special praise to the "main theme" (if you could call it that) - that sweet melody line in alternating 7/4-15/8 that Romeo starts playing at 2:34 (in the live version, I'm always listening to that version), with Pinnella "answering", then building up with bass and then drums before the verse kicks in. Love it!!
I also absolutely adore the piano melody starting at 15:30 (again, talking about the live version). So beautiful, like a spring of hope after that mourning guitar in advance.
Now that Communion is out, Divine must be the winner.