by Prog Nick
Alan Morse is nothing if not an innovator – a wizard-like inventor of electronic processors, gizmos and above all, sounds. Sounds that are sometimes crazy, often previously unheard, but always tuneful and musical. He has a uniquely vibe-driven approach to music that is idiosyncratic, always interesting, challenging and personally distincive to him. This has been a major part of his legacy with Spock’s Beard, and it forms much of the expectation around his second solo album, ‘So Many Words’.
Produced by Alan and keyboardist Markus Riegler, the album features an enticing line-up of guest performers including Alan’s brother Neal and other family members, Simon Phillips, Jimmy Keegan, Nick D’Virgilio, Tony Levin and all the members of Spock’s Beard other than Nick Potters. Alan himself plays most of the guitars, some bass, cello, mandolin, bouzouki and even the sitar.
But the real surprise on this album, unlike Alan’s first solo album, which was purely instrumental, is that he sings many of the lead vocals on the album, and there are vocals on every track except one. Thinking back, it is remarkable but true that one can hardly recall an Alan Morse lead vocal, despite his vast discography. But now we have been endowed with several Alan Morse lead vocals. He has quite an unusual voice and a very distinctive style of delivery. It is possible that some people might not take to this style at first listen, but with some perseverance, the listener will become used to his grungy voice and lyrical phrasing. Ultimately, Alan’s lead vocals are revealed to be overwhelmingly good. On the rockier tracks in particular, his voice fits perfectly and sounds just right, and when it is used as a counterpoint to his brother Neal’s smoother delivery, there is a familiar feeling of the vocals being right at home.
In essence, the album is an admirable side-project written and produced by an artist who may not be the primary songwriter in his main band, but has much to offer that is intriguing and different. It is experimental without being radical – it certainly explores Alan’s traditional influences, but it seems to me that the album is also an avowed effort not to present too many familiar proggy tropes. Much of the album features guitar-based rock, pop and blues, and there are vocal hooks aplenty and many powerful instrumental moments, all of which seem to get more attractive after repeated listens. It is a varied album, and there are many moments of excellence, though the songwriting is intentionally diverse enough to take the risk of not sounding altogether consistent at times. Of course, the outstanding performances of the musicians, and especially of Alan himself, more than make up for any such risk.
Two tracks were co-written with Alan’s brother Neal. The first, ‘I Don’t Want to Travel Time If It Takes Forever” is an absolute winner, trading off Alan’s and Neal’s different vocal styles with brilliance. Featuring highly entertaining lyrics like ‘I don’t wanna wake up alone in Mexico with a slide trombone’, the track rocks with massive intent and is a contender for standout track of the album. Definitely one of my favorite moments on the record, the song not surprisingly also features the great Tony Levin on bass. The second Neal co-composition, ‘Shadow of the Sun’, is the album’s signature ballad tune.
Other impressive tracks include the proggy ‘It’s Never Enough’ which boasts a highly impressive drum performance from Jimmy Keegan, the folky and dreamy ‘This Is Who We Are’ and standout rocker ‘And It’s Time’. Alan’s voice may sound a little forthright in the mix on this one, but the NDV-driven instrumental performances are outstanding enough to provide a clear balance. The title track also features NDV on drums, and the percussion maestro is right in his element. The result is a funky, slow blues rocker with the heaviest groove and crescendo on the album.
I predict that some will find ‘Bass Solo’ to be somewhat redundant because, well, it is an instrumental bass solo built around a drum machine groove. I, however, enjoy it and even on first listen, I found myself (bizarrely) tapping my foot and nodding my head to it. ‘Make Me Real Again’ is another rocker built around Alan’s distorted guitar and tightly controlled feedback, and the closing track ‘Behind Me’ presents an ominous slow groove that builds slowly into an intense climax. As for the two remaining tracks, ‘Every Day Is Insane’ is a spicy melding of Prog and grunge, and ‘Making Up My Heart’ is a pleasing, uplifting pop song built around a mighty and driving NDV drum groove.
With eleven tracks in all, this album is a varied but balanced bouquet of songs that offers many styles, genres and influences, all built around Mr Morse’s wizardry, vision and bravery of stylistic choice. Some tracks might initially sound like straightforward rock or pop, but there is no going through the motions here – only great grooves that become compulsive. You should not necessarily expect crazy Prog arrangements on every song, but this is intentionally so. What you can expect from ‘So Many Roads’ is a very solid album by a brilliant musician supported by some of the best performers in the world. Stellar performances and a strong dose of Alan Morse innovation, quirkiness and idiosyncracy make for a very enjoyable record indeed.
Alan Morse is one of the unsung heroes of Prog. He is without doubt one of the key reasons why Spock’s Beard have enjoyed such longevity. His solo offerings therefore deserve attention simply because they are by Alan Morse. But this material stands up outside of that consideration. With many surprises and several musical twists, ‘So Many Words’ is a grower of an album that deserves repeated listens. It is a record that stretches and bends the confines of genre, but does so within the very clear direction that Morse sets. It is true that not every track on ‘So Many Words’ sounds remarkable at first listen, but there is an addictive quality to these songs, and the inevitable repeated listens emphatically reveal that the general standard of the album is outstanding. This is a collection that entrenches Alan Morse as one of the most inventive guitarists and multi-instrumentalists around, a technical innovator of note, a great songwriter and an unexpectedly good lead vocalist. Congratulations to the Wizard.
Released on Jan 22nd, 2026
Order here: https://linktr.ee/alanmorse
1.Every Day Is Insane 06:19
2.It’s Never Enough (feat. Spock’s Beard) 04:54
3.I Don’t Want To Travel Time If It Takes Forever (feat. Neal Morse) 04:05
4.This Is Who We Are 06:43
5.In The Shadow Of The Sun (feat. Neal Morse) 04:41
6.And It’s Time 05:52
7.Making Up My Heart 07:41
8.So Many Words 05:44
9.Bass Solo (Instrumental) 04:11
10.Make Me Real Again 03:57
11.Behind Me 05:38
