TESTIMONY

The first Neal Morse solo disc that I ever picked up...and what a great way to start. From beginning to end I was enraptured by Testimony: a disc that chronicles Neal's troubled life through to his delivery to the Christian faith.

Disc one essentially follows Neal's struggles from his early days as a musician and battling his demons. Anchored by drummer Mike Portnoy and bassist Randy George, we're launched into "Overture No. 1", and it really smokes--a truly progressive instrumental with raw energy and unyielding power. "California Nights" is a bit on the light side lyrically, but one really gets a sense of Neal wanting to express what he was going through at the time. Like I said, "California Nights" is a bit sketchy, but that's the only downside. Kansas' Kerry Livgren (and fellow Christian) even lends a hand on lead guitar on "Long Story". Disc 1 comes to a close with "It's All I Can Do", which is a somber, dark song bordering on the fragile. Accompanied by a quiet drum machine, Morse is teetering on a complete breakdown and questioning why God isn't with him during his most desperate times of need. The answer lies on disc 2.

As powerful as disc 1 is, disc 2 is probably even more powerful. It's on disc 2 that Neal is conflicted between what he knows is right, but just can't give in to God. By this time he's met his wife and they begin attending church, but it's this time where we see a change in the music that is actually a breath of fresh air. Entitled "Sing It High", it's a fast paced acoustic track that just bounces and lifts the spirit. Much like his life at that time, however, the good time doesn't last. So embroiled with his inner demons, Morse slips back and is having a hard time between his heart and his mind. "The Calm Before The Storm" is a turning point, and it expresses through music the turbulence Morse must've been experiencing. Over 7 1/2 minutes, it goes at such a furious pace and is simply amazing to listen to...and a highlight of the 2 disc set.

As "Calm Before The Storm" comes to a close, Morse's giving his life to God is close...and he surrenders all in "Oh, To Feel Him". Absolutely stunning is this song and it just about brings me to tears every time. Especially during the section where he "says goodbye to the past, and walks into the Kingdom". Pure magic and I get goosebumps every time. It's one of those rare moments where a song can be life altering for the listener.

Part 5 is pure celebration and basking in God. "Rejoice" just lifts the spirit with Neal's voice literally lifting towards heaven. Part 5 is the shortest section of all, but he packs nothing but joy in this short amount of time. It's all been leading up to this moment of not only giving his life to God, but being so full of the spirit and having all those years of pain and suffering releasing and yielding to the love of God. Testimony ends as it began with the answer Neal was seeking the wish of a land where all is forgiven unconditionally. Neal has finally found the answer to it all.

Testimony is simply one of my favorite discs of all time. I was considering giving it a 4 star rating simply because of some of the lyrics in certain spots. Then again, this is autobiographical, so it's possible he's simply telling the story without feeling the need to flower it up. He's a bit more comfortable, which is evident in One and ?, but Testimony is a great first edition in his spiritual journey. Just a phenomenal disc and highly recommended. Is it possible to give 8 stars?