The Moody Blues were already established rock stars by the late 1960s, but it was their ambitious concept albums that cemented their legendary status.
Days of Future Passed: Birth of the Rock Concept Album
Released in 1967, Days of Future Passed is widely considered the first rock concept album and a landmark in the development of progressive rock.
Each song on the album represents a different time across a typical 24-hour day, tied together with poetry about a single man’s life.
The majestic orchestral arrangements gave the album an elevated and cinematic feel. Songs like “The Night Watchers” and “The Afternoon” use intricate vocal harmonies and soaring melodies to paint vivid sonic landscapes.
By daring to blend rock music with orchestral and literary elements, Days of Future Passed expanded the boundaries of what a “rock album” could be.
A Mind-Bending Concept
The Moody Blues followed up Days of Future Passed with 1968’s In Search of the Lost Chord, another mind-bending concept piece.
The album tells the story of a spiritual journey to find the lost chord – a holy grail of celestial harmonies and enlightenment.
Tracks like “Ride My See-Saw” and “The Actor” feature the Moodies’ trademark vocal harmonies layered over dreamy, psychedelic soundscapes.
Poetic lyrics filled with mystical imagery accompany the listener on an odyssey of philosophical ponderings.
The Moody Blues’ ability to convey these complex concepts through their music was truly groundbreaking for the era.
Past, Present, and Future
In 1970, the Moodies released A Question of Balance – a concept album that explores the cycle of life from birth to death.
Songs represent different ages and perspectives, covering childhood innocence (“How Is It”), youthful rebellion (“Don’t You Feel Small”), middle-aged cynicism (“Dawning Is the Day”), and wise late-life reflection (“My Song”).
The seamless blend of rock riffs, evocative lyrics, and emotionally rich melodies make A Question of Balance a gripping listen from start to finish.
By tackling such deep topics within the vessel of a concept album, The Moody Blues proved themselves master storytellers.
To Our Children’s Children’s Children
Perhaps the Moodies’ crowning concept album achievement is 1969’s To Our Children’s Children’s Children.
An epic song cycle split across two LP records, it takes the listener on a cosmic journey through space and time, spinning tales of humanity’s past, present, and prospective future.
From the sci-fi grandeur of “Voyage to the Stars” to the apocalyptic visions of “Watching and Waiting,” this album showcases the full scope of the band’s musical and thematic ambition.
Innovative recording techniques like the revolutionary use of the Mellotron give many songs an otherworldly, futuristic quality.
To Our Children’s Children’s Children is an immersive, visionary masterpiece far ahead of its time – a concept album extraordinaire.
The Moody Blues’ Lasting Impact
With albums like these, The Moody Blues took the concept album to stratospheric new heights of artistry and sophistication.
Their seamless melding of musical and lyrical themes paved the way for the narrative-driven concept albums of future generations.
Each Moodies concept album is a self-contained world to explore, revisit, and get swept away in over and over again. Their richly-woven tapestries of sight and sound continue to inspire listeners and push the boundaries of rock’s possibilities.
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