? [AKA: QUESTION MARK]

"?" is the third solo album by ex-Spock's Beard frontman, Neal Morse. After having flirted with Christian themes and connotations on the epic 2-disc masterpiece "Snow" within the confines of Spock's Beard, Neal went "full throttle ahead" in regards to Christianity on his first two solo albums, "Testimony" and "One". "?" continues on that path, this time mixing original lyrics with references to biblical passages. I, for one, cannot with my head held high, critizise a man for using his strongest passions in his work - hence I´m not going to "slam" the lyrics. They are from the heart, no doubt about it. However, to a non-Christian, they are starting to wear out. I likes the subtleness of "Snow" much, much better. It had an ambiguity which attracted all spiritually active people. This time around, only the followers of the Christian faith can possibly be moved. Musically, "?" is a tour de force of the strongest players on modern progressive music with names such as Mike Portnoy, Roine Stolt and Jordan Rudess collaborating on the album. And it is well played, believe me! The rhytm section is dynamic and innovative, Stolt´s unique playing style shines through and Rudess is a prodigy on keys. Having lestened to the album a couple of times now, I am left disappointed, though: Song by song, "?" plunders through its 56 minuttes of playing time withour many highs and lows. It really just seems to be going through the numbers - nothing is new under the sun. Neal Morse has written amazing songs throughout his career - and I hope and think he will again. But there is so much strain on delivering the emotions of his relationship with God that it to me is getting both predictable and a little bit trivial, really. Maybe the next one will be better...