THE MAGNIFICENT MOODIES [AKA: THE BEGINNING]

"The Magnificent Moodies" is the debut full-length studio album by UK rock act The Moody Blues. The album was released through Decca Records in July 1965. The Moody Blues formed in 1964 in Birmingham and although they are predominantly known for playing a semi-progressive rock style, this debut album is a completely different listening experience.

Stylistically the material on the 12 track, 34:23 minutes long album, is 60s beat music strongly influenced by the late 50s/early 60s US rhythm´n´blues style and also the the harmony vocals and choirs from doo wop. The lead vocals are predominantly performed by guitarist Denny Laine, who is a skilled singer with a voice perfectly suited for the material. Some tracks feature lead vocals by flautist Ray Thomas, keyboard player Mike Pinder (only piano and organ on this album. The use of the mellotron was a few years into the future), and bassist Clint Warwick, but they mostly sing backing vocals/harmonies/choirs.

It´s simple and pleasant music, but it´s not exactly innovative or particularly original sounding. You can find hundreds of other releases in this style released in 1965, which are of the same quality or better. The addition of flute gives the music something a little speciel, but it´s not much ("Let Me Go" is an example of a track where the flute makes a positive difference). "The Magnificent Moodies" is well produced and well performed, but the songs just don´t stand out much from the norm in the genre, so upon conclusion it is a pretty standard quality release and it´s not a debut album, which in any way points in the direction of their future sound. That doesn´t make it a bad release, and it certainly has enough redeeming qualities to deserve a 2.5 star (50%) rating.