TESTIMONY

Neal Morse is one of the most gifted musicians I know of. With Spock's Beard, Transatlantic, Solo career, he has generated a vast body of work that is diverse, beautiful, inspired, and creative. I am beginning my review of his influence with this album because it tells his life story. Now, I personally do not practice any religion, nor do I hold it against anyone who does. Morse's work was inspired by his faith, and thats not a bad thing at all. He doesn't try to make everyone believe in what he is singing, he justs tells stories through his music. The one thing I have against him is that after recording Snow, he could have stayed with Spock's Beard. I'm sure they would've loved to make this album with him. He left behind a good group of musicians that he worked well with.

The Music: I won't go song by song because I would be writing all day. The whole album has 2 main parts: Morse's life before spiritual realization and after. throughout this giant of a concept album, the music never gets repetitive, it always remains in true Morse style: complex, yet simple, dramatic and elegant. The Highlights are the bookending Land of Beginning Again, all the Overtures, California Nights, Colder in the Sun, the Gentle Giant Ode, Prince of the Power of the Air, Wasted Life, Sing it High, I am Willing, and Storm before the Calm. the last piece is especially brilliant, sort of an anti-overture, as it takes many different parts from the album and mixes them, but twists them around into new themes. The trumpet solo is especially dramatic. The other songs are no slouches, and Morse's voice brings us the message with meaning and feeling. This, I feel, is Neal Morse's single greatest trait: his ability to pour his own soul into the music he makes. It may not be the best progressive rock ever recorded, nor is it especially creative and unique, but when he sings, I feel he is singing to me.

Overall, A great album, I take off a star because of the rather ridiculous length, meaning I can't listen to it all in one sitting, like I can with Snow. However, this album is still very inspired and deserves everything it earns.