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| Neal Morse - One |
 Released: 2004 Label: Radiant Records/ InsideOut Music / SPV Cat. No.: 3984-14519-2 / IOMCD 192 / SPV 085- 40602 CD Total Time: 79:55 / Bonus disc: 39:14 | |
Reviewed by: Eric Porter, November 2004 It would be a shame if everyone has made their opinions on Neal without giving his music a listen. Will the Christian tag keep the rock fans away, and will the Christian music industry give Neal a chance? Little has changed musically since Morse's conversion and subsequent solo career. He continues to amaze with his grand, powerful, and melodic music. The compositions would still fit his prior bands (Spock's Beard and Transatlantic), and that is a good thing. The epic tracks here are what you would expect if you are familiar with Neal's past. Intense complex instrumental sections, melodic vocals, contemplative quiet moments, and lyrics with a message. Neal's guitar playing is very impressive on both acoustic and electric. Here is a guy known for his keyboard playing that most bands will kill to have as a guitarist. Morse also arranged (along with Portnoy and George) and produced the record, so he continues to astound with his wideranging talents. Phil Keaggy guests on guitar and shares vocals with Neal on "Cradle To The Grave". The song is a dialogue between God (Keaggy) and a person (Morse) who is obviously feeling lonely, depressed, and abandoned by everyone including God. Some may find it a bit sappy, but it is actually quite moving. Mike Portnoy (drums) and Randy George (bass) join Neal as they did on Testimony, and are valuable to the overall sound. Portnoy's powerful drumming fits Morse's dramatic music, as he proves he can match the frenetic to the subtle. Highlights for me include the opening "The Creation," the vocals in "Author Of Confusion" along with Morse's metallic guitar playing. Morse continues to grind out some memorable melody lines that burrow into my head. All the Morse trademarks are found producing a memorable and worthy collection of songs. The Special Edition package contains a second disc made up of alternate versions, unreleased tracks, and covers. This is a much lighter disc than One yet contains some teriffic stuff. "Nothing To Believe" is a great retro rock song tipping its hat to the Byrds (12 string guitar) and a great Beatles like melody. True versions of Badfingers "Day After Day" and George Harrisons "What Is Life?" are, if nothing else, fun to hear. One is another tremendous piece of work, and I for one am glad that Morse continues to produce challenging symphonic progressive music, regardless of the message he is sending. Kudos to Inside Out Music for such great packaging. [See also Duncan's, Bobo's and Keith's reviews -ed.] More about One: Track Listing: The Creation: I) One Mind - II) In A Perfect Light - III) Where Are You? - IV) Reaching From The Heart (18:22) / The Man's Gone (2:50) / Author Of Confusion (9:30) / The Separated Man: I) I'm In A Cage - II) I Am The Man - III) The Man's Gone Reprise - IV) Something Within Me Remembers (17:58) / Cradle To The Grave (4:55) / Help Me/The Spirit And The Flesh (11:13) / Father Of Forgiveness (5:46) / Reunion: I) No Separation - II) Grand Finale - III) Make Us One (9:11) Musicians: Contact: Website: www.nealmorse.com Discography
Solo:
with Nick D'Virgilio: Transatlantic:
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