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Neal Morse Review

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?

Review by: L. Renaud, Amazon.com