Neal Morse

I agree with a lot of the reviews here in that this album is very reminiscent of his past albums - almost to the point of thinking most of these tunes are tracks that didn't make it to Snow, One, ? or Sola Scriptura. But really, who cares? They are all just as great as anything that did make it to those albums. I couldn't imagine Neal using anyone other than Mike Portnoy on drums. i think he is THE best rock drummer out there right now. Neal - keep making albums so that I can keep buying them!

Looking at the 16 reviews to date, I see that one thing is clear... this might not be Neal's best album ever. However, this is still a great album. Repetitive from earlier work, maybe to some degree. I think that collectively, Neal's solo work is fantastic. People are comparing Neal to Neal, in some senses that is not fair. I agree with one writer suggesting to give Portnoy a rest (I can't believe that makes sense to me), I would like to see the band he toured with in the Sola Scriptura DVD on the next album. I think Neal gives a breath of badly needed fresh air to Prog music. This album grows on you, like most of his work has done with me.

Honestly, I've come to expect this from ol' Neal. But his predictability is actually a very good thing.

Like his previous work -- including his days with the Beard ("he had a beard?") -- I have been a huge fan. Once again, he has not disappointed me. Despite the seemingly insurmountable height of the bar he raised with earlier albums, such as Testimony and ? (yep, that's the title), he has managed to craft another brilliant work.

Come with me as I digress a bit...

There are many things I like about this man: He has a fiery passion for God, he has an enormous talent as songwriter, producer and musician, plus he seems like a genuinely swell dude. But what I like the most is his ability to crank out consistently GREAT music that creeps in your soul and sticks there like mashed potatoes on the wall.

All that to make this point...

I just purchased Lifeline and have only given it one listen so far. But to give this album justice, I will need to spin it at least 4, maybe 5 more times. After all, there is so much to absorb! Rest assured, Lifeline will be on my daily playlist for a while. Good thing, too; I have come close to wearing out One, Sola Scriptura, etc.

Criteria for enjoying Lifeline: 1) You must have an appreciation for amazing musicianship (Neal, Mike and George...hello) 2) hmm...I guess that's really the only prerequisite.

Oh, and Neal, if you're listening...Why don't you come to Texas? You are killing me with this whole Europe thing.

There has been some undeserved critisism thrown at Neal's latest album "Lifeline" lately. True it's not as progressive as Sola Scriptura, Neal's last studio album. But who cares, Lifeline is an emotional declaration of Neal's Christian faith, delivered in a heartfelt and truly rocking way! Sure it may be a little lighter than Sola and more song-oriented but the progressive elements are still quite evident throughout. This is especially true in songs like "So Many Roads" and the title track. There a certain 70's Styx meets Kansas vibe throughout the album with elements of Rush and early Dream Theater thrown in for good measure.

The production is top notch and Mike Portnoy's drumming is phenomenal as usual. Neal handles all the guitar and keyboard parts and I have to say that I'm impressed, I didn't know Neal could play lead as well as he does. "Leviathan" is a fun heavier quirky styled rocker that kind of reminds me of the Galactic Cowboys or the Flower Kings. There's also some nice acoustic ballads like "Gods Love." The song "So Many Roads" is the longest and most emotive song on the album, there is plenty of solos and instumental breaks on this 28 minute opus.
I know that some of Neal's fans don't dig the Christian lyrics, but being a Christ follower myself I am so happy that Neal provides top-notch progressive rock that just so happens to be Christian. Good Christian rock bands are few and far-between, let alone good prog bands. I'm a musician and I love bands like Dream Theater, Rush, Genesis, Symphony x etc. So one could imagine how overjoyed I am to discover someone like Neal Morse, especially since he's so frickin good!!! God Bless!!!

once again Neal puts out a great cd. the first time i listened to track 1 "Lifeline" i had stuck in my head. ive listened to this cd over and over. very impressed

Man.. this guy amazes me every time. But this time is more than what was going on with SB. This is great music too but now he hits the mark with the lyrics. This combination will blow you away. Never boring, even the short repetitions that come with the prog environment, everything is well done and well balanced. I am blessed to have his music and i am so thankful that he is not one of those musicians that speak half-truth when they are composing christian lyrics.
Here is a tip: Take the time and listen to the whole album with the lyrics in front of you. It will be a great journey!! Neal, may God continue to bless you with uncompromising truth in your ministry!
By the way, Sola Scriptura is definitely the complete message for us. Just read it.

I love everything about sola scriptura.I've found it to be very moving in some places,almost to the point of tears.This cd takes me on a spiritual and historical journey.It encourages me to stand up for God's word which very often, is difficult to do in todays world.Anyway, I think Neal has written some of his best songs on sola scriptura.it's a phenominal cd. highly recommended.

the story:

I believe that Morse made this album because of the impact of what the story is about....i dont think he believes martin luther was right, but maybe because all religions are the way they are now because of luther...so why not tell about it....

the music:

i had a slight headache after i listen to the entire album in my car one day, this whole album is the intro to "author of confusion" time 50....all the way through....very heavy, very loud, great harmonies, great solos, tons of emotions...wish neal had broken it up into 12 or 13 small songs, rather than 3 monster 20 and 30 minutes songs, mostly because fast forwarding 27 minutes into a song to hear the ending is a little redundant after a while...

cant wait to hear the next album....

