SEVENTH SOJOURN

Okay, here is the last of the classic seven and it is not a bad effort. However, their sound has mutated to a more commercial sound at this point. It has lost alot of what made them good back in the late 60's. Dispite that, there is some good music here.

"Lost in a Lost World" is a good song and has some decent lyrics for a change. At least compared to their last two efforts.

"New Horizons" is another song that grows on you, the first time you hear it you say"What is this?!", but then the melody and key changes begin to sink in after a second listen and you beging to realize that there is some very beautiful singing here and it is a good song.

"For My Lady" is another good song. There is a central medieval theme that carrys throughout the song and it is an enjoyable tune.

"Isn't Life Strange" is a bit boring but not completely bad. The ending is awesome, but the 5 minute build up to get there is a little long. It is still dispite this, a OKAY song although it could have been better.

"You and Me" is an awesome song! This is probably what they have been trying to do on the last 2 albums. It has a rockin' guitar line, a good melody, and a decent rhythm to it. I believe this is the gem on the album and is probably one of their best songs. This song almost makes the album worth having on it's own merits. "There's a Burning Tree in Asia" is the line that sticks out every time I remember that song. Very hostile towards war and very pro-peace. In America right now alot of these old songs are striking nerves with the public as there is alot of tension regarding war at the moment. This is classic Moodies.

"The Land of Make Believe" is an excellent song, when it plays you want to actually finish the song all the way through. It isn't incredibly dynamic, nor does it stand out in an obvious way. However, it is a highly enjoyable song with a very good melody and here is a Moody Blues srtong point they they once again get in touch with again on this album. It goes right into "When You're a Free Man" which is again, a beautiful composition. The only problem is they carry on the same idea for to long. Once there is a 6 minute mark for a song you need an interlude of some kind to draw up new ideas and keep the song fresh and it dosen't do that. Dispite that, you still don't end up hating it at the end. So, it is a good song. "I'm Just a Singer..." is a cool song as well. It jams and it has very good vocals and rhythm.

I don't think that this album could classify as prog at this point but it is a worthwile purchase. Even the boring songs on this album are good songs. The lyrics aren't trite and the music moves you in many places. An excellent effort that deserves 4 stars!