LIFELINE

Okay, rarely does Neal Morse disappoint. And as far how it compares to other stuff out there, Lifeline definitely holds its own. But Morse is far from the top of his game on this one.

It sounds like a rehashing of a dozen or two songs we've heard before. It takes me back to his 1999 eponymous solo debut. What used to sound fresh now tastes like an old hat.

I have absolutely no problem with the overtly religious messages in the album. In fact, God Is Love is a delightful highlight that succeeds in part because of the lyrics rather than in spite of them.

In contrast, the album's nearly 30-minute epic piece So Many Roads meanders musically while indulging in introspective blather. Inspiring it is not.

So Disc One is rather a disappointment. But boy was I glad I didn't skip Disc Two. Mostly because of Crazy Horses!

Morse has resurrected the ridiculously catchy Osmonds tune with great panache, and it easily justifies purchasing the 2-disc special edition.

The rest of the tunes on Disc Two are either fun covers, cutting-floor material or just the silly Heavy Metal Long Haired Blue Beard Tattooed Jew.

Altogether, the entire album is worth a good listen for Morse fans, and others unfamiliar with his music may find it to be quite praiseworthy. In the company of his other works, however, this one lazily drifts to the bottom of the pile.

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