Sola Scriptura

Neal Morse | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 6, 2007)
• Original Release Date: 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Metal Blade
• ASIN: B000MTDRKE
• Also Available in: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (54 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #27,761 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #25 in Music > Christian > Hard Rock & Metal

Track Listings

1. The Door-Introduction, In The Name Of God, All I ask For, Mercy For Sale, Keep Silent, Upon The Door

2. The Conflict-Do You Know My Name, Party To The Lie, Underground, Two Down One To Go, The Vineyard, Already Home

3. Heaven In My Heart

4. The Conclusion-Randy's Jam, Long Night's Journey, Re-Introduction, Come Out Of Her, Clothed With The Sun, In Closing

Editorial Reviews

Neal Morse has finished recording his latest prog masterpiece, and sent it off for mixing and mastering. This will be Neal's 4th progressive rock solo release, following the highly acclaimed albums ?, One, and Testimony. The amazing line-up of Mike Portnoy (drums) and Randy George (bass) return on this release, with the addition of special guest Paul Gilbert (Mr. Big) on guitar. Fans of Neal's looking for the ordinary will have to keep looking, though this one will be full of surprises. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another perspective, March 11, 2007

By 

Keith M. Abolnik "Teacher/Pastor/Musician" (Apple Valley, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Sola Scriptura (Audio CD)

Like so many other Neal fans I have been anticipating this release for quite some time. I decided not to do a review until after listening to it for a solid week - about a dozen spins.


The Music

It's no secret that this is Neal's hardest, most aggressive album to date. Neal has a signature sound that is stamped on everything he does - so there are bits and pieces reminiscent of Transatlantic, Spock's Beard (especially Snow), and his previous solo recordings, namely Testimony, One, and ?
Although there are some emotionally moving moments on this disc (less than his previous solo work), I find it is not nearly as emotionally involving as Testimony. Perhaps this is because Testimony is far more personal. Sola Scriptura is historically based and therefore slightly detached from a more personal approach. Anyway, I find it to be more melancholy and sometimes ambivalent. That is not to say that I don't like this album, I am just trying to be fair and descriptive in my own words.
The musicianship is outstanding as one would expect. One thing I think could have made the album even better would be a much longer version of Randy's Jam.
Paul Gilbert does a good job as a guest guitarist and personally I think the guest guitarist should do more guitar work than is done here. Neal's playing is good, but there is just something extra when you add the chemistry of another player. Hopefully he will give more space to his guest guitar player on his next endeavor. Although Paul Gilbert's playing is good, it is also brief. Additionaly, I would have preferred another guitar player, like Kerry Livgren, or Phil Keaggy. I realize that they both have played on past projects, but it would be great to have them again.

The Message

Some reviewers have expressed their discontent with the subject matter thinking that Neal is Catholic bashing - but that is a mistake. Neal explicitly states that is not the case in the final liner notes. He adamantly expresses his desire to see the courage/conviction of Luther displayed in the church of today in order to bring reform/transformation where needed.
One of my favorite quotes from church history is when Martin Luther is faced with the possibility of losing his life for his belief in the sole authority of Scripture (which this album is all about) when he says "Here I stand, I can do no other." Neal uses these words in Heaven in My heart, but somehow it doesn't convey the impact I have always felt about this powerful statement of complete abandonment to the Word of God. Regardless of the problems with other aspects of Luther's theology and ethics (especially in regard to Jews), here is a point in history where one man's choice/courage made a significant difference in the direction of the church for centuries to come.
If you are a lover of progressive-rock, then his album is definitely a worthy contribution to your music library.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Musically AND Spiritually Satisfying, May 29, 2007

By 

Kurt Harding "bon vivant" (Boerne TX) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Sola Scriptura (Audio CD)

When I read advance reviews for Sola Scriptura, "controversial" was a term often attached to its description. Some may find it to be so because Morse throws down the spiritual gauntlet in an uncompromising way, but I don't find in it anything that should be a source of controversy with anyone except those for whom a robust expression of religious faith is anathema.
Personally, I like Sola Scriptura more everytime I hear it. It is a grand progressive rock epic in the best tradition of some of the finest prog of the 70s and is an album that I find tremendously satisfying, both spiritually and musically. It has unity of theme and a very logical musical progression. As I listen, I am often reminded of the greatest works of Procol Harum, particularly when I focus on the spectacular drum work of Mike Portnoy.
You don't have to be on Neal Morse's page spiritually to enjoy this. The songs are very well written and thought-provoking. Contrary to the assertions of several reviewers, there is no hate here at all. If you don't like hearing an explicitly Christian message, then tune out the lyrics and just enjoy the music.
In my opinion, Sola Scriptura is one of the top progressive albums of the year thus far. You get over 75 minutes of great music, and the CD comes with a booklet containing the lyrics. It is definitely the heaviest of the quartet of "Christian" solo albums Neal Morse has recorded since leaving Spock's Beard. I certainly look forward to his next effort. If you like good old-fashioned progressive rock, then ignore the critics and add this to your music library. Sola Scriptura will never be dated.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice option for Christian Prog, March 30, 2007

By 

Joe Prog "Tobe" (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sola Scriptura (Audio CD)

Being a Lutheran, this was an anticipated release by NM (The story of course built around the reformation of the church by Martin Luther). In short, this is an enjoyable listen. This is not what I call true progressive metal/rock, don't make the mistake of thinking so. I was a little misled when I heard Paul Gilbert (Guitar Shredder Great - Racer X) would be the guitarist on this release. He does play a great solo on one song, then another complete song, and finishes with an acoustic intro for yet another... but that is it. Neal Morse's guitar work isn't bad, but he's no PG. Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater is on the drums and does his usual fantastic work.
Like I mentioned, don't buy this expecting Dream Theater, Fates Warning, Symphony X or anything like it. It is more an ongoing softer Prog, not as complex, like Yes, Kansas and the like.
If you do enjoy talented musicianship and would like to hear a true story of one of the most important men alive since the apostles, then you will make a GREAT purchase.

T Moore