Neal Morse - One
Radiant Records
A colorful mix of styles rooted in Progressive Rock
8 songs (79:55)
Release year: 2004
Neal Morse, Radiant
Reviewed by Nathanael
Album of the month

When it comes to talking about an artist as immensely talented as Neal Morse (founding father of Spock’s Beard) words most often fail in the justice department. Regardless, I can’t help but sing this man’s praises. Merely a year after releasing the immense Testimony double album, a musical autobiography recounting his ups and downs as a musician prior to finding strength in god, I was caught totally off guard when I heard that he had a follow up ready for release. After reading numerous glowing reviews, I was finally able to obtain a copy of One and hear for myself if Morse would be able to top himself (but to be honest, I had a feeling he would).

As expected, Neal Morse has once again cemented his name in the hearts of progressive rock and music fans the world over. Utilizing his tremendous musical scope and dexterity, One is the type of record only Morse could pull off.

A concept album, One tells the story of a man leaving god to become his own god. Now for those who don’t know Neal, following his departure from Spock’s Beard his musical vision became increasingly religious. Though musically for some this might be difficult to take, I assure you that Neal speaks from the heart, using his music to convey how god has helped him over the years, rather than mindlessly preach to the listener. All you really need to do is feel what Neal is saying through his music, which is not difficult to do. Whether or not you believe in it is irrelevant because let’s face it, how many of us actually believe in the black/ death metal we throw on at the end of a tough day to unwind? But let’s get back to the concept shall we…

Dealing with man’s separation and eventual reunion with god, One’s concept at times sounds like a third person rendition of Testimony, focused on a stranger instead of Neal. As for the music itself, One bears the trademark Morse styling that we’ve all come to know and love. From lush orchestration on The Creation, rocking prog and layered vocal harmonies on the excellent Author of Confusion, or jazz flavor of Help Me/ the Spirit and the Flesh, this album changes colors more than an agitated chameleon. Did I mention the transformation from middle-eastern spice to folk/ country twang on The Separated Man? Though I generally dislike singling out specific songs, it’s only necessary in this case to truly give you a clear idea of the variety of styles you will experience on this album.

As for Testimony’s later moments that leaned more towards straight out Christian rock, only the album’s closer Reunion can be compared. Though I generally prefer the other styles over the Christian Rock parts, they all fit to the story and work to round out the album.

Attributing an overall heavier sound to borrowed vintage guitars, One has Neal delightfully abusing this gear on numerous occasions, ripping riffs and solos like nobody’s business. Don’t worry about the bass either, whose full sound is handled by Neal’s good friend Randy George.

Now take what you’ve read above and picture the one and only Mike Portnoy behind the kit in your head and maybe then you’ll come to understand the quality this record possesses. While One is rooted in Morse’s signature, colorful progressive rock, the limits of genre constraints never prevent him from doing what he does best: perform music as the true art that it is.

Killing Songs :
The Creation, The Man's Gone, Author of Confusion, The Separated Man, Help Me/ the Spirit and the Flesh
Nathanael quoted 93 / 100
Other albums by Neal Morse that we have reviewed:
Neal Morse - Momentum reviewed by Aleksie and quoted 94 / 100
Neal Morse - Testimony Live DVD reviewed by Nathanael and quoted no quote
Neal Morse - It's Not Too Late reviewed by Dom and quoted 85 / 100
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