Question

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In the Christian Rock genre you have to search far and wide to find true Progressive Rock artists. Neal Morse has not only revived that subset of Christian Rock, he has become a leader in it. Being a Spock's Beard fan prior to Neal's spiritual enlightenment, I am happy to see (and hear) that he has maintained his progressive proclivities while expressing his unabashed spiritual views. I might have rated this release as 4 stars - however, the mere fact that Neal is unashamed about proclaiming Jesus, and that his lyrical content glorifies God, automatically gains another star. I say, "Well done" Neal, and may you continue along this gifted path.

I was completely blown away by the musicianship and thought that went into this album. Neal Morse is hands down the most talented artist in Christian music. The whole album could be considered one 56 minute song telling a story. It has gospel, funk, jazz, rock, metal, and world music all combined. I have lately been dissappointed with Christian music. It tends to lack creativity and variety. Not so with this album. It's great that Neal Morse is using his amazing abilities to glorify God. His lyrics are very straightforward, intended for Christians. Some people may be offended, but of course, there's absolutely nothing in secular music that could offend Christians (sarcasm).

I hate being preached to. It ruins the whole album for me.

Fantastic album, his first that I bought, and abut the only cd on my i-pod that brings chills and tears! For those who complain about Neal turning Christian, you should listen a bit more intently to his lyrics and let them sink in, because if, as Neal and many others believe, that there is a Creator, then the praise he is giving to our God and Creator is the highest calling of any musician. I had the opportunity to sit across the plaza from the Western Wall in Jerusalem and listen to "?" as the sun came up over the Mount of Olives!

Seriously people, regardless of your religion, lyrics arn't good if you can only write about a single fantasy story. Just look at Ayreon. In fact the lyrics are even worse if the fantasy story has been told a billion times. 1 song about Jesus is fine with me, I'm not bothered by it at all. But every song? Neal, your lyrics have gone way downhill, write about something new, not everything good in this word applies to God.

Isn't it amazing that every kind of animal in the world lived within walking distance of noah's house? And while your at it; dont forget that the volume of the craft god himself designed would have been insufficient to contain said animals. Truely an amazing god.

I'm an Atheist and This is better than all of Spock's Beard (I'm a huge Spock's Beard fan) and Bridge across Forever by Transatlantic. It's an awesome album and while the Christian thing is annoying the music is still the best. This is his best album Solo. If you're going to buy one this is the one to get. And whats more people keep going on about rudess and Portnoy. Portnoy is on every one of his albums but what makes this album so good is Roine Stolt from the flower kings playing that heavy guitar once again.

Wow is the best description that I can think of. This album is absolutely fantastic. I am not into Christian rock typically, but this album rises above any doctrine, anyone who cannot appreciate it for its brilliance is mired in their own prejudice. This is the best progressive album that I’ve heard in the admittedly young century. If you’re thinking about getting this album, if you’re a Spock’s Beard fan who misses where they were, if your hedging, worrying about the stigmata of buying a ‘Christian Rock’ album, take the leap, you’ll be very, dare I say, elated. Neal Morse, you are a musical genius. This album starts out with a snow-esque intro and overture which segues through a transition into ‘The Outsider’ which functions as the lead in to ‘Sweet Elation’. Once you hit ‘Sweet Elation’ hold on because the next three grab you and insist that you pay close attention. I believe that Jordan Rudess of Dream Theater makes his appearance in the middle of ‘In The Fire’ which is never bad, especially when combined with Beard-like vocal rants. ‘Solid as the Sun’ brings back memories of ‘Squonk’ in all right ways. ‘Outside Looking In’ is a brief interlude to catch your breath before 12 grabs you once again. Steve Hackett plies his magic in ‘12’ with an absolutely beautiful solo. One note by Mr. Hackett can have more emotion than an entire Eddie Van Halen solo, and he shows here that his muse hasn’t left him. From there, ‘Entrance’, ‘Inside His Presence’ and ‘The Temple of the Living God’ continually raise the bar repeatedly until the album hits it’s climactic end leaving you wanting more. Absolutely beautiful.

Perfection! Shows the struggles that christians deal with and just in general. Great symbolism and harmony. One of the best prog albums I say.