Morse, Alan: So Many Words

Alan Morse’s second solo album, So Many Words, is one of those records that feels deliberately personal and exploratory, the kind of release where expectations of genre boundaries are quietly ignored in favor of following instinct. While jazz rock and fusion are clearly part of the equation, this is not a cold or academic exercise. At its core, the album remains deeply rooted in songwriting and melody, with a strong rock backbone and a very human feel throughout.

The record opens on a surprisingly accessible note with “Everyday Is Insane�, a warm and welcoming pop-rock tune that immediately brought Tom Petty to mind, perhaps due to the vocal tone and relaxed delivery. It sets an inviting tone and eases the listener into what is otherwise a very stylistically diverse album. That sense of comfort is quickly challenged by “It’s Never Enough�, where jazz fusion and modern progressive rock collide. This track feels like an alternate universe version of Spock’s Beard, one where groove, atmosphere and controlled chaos take center stage. Jazzy, melodic, and constantly shifting, it is one of the album’s most exciting moments.

“I Don’t Want To Travel Time If It Takes Forever� keeps things upbeat and catchy, again leaning into that Petty-like pop rock sensibility, but with a slightly punky edge reminiscent of Soul Asylum. It is fast-paced, straightforward, and pleasant, if not particularly deep. “This Is Who We Are� slows things down with an acoustic ballad built on introspection rather than drama, and while it may seem unassuming at first, it unexpectedly delivers some of Alan’s finest guitar work on the album, tasteful and emotionally resonant.

“Shadow Of The Sun� feels like a melodic crossroads between Pattern Seeking Animals and The Beatles, carried by strong vocal harmonies and classic songwriting instincts. Solid and enjoyable, though not a standout, it blends seamlessly into the album’s middle section. “And It’s Time� brings things back up with a catchy and distinctive guitar riff, tight harmonies, and a soft rock drive that flirts with psychedelia, once again highlighting Morse’s knack for balancing accessibility with musical sophistication.

One of the more traditional pop moments arrives with “Making Up My Heart�, a male and female duet that feels romantic and earnest, almost like a classic radio single, yet elevated by progressive minded drumming and some scorching guitar work. It is enthusiastic and longing at the same time, and one of the album’s more emotionally direct tracks.

The title track “So Many Words� shifts the mood noticeably darker. In a world of bubblegum and cotton candy, this song represents the shadows. Middle Eastern-flavored instrumentation, saxophone, and mandolin give it a unique color, but despite its atmosphere, it feels slightly underwhelming for a title track, at least when measured against the album’s strongest moments.

“Bass Solo� arrives as a clear outlier. Likely featuring Tony Levin, who appears as a guest musician on the album, this experimental instrumental strips away most human warmth in favor of texture and concept. It feels intentional, but also somewhat disposable, and could have easily been left on the cutting room floor without harming the overall experience.

Just when the album risks losing momentum, “Make Me Real Again� arrives and completely reframes the listening experience. Riffy, heavy, dark, and memorable, this is the cream of the crop. The rhythmic section sounds pristine, the textures are rich, the guitar work is outstanding, and Morse’s vocals are at their strongest here. This is, without question, the album’s peak and my personal favorite.

The closing track, “Behind Me�, chooses Animals-era Pink Floyd as its canvas, and it is an inspired decision. Eerie, beautiful, and slowly dissolving, the song feels like the life gently leaving a body. A hypnotic bass groove anchors the track while Morse delivers some truly outstanding soloing. It may arrive late in the album, but it is worth the wait and stands as my second favorite moment.

So Many Words is an album that asks for patience. It is stylistically wide-ranging, sometimes uneven, but never careless. While not every idea lands with the same impact, the musicianship is consistently high, the intentions feel genuine, and when the record truly connects, it does so in a powerful way. A thoughtful and honest solo statement from Alan Morse, one that reveals more with each listen… cheers!

Track listing:
1. Everyday Is Insane (6:19)
2. It’s Never Enough (4:54)
3. I Don’t Want To Travel Time If It Takes Forever (4:05)
4. This Is Who We Are (6:43)
5. Shadow Of The Sun (4:41)
6. And It’s Time (5:52)
7. Making Up My Heart (7:41)
8. So Many Words (5:44)
9. Bass Solo (4:11)
10. Make Me Real Again (3:57)
11. Behind Me (5:38)

Added: January 20th 2026
Reviewer: Jose Antonio Marmol
Score:
Related Link: Artist @Bandcamp
Hits: 87
Language: english

[ Printer Friendly Page ]
[ Send to a Friend ]