Neal Morse is the best thing that has happened in music since the Lennon and Macartney break up. If you read this review Neal,I just want to thank you for the music you have given us, and for the music that is yet to come!

Okay,, the subject matter is "controversial".So what ? The music's the thing. Hard , heavy , very entertaining. Take the lyrics for one person's thoughts / opinions and ENJOY the quality of the musicianship.

el testimonio que narra neal en este CD es realmente insirador, conmovedor, "touching" como dirían en inglés. la música, sencillamente un clásico del rock progresivo, obligado en la musico-teca de cualquier amante de la buena música, y especialmente de los cristianos amantes del rock.

Gee this release pretty much solidifies the fact that Mr. Morse was Spock's Beard. I will continue to buy the Beard's stuff , hopefully it will continue to grow after Morse's departure...but this release makes me wonder. A fantastic blend of all that made that band great. Okay , he's a Christian mow , how many other releases have you overlooked lyrics on because of talent? Great disc...period.

Just in case you are not familiar with him, Neal Morse is the former leader of Spock's Beard, one the more successful progressive rock bands to emerge in the late 90's. Morse decided to leave the band and pursue a solo career of Christian progressive rock with this release. This is not his first solo album, but it is the first of his Christian era. I am not really an expert on Christian rock, but I have to say, of the albums I have heard, this one may be the best ever. The album basically tells Neal's story about his history (both before and during Spock's Beard) and his eventual conversion to Christianity. The album does get quite preachy in spots, which may turn off non-believers, but I personally think that this is an album that just about anyone can enjoy regardless of religious convictions. Morse is a master story teller, songwriter and musician, and all of his strengths are played out over the course of these two discs. The album is a bit on the long side, and probably could have been pared down a bit, but there is not a lot of filler to be found here either. Morse's music is all over the place with classic progressive rock being the main anchor, but he delves into a little bit of everything along the way. I especially enjoy the tracks that tell his autobiographical journey of trying to make it in the Los Angeles music scene of the 80's and 90's. His search for meaning in life is again a universal theme that I think people of all (or no) faith can relate. Pretty much everything Morse touches turns to gold, but I think this may be his best solo work. Just outstanding all the way around.

I think the title of my review says it all. Testimony was released a year after Neal quit Spock's Beard and its 2 CDs are basically his autobiography as told through music. There was genuine concern among fans whether we'd ever hear from Neal musicall again. As an artistic achievement as well as a musical work, it is quite simply stunning. Neal plays guitars, bass, and keyboards and handles all the lead vocals. He's joined (as he is on all of his post-Beard solo discs) by the superb Mike Portnoy on drums as well as a cast of musicians on strings and backing vocals.

The double disc set starts with Neal singing about the "Land of Beginning Again" before busting into a killer Overture, No.1 to be exact. I'm not going to go into detail here as this album is long and has so many high spots (2 hours!). However, some of my favorites that stick out are the 3 overtures, Ready to Try, Break of Day, California Nights, The Prince of the Power of the Air, Sleeping Jesus, and the suite containing Oh Lord My God.

As far as story goes, the album chronicles Neal's attempts in his 20s to make it in the California singer/songwriter scene, where he played loads of long gigs for little pay. Getting depressed and bitter and dumped by his girlfriend, he hits his lowest ebb as he enters his early 30s. However, he begins to pary and go to church. He moves to Nashville, meets his future wife, gets married, starts having kids, Spock's Beard begins to take off, and he's finally a huge success. But something inside him is restless, and through his spiritual quest, he embraces his Christian faith, leaves the Beard after 8 years and 6 KILLER albums (culminating in his opus with SB, Snow), and begins anew with this disc. Obviously I wish Neal hadn't quit the Beard, but they and he have both done fine since the split.

Even though I am a devout Christian, I usually run the other direction screaming from Christian music. However, Neal's lyrics can be positive and uplifting even if you don't agree with his Christian message, and the musicianship and passion with which all of his work comes across is certainly worth the price of admission alone.

In short, this is a stunning achievement and well worth your time!

You know, it's almost impossible to not address this as a Christian work - but don't jump down my throat until you read the next paragraph:

I truly feel like an IDIOT because I let my Agnosticism keep me from purchasing any of Neal's Christian albums. Truthfully, that was absolutely THE DUMBEST REASON ON EARTH not to buy this. (And I not only bought this disc, I bought "?" and "One," which I also love.)

