MOMENTUM

Neal has shocked me once again... I am just in awe. Momentum is wonderful. Opening up with the title track Momentum, the tone is set well. The full version is a lot better than the short cut in the music video (still love the video though). The title track is a solid piece with precision and the chorus is ever catchy. Next we move on to Thoughts Part 5. This might possibly one of Neal's most interesting tracks he's ever recorded. There are so many changes within a short 8 min length (short by Morse standards). There are some sweet headbanging moments in track, so heavy in a proggy sort of way. Randy's bass is super present and Mike is tearing it up. We even get to hear Randy play some guitar ( a real treat) Next we go to Smoke and Mirrors, this is a nice little tune similar to Kansas's Dust in the Wind. Weathering Sky is next,I love the instrumental precision in this one, its very catchy ha ha. Great rock pop Morse style. Freak, this is some new territory for Morse. He always had a craft in incorporating strings so well, but this is really different. Its a pop driven string song with interesing lyrics touching on the reality of how Jesus might be perceived today if He physically walked around. ... And the seeds of Gold is saved for last (sorry I know I just did that). The Monster epic World Without End clocking over 33 minutes is it. A while back Randy was saying that this is the best epic Morse and them have ever done yet... I can see why. This is Neal's best over 20 min epic to date I can safely say. It also has some of the best insane instrumental passages he's ever recorded (still off that T2 high, Momentum huh? ha ha). Portnoy really stands out (but doesn't he always?) here, the drumming is earth shattering. And I also thought the lyrics were great referring to the age to come... Well I'm sure as I listen to in many more times, new things will be observed, and my appreciation will just grow. World Without End is the highlight on Momentum. A masterpiece. 5 out of 5. Thanks Mr. Neal Morse