Neal Morse Band Album: L.I.F.T.

Do you want the truth? Of course you do, and in all honesty L.I.F.T. has not left my player since I bought it. Neal Morse writes the best damn hooks; his melodies stick in my head and have me singing at the top of my lungs. The opening track “Beginning� gives you everything you’d expect, a subtle piano intro soon morphs into his trademark uplifting, majestic symphonic sound with incredible musicianship and soloing (check out those keyboard runs). I dare you to get the vocal melody out of your head once you’ve listened to “Fully Alive�, that theme sticks to you like glue. Guitarist Eric Gillette and keyboardist Bill Hubauer share the vocal duties, all have distinct vocals that stand out from each other. I’ve always been impressed with Gillette’s guitar work, and you add the powerful rhythm section of Randy George (bass) and Mr. Mike Portnoy on the drums, these guys nail everything. There are musical themes that run through the album and keep the songs tied together. The spiritual lyrics don’t bother me in the least, but can be a turnoff for people. The album ends powerfully with “Fully Alive Part 2� and the gorgeous “Love All Along�.

It’s been five years since 2021’s Innocence and Danger, an album which I passed on. The reason for that is the only criticism I can direct towards NMB, and that is the albums tend to sound the same. I don’t find a lot of variation in his music, but at the same time I’m saying that as a major fan. Neal is a superb talent; I’ve been drawn to his music since the Spock’s Beard days. With NMB, you know what you are going to get, and this time around it’s fine with me.

Track Listing
1. Beginning
2. Fully Alive
3. I Still Belong
4. Gravity’s Grip
5. Hurt People
6. The Great Withdrawal
7. Contemplation
8. Shame About My Shame
9. Reaching
10. Carry You Again
11. Shattered Barricade
12. Fully Alive Part 2
13. Love All Along

Added: April 3rd 2026
Reviewer: Eric Porter
Score:
Related Link: Meal Morse Online
Hits: 24
Language: english

[ Printer Friendly Page ]
[ Send to a Friend ]