Uncalled-for Remake
Henry R. Kujawa | "The Forbidden Zone" (Camden, NJ) | 11/03/2000
(3 out of 5 stars)
"This is a beautiful work, musically as well as for those who appreciate dramatic readings from the Bible. My problem with it is wondering WHY was it done? In 1986 Wakeman recorded THE GOSPELS (reissued on CD as THE WORD AND THE GOSPELS) with The Eton College Choir, tenor Ramon Remedios, and narrator Robert Powell (the star of the JESUS OF NAZARETH TV-miniseries!). A glorious work clocking in at 86:32. At 97:32, this 1995 redo is just too long; rearranging certain tracks seem to make it drag longer than it already does, and while Remedios returned in fine form I'm afraid narrator Garfield Morgan just doesn't match the original. For Wakeman "completists" only; all others I suggest search out the earlier album, his first and still perhaps best "spiritual"/"religious" project."
Highly recommended !
David Gaare | Chicago Suburbs, IL United States | 01/17/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you are a Rick Wakeman enthusiast, you must add this to your collection. If you are a Christian, listen to The New Gospels very carefully; you will surely feel a deep emotional reaction to this music. The voice of Ramon Remedios is extraordinary. I know there are several versions of The New Gospels. In addition to the CD I bought the Video mentioned in the other review. I also highly recommend the video. I believe Rick Wakeman added on to the original to make it a more complete message on The Gospel. I feel that the length of this recording is now "just right". Listen and enjoy!"
In my opinion. . .
A. Lesley | Conway, S.C. United States | 11/10/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Another reviewer of this work calls it an unnecessary remake and says to seek out the first version. In my opinion, this one is better for several reasons. First of all, the keyboard sounds on this version are not as "cold" or "sharp" as on the first version. Secondly, there is more narration, which greatly adds to the overall work (however, I would have preferred Powell to be the narrator on this one, also). Third, the addition of "The Cross" to this version is great, and Rick even considers this track to be the best he has ever written. Plus, the track order on this one seems to flow better than the original. If you enjoy this work, you definitely owe it to yourself to buy the video, "The Word: A Musical Spectacular On The Life Of Christ" available from Amazon.com."
Track Listings (5) - Disc #1