I like the album, "Seemingly Sincere" might be the best song Neal has written over the last few albums. It's somewhat of departarture from his "normal" style, emphasis on somewhat, it's really just the intro that sounds different than anything else I've heard over the last few albums - but it's a great song. Almost all of Neal's solo albums are like a collection of old comfortable sweaters, all knitted by the same person. The minute you put one on, even when it's a new one, you recognize the contours of its knitting pattern, the way the sweater hangs on you and is just a bit too long in the arms, so you have to roll up the sleeves, etc. Sola Gratia follows this formula if you will. And I don't mean that as a slam at all. In fact, I admire him as a musician and songwriter, he is one gifted mofo.
That said, I think his solo albums are becoming a little predictable at this point. Which is one reason why "Seemingly Sincere" was such a stand-out track.
I'd love to see him really focus on the Neal Morse Band for a few albums, give his solo work a rest. Maybe a follow that up with a new Transatlantic album after "The Ultimate Universe." For me, Neal's best music has always been the more collaborative stuff. That's not to say that he doesn't have his share of masterpieces as a solo artist. I think "?" was pretty close to perfection. I still rate it a 5 star album.