The Great Adventure

This wasn’t supposed to happen. A sequel to 2016’s Similitude Of A Dream? But I knew there was always a strong possibility that this would happen. 22 songs, 5 chapters, 2 CDs later and here it is – the sequel (in essence). But what could possibly surpass what these guys accomplished with one of the greatest opus’s of contemporary progressive rock? The Great Adventure does expand upon and continue the saga, but has this been executed as brilliantly as what has come before? Musically, do Neal Morse and friends step outside the confines of what they’ve already delivered? Do they have more to say lyrically? These are worthy questions for sure, but I dare put forth that they are largely questions that probably won’t matter much in the scheme of eternity. If you are a fan of Neal Morse prog rock, there isn’t much you won’t enjoy about The Great Adventure. The good news – these songs are more of the same. The bad news – these songs are more of the same. Take it or leave it – these gifted musicians continue to light the way, but at the same time, there isn’t a single song – if you are a fan of the genre – which you haven’t heard before. I don’t mean this to be negative, it is merely an expression of the reality of what my ears perceive. Yes, the musicianship is fantastic and yes, the melodies are beautiful. And that is all good.I confess that I’ve never understood what Neal was doing with the story. I do think that Similitude had a very purposeful storyline – it was easy to relate to all of the characters and principles from Pilgrim’s Progress. But The Great Adventure doesn’t exactly follow that formula and seems to be more “inspired” by the great novel and less of an adaptation of the second phase of the saga. The question of “is this a sequel or not” seems to a fair question to ask. And with the DVD documentary it becomes apparent that the other band members seem a bit unsure as well. And then Neal even admits in the documentary that this was a difficult album for him.Lyrically, this is really an amalgamation of the story of “the prodigal son” and the second part of Pilgrims’s Progress, rather than a direct musical interpretation “Part II” of Pilgrim’s Progress. It’s confusing for sure, because Joseph (the main character here) was actually Christian’s 3rd son (not his eldest), and in the original novel the journey (or “great adventure”) was the entire family and not just one of the sons. If that’s not confusing enough, the character Faithful who appears here as Joseph’s companion was actually Christian’s companion in Part I of the novel, and he was killed in Vanity Fair during Christian’s journey. All that aside, there are, without a doubt, some beautiful lyrics on The Great Adventure, and if the listener has no reference point (i.e. never read Pilgrim’s Progress), then none of what I’ve observed here would have any negative impact on the listening experience.Where Similitude was very focused on bringing out the essence of the literary saga, I think The Great Adventure seems to focus more on the music side of things. Of course, if you have been following Morse/Portnoy through their various incarnations (Transatlantic, Flying Colors, etc.) then you will be familiar with the “overtures” at the beginning of each disc. Nor will be surprising the excellent variety each band member brings to the mix with not only their instruments, but also with their vocal talents. “Welcome To The World” would have to be a highlight from the first disc – a great musical theme matched with incredibly relevant and cutting words.Where the first 11 songs seem almost “ordinary/routine” (if that is possible for a band of this caliber), the second disc of songs is much better because there is this “untethered” vibe that permeates the songs, putting that “pizzazz back in the pantacle pantry.” (“Vanity Fair”) I mean the riffs in “Welcome To The World 2” are wonderful, with Portnoy contributing vocally. And the “Element of Fear” similarly brings a bit of the passionate aggression missing from the first part of the album. George’s bass “buzzing” guitar sound works really well. I just love the flow of tracks – the transition between “Element of Fear” and “Child Of Wonder” particularly elegant. The last 3 tracks may well be my favorite songs on this entire work. “The Great Despair” sets the final run with the sober, yet beautifully melodic realization, “How can you speak of deliverance/When we are trapped in Hell without a key?” There is some incredible guitar solo work going here that bleeds with passion and rides out to the transition to “Freedom Calling.” Here we are treated to Portnoy’s toms (finally!), a bit of complex progressive aggression/urgency and a call to persevere, to “seek a love that never dies.” This is the perfect build-up to the wonderful finale – “A Love That Never Dies” – which is, rightly so, the most inspirational song on the entire set.DVDThis time around the documentation and discussion is somewhat limited. The first section features the early recording sessions from January 2018, the discussions at that time about the direction and nature of the album – most of the video extended music clips of the in-studio performances. The second half features a bit more interactive and fun discussion between band members as they get together in August 2018 to reshape and record the 2nd incarnation of the album. Unfortunately, there really isn’t much insight into Neal’s inspiration behind the lyrical direction this time other than to say that the themes are directly related to Similitude. One of the highlights of the DVD would have to be when Portnoy challenges Morse to name the 19 albums they have collaborated on over the past decade or so. Don’t expect the kind of detail, though, in this documentary that was provided on the Similitude DVD.In conclusion, The Great Adventure is really very good, but it doesn’t surpass in any way Similitude. That album was absolutely fantastic. It may have been a bit too ambitious to try for a second double CD release along the same lyrical source. It’s best to think of this collection of songs as a very good companion to Similitude – less lyrically dense and a bit more focused on emotional and musical expressions. There is no doubt this is the most talented Neal Morse line-up, and maybe future releases will continue to explore these attributes but maybe in a more song-oriented arena.

