Bargain Audio CDs & Priceless Collection (series)

Sur La Mer

by The Moody Blues

Description by OLDIES.com:

Principal songwriters Justin Hayward and John Lodge along with Graeme Edge and Ray Thomas formed the core of the group, ably supported on keyboards for this album by ex-Yes member Patrick Moraz, who remained with the for several years.

Pop chart success was found with the song "I Know You're Out There Somewhere" that reached No. 30. Defining moments of tradition-sounding Moodies' songs can be heard in both the sincerely delivered "No More Lies" and "Love Is On The Run." Richly textured and equally expressive, "Breaking Point" is also a stylized performance. And much like the sentiment of their reflective Vintage Wine," the group has sustained its popularity and merit.

Product Description:

The Moody Blues: Justin Haywood (vocals, guitar, keyboards, programming); John Lodge (vocals, keyboards, bass, programming); Patrick Moraz (keyboards); Graeme Edge (drums).

Additional personnel: Tony Visconti (programming).

Recorded at Good Earth Studios, Soho, London, England.

The Moodies' last album of the '80s is very much of its time--its layered synths and drum programming are at times oppressive--but there's more than enough of the band's trademark lush romantic melodicism to compensate. The big hit here is the opening "I Know You're Out There Somewhere," one of singer/guitarist Justin Hayward's best wistful romantic plaints. Other highlights include "Vintage Wine," a catchy bit of '60s nostalgia with a singalong chorus; "Miracle," in which the band attempts to get funky ala Phil Collins; and "Here Comes the Weekend," which has a sound reminiscent of early '70s glam rock and represents the closest the Moodies have ever gotten to an all-out party anthem.