Customer Reviews

Neal Morse

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Neal Morse is one of the most talented musicians on the planet these days. Not only is he the driving force behind the immensely popular Spock's Beard, but he's also the creative go-to guy in Transatlantic, the "super group" comprised of Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater, Roine Stolt of the Flower Kings, and Pete Trewavas of Marillion.

This, his first solo album (released in 1999), is powerful music, albeit of a different kind than that recorded by the aforementioned bands.

Temporarily forsaking his progressive side, Neal focuses his attention on composing eight wonderful pop-oriented songs that appear to be an homage to life in all its fits, starts, and heartaches.

When I first heard this CD two years ago, I was going through a tough time in my life. So when I listen to it now, the songs are somewhat painful because they take me back to that time. But I remember clearly why this CD was so important to me then. Some of the songs uplifted me and gave me hope ("Living Out Loud," for example, or "That Which Doesn't Kill Me")...some made me laugh my ... off ("Lost Cause" or "Nowhere Fast")...and some made me sob ("Emma" or "Landslide").

Neal has a voice that's almost hard for me to listen to. Not because it's bad; rather, because it seems to touch me deeply and awaken feelings I've tucked away in a dark corner somewhere. It's emotional. It's poignant. I can't describe it other than to say his voice sounds like I feel inside all the time -- part whimsical, part sad, completely passionate and remarkably vulnerable.

Now that I find myself going through another tough time (breaking up is, indeed, hard to do), I've picked up Neal's CD again...and I'm letting its magic wash over me the way it did once before.

This is wonderful music, and a flawless CD. Please do yourself a favor and buy a copy of it. Pour yourself a glass of wine, light a couple of candles and let these songs touch your soul.

I guarantee they will.

Neal Morse, creative genius behind the best prog-band in the world right now, Spock's Beard, does popmusic! And does it well!

All in all, an excellent solo outing from the man more known for penning 15 minute epics. This album features more of the wonderful melodic harmonies and songs you'll find buried within the huge Spock's Beard compositions.

For a comparison - think about stuff like "June" from "Day for Night", yeah, that's where this album is.

And the icing on the cake? The one incentive to get those "we hate pop-music" Beard fans out there to check this out? Well, the man finishes the album off with a 22 minute epic, "A Whole Nother Trip", that will have you waiting for the new Beard album with more eager anticipation than before.

Btw, Neal Morse will soon issue the "Transatlantic" album with Roine Stoltz from the Flowerkings, Mike Portnoy from Dream Theater and Pete Trewavas from Marillion. How's that for a Dream Team!

I don't particularly like pop music, and there are good reasons for that. Most pop music nowadays it's absolutely boring and uninteresting, completely unoriginal, and it's made with the sole purpose of selling copies. I find the genre of progressive music to be a far more artistic, powerful and beautiful expression of the human soul. It's been so long since I listened to a good pop record that I had forgotten how enjoyable it could be when it's done the right way, just like Neal Morse has done on his two solo projects.
In this album the genius from Spock's Beard has managed to put together a collection of very refreshing and hypnotizing pop songs. Fans of the Beard will find that the music is very similar to the short light tunes that can be found in some of their albums, such as All on a Sunday, June, and Healing Colors of Sound. The instrumentation is lighter and not as complex but enjoyable nonetheless. The album features a series of very energetic pieces and a couple of outstanding ballads, which are probably my favorites. It also contains a final longer composition with multiple sections and rhythm changes that fans of Spock's Beard should definitely listen to.
This album however, is not in the same category as those of Spock's Beard. This is no masterpiece. Neal Morse's real talent can be truly appreciated only by listening to the Beard's albums. I'm giving this record a five star rating not because of a technical and objective evaluation but because it's so refreshing and agreeable. It contains music that you can enjoy without having to think about it. The songs will have you singing out loud while you drive. The tunes are captivating and will remain in your head long after you stop your CD player. Isn't that what pop music should be all about?

This reminds me of the Beatles, the Cretones, Joe Jackson, and 70's Yes. You might think some of this is variations on stuff already done on the Spock's Beard CD's, but frankly my dear I don't give a damn. Neal Morse is at some kind of amazing creative peak right now, so get a fork and eat this while it's hot!

As much as I love Spock's Beard, I was a little nervous about this one. How can he keep producing such excellent work? Well, who cares, this music is funny, heart-felt, perfectly executed and satisfying. No shredding, just graceful prog/pop classics, and not a clinker in the bunch. I love this disc and I think you will too. Buy it!

Neal Morse, creative genius behind the best prog-band in the world right now, Spock's Beard, does popmusic! And does it well!

