Album Information:
Album ID: 10180
About The Moody Blues:
The Moody Blues is a British rock band, formed in Birmingham in 1964. The band was originally composed of Denny Laine (vocals, guitar), Ray Thomas (vocals, harmonica, percussion), Mike Pinder (vocals, keyboards), Graeme Edge (drummer), and Clint Warwick (bass guitar). In 1966, Warwick left and was replaced by John Lodge. This line-up became the most successful and popular version of the band.
The Moody Blues became known for their melodic, psychedelic rock sound, which was a mix of classical music and rock n' roll. The band's music incorporated orchestral arrangements and included songs with poetic lyrics and themes of spirituality, love and life.
The band's breakthrough album, 'Days of Future Passed,' released in 1967, featured the London Festival Orchestra. The album was a fusion of rock music and orchestral arrangements, and it became a landmark album in the history of rock music. The hit single from the album was 'Nights in White Satin,' which is still one of the most played songs on classic rock radio stations.
In 1968, the Moody Blues released 'In Search of the Lost Chord,' which was another psychedelic rock album with themes of spirituality and philosophical ideas. The band went on to release many more successful albums throughout the 70s and 80s, including 'On the Threshold of a Dream,' 'To Our Children's Children's Children,' and 'Seventh Sojourn.' The band took a hiatus in the 80s, and the members pursued solo careers.
The Moody Blues continued to make music throughout the 90s and 2000s, releasing albums such as 'Keys of the Kingdom' and 'December.' The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.
The Moody Blues have sold over 70 million records worldwide and have been cited as an influence on progressive rock, as well as the development of psychedelic and orchestral rock. Their music continues to be played on radio stations and has influenced countless bands and artists in the rock genre.
About the album A Question Of Balance:
A Question of Balance is the sixth album by The Moody Blues, released in 1970. It was the first album they released after the departure of their original bassist and co-founder, Clint Warwick. He was replaced by a new bassist, John Lodge.
Overall, the album explores a range of themes related to balance, both in the individual's personal life and in the wider global community. Many of the songs express a sense of longing for greater harmony and understanding, both within oneself and in society as a whole.
The album opens with the track 'Question,' which features a driving, upbeat rhythm and lyrics that question the status quo and call for change. This track became one of their biggest hits, and many fans consider it to be one of their best songs.
Other standout tracks include 'How Is It (We Are Here),' a dreamy, psychedelic song with a haunting melody, and 'Melancholy Man,' a reflective ballad that showcases the band's excellent harmonies. 'It's Up to You' is a catchy, optimistic song that encourages the listener to take control of their life and make the most of every moment.
One of the most notable aspects of A Question of Balance is its use of different instruments and sounds. The album features a variety of acoustic instruments, including harpsichord, flute, and strings, which add to the album's dreamy, mystical feel.
One of the album's more experimental tracks is 'The Balance,' a spoken-word poem overlaid with a collage of sound effects, including circus music and animal noises. This track, which explores the theme of balance in nature and society, is a departure from the band's more traditional songs but is still highly regarded by many fans.
Overall, A Question of Balance is a strong and cohesive album that showcases The Moody Blues' unique sound and thoughtful lyrics. It remains a favorite among fans and is considered by many to be one of the band's best works.
Members:
The Moody Blues were a British rock band that formed in 1964. The key members of The Moody Blues are:
1. Justin Hayward (vocals, guitar)
Born on October 14, 1946, in Swindon, England, Justin Hayward is known for his distinctive voice and guitar playing. He joined The Moody Blues in 1966, just in time for their breakthrough album, 'Days of Future Passed.' Hayward wrote many of the band's biggest hits, such as 'Nights in White Satin' and 'Question.' He remains active in music today.
2. John Lodge (vocals, bass)
Born on July 20, 1945, in Birmingham, England, John Lodge was a founding member of The Moody Blues. He joined the band in 1966, just in time for their breakthrough album, 'Days of Future Passed.' Lodge wrote and sang many of the band's hit songs, such as 'Ride My See-Saw' and 'I'm Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band).' He remains active in music today.
3. Graeme Edge (drums, percussion)
Born on March 30, 1941, in Rochester, England, Graeme Edge was a founding member of The Moody Blues. He was the band's primary lyricist and wrote many of their most memorable songs, such as 'Tuesday Afternoon' and 'Legend of a Mind.' Edge also played a key role in the band's experimental sound, incorporating spoken word and poetry into their music.
4. Ray Thomas (vocals, flute)
Born on December 29, 1941, in Stourport-on-Severn, England, Ray Thomas was a founding member of The Moody Blues. He was the band's primary flautist and sang many of their hit songs, such as 'Dear Diary' and 'For My Lady.' Thomas left the band in 2002 and passed away in 2018.
5. Mike Pinder (vocals, keyboards)
Born on December 27, 1941, in Erdington, England, Mike Pinder was a founding member of The Moody Blues. He was the band's primary keyboardist and wrote many of their songs, such as 'The Best Way to Travel' and 'Have You Heard.' Pinder left the band in 1978 and today is retired from the music industry.
