Album Information:
Album ID: 10191
About The Moody Blues:
The Moody Blues are a British rock band that have been active since the 1960s. The band was formed in Birmingham in 1964 and consisted of five members: Justin Hayward (guitar and vocals), John Lodge (bass and vocals), Ray Thomas (flute, percussion, and vocals), Graeme Edge (drums), and Mike Pinder (keyboards and vocals).
In the early years, The Moody Blues were known for their rhythm and blues style, but after Pinder introduced the Mellotron to the band, they began to experiment with new sounds and influences, which ultimately led to the creation of their signature sound. This sound incorporated elements of classical music, rock, and psychedelia, with intricate arrangements and lyrics that explored themes of spirituality and introspection.
The Moody Blues achieved mainstream success in 1967 with their single 'Nights in White Satin,' which became a hit in both the UK and the US. This was followed by a string of successful albums, including Days of Future Passed, In Search of the Lost Chord, and On the Threshold of a Dream, which solidified the band's reputation as pioneers of progressive rock.
However, despite their critical and commercial success, The Moody Blues underwent several lineup changes in the 1970s and faced declining popularity in the 1980s. In 1981, Pinder left the band, and was replaced by keyboardist Patrick Moraz. The remaining members continued to tour and record, but it wasn't until the release of their 1991 album Keys of the Kingdom that they experienced a resurgence in popularity.
Today, The Moody Blues are regarded as one of the most influential and innovative bands in rock history, with a catalog that spans over five decades. They have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and continue to tour and perform to this day. Their legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike.
About the album Sur La Mer:
As an AI language model, I don't have personal preferences or opinions. However, I can tell you that Sur La Mer is the thirteenth studio album by the British rock band The Moody Blues, released in 1988.
The album features mostly pop and synth-oriented songs, deviating from the band's usual psychedelic rock sound. It was produced by Tony Visconti, who had worked with renowned artists such as David Bowie and T.Rex.
The album's themes revolve around love, loss, and spiritual searching. The title track, 'Sur La Mer,' opens the album with a haunting melody that sets the tone for the rest of the record. The song speaks about the search for love in a world of chaos and uncertainty.
'A Simple Game' is a catchy pop song that became a hit single in Europe. The track features electronic elements that give it a modern feel.
'Rock 'n' Roll Over You' is a rock tune that highlights the band's classic sound, with a guitar solo and a catchy chorus.
'Breaking Point' is a melancholic ballad expressing the feeling of reaching a breaking point in life. The song features a string arrangement that adds depth and emotion to the song.
Other tracks on the album include 'Miracle,' 'Deep,' 'Bless the Wings,' and 'Want to Be With You.'
Overall, Sur La Mer reflects The Moody Blues' evolution as a band and their willingness to experiment with different musical styles. It's an album that showcases the band's creativity and versatility.
Members:
The Moody Blues are an English rock band that formed in Birmingham in 1964. The key members of the band are:
1. Justin Hayward (vocals, guitar):
Justin Hayward was born on October 14, 1946, in Swindon, Wiltshire, England. He joined the band in 1966, replacing their original guitarist Denny Laine. Hayward is one of the band's primary songwriters, and some of his notable compositions include 'Nights in White Satin,' 'Tuesday Afternoon,' and 'Question.'
2. John Lodge (vocals, bass guitar):
John Lodge was born on July 20, 1945, in Erdington, Birmingham, England. He joined The Moody Blues in 1966, replacing their original bassist Clint Warwick. Lodge is also a notable songwriter and contributed songs such as 'Ride My See-Saw,' 'I'm Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band),' and 'Isn't Life Strange.'
3. Graeme Edge (drums, vocals):
Graeme Edge was born on March 30, 1941, in Rochester, Staffordshire, England. He is the only remaining original member of The Moody Blues. Edge is known for his unique drumming style and has also contributed spoken word poems to the band's albums.
4. Ray Thomas (flute, vocals):
Ray Thomas was born on December 29, 1941, in Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire, England. He was a founding member of The Moody Blues and played a significant role in their early sound with his use of the flute. Thomas left the band in 2002 due to health problems and passed away in 2018.
5. Mike Pinder (keyboards, vocals):
Mike Pinder was born on December 27, 1941, in Erdington, Birmingham, England. He was a founding member of The Moody Blues and played a significant role in their early sound with his use of the Mellotron keyboard. Pinder left the band in 1978 and pursued a solo career.
These five members are considered the core members of The Moody Blues, and their contributions have been essential to the band's success and longevity.
Track List for Sur La Mer:
1. 'I Know You're Out There Somewhere' - 6:38
This track opens the album with a soft, wistful melody and the signature harmonious vocals of The Moody Blues. The lyrics speak of a search for a lost love and the hope that they will be found someday. The instrumentation includes gentle guitars and keyboards, building to a soaring chorus.
