NEAL MORSE – Life & Times (2018)
Widely regarded as one of the world’s leading progressive rock musicians, NEAL MORSE is part of various projects / bands, including his own. However, his new album “Life & Times” released today hasn’t the ‘Band’ name on the cover, and indeed it’s a NEAL MORSE solo album.
And that’s not only because he wrote all the music and play all instruments, this album shows a new side of Morse’s talents.
“Life & Times” is not what you expect from Morse. If you like his music, you’ll like this new effort as well, and if you don’t like his melodic prog, try this new album, because this is is a collection of rock&pop tunes, all server in a ‘song format’ around the 4 minutes long.
The CD finds Morse embracing his storytelling ability, writing a personal record in a way that few who excel at prog are able to do. At his core, Morse is a brilliant storyteller and songwriter and that is apparent here; a beautifully written and crafted album with enjoyable songs.
Be warned prog fans, there is not an extended instrumental section or song longer than 5 minutes to be had here. This is NOT a prog album.
Despite that, Neal Morse proves he is able to write brilliant material whether it is done in 3 minute or 30 minute songs.
This collection of easy-going soft rock numbers might prove too bland to connoisseurs of Morse’s musical prog sophistication… but you know? These are all really well-crafted.
‘Livin’ Lightly’ and ‘Good Love Is On The Way’ employ irresistible strokes of Eagles-y peaceful easy feelings, the latter a five-minute romance in which ‘She’s the beauty barista, he’s the corny cashier.’
But while most of these songs are blissed-out tales of the good life, as the slightly saccharine taste starts to cloy, the mood darkens with the tale of a traumatised veteran in ‘He Died At Home’ the album’s most powerful moment. Morse hits straight to the heart with the track, a biographical tale about a soldier who took his own life as a result of post-traumatic stress disorder.
There are some light-hearted, upbeat moments on the album such as with ‘Selfie in the Square’, a song about wishing your loved one was with you while traveling, but since they are not you send them pictures of yourself with your phone (something most people can relate to).
Later, the pedal steel-streaked, string flavorings of ‘Old Alabama’, and some sublime guest vocals from Julie Davidson, show Morse’s songs sound even better dressed in this acoustic outfit.
Another great track is ‘Manchester by the Sea’ a playful tune complete with a chance for the audience to sing-along.
Neal Morse is one of current Rock music’s most gifted and talented songwriters / composers. While he has cemented his place in progressive rock as a true icon, it is clear he can write a great song in any format or genre.
And while most of us are awaiting the results of the recent Neal Morse Band’s writing sessions, which are under way, this album is a worthy addition to his extensive catalog, a delicious collection of melodic rock&pop songs.
VERY Recommended
01 – Livin’ Lightly
02 – Good Love Is on the Way
03 – JoAnna
04 – Selfie in the Square
05 – He Died at Home
06 – She’s Changed Her Mind
07 – Wave on the Ocean
08 – You + Me + Everything
09 – Manchester by the Sea
10 – Lay Low
11 – Old Alabama
12 – If I Only Had a Day
Neal Morse – vocals, all instruments
Julie Davidson – guest vocals
BUY IT !
www.radiantrecords.com/products/697-neal-morse-life-times.aspx
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