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...