- Audio CD (23 May 2011)
- Number of Discs: 3
- Format: Limited Edition, Box set
- Label: Century Media
- ASIN: B004VBGAMG
- Other Editions: Audio CD
- Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 55,972 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
21 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
It would appear that I am the first reviewer - I wish I wasn't; perhaps I should have waited?
Finely crafted and musically, almost immaculate - what you'd expect from this amazing musician.
The tracks are carefully constructed and over its 78 minute running time one gets a variety of moods as we return to the theme started in the wonderful Testimony One.
However, I wonder if Neal is asking too much of us as his soul searching continues and it seems even more self-indulgent.
I'm having real trouble with this as I am trying to balance the religious emphasis of this work and the music. Neal cries out his faith and his emotional turmoil, something I find a little overbearing at times. Then you have great music! With a rhythm section like Mike Portnoy and Randy George, what can go wrong? Of course there is Neal's sublime multi-instrumental skills and plenty of strings and things. Then there is a "mini" Spock's Beard reunion; however don't get too excited as this is fundamentally an acapella interlude.
I am reviewing the Limited Editon with the second 36 minute "Prog" disc featuring some great guitar work from Steve Morse on "Seeds of Gold", but it is a "bonus" selection and whilst good, is not THAT noteworthy. The "Making of . ." DVD is interesting enough and quite insighful.
I really did not feel able to give this 5 stars; indeed, I hovered over 4! But overall, the set is such a well executed work with some superb performances. I would never question Neal's musical gifts and prowess but I am beginning to question his sense of direction in respect of future output; his loyal fans might get a little "nervous".
This is excellent and mature Prog Rock/Rock of the highest quality, and, at the risk of sounding repetitive; it is what we have come to expect, but, maybe those expectations are part of the problem?
Finely crafted and musically, almost immaculate - what you'd expect from this amazing musician.
The tracks are carefully constructed and over its 78 minute running time one gets a variety of moods as we return to the theme started in the wonderful Testimony One.
However, I wonder if Neal is asking too much of us as his soul searching continues and it seems even more self-indulgent.
I'm having real trouble with this as I am trying to balance the religious emphasis of this work and the music. Neal cries out his faith and his emotional turmoil, something I find a little overbearing at times. Then you have great music! With a rhythm section like Mike Portnoy and Randy George, what can go wrong? Of course there is Neal's sublime multi-instrumental skills and plenty of strings and things. Then there is a "mini" Spock's Beard reunion; however don't get too excited as this is fundamentally an acapella interlude.
I am reviewing the Limited Editon with the second 36 minute "Prog" disc featuring some great guitar work from Steve Morse on "Seeds of Gold", but it is a "bonus" selection and whilst good, is not THAT noteworthy. The "Making of . ." DVD is interesting enough and quite insighful.
I really did not feel able to give this 5 stars; indeed, I hovered over 4! But overall, the set is such a well executed work with some superb performances. I would never question Neal's musical gifts and prowess but I am beginning to question his sense of direction in respect of future output; his loyal fans might get a little "nervous".
This is excellent and mature Prog Rock/Rock of the highest quality, and, at the risk of sounding repetitive; it is what we have come to expect, but, maybe those expectations are part of the problem?
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Well, I waited until I`d heard the album three times before writing this review. Neal`s stuff is seldom immediate and it takes a few listens to really be objective. First of all, cards on table etc I consider Neal Morse to be the greatest writer of modern day prog bar none. I therefore try not to be overly gushing in praise when less than perfect albums are produced. What is a good or bad album is subjective I know, as I don`t rate the first Testimony album too highly nor do I think Sola Scriptura is as good as many people do.
This for me is a very good album indeed. There are a few of the original albums themes reprised here but mostly it`s all new stuff. I find with Neal`s albums that you tend to forgive any dodgy bits in the middle as the endings are normally SO good.Same with this one, though not a lot of dodgy bits at all, really.