6. Patrick Moraz (keyboards)
Born on June 24, 1948, in Morges, Switzerland, Patrick Moraz joined The Moody Blues in 1978 and played on their album 'Octave.' He left the band in 1991 and went on to have a successful solo career and collaborations with other artists.
Track List for A Question Of Balance:
Track 1: 'Question' (5:42)
'Question' is a song that explores the complex question of why we are here on earth and what our purpose is. Its lyrics encourage introspection and contemplation on the meaning of life.
Track 2: 'How Is It (We Are Here)' (2:49)
'How Is It (We Are Here)' is a reflective piece with a mellow melody that contemplates the human experience and the concept of existence.
Track 3: 'And the Tide Rushes In' (2:56)
'And the Tide Rushes In' features a dreamy, ethereal sound that reflects on the cyclical nature of life and the passage of time.
Track 4: 'Don't You Feel Small' (2:38)
'Don't You Feel Small' encourages listeners to take a step back from their problems and concerns and realize how small they are in the grand scheme of things.
Track 5: 'Tortoise and the Hare' (3:23)
'Tortoise and the Hare' is a playful, upbeat song that draws inspiration from the Aesop's Fable of the same name, highlighting the value of persistence and hard work.
Track 6: 'It's Up to You' (3:13)
'It's Up to You' urges listeners to take control of their life and make their own decisions, instead of being swayed by external influences.
Track 7: 'Minstrel's Song' (4:27)
'Minstrel's Song' features a beautiful string arrangement and reflective lyrics that look back on the narrator's life and appreciate the journey.
Track 8: 'Dawning Is the Day' (4:20)
'Dawning Is the Day' is an uplifting song that celebrates a new dawn and the endless possibilities it brings.
Track 9: 'Melancholy Man' (5:49)
'Melancholy Man' is a poignant song that explores feelings of sadness and isolation, and the struggle to find a sense of purpose.
Track 10: 'The Balance' (3:33)
'The Balance' is a fitting conclusion to the album, with lyrics that discuss the need for balance and harmony in all areas of life. It features an uplifting, optimistic melody that leaves the listener with a sense of hope.
Discography for The Moody Blues:
Here is the complete discography for The Moody Blues in chronological order:
Studio Albums:
1. The Magnificent Moodies - 1965
2. Days of Future Passed - 1967
3. In Search of the Lost Chord - 1968
4. On the Threshold of a Dream - 1969
5. To Our Children's Children's Children - 1969
6. A Question of Balance - 1970
7. Every Good Boy Deserves Favour - 1971
8. Seventh Sojourn - 1972
9. Octave - 1978
10. Long Distance Voyager - 1981
11. The Present - 1983
12. The Other Side of Life - 1986
13. Sur la Mer - 1988
14. Keys of the Kingdom - 1991
15. Strange Times - 1999
16. December - 2003
17. The View from the Hill - 2011
Live Albums:
1. Caught Live + 5 - 1977
2. Live at the Royal Albert Hall with the World Festival Orchestra - 2000
3. Hall of Fame - Live from the Royal Albert Hall - 2000
4. Lovely to See You - Live - 2005
5. Live at the Isle of Wight Festival 1970 - 2008
6. Nights in White Satin - 2008
7. Live at the BBC: 1967-1970 - 2007
8. Threshold of a Dream - Live at the Isle of Wight Festival - 2008
9. The Moody Blues: Live in Toronto - 2009
10. Live at the Olympia - 2013
Compilation Albums:
1. This Is The Moody Blues - 1974
2. Prelude - 1987
3. Voices in the Sky: The Best of The Moody Blues - 1984
4. The Story of The Moody Blues... Legend of a Band - 1989
5. Time Traveller - 1996
6. The Singles+ - 1996
7. An Introduction to the Moody Blues - 2004
8. Gold - 2005
9. Collected - 2006
10. Ballads - 2015
Singles:
1. 'Steal Your Heart Away' - 1964
2. 'Go Now!' - 1964
3. 'From the Bottom of My Heart' - 1965
4. 'Everyday' - 1965
5. 'Boulevard de la Madeleine' - 1966
6. 'This Is My House (But Nobody Calls)' - 1966
7. 'Fly Me High' - 1967
8. 'Love And Beauty' - 1967
9. 'Night In White Satin' - 1967
10. 'Tuesday Afternoon (Forever Afternoon)' - 1968
11. 'Voices In The Sky' - 1968
12. 'Ride My See-Saw' - 1968
13. 'Never Comes The Day' - 1969
14. 'Watching And Waiting' - 1969
15. 'Question' - 1969
16. 'Melancholy Man' - 1970
17. 'The Story In Your Eyes' - 1971
18. 'Emily's Song' - 1971
19. 'Isn't Life Strange' - 1972
20. 'I'm Just A Singer (In A Rock And Roll Band)' - 1972
21. 'Night Flight' - 1979
22. 'The Voice' - 1981
23. 'Talking Out Of Turn' - 1982
24. 'Sitting At The Wheel' - 1983
25. 'Blue World' - 1983
26. 'Your Wildest Dreams' - 1986
27. 'The Other Side of Life' - 1986
28. 'I Know You're Out There Somewhere' - 1988
29. 'No More Lies' - 1988
30. 'Say It With Love' - 1991.