Sola Scriptura

This is one of my favourite albums since dream theaters 6' of inner turbulence. And as much as I hate to do it, track one and two of this album could quite easily be compared to such a masterpiece as 6'.There are 4 tracks on the album. Three of them are between 20 minutes and half an hour, making this a serious progressive rock album, even more so than 'one' and 'question'. Track one starts off with a long instrumental which sets the balance of the album and its loose structure. Eventually the song gets into gear and progresses through a number of acousticy Ballad moments, plenty of fancy riffing and jamming and a kick butt guitar solo towards the end. Apparently Neal delves into the subject of Martin Luther in this album, but in certain parts I can tell he's talking a lot about his own personal struggles and journey. Being a Christian I love the fact that Neal is so committed to basing his music on the gospel now, but I also like the fact that he doesn't preach as such, just talks about his own personal journey which is great. Towards the end of track one the final soft ballad comes into place, neal messes about with the wah wah which makes a great effect while he sings about how can he stay quiet when he knows the truth. In comes the violin and piano and eventually an climatic emotional build up to an amazing solo by guest guitarist Paul Gilbert from MR Big. It really is impossibly beautiful and emotive, words can't express. By the time you get to the end of track one, you can't believe there's more to come on the album, and what a treat you're in for. Where track one offers plenty of variety on melodies, guitar riffs and lyrical composure's, track two covers a vast variety of music genres. It starts with a rocking intro with another amazing input by Paul and eventually leads into some pop rocky bits and then a random spanish/reggae section that takes you completely by surprise. Track two is by no means any worse than track one. Track three is a nice little track without much intrumental accompaniment and track four is much of the same as the first two. So there you go. I think mike Portnoy on the drums makes so much of the album and Paul Gilbert rocking out some cool licks adds that harder rocking element that's missed in Neals previous efforts. Overall I would say that song wise, here are two of the best songs I've ever heard except for 6'. Album wise, this is Neals best work I would say. If you've never explored Neals work before this is a good place to start. Go out and buy this album if you like good music!

I have no idea why it took me so long to buy this fantastic CD, my first foray into Neal Morse's solo work.Not many records have had a similar impact on me recently, perhaps only IQ's excellent "Frequency".Many a musician in the current prog scene and beyond could do with a dose of Neal's uncanny ability to knock out a striking melody and meaningful lyrics. And he can play too.The standout tacks are opening epic "The Door" and the closing "Conclusion" - simply majestic.A word about the religious themes and lyrics which some listeners appear to object to. Well, I say you don't have to share Neal's world view or religious convictions to appreciate his music. And on this record its not that much in your face, perhaps only on Track 3 is it a little overdone. On the contrary, I often find the naff faux aggression of some Prog Metal acts and their predictable lyrics annoying and far less imaginative.I can't recommend Sola Scriptura highly enough. I'm off to investigate Neal's other CDs.

great music, top flight musicianship, portraying a message of ever of historical and contemporary importance and significance!

VERY GOOD !

magical work from this great artist

Really an astonishing piece of prog!

Yes it is!

Absolute must for every prog rock fun !!!