Sola Scriptura

"Sola Scriptura" is a religious progressive rock concept album revolving around the history of Martin Luther and his break from the Catholic Church. The historical accuracy and point of view may be debated, but from a musical perspective this is a top notch Neal Morse album. Morse explores a myriad of music styles on this disc and with the addition of guest guitarist Paul Gilbert even ramps up the metal quotient here and there. A lot of the music on this one reminds me of Morse's early work with Spock's Beard with "The Light" album being a good reference point. This album tells a story and is not biographical so the preaching aspect is a bit less here than on some of Morse's other discs. For me this is a good thing, although people might not find his lyrics as emotionally stirring on this one. I am not going to get into the debate regarding the religious aspects of the lyrics, since I am far from an expert on the subject matter. Overall I think this is a very strong Neal Morse disc and ranks right up with the best he has done.

For people to give this album a "1-star" rating based solely on the lyrical content is absolutely ridiculous, but everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Neal could sing about flying elephants and circus freaks, and the musical content alone would still be worth at least 3-stars.I can understand, though, why people may be offended by the lyrics. While I do listen to a wide variety of music (in my review of "?" I stated how I listen to Pagans Mind, which may seem ironic being that I am a Christian) and have a very open mind, I would most likely be offended by Slayer's lyrics, although I have never listened to them.Enough of that stuff...after listening to Sola Scriptura about 4-times, I am ranking it right up there with some of Neal's best efforts with Spock's Beard/Transatlantic/his other solo efforts. I keep waiting for a dissapointing album from Neal. After all, how can one artist continue to put out high-quality material time and time again, especially when most of the previous material is outstanding, and seen as perhaps his crowning achievement? There has to be a drop-off at some point, right??Well, it didn't happen with Sola Scriptura, and hopefully won't ever happen. I absoulutely love the hard edge that Gillis brings to this album, in spots. Neal continues to come out with music that never seems to disapoint, never gets old, and always has something a little new to feast your ears on. This album is an absolute joy to listen to, and I highly recommend it to fans of all different styles of music.

When I read advance reviews for Sola Scriptura, "controversial" was a term often attached to its description. Some may find it to be so because Morse throws down the spiritual gauntlet in an uncompromising way, but I don't find in it anything that should be a source of controversy with anyone except those for whom a robust expression of religious faith is anathema.Personally, I like Sola Scriptura more everytime I hear it. It is a grand progressive rock epic in the best tradition of some of the finest prog of the 70s and is an album that I find tremendously satisfying, both spiritually and musically. It has unity of theme and a very logical musical progression. As I listen, I am often reminded of the greatest works of Procol Harum, particularly when I focus on the spectacular drum work of Mike Portnoy.You don't have to be on Neal Morse's page spiritually to enjoy this. The songs are very well written and thought-provoking. Contrary to the assertions of several reviewers, there is no hate here at all. If you don't like hearing an explicitly Christian message, then tune out the lyrics and just enjoy the music.In my opinion, Sola Scriptura is one of the top progressive albums of the year thus far. You get over 75 minutes of great music, and the CD comes with a booklet containing the lyrics. It is definitely the heaviest of the quartet of "Christian" solo albums Neal Morse has recorded since leaving Spock's Beard. I certainly look forward to his next effort. If you like good old-fashioned progressive rock, then ignore the critics and add this to your music library. Sola Scriptura will never be dated.

Musically this may be Neal's best (although Stranger in Your Soul from Bridge Across Forever is his best song, in my opinion). The tone is darker. Nice change since so many of his previous albums sound similar in tone. Great guitar shredding by Paul Gilbert!This is an in-your-face message. What courage it takes to write about this! No aliens, astrology, and demonic overtones which are so prevalent in alot of prog. You who are complaining, would you be more happy if he made a sickeningly sweet Christian pop/prog CD like the rest of the CCM industry?Neal said that this was inspired by a teaching by his pastor. Some of the lyrics are just hilarious and reflect Neal's strange sense of humor. In my opinion, the use of "whore" and "Beast" is a little strong, however. There is a point where casting pearls before swine is not a good idea. And considering that most Americans and others have no concept of history or theology, it makes it difficult. I am not sure if this is dispensational theology that had the Catholic Church as the Beast of Revelation. Most people who preached that have changed their minds in recent years. I can see how he could think that the Catholic Church at the time of Luther should have known better, therefore implying deceptive intent. But this was more likely due to political power ("look I've got great armies like a General") rather than being demonically inspired.Overall, a great album. I recommend it. It is great to see a musician truly channeling the muse rather than just going with formula!

This is one of my favourite albums since dream theaters 6' of inner turbulence. And as much as I hate to do it, track one and two of this album could quite easily be compared to such a masterpiece as 6'.There are 4 tracks on the album. Three of them are between 20 minutes and half an hour, making this a serious progressive rock album, even more so than 'one' and 'question'. Track one starts off with a long instrumental which sets the balance of the album and its loose structure. Eventually the song gets into gear and progresses through a number of acousticy Ballad moments, plenty of fancy riffing and jamming and a kick butt guitar solo towards the end. Apparently Neal delves into the subject of Martin Luther in this album, but in certain parts I can tell he's talking a lot about his own personal struggles and journey. Being a Christian I love the fact that Neal is so committed to basing his music on the gospel now, but I also like the fact that he doesn't preach as such, just talks about his own personal journey which is great. Towards the end of track one the final soft ballad comes into place, neal messes about with the wah wah which makes a great effect while he sings about how can he stay quiet when he knows the truth. In comes the violin and piano and eventually an climatic emotional build up to an amazing solo by guest guitarist Paul Gilbert from MR Big. It really is impossibly beautiful and emotive, words can't express. By the time you get to the end of track one, you can't believe there's more to come on the album, and what a treat you're in for. Where track one offers plenty of variety on melodies, guitar riffs and lyrical composure's, track two covers a vast variety of music genres. It starts with a rocking intro with another amazing input by Paul and eventually leads into some pop rocky bits and then a random spanish/reggae section that takes you completely by surprise. Track two is by no means any worse than track one. Track three is a nice little track without much intrumental accompaniment and track four is much of the same as the first two. So there you go. I think mike Portnoy on the drums makes so much of the album and Paul Gilbert rocking out some cool licks adds that harder rocking element that's missed in Neals previous efforts. Overall I would say that song wise, here are two of the best songs I've ever heard except for 6'. Album wise, this is Neals best work I would say. If you've never explored Neals work before this is a good place to start. Go out and buy this album if you like good music!

I have no idea why it took me so long to buy this fantastic CD, my first foray into Neal Morse's solo work.Not many records have had a similar impact on me recently, perhaps only IQ's excellent "Frequency".Many a musician in the current prog scene and beyond could do with a dose of Neal's uncanny ability to knock out a striking melody and meaningful lyrics. And he can play too.The standout tacks are opening epic "The Door" and the closing "Conclusion" - simply majestic.A word about the religious themes and lyrics which some listeners appear to object to. Well, I say you don't have to share Neal's world view or religious convictions to appreciate his music. And on this record its not that much in your face, perhaps only on Track 3 is it a little overdone. On the contrary, I often find the naff faux aggression of some Prog Metal acts and their predictable lyrics annoying and far less imaginative.I can't recommend Sola Scriptura highly enough. I'm off to investigate Neal's other CDs.

great music, top flight musicianship, portraying a message of ever of historical and contemporary importance and significance!

VERY GOOD !

magical work from this great artist