BRIDGE ACROSS FOREVER

I sit here listening to 'Bridge Across Forever', Transatlantic's most critically acclaimed record (at least according to the good folks at Prog Archives). The 2nd Transatlantic album I've listened to, and the second one released. If you like long, epic, building tracks, then I can do nothing but recommend this.

Song by Song:

Track One: Duel With the Devil "Have you woke up screaming in the silence of the night?..." Great opening lyric, and (bad grammar aside) Love the synth work in the first of three epic tracks that grace this record. I love the quiet backing guitar about 7 minutes in. Near the 12 minute mark, there's an epic Wah guitar solo, with some accompanying Sax near minute 13. I've never been a huge fan of Morse's lyrics overall, but they're pretty good here. The female backing singers near the end work pretty well. Great symphonic Rock Epic, 4.5 stars. Very 'Epic' in scope.

Track Two: Suite Charlotte Pike "If she runs, let her run, run, run..." I think I detect a 12 string guitar somewhere in the opening, (I should know, I own one). A bit of 80s harmonies on this one, near Beatles-esque. I have a feeling they realized this, considering the ending of Section I. If She Runs has the lyric 'It's Hard -- Calming the Beatle inside me" It reminds me of (at the time of posting this) the latest Moon Safari record, obviously, that came later, but perhaps Moon Safari took a page out of Transatlantic's book. Everything goes back to The Beatles it seems, go figure.

Many prog-heads don't seem to focus on the lyrics too much, but I'm an exception. I'm sorry Neil, these lyrics are rather generic, nothing spectacular.

The electric piano in the background works on section V, not sure about the REALLY high pitched synth in the background, as I'm writing this, I'm developing a headache because of it. Otherwise, great track!

Track Three: Bridge Across Forever "There's a bridge made of light, that crosses between death and life..." Ok, stop the review

What kinda Jon-Anderson parody stuff is this. I believe this is Neil writing Christian lyrics. I'm a Christian myself, these lyrics aren't where it's at man, I'm sorry. I could write better than this. Generic Rhymes all around, anyways, back to the review.

The shortest song on the album, (and the title track) Runs a mere 5:33, it opens with an ethereal piano intro. This is a very spiritual song. (this is the obligatory Morse Ballad Track, but one of his better ones... I think) Slightly repetive, he repeats the title too much, It's like a Bob Seger song. But slower

Track Four: Stranger in Your Soul "Not so long ago, I lived Far Below..." VERY Nice drum and keyboard intro, Portnoy contributes a drum fill before the rest of the band joins in. Transatlantic love their Overtures, that's for sure. (That's not an insult, OR a compliment. It's a statement, take it how you like) Near 4 minutes they get HEAVY. The backing choir synth, and metal guitar, it all gels together so well? The song builds to a WONDERFUL climax (as per usual).

Having the multiple singers works well here, who cares about the lyrics if they're sung this well?

This is a rather smooth track, my favorite on the album.

ANALYSIS: 5 Stars for the musicianship, 3 for lyrics, it gets a 4