Album Page: Neal Morse - Sola Scriptura

A fantastic concept (Martin Luther's story, baby), and musicianship (Mike Portney's greatest record so far IMO), and lyrics. Although only just shy of a masterpiece (that title usually reserved for the 'One' or 'Testimony' releases). It was my favorite and top album of 2007.

Overall, I think Sola Scriptura is an outstanding album. It has great music which is performed amazingly well by Mike Portnoy, Randy George, Paul Gilbert and Mr. Morse himself. It also has stunning cover art which provides a wonderful backdrop for the album’s concept. Fans of Spock’s Beard, Dream Theater, Transatlantic and Morse’s other albums will enjoy this release.

I have listened to this album over 40 times now. As much as I like it, I don’t think it’s quite up to the level of Neal’s last two albums (One and ?, which I both gave 5 stars without reservation). My main criticism with this new album is that it borrows too much from what Neal has already recorded. This has been pointed out in many of the previous reviews and is very obvious, in my opinion. There are sections which sound just like Snow, V, One and Testimony. Even though I like the music in all of these places, I have heard it before.

Even though I’ve never had ... -> show full review