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"As usual, Neal Morse's "The Dreamer - Joseph: Part 1" is another masterpiece of catchy compositions, perfectly interpreted and excellently produced."
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5/5
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Religion, and especially sacred history, is an inexhaustible source of inspiration for Neal Morse. It's true that the colossal number of protagonists and the extraordinary, often bloody events recounted are subjects that lend themselves perfectly to the concept album format. After Jesus Christ ("Jesus Christ the Exorcist") and Saint Paul ("Sola Gratia"), Neal Morse brings Joseph, son of Jacob, to life. We won't recount his story here, concentrating on the musical content: the more curious can read about it in the Bible - Genesis 37 to 50.
It's not unfair to say that Neal Morse's Christian progressive rock-tinged albums have a rather pronounced air of sameness, "Jesus Christ the Exorcist" being the exception to the rule with its rock opera format. The fact that the album opens with a traditional, majestic symphonic "overture" is not a surprise. Yet this first impression, reinforced by the orchestral 'Prologue / Before the World Was', does not augur for what's to come.
Indeed, "The Dreamer" is a departure from its predecessors, abandoning the homeric rides and convoluted suites in favor of a return to more direct, readily catchy rock. This impression of nervous rock is reinforced by the many guitar soli, all bursting with feeling, and the performance of charismatic singers (special mention to Jake Livgren and Talon David), not forgetting the superb saxophone soli that add a melancholy touch.
'Burns Like a Wheel', the almost hard rock riff of 'Like a Wall' and the wah-wah guitar of 'Slave Boy' are superb, energetic rock songs that stand on their own, as do the muscular 'Gold Dust City' and the bluesy 'Ultaviolet Dreams', two highlights of an otherwise excellent album. Neal Morse also has a few poignant ballads to offer, and manages to surprise us with the astonishing 'I Will Wait on the Lord', reminiscent of Johann Sebastian Bach's masses or passions.
As usual, Neal Morse delivers another masterpiece with catchy compositions, performed by an array of talented artists and featuring excellent production. The icing on the cake is that the album's title, "The Dreamer - Joseph: Part 1", hints at a "Part 2" due in 2024. The many listens that opus 1 deserves will keep us waiting until then... - Official website
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SIMILAR BANDS:
SPOCK'S BEARD, TRANSATLANTIC, ECHOLYN, BIG BIG TRAIN, THE TANGENT, PATTERN-SEEKING ANIMALS, UNITOPIA, ROINE STOLT, MORSE, PORTNOY & GEORGE, FLYING COLORS
TRACK LISTING:
01. The Dreamer Overture (07:05)
02. Prologue / Before the World Was (05:59)
03. A Million Miles Away (03:35)
04. Burns Like a Wheel (02:27)
05. Liar, Liar (02:58)
06. The Pit (03:38)
07. Like a Wall (02:37)
 08. Gold Dust City (05:18)
09. Slave Boy (03:38)
10. Out of Sight, Out of Mind (02:45)
11. Wait on You (06:24)
12. I Will Wait on the Lord (03:06)
13. The Dreamer Overture Reprise (00:54)
14. Ultraviolet Dreams (06:40)
15. Heaven in Charge of Hell (Eat 'em and Smile) (04:59)
16. Why Have You Forsaken Me? (03:38)
LINEUP:
Neal Morse: Guitares / Claviers / Chant ( Joseph) / Basse (14) / Batterie (14)
Amy Pippin: Invité / Choeurs (16)
Andre Madatian: Invité / Guitare Solo (15)
April Zachary: Invité / Choeurs (16)
Carl Larson: Invité / Alto
Chris Riley: Invité / Chant (15 - Prison Guard)
Debbie Bressee: Invité / Choeurs (16)
Devonne Fowlkes: Invité / Choeurs
Eric Gillette: Invité / Guitare Solo (11) / Batterie (1,2,12)
Gabe Klein: Batterie / Invité / Chant (15 - Prison Guard) / Choeurs (7) / Claviers (4,5,6,7)
Gideon Klein: Invité / Violoncelle / Basse (3,4,5,6,7) / Choeurs (7)
Hannah Tyler: Invité / Violon
Harmonie Hall: Invité / Choeurs
Hunter Keeran: Invité / Cor D'harmonie (16)
Jake Livgren: Invité / Chant (8 - Slave Driver)
Jim Hoke: Invité / Saxophone (8)
Josee Klein: Invité / Violon
Julie Harrison: Invité / Choeurs (16)
Kim Mont: Invité / Choeurs
Mark Leniger: Invité / Saxophone (1,15)
Mark Pogue: Invité / Chant (5 - Jacob, 15 - Prison Guard)
Matt Smith : Invité / Chant (4,5,6 - Reuben,15 - Prison Guard)
Paul Farmer: Invité / Harmonica (1)
Sam Hunter: Invité / Guitare (3,4,5,6,7)
Steve Morse: Invité / Guitare Solo (2)
Talon David: Invité / Chant (9,10 - Potiphar's Wife)
Ted Leonard: Invité / Chant (4,6 - Judah)
Vanderbilt Blair Children's Chorus Chorale: Invité / Chant (12)
Wil Morse: Invité / Chant (5,6 - Simeon,15 - Prison Guard)
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(0) MIND(S) FROM OUR READERS
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Top of the page
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(1) COMMENT(S)
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READERS
5/5 (4 view(s))
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STAFF:
4.2/5 (5 view(s))
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IN RELATION WITH NEAL MORSE
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OTHER REVIEWS
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OTHER(S) REVIEWS ABOUT NEAL MORSE
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