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
ReleasedFebruary 10, 2015[1]
Recorded2014
GenreProgressive rock
Length52:44
LabelMetal Blade/Radiant, InsideOut[2]
The Neal Morse Band chronology
The Grand Experiment
(2015)
The Similitude of a Dream
(2016)
Neal Morse chronology
Songs from November
(2014)
The Grand Experiment
(2015)
Alive Again
(2016)
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
The Phantom Tollbooth[3]
Sonic Perspectives[4]

Track listing

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All tracks are written by Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy, Randy George, Bill Hubauer and Eric Gillette

No.TitleLength
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
Bonus Disc
No.TitleLength
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

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  • 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

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Stereoboard named The Grand Experiment album of the year in 2015.[9]

References

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  1. ^ "Radiant Records. The Neal Morse Band - The Grand Experiment". Radiant Records. Retrieved December 10, 2014.
  2. ^ "INSIDE OUT MUSIC -: The Neal Morse Band announce 'The Grand Experiment';European tour dateswith Beardfish confirmed". InsideOut Records. Retrieved December 10, 2014.
  3. ^ Saraco, Bert. "Neal Morse Band, The - The Grand Experiment". The Phantom Tollbooth. Retrieved January 15, 2015.
  4. ^ "Sonic Perspectives Review". Retrieved April 11, 2022.
  5. ^ a b Munro, Scott. "Neal Morse Band launches Grand promo". Classic Rock. Retrieved January 15, 2015.
  6. ^ "Randy George talks about The Grand Experiment"., Published February 10, 2015
  7. ^ "Neal Morse Interview With The Prog Report"., Published January 25, 2015
  8. ^ Kielty, Martin. "Neal Morse Band reveal Grand Experiment". Classic Rock. Retrieved December 10, 2014.
  9. ^ "Stereoboard Albums Of The Year: The Neal Morse Band - The Grand Experiment". Retrieved April 11, 2022.