Neal Morse "Sola Gratia"

This came out yesterday and, though I didn't get my preorder CD/DVD, I got the mp3 files.

Neal is a one trick pony in some ways. Much of his material sounds the same. It's both good and bad and with the bevy of material he releases and 3 straight double disc concept albums it can be, to say the least, a bit much for me. However, some of his music has moved me in the past and been important in my life in Christ. So, I continue to follow. I actually enjoy everything he's done to some degree but each album I secretly hope that this next album will be like "Testimony" or "?" that helped me when the direction of my life changed.

I'm glad this album turned out as it has. It's a simpler affair. It goes back to the ? days. It's not as dense. It feels more heartfelt and fresh. I'm only through it once but I'd be curious what others will think. Seriously enjoying this more than anything he's done in years. I'm refreshed listening to this.

I agree... I love most of his work but as you said, it seems a bit redundant. I do really like this new album though.

I listened to the whole album.   It has some dazzling moments, although what I appreciate about Neal Morse is that the instrumentation serves the songs and not the other way around.   Many prog. metal outfits just try to wow you with overly-complex arrangements and playing.

I also like that the album takes you on a journey and harkens back to the prime days of Yes, Genesis, King Crimson, Pink Floyd, as well as to his own "Sola Scriptura" (my favorite of his).

That said, I'm not enamored with Neal as a singer. He has a certain cadence and tone that works well for some songs but not for all. I'm hoping on future releases he will go back to including other members as additional vocalists.

Constantine wrote:I listened to the whole album.   It has some dazzling moments, although what I appreciate about Neal Morse is that the instrumentation serves the songs and not the other way around.   Many prog. metal outfits just try to wow you with overly-complex arrangements and playing.

I also like that the album takes you on a journey and harkens back to the prime days of Yes, Genesis, King Crimson, Pink Floyd, as well as to his own "Sola Scriptura" (my favorite of his).

That said, I'm not enamored with Neal as a singer. He has a certain cadence and tone that works well for some songs but not for all. I'm hoping on future releases he will go back to including other members as additional vocalists.

I’m definitely hearing the Pink Floyd, Yes and Genesis influences and I agree with you about his vocals...some songs are wonderful and then some songs on this album I’m left thinking someone else like Eric Gillette or Mike Portnoy probably could’ve sang it as guest vocals. The difference is that this is a Neal Morse album, not a Neal Morse Band release. It doesn’t matter though, I only heard the mp3 files once and it definitely sounded good...I’m still waiting for them to send out the vinyl and cd to me. I heard some people already received them...I’m trying very hard to have Patience!

The Glory of the Lord rocks the majestic prog metal!!
Neal always makes it clear that he is a Christian.