MOMENTUM

I am amazed that after seeing so many artists reviewed on this site, I am impressed to see so many 4 and 5 star reviews of Neal Morse's music. I do not normally see this on other artists' albums consistently. I do have to admit he has his niche in this genre pegged. Being a fan first and foremost of early prog I grew weary of artists that came after trying to reignite a candle that had already run its course. The instrumentation was usually more of the same and there was not much new ground forged.

But then came bands like Pendragon, Dream Theatre, Galleon and others who really started taking prog to a different level and Spock's Beard was one of those bands. Neal was one of the chief songwriters and the albums in his time (Other than Snow) were the best in my opinion. When he became born again I was expecting the usual contemporary Christian music but NO! This guy launched into full scale prog warfare and I am astonished that even today (2022) he is still putting out amazing stuff. Surrounded by top notch musicians, he cranks this stuff out with amazing creativity. Not all of it warrants a WOW rating but no artist does.

Mike Portnoy sticks by his side even today and he plays his instrument as though he was a lead guitarist so much of the great reviews are not just the songwriting but the people who are putting it out. Their work with Transatlantic and now Flying Colors continues his streak of fresh music.

Before I review this album I am going to address artist creativity and their choices on themes and topics. My intention is not to offend any of the esteemed members of this amazing site but to point out that prog is not limited to certain topics. I am someone who doesn't normally listen much to lyrics. I have trouble understanding the words. Since I am a classically trained musician, I tend to listen to prog for the instrumental talent but I do take note of the lyrical content.

I am a Christian but spent over half my life not being one so I have been on both sides of the argument of faith- based lyrics. I applaud Neal for being bold in his music. I am not a big fan of most Christian music as it is so repetitive without much emphasis on instrumentation.. Neal is someone who goes deeper in the lyrics than most artists and he is one of the few prog Christian artists and the best in my opinion. It is important to remember that the artist puts out music as a reflection of who they are so it is very personal to them so when we criticize that we forget that the words are not necessarily meant for the listener. Sure, he wants the words to affect us but there are only so many who will be affected in a positive way. I feel he is challenging us to look within at what we believe and most non-Christian artists do the same thing with their music when they write about causes and suffering and other things that they believe in.

There are many artists whose themes are very dark and even satanic in nature. I believe I cannot be critical of one and praise the other as a measure of the talent and quality of the instrumentation and songs themselves. That is me. I listen to artists who put out music whose lyrics I disagree with as that is their choice and I accept the music for its merits. I could be "offended" since it goes against what I believe but I choose to allow the artist their freedom to choose and see their talent as God given.

I think a testament to his music is that so many here on this site have rated his works with 4 and even 5 stars even though his lyrics may rub them the wrong way. So thank you for being objective in the content of the music.

As far as the album is concerned, it is pretty good but not among his absolute best. The title track comes out of the shoots strong and could qualify as a hit single if it were cut down. Again the instrumentation is full bore on this album and Portnoy's drums on this song are punchy and tight. "Thoughts Pt 5" is another part he does to rehash and add to the SB song. I like the sudden changes in it as it keeps me surprised from one moment to the next. "Smoke & Mirrors" and "Weathering Skies" do not do much for me. These 2 tracks seem to drag the album down some. "Freak" is bit abrasive and the lyrics are clever. I think many of us can relate to it. The highlight is "World Without End" and it soars from one part to the next. It is more predicable and classic Neal but it is delivered well. I love the radical opening; Adson Sodre's guitar work is stellar.

The guitar work is fantastic through the album and Randy George's bass work fits well with Mike's drumming. It is like listening to a bunch of lead players all at once! I do love the fact that Neal doesn't hog the show with his own instruments and allows each member to play off their leashes! I would consider this work as a weak 4.