SUR LA MER

While in the 80s with rare exceptions classic prog-rock bands were hibernating or adhering to some poisonous trend, the MOODY BLUES continued to make their work, not really progressive but still neat, audible, pleasant. 'Sur La Mer' was another step in the journey of this magnificent band, although only small tints of prog may be gathered: keyboard effects, exquisite tunes, harmonic vocals, but check out: no concessions to the last fashion, to the ephemeral and short-lived, simply they were in their mood.

Seeing from today's perspective it's easy to despise MB for their poppish line adopted from mid-70s on but for those who lived the 80s mainly, each MB album meant a kind of luminescence (even a bit opaque) in the prog universe. It's more than time to stop the unfairness toward the MOODY BLUES, if they are/were pop (and surely they are/were) they did with the highest quality and sincerity and also displayed some progressive trends happily copied by several other bands.

'I know you're out there somewhere' is one of the most known MB songs - a fine tune breathed with a quasi- prog arrangement, very catchy and appreciable. There's an omnipresent sorrow trespassing the entire track which is more noticeable in the song's middle section.

'Want to be with you', a typical balladesque MB song has fine vocals and some nice synth and guitar riffs. Romantic but not cheesy.

'River of endless love' begins very prog but soon pop tunes hold sway spoiling a bit what should be a great song, the following track 'No more lies' extends the pop atmosphere but much more balanced and agreeable. 'Here comes the weekend' is another promising track (if seen from its intro) but in the end the promises fail.

'Vintage wine' is the weakest song here while the next track, 'Breaking point' with its psychedelic approach (my God, it's the 80s, it's yuppie time!) is great and could be better exploited in order to delight anxious progressive ears. 'Miracle' shows the band raiding into odd realms quite different than the usual ones and the result is poor.

'Love is on the run' is hearable but shows no special feature and 'Deep', the last track, closes the album in a fair manner - brilliant prog passages, fine lyrics, great musicianship, superb vocals, probably the best "Sur La Mer" track.

Doubtless, an enjoyable work and although I like it I'm quite sure it's not essential. Total: 3.