LONG DISTANCE VOYAGER

After "Octave", the Moodys disappeared for over 3 years from the studio, emerging with a slightly better followup, both showing signs of past greatness and a newfound maturity.

In the "Old Moodys reborn" category are "The Voice", which would serve as the blueprint for subsequent album openers, and the dirge like "22,000 Days", which proved that Graeme Edge might have lost less than other members in terms of creativity, although it must be added his quota was a lot smaller.

In the mature, new sound Moody category are "In My World" and "Meanwhile", which show a reduction in sentimentality and an emphasis on more earthy themes. They are both strong offerings from Justin Hayward.

Then we have the numbers that inspire ambivalence - "Talking out of Turn" and "Gemini Dream". They are both good tracks - for some other band! "Talking..." is a bit too sappy, while "Gemini..." exacts some revenge upon Electric Light Orchestra for their unfathomable popularity achieved under the influence of Moodys while garnering undeserved praise from the very critics who put down the Moodys. So, it has some good moments and was a hit, which helped keep the group going. The less said about the drained Ray Thomas and his contributions the better.

While I wouldn't go the distance for this album, if you are heading this way anyway, it's worth the voyage.