The Shred Room II (with extra youth)

James wrote: King By-Tor wrote: Whoa! Seventh Sojourn is pretty good so far! I wasn't expecting much after not liking "In Search Of The Lost Chord" A Question of Balance is their best.

This was my first Moody Blues album I ever bought. I scrounged it from a half off bin(and it was already marked down) for $3.50. I had never heard of any of the songs on it, considering the only song I knew was Nights in White Satin, but for that price how couldnt I buy it. From the odd cover I thought it was going to be some mid 80's album that would fly straight from my cd player into my trash bin. How wrong I would be.

Although its been called a stripped down due to the lack of backing orchestra. For each previous album they had heavly orchestrated parts in their music, they decided to take it out because they wanted eaiser music to play on tour, not to mention saving money on renting an orchestra. Lots of people get turned off by they keep thier amazing sound by exploring their more pratical instruments; guitar, bass, keyboards, flute, drums, and of course vocals.

The first couple listens I deducted, This is a pretty alright album, and Question rocks. Thats about it. Many listens later, perhaps 7 or so, things really started to get good. Question still rocked, but other songs started to catch on. As far as Moody Blues albums go, Question is a blazing fast starter. A quick acoustic strums into an almost 'old west prospector' sound. It slows down later but keeps a fairly fast pace. Don't You Feel Small is an excelent track that has a soft/creepy feel as it has the synchronized singing thats common in the Moody Blues, but it also has another person almost whispering the lyrics at the same time. It picks up a little but stays fairly soft. These two are the standouts of the first side, varying speed and great musicianship.

The second side closes with two of the best tracks on the album, Melancholy Man and The Balance. Melancholy Man is...well melancholy. It starts slow and almost dreary. It starts gaining more and more emotion and you will either sing along, or get some serious shivers down your spine. The Balance is a nice tune that has a very uplifting chorus(something that might be needed after Melancholy Man). The lyrics are recited like poetry, and the chorus could make an emo kid smile.

Now these arent the only good tracks, otherwise it wouldnt have gotten 4 stars. And The Tide Rushes In has a very gandeur feel, despite its measly 2:57 length. Dawning Is The Day is also very good. Its a solid track start to finish. The other tracks are also good, I dont actually dislike any track on this album.

Though it may be a bit biased being my first Moody Blues album, I think it deserves a 4 star rating. Its a great addition to anyones collection. Though I rate it highly I wouldnt really recomend this album as a starting point for people getting into the Moody Blues, that would probably go to Days of Future Passed. Though I would recomend it to any current Moody Blues fans or fans of Crossover Prog.

I think I may just buy it. Pretty impressed by this one so far.