The Moody Blues returned in July of 1971 with the sixth of what would become known as their seven core albums which stretch from Days Of Future Passed to Seventh Sojourn.
Every Good Boy Deserves Favour returned the group to their layered textures and cosmic musical feel that had been abandoned on their stripped down last release, A Question Of Balance. There would, however, be no unifying theme present; instead each song would be a unique creation. Despite veering from their usual unified approach the music would be highly listenable throughout and would reach the number one and two positions on the English and United States charts respectively. The title would be taken from a way to memorize the sonic scales; E, G, B, D, F.
The lyrics would not be as other-worldly as on their past releases but many would be darker in nature. The sonic and inspirational quality of the music would serve as a counterpoint to the words. This would also be the last Moody Blues album in which Mike Pinder’s mellotron would play a significant role as technological advances in the music field would lead toward its ultimate retirement.
The album would begin with the only song in their catalogue that gives writing credit to all five members of the group. “Possession,” which only includes three spoken words, desolation, creation, and communication, is a history of music and the human race if you want to stretch a little and all in just under five minutes. It is a building and complex song and is seventies progressive rock at its most self indulgent and creative.
Justin Hayward’s “The Story In Your Eyes” is the second track and explodes from the speakers. It would become a hit single and a signature song for the group. The dark lyrics are almost overlooked as the mellotron and guitars combine to give the track a high energy rock sound.
Article comments
1 - JANK
After You Came is a hidden gem. The first 7 MB albums are only matched by a select few artists.
2 - steve sharp
David, your comments about the Magnificent Moodies are fair and balanced. I enjoy reading your reviews and have been a Moodies' fan since way back in 1968, when they blew me away at Stanford University's Roscoe Maples Pavilion. I had never heard such haunting melodies before, and am still in awe of them to this day. Have seen them six or seven times since. Never disappointed. They are always the consummate professionals, consummate craftsmen too. They do not have to resort to stage gimmicks; it's all about the music and those beautiful melodies that are so well-structured and powerful. To me they are #1 of all time, unmatched in terms of stylistic variety, vocal quality, poetic lyrics, and musicianship. What bothers me is that they do not receive the credit they deserve for the sheer number of masterpieces they have recorded. Songs like "Eternity Road," "Gypsy," "The Candle of Life, and "Watching and Waiting" are simply mind-boggling and other-worldly, beyond anything I've heard. And the lyrics!! Wow! My impression is that most rockers are jealous of this kind of stellar quality. What do you think? Plus there's simply a ton of other classics like "The Voice," "Gemini Dream," Justin's "Broken Dream," the outstanding "English Sunset," and so many more classics...