I enjoyed this album: "The Great Adventure". Most people reading this know it is a sequel to the Neal Morse Band's"The Similitude of a Dream" album. I like Neal Morse and I find the Christian/spiritual content of his music uplifting. Those that become irrationally offended by the subject matter should avoid it. I listen to secular music, as well, and went to high school when rock was considered Devil music. Despite what people at church told me I still listened to it. If I encounter subject matter I don't care for I DON'T LISTEN TO IT. Another complaint about Neal Morse is that all his music sounds the same. I enjoy his style and that's what I want to hear, like an old friend. Many musical artists have attempted to change their sound and had fans rebel. Metallica's "Load" and "Reload" albums come to mind. I thought they were cool, but hardcore Metallica fans went berserk. So there's something to be said for the familiar. Most groups have a sound that identifies them, That's what makes them what they are. Anyway, if you enjoy Neal Morse and the Neal Morse Band you'll enjoy this album. Eric Gillette and Bill Hubauer get more lead vocal time than before, but it's still a familiar sound like an old friend coming home.

Neal Morse is the best progressive song-writer in the game. Taking influence from the likes of Genesis and Kansas and cutting his teeth in Spock’s Beard, Morse is one of the most prolific prog artists ever. The Great Adventure, though a sequel of The Similitude of a Dream, is really just Morse being Morse. The compositions are complex, blurring the lines between rock and metal, with catchy melodies and brilliant musicianship. I saw him a couple weeks ago (and this album is even more enjoyable live), and Morse made a joke about commercial success, of which he has had little. This is a shame because his music is as good as anything being released. Do yourself a favor and buy this album.

As the follow-up to SIMILITUDE OF A DREAM, this had a very high bar to reach, and reach it it does. That being said, as a "continuation" of the story from the previous album, it might be just a bit less engrossing, story or lyrically speaking, but the music itself is no less engrossing than any of Neal's other works - always energetic, inventive and catchy all at once. I tend to think if you were to ONLY listen to Neal Morse-penned music daily, your life would be a lot happier and optimistic about what the future holds for you. This adds very nicely to THAT collection of uplifting music - get it today!

As a fan of Spock's Beard and Dream Theater, I'm really, really impressed with the emotional depth conveyed within. When I made my Amazon purchase, I bought both Similitude AND Great Adventure... so I'd get the complete story.Honestly, any one of the 4 CDs can stand alone, but the bigger picture told via all four is tremendous. Bravo!If you like tasty prog rock, buy both double CD sets. It's worth the investment... at least, I thought so.

Another great work. Just saw it performed in its entirety live. When the discussion among fans turns to which is the greatest work, I say which ever one I’m listening to at the time! He has so many great works. If I had to pick it would be Similitude. If you haven’t seen these performed live get the DVD’s from Morsefest. Better yet go to Morsefest in August. This year Steve Morse will be there also!

My rating is really 2.5/5. I thoroughly enjoyed Similitude, but this album? Honestly it sounds like it should have been half as long. There's so much filler on here and it becomes agonizingly boring to listen to at a certain point. It's never annoying or an actively negative experience, but after the first 15 minutes or so it just completely loses me. The closing track is mostly really nice, though. Probably my favorite spot on the album.Overall, whereas Similitude was packed to the brim with really good music, this one is an hour or so of potentially good music stretched out unnecessarily.

How do you follow a masterpiece like Similitude of a Dream? Well, when you have the talents of The Neal Morse Band you produce another one! I didn't think it was possible but the band have served up a remarkable album here which is much darker and heavy than the predecessor. The dream is not over for sure and to take the story of the abandoned and angry son Joseph is a masterstroke because it allows the album to go places where Similitude didn't go. It's a perfect companion piece with such great songs which include A love that never dies, Vanity Fair and Dark Melody - which is a key theme.

This album is right up my prog rock strasse, wonderful musicianship of the scale, great tones, really expressive arrangements, especially the cellos.Neil Morse seems to right the music I want to listen to, very similar in parts to some of my own compositions. Distinctive influences tributes can be heard throughout the tracks, Dream Theater, mixed with moments of pure early Yes and Genesis which also push for prominence. If you like the bands mentioned I'm sure you'll love this, thoroughly recommended

ANother massive offering from Neal. A lot of Great stuff ... but I really don't understant the logic in this thing. The previous album from the guys here was too long, 2 CDs, and the DVD clearly showed that the band was not all in agreement on publishing it like that. And now they do it again: some masterful and incredibly good stuff (like the ones ERIC GILLETTE is singing) inside a loooooong and sometimes boring "epic". Anyway, I guess it is possible to make a very good album (or 2) by sampling these 4 CDs in all, but neal should learn being 'concise'. Now I remain a huge fan of this great artist, one of the best in rock today, and who am I to criticise :) Cant wait to see them on tour next week :)

After having lived with the album for a while now there’s no doubt this is top class stuff! I have no hesitation saying please ignore the 3 star reviews and add this album to your collection. It’s right up there with the best of the Morse back catalogue and the only weak track on the album is the awful Vanity Fair but even that when listened to in context isn’t as bad as I first thought. Don’t miss this one!!!

It goes without saying that Neal Morse and his band are great musicians, but like the previous double cd I will make up my own single cd version for private listening. There are some interesting themes but they do not keep my interest for very long. This would have been a superb single cd, as was The Grand Experiment which is my favourite of the three so far.Having said all that, 'A love that never dies' is one of the most beautiful compositions by Neal and the band and sends a shiver down the spine.