As a fan of Neal-era Spock's Beard, and Transatlantic, I should have gotten this MUCH sooner than I did. If one is to look at religion as an intellectual topic rather than a spiritual one, then you really should have no problem with this album. Consider also that Mr. Portnoy is Jewish, and apparently could put his own religious beliefs aside to play on Neal's Christian works. So, really, if he can get over it, why can't you?

Now that we've gotten that out of the way ... this is perhaps Neal's masterwork, and one that should be in any progressive rock fan's library. This isn't too far off of the Spock's Beard path, nor the Transatlantic path - it's just more epic in scope. The orchestrations and arrangements are nothing short of brilliant. Neal's sense of melody and thematic development have always been what drew me to all of his work - that, and the amount of sonic diversity that you get, both within an album as a whole, and very often within the context of a single track. If this is what you like about Neal's work, then you will not be disappointed in the least. The playing here is top notch as well - when have you heard Mike Portnoy not turn in a jaw dropping performance on the drums? - and lyrically, I don't suppose you can get much more personal than this; Whether or not you care about Jesus or God or any of that, this is Neal's story. And if you respect the man and his work, you can put your personal hangups aside to listen to him.

My only regret is that I didn't get over mine sooner. And while this album has not affected my views on Christianity, it certainly made me consider the amount of cynicism and hypocrisy in my life had reached ridiculous levels when I let something like religious beliefs (or lack thereof) get in the way of listening to something that is so compositionally brilliant and truly a work of genius.

Neal Morse is a Prog. Rock genius, a songwriter, and a storied performer of the First Order. He also happens to be a Christian, evidenced by his lyricism. Sadly, it seems that some people can accept the former, but can't get pass the latter. Why? These days, Political Correctness applies to everyone waving a "Cause Banner" -- except for the so-called Evangelicals (a Media Moniker at best). It is not okay to call Native Americans that "other" name; nor Afro-Americans or even Islamic-Americans names who might be defamed in some way. Yet, oddly, in a Christian-founded country being a Christian or just a person of faith is somehow a dirty word now! Has this country lost its moral/spiritual bearings? How far off kilter has our national compass gone? Honestly, when you hear "Ave Maria" sung or Handel's "Messiah" performed in chorus, do you care so much about these pieces being celebrations of, and dedications to, the composer's personal diety, or that the music is just so hauntingly good and timeless that it transcends Time and the changing whims of people's personal views? Morse speaks his soul here with a passion that is all his, and that is the cornerstone of any work of art. Self-expression should not be condemed because it doesn't jive with our own personal world-view. In a land that has always prided itself on opening its gates to the huddled masses, no matter their beliefs or backgrounds, it is indeed the height of hypocrisy to deny Morse his particular brand of genius because he sings to a different tune than others. As the great 20th-century philosopher Rodney King said, "Can't we all get along?" Perhaps when we recognize that people of faith aren't all suicidal cultists, dixie-flag wavers, or some such fringe profiles, then perhaps we CAN all get along and music such as Morse's will find more receptives ears to sing to from his own personal mountain top. After all, it's the American thing to do...and the very thing that has made this country a beacon to so many people around the world who first came to these shores so they could practice what they preach in unfettered freedom!

For Morse's second Christian progressive rock release he moves away from autobiographical territory and creates a concept album about a man who has faith, looses it, and comes back to it in the end. Not exactly new territory as a narrative but Morse ads twists and turns enough to make it interesting. Musically Morse is joined by an all star cast of Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater), Randy George (Ajalon), and Phil Keaggy. The music on the disc is top notch and full of all the grandiose symphonic prog that his fans have come to expect. Although the theme is Christian I think this is another album that just about anybody can enjoy. It is hard to pick out specific highlights as the album flows along seamlessly and is in and of itself highlight after highlight. Bottom line, this is another outstanding progressive rock effort from Neal.

This is an ambitious and interesting listen, and worth purchasing for the arrangements alone - though in all honesty it is recorded and mixed as a somewhat dynamically limited album, and that is too bad - as it is instrumentally and lyrically quite provocative... but also about 10 years out of date - late or early I cannot say. But it is not resonating with me (as of yet) in a powerful way.

One of the prime reasons for this is that this is regrettably only an average album on the basis of vocal performance. Neal Morse obviously has great vision and executes well, but simply doesn't have the pipes to front this type of music, a range equal to Jon Andersons or Larry Normans (as it IS a Christian album) would be really welcome... that being said - I am still glad I bought it - as it is unique. Neal should seriously consider partnering with a singer capable of realizing more versatility and the best in this music.

After making a couple of singer-songwriter type solo albums while still a member of Spock's Beard, Neal Morse started making solo prog albums once he left the Beard in 2002. One is his second one, and is stunning. The band he has assembled (which has played on ALL of his solo prog outings...Randy George on bass and Mike Portnoy on drums) is spectacular, as is Neal's virtuosity on the keyboards, piano, guitars, and vocals.

