TO OUR CHILDREN'S CHILDREN'S CHILDREN

Anyone who looks at the history of progressive rock cannot deny the influence that psychedelic rock music had on the genre. Some of the first progressive rock bands started off as psychedelic rock/pop bands (Yes, Pink Floyd). The Moody Blues did the same with the release of Days of Future Passed (if you take away the symphonic interludes). Yet despite the greatness and influence that album had, it still had a distinct psychedelic feel. On To Our Children's Children's Children, The Moody Blues creates an album that truly shows to us how and when the psychedelic rock genre evolved into progressive rock.

The album opens with Higher and Higher, which takes us off into the vast grandness of space with the blast of a rocket. At first, it appears to be somewhat of dark psychedelic music. Slowly, we hear the guitar enter and Pinder begins to quote Edge's poetry. The song then delves into a pseudo-instrumental with both psychedelic and hard rock elements.

Eyes of a Child Pt. 1, written by Lodge, is a surprising piece for him, who has often been associated with the band's more rocking moments (Peak Hour, Ride My See-Saw). Beautiful and delicate, it shows that Lodge is able to step out of his comfort zone.

Thomas' Floating is very light (both musically and lyrically) compared to the previous two songs, but it gives the listener a chance to relax; to feel as if they really are floating and making "sixty foot leaps."

Lodge returns to his typical style by turning Eyes of Child Pt. 2 into a rock number. Despite this, it is as enjoyable as Part 1.

Hayward enters the album with I Never Thought I'd Live to be a Hundred. On any other album, it would sounds like a filler song, yet here it provides the perfect bridge between two rock numbers.

Beyond, a groovy space-rock instrumental, is surprisingly written by Edge, who usually only does poetry for the band. The song fades in and out, taking the listener for a journey deep into the cosmos.

Out and In, a rare collaboration of Lodge and Pinder, is a delicious treat featuring elements of both Pinder's and Lodge's songwriting styles.

Gypsy is a unique piece in the Moody Blue's library. Here we see a third member step out of his comfort zone. Hayward, who often writes the band's more gentle and romantic songs, writes a song that is both heavy (for them) and lyrically dark. May be unusual for Mr. Hayward, but that is what makes it one of my favorites.

Thomas produces another piece called Eternity Road, which reminds me of Legend of a Mind. They are not musically similar, but it is comparable to when he wrote the child-like Dr. Livingstone I Presume? and Legend of the Mind on the same album, which were so different that you would think two different people wrote it. Same with Floating and Eternity Road. A beautiful psychedelic piece that paints a picture of space vastness. I would argue that this is the Moody Blues MOST underrated song.

Lodge surprises us once again with Candle of Life, which you would think was written by Hayward. Filled with piano, gentle guitar, and psychedelic atmospheres, it is definitely one of the album's highlights.

Pinder finally gives us a sole contribution is Sun is Still Shining. While not like The Voyage from the previous album, it is an enjoyable song with some funk and folk elements to lead us back on our journey back to our planet.

We are brought back down to Earth with I Never Thought I'd Get to be a Million, a reprise of the song of the somewhat same name. Like before, though short, it is perfectly placed, allowing us to catch our breath from our journey through space.

The closer, Watching and Waiting, allows us who remain on Earth to contemplate everything we have seen in the heavens and beyond. One of the most beautiful songs produced by the Moody Blues. It is a shame that this song, released as a single, never made it into the charts.

Normally, I take careful consideration in whether or not to give an album five stars, no matter how good it is. This album deserves every single star that is given to it. Essential for progressive rock, psychedelic rock, classic rock, and 60's fans.