Lyrically is where this album will probably divide opinion. As most know,he`s a Christian and all his work since Testimony One has been to proclaim his faith. I can well understand why some would find this off putting, indeed I wonder why I seem to be only the second reviewer after the album`s been out a week. Could the lyrical content be alienating his fanbase? For those who share his faith, the lyrics are heartfelt and true. For those who don`t, that might well be a different matter. But one thing`s for sure, I don`t see future albums going along a different path.
So, an excellent piece of work from a musical genius who just keeps turning out quality music. Slight glimpses of the prog greats from yesteryear are found, including a "And You And I" moment plus a very Focus like guitar intro.But I think the Gentle Giant style vocal parts are now wearing a bit thin, Neal.
This for me is a very good album indeed. There are a few of the original albums themes reprised here but mostly it`s all new stuff. I find with Neal`s albums that you tend to forgive any dodgy bits in the middle as the endings are normally SO good.Same with this one, though not a lot of dodgy bits at all, really.
Lyrically is where this album will probably divide opinion. As most know,he`s a Christian and all his work since Testimony One has been to proclaim his faith. I can well understand why some would find this off putting, indeed I wonder why I seem to be only the second reviewer after the album`s been out a week. Could the lyrical content be alienating his fanbase? For those who share his faith, the lyrics are heartfelt and true. For those who don`t, that might well be a different matter. But one thing`s for sure, I don`t see future albums going along a different path.
So, an excellent piece of work from a musical genius who just keeps turning out quality music. Slight glimpses of the prog greats from yesteryear are found, including a "And You And I" moment plus a very Focus like guitar intro.But I think the Gentle Giant style vocal parts are now wearing a bit thin, Neal.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Like another reviewer I held off giving a review until I had listened to this album 3 or 4 times. Verdict? This album sounds very good to begin with and then gets better with each listen.
Neal Morse seems to produce albums non-stop and all of them are to a very high standard of progressive rock. To me this is one of his best. It has some slightly more commercial elements at times with a straightforward rock feel and at other times we are immersed into deep prog with complex time signatures and all that stuff. This is simply a great album and I will enjoy listening to it many, many more times.
Neal Morse seems to produce albums non-stop and all of them are to a very high standard of progressive rock. To me this is one of his best. It has some slightly more commercial elements at times with a straightforward rock feel and at other times we are immersed into deep prog with complex time signatures and all that stuff. This is simply a great album and I will enjoy listening to it many, many more times.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Epic followon from an epic
Some great stuff on here, I was wondering if Neal was going to lose track here by going back to the Testimony roots but he has been at pains to really take a fresh take on the... Read more
Published 9 months ago by P. A. Caruana
5* is not enough!
In my opinion this is the best thing that Neal has ever done (and that is saying something).The songs really do come from his soul and are truly inspirational both in lyrics and... Read more
Published 9 months ago by Nick Shepherd
Neal Morse - Testimony 2; 2 CD/DVD boxset.
This is a really great CD full of fantastic prog-rock. Second CD is great as well.
The lyrics don't bother me, if a man is passionate enough to write lyrics about it ahd... Read more
The lyrics don't bother me, if a man is passionate enough to write lyrics about it ahd... Read more
Published 9 months ago by N. Green
A master!
Self-indulgent maybe, but this is the mind of Neal Morse and what a mind it is! The musicianship and production in just about all of Neal's work is second to none. Read more
Published 9 months ago by realmusic
Just Enjoy!
I am not going anywhere near the Born again topic, each to his own!
All I will say is that Neal Morse (as stated before) is one of the best writers of epic prog/rock songs. Read more
All I will say is that Neal Morse (as stated before) is one of the best writers of epic prog/rock songs. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Richie
His calling - Music in the soul
A few years ago, Neal Morse took the brave step of leaving one of the most brilliant progressive rock bands on the planet, Spock's Beard. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Stephen Bradbury.Artist
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