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Rating: After the predecessor 'Testimony', here is Neal Morse’s 5th album: "One" (2004), less classical than its predecessor (fewer strings), less melodic than "Question mark" and less rhythmic than "Sola scriptura"; in favor of a better-developed concept and sounds reminiscent of old glories like Genesis, Yes, Asia, Gentle Giant etc... from which it differs due to its metal influence; also recalling the early Tears for Fears. The concept of the album is inspired by the Christian epic of the expulsion from paradise.
The lineup consists of Neal Morse (Vocals, keyboards, guitar); Mike Portnoy (drums and also arranger) and Randy George (Bass). Plus a long list of guests, which I therefore leave out.
The concept comes to life with "Author of confusion" from the instrumental intro marked by Portnoy, together with the guitars and many effects as usual, in perfect tradition; while an inspired Neal delves into the poetic and musical verses with his clear and passionate voice, perfect in describing the idyllic scenario following the creation of paradise; with mellotron, strings, and guitar harmonized excellently with the same keyboard. The narrative in dialogue or thought form passes from Adam and Eve to God, with very well-written texts; which in some parts make you think of John Milton himself, with due attention. Wonderful the way the melody changes: a succession of instruments never chaotic or jangling. Neal remains romantic in tone, even in the more emotional final part where the voice of God emphasizes the behavior of the progenitors of humanity.
"The man's gone" is part of the more emphatic repertoire in vocal and musical levels, serving a faster metric; much shorter compared to the twenty minutes of the antecedent. It follows "Author of confusion" chapter of temptation, which features metal riffs, not emphasized by the drums to leave space for Neal's inventiveness in the role of guitarist; the sung parts divided between jazz and slow, the latter with a very emotional intonation - still present the poignant acoustic slowdowns, with a soft and fragile, intense, and sighing vocal emission.
"The separated man" presents a more standard base, this time bordering on metal and in the second chapter Neal deals with man's presumption, through the metaphor of greatness pursued with technological innovation, ever-taller skyscrapers, etc.; but whose verses are often interrupted once again by Neal’s caressing vocal solos. A reprise chapter of "The man's gone" follows with folk arpeggios and drums. This one also lasts 20 minutes. "Cradle to the grave" is an acoustic mid-tempo in which we find Phil Keaggy from Kansas accompanying the excellent Neal with a heavenly voice in this call and response between man and God followed by classical inserts and a grand finale with overlapping voices, of which the least that can be said is that they are perfectly in tune.
"Help me - the spirit and the flesh", deals with man's failure and repentance, which therefore turns back to the forgotten God. In the background, a bit of jazz returns. The second part connects with "Father of forgiveness" dedicated to reconciling with God through increasingly mellifluous vocal lines. The concluding "Reunion" enlivens spirits with the use of sax and trumpet and is the most cheerful as it represents the newfound union.
In the 80 minutes of the album, the praises to God, the passionate way they are sung, will resonate even with those who are not believers; as even without a corresponding belief, the painted image is a masterpiece.
The second disc contains some tracks that didn't find space on the first, combined with some covers: U2 -Where the streets have no name; George Harrison - What is life (with Keaggy); Badfinger - Day after day; The Who - I'm free - Sparks.
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
01 The Creation (18:23)
I- One Mind
Long before these brave new modern times
The first madman received the breath of life
He and woman walked this wonderland
Talking daily with the great I am
It had begun....
We were of one mind
Fellowship divine
All creation came
We lived to praise his name
And we walked his way
In the cool of the day
All was made was one big everything
The Father gave the son life's golden ring
And all was rosy in their company
All creation in full diversity
Was only one...
Chorus
In the evening breezes they went walking towards the sun
God and his creations had a time when they were one
And they lived together and no other will was done
II- In a Perfect Light
Hand and hand and face to face they tarried
Living in one universal mind
In his garden home (day or night)
Man was not alone (in a perfect light)
Like Clark Kent to Superman he's leaping
The pres, the V.I.P. of the grand design
Sin was never known (day or night)
In their garden home (in a perfect light)
And he let him name the things that are
And asked his opinion
Just like the agent to the star
He gave him dominion
And he was made into two
And he gave them a job to do
And they were to care for every part
And love was the union
III- Where Are You?
And at the designated time
At the usual venue
He went calling in the night
Children where are you?
Children where are you?
Why?
Why are you hiding?
You were ashamed
You fled my eyes
I gave you life
And all that I wanted
Was just one thing
But you chose a lie
IV- Reaching from the Heart
We were of one mind
Once upon a time
But we turned away
We've got to find a way
To get back again
To where it all began
We were torn apart
Now we're reaching from the heart
Make us one we pray
In the cool of the day
We can walk his way.....
03 Author of Confusion (09:31)
Author of confusion you play inside my mind
and I want to run
But where can I hide?
Author of confusion your aim is to confound
'til I do not know
Which is up or down?
Author of confusion you play inside my mind
and I want to run
But where can I hide?
"Author of confusion you start an endless chase; thoughts start running 'round"
Never find their place
Author of confusion your aim is to confound
'til I do not know
Which is up or down?
Low or high
The truth is I don't know
Author of confusion you play inside my mind
and I want to run
But where can I hide?
"Author of confusion you start an endless chase; thoughts start running 'round"
But never find their place
Author of confusion your aim is to confound
'til I do not know
Which is up or down?
Day or night
Who knows right from wrong?
How long will stay tied to the mast?
How long 'til you reach for me at last?
Aren't you tired of living in the cold?
How long 'til you come to claim the gold?
You are like a raven in the night
You fly high but you're sleeping in the light
The waves will crash and the mighty winds will roar
Why can't we be the way we were before?
Author of confusion you play inside my mind
Author of confusion you live to make me blind
Author of confusion you play inside my mind
and I want to run
But where can I hide?
"Author of confusion you start an endless chase; thoughts start running 'round"
Never find their place
Author of confusion your aim is to confound
'til I do not know
Which is up or down?
05 Cradle to the Grave (04:56)
Sometimes I don't understand
Why I was born at all
When all that I do leaves me empty
Aching and longing for more
Sometimes I feel I could stand
Man, I feel like I'm ten feet tall
But then it's like I'm on trial and I'm guilty
I don't know exactly what for
How I wish
I could be relieved
Fall on God's doorstep
And be received
But it seems he doesn't
Care for me anymore
So I'll be on my way
Live from the cradle to the grave
On my own
Son you must understand
Why I would let you fall
It isn't because I don't love you
It's not that I want you to crawl
But the silence between us has grown
And your towers have grown so tall
"I let you choose; you have chosen"
You don't seem to want me at all
How I wish
To be reconciled
That you would just love me
With the heart of a child
But it seems you never
Want me around anymore
So you can have your way
Live from the cradle to the grave
Far from home
How I wish (Child how I love you)
I could be relieved (but you're so far away)
Fall on God's doorstep (Won't you come home to me?)
And be received (I will give you my robe)
But it seems he doesn't (Clothe you in linen)
Care for me anymore (Son I want you to stay)
So I'll be on my way (I'll set you free)
Live from the cradle to the grave (How I long to be home)
How I wish (I've been alone)
To be reconciled (so very long)
That you would just love me (with a heart made of stone)
With the heart of a child (Can you dry all the tears)
But it seems you never (I've held in my heart?)
Want me around anymore
So you can have your way (I'll be on my way)
Live from the cradle to the grave
Far from home
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