Reviewed by Anthony Longville

This is the 2001 release from the band fronted by Neal Morse. Transatlantic was a side project from his days as lead singer in Spock's Beard. Morse was joined by members of Dream Theater, Marillion and the Flower Kings to form this "progressive super group." The album is made up of a grand total of four tracks, two of over 26 minutes each. Musically it's a big rock sound with some of the familiar symphonic sounding music I associate with Morse. The title track is a much more stripped down but beautiful ballad. Although this is very much a team effort, Morse's influence is unmistakeable. Lyrically I believe Morse felt somewhat restricted towards the end of his time in his two bands. He was a Christian but not really able to fully spell out his beliefs (unlike now!), where the other band members did not share his convictions. However, listening as a Christian, so much of the lyrical content is clearly Christian. The title track is about the bridge between death and life. In "Suite Charlotte Pike", a girl refuses to go to the city of sin, because she has a friend whose "name is Wonderful, Majesty." "Duel With The Devil" seems pretty obvious. To me the highlight is "Stranger In Your Soul", which features on Morse's live DVD as an encore. This is full of spiritual imagery (I'll leave you to listen to it) and is a glorious musical celebration of God's power to change a life, "awakening the stranger in your soul." If you love great rock music, get into Neal Morse, including this classic work!

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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