SNOW

Spock's Beard

Symphonic Prog

3.86 | 739 ratings

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E-Dub
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator

Neal's last, but his best with Spock's Beard!

Snow is just one of those albums that I have to purposely not overdo it; however, if the truth be told, I could listen to this about once a week. Recorded around the same time when Neal Morse was born again, one can hear how his lyrics changed from previous Spock's albums to Snow. Loosely based upon a young man whose a societal outcast, but has a direct connection with God that follows his rise and fall.

Arguments have been raised on whether or not this would've worked as a single rather than a double. That remains to be seen, but my feelings are that Snow remains (almost) perfect as is. Neal really poured out his convictions with V, and it carried over immensely with Snow. No more is this evident than on the chorus on I'm Dying from disc 2--the hairs literally stood up on the back of my neck this morning as I'm driving in to work while listening to this track. It also moved me to get here and write this review. Extremely powerful album.

Highlights are throughout Snow--primarily on Long Time Suffering and the final moments on disc one (Open Wide The Flood Gates to Wind At My Back). Disc 2 is equally impressive, plus we get to hear Nick singing lead on the tender ballad Carie, and the AOR rocker Looking For Answers. My singular problem is the misplaced and highly unwelcomed Ladies And Gentleman Mr. Ryo Okumoto. I like the quirkiness of Spock's Beard (especially on The Light), but this is very out-of-place and messes up the album's momentum. This is a filler of Flower King proportions, I'm afraid.

Aside from this, Snow is Spock's Beard's Hemispheres, Wish You Were Here, Lamb Lied Down On Broadway, Close To The Edge, etc. etc. It's amazing to me that the Beard have gone on with the success they've had without their heart and soul. I applaud them on enduring, but there is a void left by Mr. Morse that cannot be replaced. He left on a high and very sweet note, though.

E-Dub | 5/5 | 2008-1-29

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