For me the standouts on this disc are the two 20 minute epics The Creation and The Separated Man, and the metal riff-fest Author of Confusion. However, this entire albums is just amazing. It tells the story of a man's spiritual separation and eventual rebirth with God. Don't let the religious themes of Neal's solo prog albums deter you. Even though I myself am a devout Christian, I cringe away from any Christian Rock...however, Neal is not beating you over the head with it, and rarely does he prosteletyze.

If you are a fan of Spock's Beard, Dream Theater, Rush, or just damn good prog, this is a can't-miss album.

I have never had an album have the effect that this album has had on me. I actually emailed Neal to thank him personally for writing this album and listening to God's call in his life, The Man is BLESSED. I have read probably every review here, and I would say the only negative ones are those who are self absorbed humanists who can't bare the thought of someone not believing we came from monkeys. If you don't like God, that is a personal problem, don't trash Neal because he see's something that you Wont!!! and I stress WONT!!!!. Musically you can not deny how awesome this album is. Being a Christian, Neal has touched every emotion in me. I am a biker with a rough and tough look and former background which God changed when I accepted Jesus. I have to say hearing "From the cradle to the grave" crippled me with tears, as does the rest of the album as I sit back and listen to Neal paint the picture of the lengths that a loving God will go to just to reconcile us to himself. For those who are offended, I am sorry you feel that way, because Neal really has captured the love that God has for you, and I didn't find this album to be the least bit condemning. I highly recommend this album, especially if you are a Christian who enjoys harder edged rock and prog. I do not feel this album should be judged on the lyrics alone, the music is absolutely superb, especially with the likes of Mike Portnoy on drums, and Randy George on bass, and a guest appearance by Phil Keaggy. This album can't be beat

Somehow I thought Neal Morse's CD "?" was going to be like Rick Wakeman, Larry Fast, or even early Alan Parson's theme music. Some sort of new modern progressive rock expression of the old Testament temple...No, its more like early 1970ish ELP, Pink Floyd, or specially Genesis progressive music; a 21st century rehash of 1975 "The Lamb Lies Down in Broadway" with biblical references, even the inside cover art reminds me of that once original progressive opera or Pink Floyds' CD "Wish You Were Here". I read 2 reviews that compare "?" to Kansas, I can hear that, but something is lacking. The production is great with clean clear sound. The musical guests are talented with guitar & piano lines that wiz past with great speed & skill. Maybe the music is too heavy handed for the topic mater, or too 1970ish in style, or maybe Neal Morse is more of a song writer than a singer? Maybe I am too careful when it comes to over religious expression & worry about strange things that certain artists have done in the past, for example Pink Floyd's CD "Animals" which in one song rewrote Psalm 23 to its antithetical meaning. Don't get me wrong, at least Neal Morse didn't take that route. In fact he tries his best to honor Jesus Christ & God the Father as stated in the back cover. I guess I was excepting something more original; progressive rock with an updated style. I heard this type of music before, I was a big fan of progressive music in the 1970's, & have heard carbon copies of ELP as in the German group Triumvirat, even if their CD "Spartacus" sounded more even in topic mater than any CD of ELP. There were also carbon copies in the 1970's of Yes as in the American group Sky Castle, & a near carbon copy of Genesis as in the French group Ange.

Best advise: read more of the reviews both pro and con, listen to the samples, then decided if this music is for you.

Yet another great solo album from Mr. Morse and company. Along with his usual cohorts Portnoy, George, and Keaggy, the album also contains appearances by Roine Stolt (The Flower Kings / Transatlantic / Kaipa), Steve Hackett (Genesis), and Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater), and Neal's brother Alan (Spock's Beard). The album is basically one long piece divided into 12 sections. Everything that Morse does well can be found here. The subject matter this time around seems to have something to do with Christian history in relation to today, although I am not exactly clear on exactly what some of the references are. There is not a lot more I can say about this one. If you enjoy what Morse has done before you should love this one. If you don't this probably will not convert you.

Progressive rock's Neal Morse is a very extremly talented dude. ? is a masterpiece in Progressive rock. I am Roman Catholic and love the lyrics in this album. Iam not a religious freak, but the lyrics remind me of who I am. As far as the song writing,it is so good! You have to be a talented self indulgent person to write music like this. Even though it stretches the limits,(well this is progressive rock isn't it?) it will grab you and keep you there for the ride. Neal has some great talent to back him up too. Neal's presence in Spock's Beard will be missed, but if he keeps making great music like this, I will be coming back for more.

I figured I'd write my review on this since I wrote a review on Sola Scriptura today. With this release Neal really isn't trending in any new direction musically. The overall concept is a good one for the spiritual angle. No one in Christian music today is taking theme's like Neal and exploring them musically. Christian artists today are very staisfied to record the same worship songs over and over and over again hoping the public will buy them. Neal, at least, has the guts to step up and deliver a solid performance and deliver some very unique material that not one Christian artist would even consider doing today. Hats off. As always this cd has all the trademarks of Spock's and Transatlantic which goes without saying that it blows away anything else out there.