2. 'Want to Be with You' - 4:48
A faster-tempo track with a driving beat and urgent vocals, 'Want to Be with You' speaks of a burning desire to be close to someone. The repetitive chorus builds to a catchy, upbeat finale.
3. 'River of Endless Love' - 4:44
A slower, dreamy track with a hazy, atmospheric sound, 'River of Endless Love' creates a sense of being adrift on calm waters. The lyrics speak of the power of love to carry us through life's ups and downs.
4. 'No More Lies' - 5:13
'No More Lies' opens with a dramatic guitar solo before launching into a driving, energetic rock song. The lyrics speak of disillusionment with the world and a desire to find a better way forward.
5. 'Here Comes the Weekend' - 4:13
A fun, upbeat track with a light-hearted tone, 'Here Comes the Weekend' celebrates the end of the work week and the freedom to let loose and have a good time.
6. 'Vintage Wine' - 3:38
With a bluesy, melancholic sound, 'Vintage Wine' speaks of the bittersweet memories of past relationships and the comfort of a good bottle of wine.
7. 'Breaking Point' - 4:56
'Breaking Point' is a tense, urgent track that builds steadily throughout. The lyrics speak of feeling trapped and pushed to the brink, but also finding the strength to break free and move forward.
8. 'Miracle' - 4:54
A moving, introspective track with a poignant melody and rich harmonic vocals, 'Miracle' speaks of the power of love and the hope it brings to a troubled world.
9. 'Love Is on the Run' - 5:02
With a catchy, upbeat rhythm and optimistic lyrics, 'Love Is on the Run' celebrates the power of love to conquer all obstacles.
10. 'Deep' - 6:53
Closing out the album, 'Deep' is a haunting, enigmatic track with a mystical feel. The lyrics speak of searching for deeper meaning and understanding in life, and the music builds to a powerful, cathartic climax.
Discography for The Moody Blues:
Here is the complete discography for The Moody Blues in chronological order, including all albums, all singles, and all other releases with their respective release dates:
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 Moody Blues: Lovely to See You Live (2005)
18. The Moody Blues: Live at the Isle of Wight Festival 1970 (2008)
19. Live at the Royal Albert Hall with the World Festival Orchestra (2000)
20. Live at the BBC: 1967-1970 (2007)
Singles:
1. 'Steal Your Heart Away' / 'Lose Your Money' (1964)
2. 'Go Now' / 'It's Easy Child' (1964)
3. 'From the Bottom of My Heart' / 'And My Baby's Gone' (1964)
4. 'Everyday' / 'You Don't (All the Time)' (1965)
5. 'Boulevard de la Madeleine' / 'This Is My House (But Nobody Calls)' (1966)
6. 'Fly Me High' / 'Really Haven't Got the Time' (1967)
7. 'Love and Beauty' / 'Leave This Man Alone' (1967)
8. 'Nights in White Satin' / 'Cities' (1967)
9. 'Voices in the Sky' / 'Dr. Livingstone, I Presume' (1968)
10. 'Ride My See-Saw' / 'A Simple Game' (1968)
11. 'Never Comes the Day' / 'So Deep Within You' (1969)
12. 'Watching and Waiting' / 'Out and In' (1969)
13. 'Question' / 'Candle of Life' (1970)
14. 'The Story in Your Eyes' / 'My Song' (1971)
15. 'Isn't Life Strange' / 'After You Came' (1972)
16. 'I'm Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band)' / 'For My Lady' (1972)
17. 'Emily's Song' / 'New Horizons' (1972)
18. 'Blue Guitar' / 'When You Wake Up' (1975)
19. 'Driftwood' / 'I'm Your Man' (1978)
20. 'Gemini Dream' / 'Painted Smile' (1981)
21. 'The Voice' / '22,000 Days' (1981)
22. 'Talking Out of Turn' / 'Running Water' (1983)
23. 'Blue World' / 'Going Nowhere' (1983)
24. 'Your Wildest Dreams' / 'The Other Side of Life' (1986)
25. 'I Know You're Out There Somewhere' / 'Miracle' (1988)
26. 'Say It with Love' / 'Rock 'N' Roll Over You' (1988)
27. 'Bless the Wings (That Bring You Back)' / 'Lean on Me (Tonight)' (1991)
28. 'English Sunset' (1999)
Other Releases:
1. The Moody Blues Live (1970)
2. Caught Live + 5 (1977)
3. The Best of the Moody Blues (1996)
4. Anthology (1998)
5. Hall of Fame (2000)
6. Time Traveller (1996)
7. Gold (2005)