? [AKA: QUESTION MARK]

Neal Morse

Symphonic Prog

4.23 | 691 ratings

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I am a 42 year old man who hasn't heard of "progressive" music before 2006. I came from a background of classic Rock, mostly genesis, yes, supertramp, pink floyd, Styx etc.

The last many years I've listened primarily to christian based music, ranging from Rich Mullins to Dennis Jernigan. I've watched a friend of mine take this journey through progressive music land. I've chuckled as he talks about spocks beard (what an odd name) and other strange sounding groups. I've taken slightly chilled listens to various stuff he has...long winding melodies, varous instrumentals...just didn't catch my ears. He also lives many hours away, so the influence has only been sparingly.

He lent me "testimony" and I gave it several good tries, but it just didn't stick. Still doesn't, for whatever reason.

Then something insane happened to me.

He recommended I listen to "?"

I have not heard such an album of majestic qualities and amazing theatrical rock qualities since Dark Side of the Moon. To say that I have been blown away is an understatement. I have literally been moved to tears by the end of the disk. Then to learn of Steve Hackett's contribution was a sheer joy. And the drumming is the finest I've heard with no true comparisons, except for maybe Rush's drummer (neil peart??).....

I've downloaded all of Neals stuff from iTunes and am now embarking on my first ever progressive rock journey. The more I learn about this guy and listen to his music, the more stunned I am. I'm going to eventually get to Spocks Beard and download "snow."

I'm a bit confused as to some peoples objections regarding religious lyrics. People always sing what they are passionate about. Listen to old styx, some of their lyrics are rather good insights into what they went through personally. God or not, music is a window into the artists soul. This guy is following what other true musicians do and singing about what is on his heart.

"?" Is the finest album I've heard since Dark Side of the Moon. I've had none blow me away to the extent this disk has. I cannot perceive of a finer album and hope that history will record this as Christendom's finest CD epic work ever.

Tronslucense | 5/5 | 2006-9-19

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