I won't re-hash what the other reviewers have already said so eloquently. To sum it up, this album is indeed wonderful, "a masterpiece," and IMHO should be added to any serious prog rock listener's catalog. There simply aren't many artists/bands out there today putting out this level of quality music. To dismiss Neal Morse because of his lyrics will cause you to miss out on some outstanding, cutting-edge music.

As an open-minded Christian, I would like to offer this up to all the non-religious reviewers. I happen to like the group Pagans Mind (now what is a Christian doing listening to them?). I like them because they totally rock. Yes, they may be singing about aliens, constellations, and other worlds (kinda cheesy), but I can get past that and enjoy the music: mind-bending guitar work, hammering drums, and the soaring melodies.

All I ask is that you do the same with Neal Morse...enjoy the music because it is absolutely top-notch, and keep an open mind when it comes to the lyrics.

First off, understand that this is a cover album with selections that the musicians enjoyed playing and probably influenced their careers. If you don't enjoy hearing top notch musicians having fun performing covers, then this may not be for you. Now, I'm a huge Neal Morse and Mike Portnoy fan so I've got that bias working for me here - and I also happen to really like many of the songs they chose to cover. It starts off with a cover of Pleasant Valley Sunday (yep, the Monkees - Neil Diamond song) which I think they did purely for fun - but is still enjoyable. Next is Cream's "Badge" which is done well, but no great reach yet.

There are several real 'test' songs on this CD though that show the range of these musicians. The first I feel would be "Maybe I'm Amazed". I've always felt this song really showcased McCartney's vocals and Neal Morse is up to the task - his range and power of emotion on this track is enough to give you shivers. What I really, really think is incredible though is Mike Pornoy's drumming on the "I'm Free/Sparks" Medley - I remember seeing Keith Moon perform "Sparks" as part of a Tommy show with the Who and was blown away at that man's drumming. I never thought I would see another drummer match Moon's energy and ability but I believe Mike Portnoy could - I'd love to see them play this medley live - Portnoy is a virtuoso - an incredible performance for a cover!!!

Now - the ending of this CD. These guys chose to play "Tuesday Afternoon" which is one of the Moody Blues most often covered and beloved songs. It requires near perfection in the vocals and to pull this off - the melodies must mesh seamlessly and cohesively - they do - they not only put together an incredible cover of this song, but actually kick it up a little bit with an electric violin that fits in so very sweetly - then they gently merge this into Neal Morse's own slightly modified version of "Can't Find my Way Home". His vocals on this song can only be described as - "beautiful". Again, the transition is seamless, cohesive and the overall effect is very, very sweet.

I love this CD. I like the selections and think the musicians are as good as they come. I truely hope they do another because this has been a real pleasure to hear some of the songs I enjoyed in earlier years, songs that inspired me, performed and treated so wonderfully here. I wish I could meet the musicians in person to say a heart felt "Thank You" for such an enjoyable offering.

Read the other reviews as well. Look at the track selections here - there are some nice surprises and all tracks are treated respectfully and tastefully - overall, this is the best cover CD I have ever heard from anyone (yes, I've heard others from Queensryche and Rush - this is waaaay better than those). Enjoy.

Hey, this you will enjoy without a doubt. It's well recorded. It's simple, but it's got a "feel" for old rock classics!

I wasn't familiar with these musicians, but I knew all of these songs, so I took a chance. I was happy I did - the artists do a great job at covering these (mostly) very-well known songs. Their versions of "Pleasant Valley Sunday", "Maybe I'm Amazed" and "Stronger Every Day" are terrific. The other songs are all really good. This is the perfect album to put on in the car when you go out driving along on a sunny Saturday afternoon with the windows down. Get it !!!

Ok, maybe not. I am a die hard fan of these guys, but I only really like a couple of tracks on this CD - Pleasant Valley Sunday and Maybe I'm Amazed (which Neal sings the heck out of). And I've only listened to the CD a few times and it gets put on the shelf.
These are cover tracks that were likely done to "warm up" at the start of the day or "wind down" at the end of the day in the studio sessions.
What acts do covers and who likes covers anyway? Its one thing for a prog band to do a cover of a 20 minute song (like Transatlantic) and add its own flavor and twists to the song. It's another thing when the songs are pop songs. You can't add much unique to a pop song.
My friend and I argue about this all the time. We both play guitar in a band. He refuses to play covers (not even to warm up) and won't even listen to prog cover songs. His logic is that "if you are going to take the time to record a cover, just make a unique prog song that is in the similar style instead". Otherwise it is just a novelty.
I can only recommend this for fanboys.

I usually hate cover albums but this one is great. I'm a huge fan of Mike Portnoy's work with Dream Theater, Transatlantic, and Neal's solo albums, and a huge fan of Neal's work with Spock's Beard, solo, and Transatlantic, which is the only reason I bothered with this cover disc. But man, was I surprised. This version of Maybe I'm Amazed is nearly as good as Paul's original, and the covers of some of my favorite classic tracks, like Badge, What is Life, Find My Way Home, and I'm Free are killer. Even the lesser known covers on here are excellent. The playing is top-notch and Neal's voice...my God, is it just incredible. Even if you don't like covers (like me), this is worth it!

