Moody Blues: Discovering the Underrated Masterpieces
Moody Blues, a British rock band with a rich history spanning over five decades, has consistently delivered a unique blend of symphonic rock, soul, and jazz in their extensive discography. While many of their hits have secured a place in rock history, there is an assortment of underrated gems hidden within their albums. In this article, we delve into the overlooked masterpieces that have something to offer even to the most seasoned Moody Blues fan.
What is the Most Underrated Song on Each Moody Blues Album?
The most underrated song by The Moody Blues, in my opinion, is ldquo;Watching and Waitingrdquo; – the final track on their excellent album ldquo;To Our Childrenrsquo;s Childrenrsquo;s Children.rdquo; While the band rarely performed it in concert, especially after the passing of Mike Pinder and Ray Thomas, the hauntingly beautiful Mellotron performance by Pinder is a breathtaking experience. Co-written by Ray Thomas and Justin Hayward, this love song evokes a profound, almost mystical quality that makes it a true masterpiece within the Moody Blues repertoire.
Magnificent Moodies: True Story
Moody Blues has undergone several members' changes over the years, evolving through various phases. One such era is the Pinder era, which is renowned for its innovation and complexity.
Famous Albums of the Pinder Era
Several albums stand out as significant from the Pinder era, each with its own unique charm:
Days of Future Passed
Dawn is A Feeling
This track from the iconic ldquo;Days of Future Passedrdquo; album was the first extended play by a rock band, featuring a groundbreaking combination of symphonic music and rock. Pinder's arrangement for this track remains one of the finest examples of the genre, setting a precedent for future musical explorations.
In Search of the Lost Chord
Thinking Is the Best Way to Travel
The title track of this album, ldquo;In Search of the Lost Chord,rdquo; was a hit single when it was released. But the album itself contains several understated gems, like ldquo;Thinking Is the Best Way to Travel.rdquo; This track showcases Hayward's and Pinder's collaboration, blending complex melodies with simple yet poetic lyrics, creating a poignant and reflective atmosphere.
On the Threshold of a Dream
The Voyage
This album is a prime example of Moody Blues' symphonic rock style, with songs like ldquo;The Voyagerdquo; and ldquo;CDFMVR5 (The Third Dimension)rdquo; being notable for their orchestral arrangements and dramatic movements. Pinder's expertise in Mellotron and orchestration is evident in these tracks, but it's the lesser-known gem, ldquo;The Voyage,rdquo; that deserves more recognition for its emotional depth and complexity.
To Our Childrenrsquo;s Childrenrsquo;s Children
Gypsy
The album ldquo;To Our Childrenrsquo;s Childrenrsquo;s Childrenrdquo; culminates in the haunting ldquo;Eycinrdquo; and the soulful ldquo;Gypsy.rdquo; The latter, ldquo;Gypsy,rdquo; features a poignant vocal performance by Hayward, intertwining with Pinder's intricate Mellotron and orchestral arrangements. This understated love song, which runs deep with emotion, is a classic that has been overlooked by many.
A Question of Balance
Don’t You Feel Small
A standout track from this album, ldquo;Don’t You Feel Small,rdquo; showcases the band's ability to balance simplicity and complexity. Hayward's lyrics are weighty and philosophical, while Pinder's arrangement crafts a serene yet powerful musical backdrop. This song is a compelling display of Moody Blues' versatility and depth.
Every Good Boy Deserves Favour
One More Time to Live
This track, while tendentious, is a thoughtful and complex piece of music that maintains the symphonic rock style, featuring intricate arrangements and a profound emotional depth. Despite its complexity, it remains understated and remains a hidden gem within the Moody Blues catalog.
Seventh Sojourn
Lost in a Lost World
The album ldquo;Seventh Sojournrdquo; is noted for its experimental nature, including tracks like ldquo;Lost in a Lost Worldrdquo; and ldquo;Options.rdquo; While these pieces are ambitious and innovative, the latter track, ldquo;Lost in a Lost World,rdquo; is a haunting and at times eerie composition that is often overlooked. It provides a unique and dark atmosphere, making it a standout on the album.
Octave
I’ll Be Level with You
The closing track, ldquo;I’ll Be Level with You,rdquo; is the first single from the ldquo;Octaverdquo; album. While it received critical acclaim, this piece's unique melodic structure and experimental tone often go unnoticed, especially in comparison to the band's more mainstream hits. Pinder's arrangement is particularly innovative, blending various instruments and vocal layers to create a mesmerizing and thought-provoking composition.
Conclusion
While Moody Blues has left an indelible mark on the musical landscape with their signature hits and grandiose soundscapes, there are many overlooked masterpieces that deserve more recognition. Tracks like ldquo;Watching and Waitingrdquo;, ldquo;Gypsy,rdquo; and ldquo;Lost in a Lost Worldrdquo; are prime examples of the intricate, emotive, and innovative music that underscores the band's rich legacy. These songs are a testament to the enduring talent and creative vision of The Moody Blues, inviting listeners to delve deeper into their expansive discography and discover the beauty and complexity that lies beneath the surface.