The Restoration – Joseph: Part Two
Release date – January 12th, 2024
Review by Linda McDermott
Are you into progressive rock music? If you are you may already have ‘The Dreamer – Joseph: Part One.’ By Nashville-based prog rock virtuoso Neal Morse. If this is the case you will be pleased to hear that his next album, ‘The Restoration – Joseph: Part Two’ is set for release on the 12th of January.
Although we may all know the story of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Neal Morse has his take on it that is both contemporary and powerful in his storytelling. Immerse yourself in a musical journey as progressive rock brings a biblical character to life. This unique project features original songs, enriched by Neal’s band and a diverse cast of guest artists. Experience the fusion of creativity and spirituality in this one-of-a-kind musical odyssey, transcending genres and weaving a captivating narrative.
Inspiration flowed for Neal, resulting in nearly two hours of music that narrates the story of Joseph through the lens of progressive rock. Rather than releasing the tracks as a double album, Neal opted to release Joseph’s new rock opera in two separate volumes, believing that the strength of both the music and the story warranted this approach, as each album could independently stand as a testament to its intrinsic value.
‘The Dreamer – Joseph: Part One’ concluded with Joseph being unjustly imprisoned. In ‘The Restoration – Joseph: Part Two,’ the biblical narrative unfolds, chronicling how Joseph’s wisdom and intelligence led him to become the ruler of Egypt and, to the eventual reunion with his family.
The opening track, ‘Cosmic Mess’ sets the scene for the 16-track album. Neal had this to say about the first song: “It doesn’t sound like it, but ‘Cosmic Mess’ was written on the piano. I think it was toward the end of the writing process on Joseph, and I was thinking it would be good to have another prologue sort of song. One of my main takeaways from the Joseph story is that all the terrible things needed to happen to Joseph to put him at the right hand of the pharaoh so that he could feed/save the whole world and be reunited with his family. So that’s what I am singing about in the chorus… The darkness must come for the light to show up fully.”
Playing the album as a whole is a must, only then will you be able to envisage the story that Neal and his gathered artists are tantalisingly painting for you. As a very accomplished composer, Neal Morse delivers a great dramatic rock opera, from the opening track ‘Cosmic Mess’ to the impressive ending with ‘Dawning of a New Day’. The album is both intricate and complex in its music and lyrics and will attract both devoted prog rockers and melodic rock aficionados alike, I could personally see it in my mind’s eye playing out on a big stage somewhere.
Track List: 1. Cosmic Mess 2. My Dream 3. Dreamer in the Jailhouse 4. All Hail 5. The Argument 6. Make Like a Breeze 7. Overture Reprise 8. I Hate My Brothers 9. Guilty as Charged 10. Reckoning 11. Bring Ben 12. Freedom Road 13. The Brothers Repent / Joseph Revealed 14. The Restoration 15. Everlasting 16. Dawning of a New Day (God Uses Everything for Good) Lineup: Nick D’Virgilio Eric Gillette Gabe Klein Neal Morse Sam Hunter Gideon Klein Alan Morse Mark Leniger Bill Hubauer Cast:
Neal Morse Ted Leonard Matt Smith Nick D’Virgilio Ross Jennings Alan Morse Jake Livgren Mark Pogue Talon David Wil Morse Social Media: Facebook X Instagram YouTube
+ There are no comments
Add yours