This is Neal Morse's first solo record, made in 1999 when he was in Spock's Beard. Neal handles everything on this record except drums (which are handled by his Spock's Beard bandmate Nick D'Virgilio). People looking for more Beard-like prog here will not find it. What you will find, however, is smart, funny, touching, rockin', wonderful poppy rock from a true genius. Not only is Neal's instrumental prowess impressive, he has a voice that can speak to your soul and he uses it to great effect on this record.

The opener, Living Out Loud, is a rocker and a fun way to open the album. The disc runs the gamut from wry songs like Lost Cause and Nowhere Fast ("There is this girl I know, she hates my guts I love her so"...had me cracking up!) to songs that literally made me cry (Landslide and the aching, touching Emma, especially because of Neal's voice). The album does, end, however, with a 23-minute prog epic, A Whole 'Nother Trip. This song is everything you'd expect from Beard-ed Neal, and it is an awesome way to close the album.

While Neal's post-Beard prog solo albums are incredible, the first two he did (this and It's Not Too Late), which are more singer-songwriterish, are still incredible pieces of music from this modern musical genius and definitely worth getting.

Interesting pop with little mini-prog nuggets. Clever, ironic lyrics that made me laugh out loud at least three times on the first listen. Includes a 20+ minute prog piece at the end.
The only significant problem is that Morse has bouncy, upbeat songs with depressing lyrics that don't match the music (Lost Cause). This is similar to Prince of the Power of the Air on Testimony.

Neal Morse is one of the most talented and gifted writer/musicians that has emerged in the last ten years or so---don't even think of comparing more household names such as Kurt Cobain to Mr. Morse....sorry, he doesn't even hold a candle to neal's talents and body of works. I have never understood how guys like Neal have remained obscure to the listening public!?! Actually maybe I do---the "flock of sheep" have been led to fields of mundane, emotionless sounds of the herder (FM Radio). Anyone out there who doesn't believe the musical "Bar" has been severely lowered in the past decade is probably part of the "flock" mentioned above. Someone out there please help me understand how a band that has had their "nose to the grindstone" for 30+ years (such as RUSH) is outsold in total record sales by talentless "brats" who release 2 or 3 albums (Eminem, Bratney Spears, Etc)...I simply cannot comprehend this! What I DO understand is anyone out there looking for meaningful music has to go "searching" for it---it rarely finds you (as a shameless 'Plug', Amazon has been a great source for helping me discover good artists/music). Anyway, enough of my "venting". This album is in fact a 'Pop' record that could have easily made it to FM Radio had there been someone Keen or daring enough to give it a few spins...and I believe the listening public would have "taken" to this. Songs such as "Living Out Loud", "Nowhere Fast" and "Landslide" would have eventually caught almost anyone's ears. "Emma" and "Everything is Wrong" are very good compositions as well, though probably less 'radio-friendly' than above mentioned tunes. The remaining 'Pop' songs ("Lost Cause" and "That Which Doesn't Kill Me") are decent songs though quite 'generic' and far from 'groundbreaking'. The 'Epic', "A Whole Nother' Trip", is enjoyable enough after a few listens but pales in comparison to the epic-style songs produced by Spock's Beard---I'm sure Neal put this last song on here to try and satisfy SB fans who were wondering "just what in the heck is he trying to prove" with this release! I think the thing that makes this album enjoyable for me is that it sounds like something I've maybe heard before(though I can't put my finger on it), and at the same time, it sounds like NOTHING I've heard before. To sum it up, If you are looking for tasteful, pop-style music with a meaningful flair to it, this may be your ticket. On the other hand, if you are expecting 'over-the-top' progressive music, you are going to be let down with this one---I would strongly recommend Neal's "Testimony" or "One" releases for your progressive "Fix". Lastly, I would like to reiterate what other reviewers have stated about this man's "other-worldly" talents---not only does he play a "mean" set of Keys and guitar, he is quite adept at Bass guitar and Drums...not to mention his vocals and lyrical writing. Recommended along with almost everything this man has been involved with!

Whoever said that Neal Morse was at his creative peak when he wrote this album was way off. V hadn't been released by the time this album came out. If you're what I so affectionately refer to as a "prog snob" then you may not like this album. As many have already said, it's more pop oriented. That having been said, it's really not AOR or radio friendly pop; but it is very well executed in true Neal Morse style.

I think anyone who enjoyed Kindness of Strangers or (to a lesser extent) Day for Night would like this album.

Neal Morse is the only man alive that I know of that writes "Pop" epics.

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

I agree with a lot of the reviews here in that this album is very reminiscent of his past albums - almost to the point of thinking most of these tunes are tracks that didn't make it to Snow, One, ? or Sola Scriptura. But really, who cares? They are all just as great as anything that did make it to those albums. I couldn't imagine Neal using anyone other than Mike Portnoy on drums. i think he is THE best rock drummer out there right now. Neal - keep making albums so that I can keep buying them!