All in all, an excellent solo outing from the man more known for penning 15 minute epics. This album features more of the wonderful melodic harmonies and songs you'll find buried within the huge Spock's Beard compositions.

For a comparison - think about stuff like "June" from "Day for Night", yeah, that's where this album is.

And the icing on the cake? The one incentive to get those "we hate pop-music" Beard fans out there to check this out? Well, the man finishes the album off with a 22 minute epic, "A Whole Nother Trip", that will have you waiting for the new Beard album with more eager anticipation than before.

Btw, Neal Morse will soon issue the "Transatlantic" album with Roine Stoltz from the Flowerkings, Mike Portnoy from Dream Theater and Pete Trewavas from Marillion. How's that for a Dream Team!

Neal Morse, the main creative force behind Prog rockers Spock's Beard, has released a solo masterpiece. For the most part, it's a pop album with most of the songs running under five minutes long (contrary to the lengthy Spocks Beard tunes that Morse penned), but don't fret, prog lovers - the closing track, A Whole Nother Trip, is a 23-minute roller coaster.

Morse plays all of the instruments on this album, aside from drums, which are provided by Spock's Beard bandmate Nick D'Virgilio (although Morse plays drums, too, on the opening track).

The songs are funny (the hilarious Nowhere Fast, a song about Morse's longing for a girl who despises him) and touching (the childhood lament Emma).

All in all, a CD that is definitely worth checking out, even if you're not a fan of Spock's Beard.

As some have said, this is more pop with prog influence ... well, if only all pop these days was this good! Neal Morse crafted some excellent songs for this CD and it's not just all about the music. The lyrical content is interesting and engaging with just the right mix of humor, profundity and introspection.

I HIGHLY recommend this album to anyone who is a fan of good songwriting and excellent musicianship. Especially to anyone familiar with Neal Morse and like his work with Spock's Beard. I also recommend, "It's Not Too Late" his next solo effort.

Don't expect to hear Spock's Beard because this is just Neal. Be open to his individual expression and I don't think you'll be disappointed.

- Scriptor

There are times when I think pop is synonymous with (). But Neal Morse, the GODLY master behind Spock's Beard, does pop-rock very well. The "poppier" songs from Spock's Beard's own albums are an indication of what this disc is like, except with musicianship that is toned-down (yet elegant nonetheless) -- it's worth noting that Morse plays almost all of the instruments on here himself. This disc is replete with infectious hooks that you'll be humming for days. Fun songs like "Nowhere Fast" and "Lost Cause" are balanced out by the stuff like the pretty ballad "Emma" and "Landslide." There's considerable variety here.

Oh, you're obstinate and you hate pop? Then get this for the final track, "A Whole Nother Trip," the twenty minute epic. It's not up to par with the dazzling epics produced by the Beard, but that's part of its charm. It's different...not bad at all, just different.

As long as you don't expect Spock's Beard with this album, you should enjoy it.

Neal Morse's first solo effort is quite an interesting left turn from his outstanding work as the leader of Spock's Beard, one of the forerunners of the prog-rock revival of the 1990's. While Morse's compositions with Spock's are often technically complex and veer heavily toward an epic style (songs over 10 minutes in length are the norm), the overwhelming majority of the songs here favor leaner arrangements and generally run under 5 minutes in length. Only on the 23 minute-plus (tracked into four parts) "A Whole 'Nother Trip" does Morse approach the familiarity of his previous work. This may seem to be a bit of a concession to satisfy those fans who love Spock's epics, given the "pop" nature of this album. But in truth, it only displays the obvious: that Morse is an outstanding composer, with a keen eye for complex yet accessible melodies. With the exception of drummer Nick D'Virgilio, Morse handles all of the instrumental duties here, and even drums on the opening track "Living Out Loud", proving himself very proficient behind the kit as well. The "pop" songs here range from the aforementioned "Living Out Loud", which seems to feel like the obvious "single" with its sing-a-long chorus and sounds eerily like Todd Rundgren's "Hello It's Me" in certain areas, the somber ballad "Landslide", the smoky, jazz-esque "Everything Is Wrong", the acoustic and strings lament "Emma", to the sugary 3 minute pop confection "Nowhere Fast" (which is as catchy and funny as it is self-defeating and hopeless). If you are a fan of Spock's Beard, you probably already own this. For the uninitiated and curious fan looking to discover something a bit different yet pleasing, I highly recommend this record. Then, after you buy this, you may want to check out Morse's work with Spock's Beard to further appreciate his immense talent.