TO OUR CHILDREN'S CHILDREN'S CHILDREN

The Moody Blues fifth album "To Our Children's Children's Children" may not be as inventive or ground breaking as the lush symphonic debut but this is still a strong album influenced by the concept of space travel and its impact on future generations.

Justin Hayward on guitars and lead vocals is sensational on this album. The consistent rhythm machine of John Lodge's bass and Graeme Edge's drums are a wonderful backdrop where Michael Pinder on keyboards and Ray Thomas on harmonica and flute can solo over. Higher And Higher begins with space rocket effects and a blitzkrieg of pounding percussion and soaring guitar.

Eyes Of A Child is on more familiar territory, a track featuring the cool harmonies and peaceful textures that have become trademark for the band. This song is found on most Moody Blues compilations and is well known as a result.

Other highlights include the psychedelic Floating, the acoustic reflective I Never Thought I'd Live To Be A Hundred, and the rocking Beyond, with strings and melodic guitars. The balance is played around with fluctuating from left to right speakers which is a trippy effect. The songs fade out quickly and are very short but it maintains the interest, and certain melodies fade in and out during songs. There is a lot of emphasis on space travel on the album, or themes about escaping into the stratosphere such as the symphonic Out and In. The concept was injected to celebrate Man's landing on the moon at the time.

Gypsy is another of the quintessential tracks for the band with haunting flute and majestic strings on mellotron. The melody has a mystical interstellar soundscape and this is perhaps one of the band's greatest triumphs.

Eternity Road is a psychedelic gem with Hayward at his best. Then song after song continues the peaceful relaxing atmosphere including Candle Of Life, Sun Is Still Shining, I Never Thought I'd Live To Be A Million and closing with the mellotron soaked beauty of Watching And Waiting.

"To Our Children's Children's Children" is a relaxing journey into space and The Moody Blues excel on such conceptual albums. Some of their later releases are nowhere this quality and one thing that can be stated is the music is serene and accessible to any lover of beautiful music. This is their second best album and the last great Moody Blues treasure.