Looking at the 16 reviews to date, I see that one thing is clear... this might not be Neal's best album ever. However, this is still a great album. Repetitive from earlier work, maybe to some degree. I think that collectively, Neal's solo work is fantastic. People are comparing Neal to Neal, in some senses that is not fair. I agree with one writer suggesting to give Portnoy a rest (I can't believe that makes sense to me), I would like to see the band he toured with in the Sola Scriptura DVD on the next album. I think Neal gives a breath of badly needed fresh air to Prog music. This album grows on you, like most of his work has done with me.

Honestly, I've come to expect this from ol' Neal. But his predictability is actually a very good thing.

Like his previous work -- including his days with the Beard ("he had a beard?") -- I have been a huge fan. Once again, he has not disappointed me. Despite the seemingly insurmountable height of the bar he raised with earlier albums, such as Testimony and ? (yep, that's the title), he has managed to craft another brilliant work.

Come with me as I digress a bit...

There are many things I like about this man: He has a fiery passion for God, he has an enormous talent as songwriter, producer and musician, plus he seems like a genuinely swell dude. But what I like the most is his ability to crank out consistently GREAT music that creeps in your soul and sticks there like mashed potatoes on the wall.

All that to make this point...

I just purchased Lifeline and have only given it one listen so far. But to give this album justice, I will need to spin it at least 4, maybe 5 more times. After all, there is so much to absorb! Rest assured, Lifeline will be on my daily playlist for a while. Good thing, too; I have come close to wearing out One, Sola Scriptura, etc.

Criteria for enjoying Lifeline: 1) You must have an appreciation for amazing musicianship (Neal, Mike and George...hello) 2) hmm...I guess that's really the only prerequisite.

Oh, and Neal, if you're listening...Why don't you come to Texas? You are killing me with this whole Europe thing.

There has been some undeserved critisism thrown at Neal's latest album "Lifeline" lately. True it's not as progressive as Sola Scriptura, Neal's last studio album. But who cares, Lifeline is an emotional declaration of Neal's Christian faith, delivered in a heartfelt and truly rocking way! Sure it may be a little lighter than Sola and more song-oriented but the progressive elements are still quite evident throughout. This is especially true in songs like "So Many Roads" and the title track. There a certain 70's Styx meets Kansas vibe throughout the album with elements of Rush and early Dream Theater thrown in for good measure.

The production is top notch and Mike Portnoy's drumming is phenomenal as usual. Neal handles all the guitar and keyboard parts and I have to say that I'm impressed, I didn't know Neal could play lead as well as he does. "Leviathan" is a fun heavier quirky styled rocker that kind of reminds me of the Galactic Cowboys or the Flower Kings. There's also some nice acoustic ballads like "Gods Love." The song "So Many Roads" is the longest and most emotive song on the album, there is plenty of solos and instumental breaks on this 28 minute opus.
I know that some of Neal's fans don't dig the Christian lyrics, but being a Christ follower myself I am so happy that Neal provides top-notch progressive rock that just so happens to be Christian. Good Christian rock bands are few and far-between, let alone good prog bands. I'm a musician and I love bands like Dream Theater, Rush, Genesis, Symphony x etc. So one could imagine how overjoyed I am to discover someone like Neal Morse, especially since he's so frickin good!!! God Bless!!!

once again Neal puts out a great cd. the first time i listened to track 1 "Lifeline" i had stuck in my head. ive listened to this cd over and over. very impressed

I've listened to this CD a number of times now and one has to wonder why Neal Morse isn't a household name. But, this is the tragedy of the age of Brocolli Spears and boy bands. Anyway, cuts like ALL THE YOUNG GIRLS CRY and THE CHANGE are great. Morse's voice is so unique. The music on this CD is impeccable. This is a recommended buy.

First off, I don't think anyone has complained lately about having too much Neal Morse around.

Now, this album is really good, even without having any "The Great Nothing"s, "The Doorway"s or "The Water"s. This is an album that both you and your girlfriend can enjoy. The entire album is filled with the writing skills and musicianship that we have all come to love from a one Mr. Neal Morse.

The idea behind this solo effort was to create as live of a studio performance as possible. This was done by recording the vocals, piano and drums (played by none other than NDV) live from the same room. It allows for Neal and Nick to play off each other, as done superbly in "The Wind and the Rain." The listener almost feels like they could be in the room watching these two jam.

As expected, this album also hosts songs from Neal's pre-Spock's Beard life. The most stirring example, and I think the highlight of the album, is "I am Your Father," which Neal recorded for this album with old bandmates from the 80s. This song is quite possibly one of the best NM songs out there. This should be the reason to get this album!

