Ever since Neal Morse became a Christian nearly 20 years ago, the former driving force behind bands such as Spock’s Beard has connected his faith to his music. With Jesus Christ the Exorcist, Morse turns his talents to actually telling Jesus’ story. In this nearly two-hour “rock opera,” Morse spends about 25 minutes in the first half of the album with two instances where Jesus casts out demons. The four songs about these miracles are among the highlights of this excellent musical work. The songs sung by the people who were on the receiving end of these healings are uplifting and encouraging. “Free at Last,” sung by the “woman of seven devils” and “Love Has Called My Name,” sung by “the madman of the Gadarenes” wonderfully evoke the joy and the peace that Jesus brought to these two lives.
Jesus Christ the Exorcist has a large cast with great vocal performances turned in by nearly everyone, especially Ted Leonard as Jesus and Talon David as Mary Magdalene. Morse is particularly good at writing stirring anthems. By the time we get to “The Greatest Love of All,” a duet from Mary and Jesus at the empty tomb, the music soars and we’re swept up into the story and into the joy of the resurrection. Jesus Christ the Exorcist is a wonderful retelling of Jesus’ story. (Frontiers)
About the Author
Robert J. Keeley is a professor of education emeritus at Calvin University and leads music at 14th St. Christian Reformed Church in Holland, Mich.
