The Grand Experiment
The Grand Experiment is the first album by the progressive rock supergroup The Neal Morse Band. The album was composed and recorded over a short period of time, with no preparation work before entering the studio. This is the first time Morse has recorded this way, with no pre-prepared material (and as a completely collaborative effort with his new band), hence the album's title.[5][6][7] It was released on February 10, 2015, in three formats: single CD edition, a special edition which includes the album plus a bonus CD and DVD, and a double CD and vinyl edition.[8] A music video for the title track was released on January 7, 2015.[5]
| The Grand Experiment | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | February 10, 2015[1] | |||
| Recorded | 2014 | |||
| Genre | Progressive rock | |||
| Length | 52:44 | |||
| Label | Metal Blade/Radiant, InsideOut[2] | |||
| The Neal Morse Band chronology | ||||
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| Neal Morse chronology | ||||
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| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| The Phantom Tollbooth |   [3] |
| Sonic Perspectives | [4] |
Track listing
All tracks are written by Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy, Randy George, Bill Hubauer and Eric Gillette
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "The Call" | 10:15 |
| 2. | "The Grand Experiment" | 5:30 |
| 3. | "Waterfall" | 6:32 |
| 4. | "Agenda" | 3:45 |
| 5. | "Alive Again" | 26:42 |
| Total length: | 52:44 | |
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "New Jerusalem (Freedom Is Coming)" | 7:12 |
| 2. | "Doomsday Destiny" | 5:27 |
| 3. | "MacArthur Park" (Arranged by Bill Hubauer (original version written by Jimmy Webb with vocals by Richard Harris)) | 10:52 |
| 4. | "The Creation" (Live at Morsefest) | 18:55 |
| 5. | "Reunion" (Live at Morsefest) | 10:22 |
| Total length: | 52:48 | |
Personnel
- Neal Morse - lead vocals, keyboards, guitars
- Mike Portnoy - drums, backing vocals
- Randy George - bass, backing vocals
- Eric Gillette - guitars, lead & backing vocals
- Bill Hubauer - keyboards, lead & backing vocals
Technical personnel
- Rich Mouser - mixing
Critical reception
Stereoboard named The Grand Experiment album of the year in 2015.[9]
References
- "Radiant Records. The Neal Morse Band - The Grand Experiment". Radiant Records. Retrieved December 10, 2014.
- "INSIDE OUT MUSIC -: The Neal Morse Band announce 'The Grand Experiment';European tour dateswith Beardfish confirmed". InsideOut Records. Retrieved December 10, 2014.
- Saraco, Bert. "Neal Morse Band, The - The Grand Experiment". The Phantom Tollbooth. Retrieved January 15, 2015.
- "Sonic Perspectives Review". Retrieved April 11, 2022.
- Munro, Scott. "Neal Morse Band launches Grand promo". Classic Rock. Retrieved January 15, 2015.
- "Randy George talks about The Grand Experiment"., Published February 10, 2015
- "Neal Morse Interview With The Prog Report"., Published January 25, 2015
- Kielty, Martin. "Neal Morse Band reveal Grand Experiment". Classic Rock. Retrieved December 10, 2014.
- "Stereoboard Albums Of The Year: The Neal Morse Band - The Grand Experiment". Retrieved April 11, 2022.