Overall, there are 13 really good songs here. They aren't all happy songs, but they are all very emotional. You can tell how much these songs mean to Neal. And that just makes the whole album fun. It's a good easy listen. It's easy to get into. And it's perfectly safe for any family car trip. And until we hear from Neal Morse again, this album will stay high in my CD rotation.

Fans of Spock's Beard rushing to buy this album may be slightly disappointed that this album lacks the musical noodling that marks them out as prog rock leaders, the rest of us will simply be relieved. This is an album of solid songs well sung. It has the rough, live feel that Morse was clearly looking for - particularly the drumming and the songs benfit from that. Some of the album is a bit aor and the quality dips by the end where some of the songs are a bit too long but overall an enjoyable album.

First off, understand that this is a cover album with selections that the musicians enjoyed playing and probably influenced their careers. If you don't enjoy hearing top notch musicians having fun performing covers, then this may not be for you. Now, I'm a huge Neal Morse and Mike Portnoy fan so I've got that bias working for me here - and I also happen to really like many of the songs they chose to cover. It starts off with a cover of Pleasant Valley Sunday (yep, the Monkees - Neil Diamond song) which I think they did purely for fun - but is still enjoyable. Next is Cream's "Badge" which is done well, but no great reach yet.

There are several real 'test' songs on this CD though that show the range of these musicians. The first I feel would be "Maybe I'm Amazed". I've always felt this song really showcased McCartney's vocals and Neal Morse is up to the task - his range and power of emotion on this track is enough to give you shivers. What I really, really think is incredible though is Mike Pornoy's drumming on the "I'm Free/Sparks" Medley - I remember seeing Keith Moon perform "Sparks" as part of a Tommy show with the Who and was blown away at that man's drumming. I never thought I would see another drummer match Moon's energy and ability but I believe Mike Portnoy could - I'd love to see them play this medley live - Portnoy is a virtuoso - an incredible performance for a cover!!!

Now - the ending of this CD. These guys chose to play "Tuesday Afternoon" which is one of the Moody Blues most often covered and beloved songs. It requires near perfection in the vocals and to pull this off - the melodies must mesh seamlessly and cohesively - they do - they not only put together an incredible cover of this song, but actually kick it up a little bit with an electric violin that fits in so very sweetly - then they gently merge this into Neal Morse's own slightly modified version of "Can't Find my Way Home". His vocals on this song can only be described as - "beautiful". Again, the transition is seamless, cohesive and the overall effect is very, very sweet.

I love this CD. I like the selections and think the musicians are as good as they come. I truely hope they do another because this has been a real pleasure to hear some of the songs I enjoyed in earlier years, songs that inspired me, performed and treated so wonderfully here. I wish I could meet the musicians in person to say a heart felt "Thank You" for such an enjoyable offering.

Read the other reviews as well. Look at the track selections here - there are some nice surprises and all tracks are treated respectfully and tastefully - overall, this is the best cover CD I have ever heard from anyone (yes, I've heard others from Queensryche and Rush - this is waaaay better than those). Enjoy.

Hey, this you will enjoy without a doubt. It's well recorded. It's simple, but it's got a "feel" for old rock classics!

I wasn't familiar with these musicians, but I knew all of these songs, so I took a chance. I was happy I did - the artists do a great job at covering these (mostly) very-well known songs. Their versions of "Pleasant Valley Sunday", "Maybe I'm Amazed" and "Stronger Every Day" are terrific. The other songs are all really good. This is the perfect album to put on in the car when you go out driving along on a sunny Saturday afternoon with the windows down. Get it !!!

Ok, maybe not. I am a die hard fan of these guys, but I only really like a couple of tracks on this CD - Pleasant Valley Sunday and Maybe I'm Amazed (which Neal sings the heck out of). And I've only listened to the CD a few times and it gets put on the shelf.
These are cover tracks that were likely done to "warm up" at the start of the day or "wind down" at the end of the day in the studio sessions.
What acts do covers and who likes covers anyway? Its one thing for a prog band to do a cover of a 20 minute song (like Transatlantic) and add its own flavor and twists to the song. It's another thing when the songs are pop songs. You can't add much unique to a pop song.
My friend and I argue about this all the time. We both play guitar in a band. He refuses to play covers (not even to warm up) and won't even listen to prog cover songs. His logic is that "if you are going to take the time to record a cover, just make a unique prog song that is in the similar style instead". Otherwise it is just a novelty.
I can only recommend this for fanboys.

I usually hate cover albums but this one is great. I'm a huge fan of Mike Portnoy's work with Dream Theater, Transatlantic, and Neal's solo albums, and a huge fan of Neal's work with Spock's Beard, solo, and Transatlantic, which is the only reason I bothered with this cover disc. But man, was I surprised. This version of Maybe I'm Amazed is nearly as good as Paul's original, and the covers of some of my favorite classic tracks, like Badge, What is Life, Find My Way Home, and I'm Free are killer. Even the lesser known covers on here are excellent. The playing is top-notch and Neal's voice...my God, is it just incredible. Even if you don't like covers (like me), this is worth it!