The Moody Blues-Keys Of The Kingdom (1991)

The Moody Blues' first album of the 1990s marked a return to their most melodic and refined sound, a far cry from the synthpop rock of their earlier 1980s work. For this new release, singer and flautist Ray Thomas rejoined the band, while the core members remained: Justin Hayward (guitars and vocals), Graeme Edge (drums), John Lodge (bass), and Patrick Moraz (keyboards). They were joined by half a dozen guest musicians, including Andy Duncan, Guy Barker, Anne Dudley, Paul Bliss, Jamie Talbot, and Tony Visconti. Composed of brilliant melodic pieces with grand arrangements such as "Bless The Wings (That Bring You Back)", "Is This Heaven?", "Lean On Me (Tonight)", "Shadows On The Wall", "Celtic Sonant", and "Never Blame The Rainbows For The Rain", while the pop-rock track "Say What You Mean (Part I & II)" is the only vestige of their more recent past. On the other hand, with the rhythmic "Magic", "Once Is Enough", and "Say It With Love", The Moody Blues made it clear beyond any doubt that after four decades of career, thirteen albums released, and millions of records sold, they could still rock with force and overwhelming power.