Don't Need a Reindeer - The Moody Blues, Hayward, Justin
December Snow - The Moody Blues, Hayward, Justin
In the Quiet of Christmas Morning (Bach 147) - The Moody Blues, Bach, Johann Sebast
On This Christmas Day - The Moody Blues, Lodge, John
Happy Xmas (War Is Over) - The Moody Blues, Lennon, John
A Winter's Tale - The Moody Blues, Batt, Mike
The Spirit of Christmas - The Moody Blues, Lodge, John
Yes I Believe - The Moody Blues, Hayward, Justin
When a Child Is Born - The Moody Blues, Zacar, Fred Jay
White Christmas - The Moody Blues, Berlin, Irving
In the Bleak Midwinter - The Moody Blues, Holst, Gustav
It was inevitable that The Moody Blues would produce a Christmas record. Why it took this long is the mystery. The group's classical music underpinnings have always been ripe for the Christmas canon and on December they ad... more »d to it with their own contributions. "Don?t Need A Reindeer" is a remarkably sweet little pop song that proves Justin Hayward can still write what sounds like a hit. A fair amount of orchestration shades the rest of the CD, as the band arranges and adds lyrics to a Bach piece (here called "In the Quiet of Christmas Morning") while also taking on "In the Bleak Midwinter," "When A Child Is Born," "White Christmas," and the John Lennon/Yoko Ono classic, "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)." In the same vein, though less cheerful, John Lodge pens a melancholy meditation on the horrors of the Mideast in 2003. While he?s no John Lennon and December is uneven at best, for Moody Blues fans it will be like finding the lost chord.--Martin Keller« less
It was inevitable that The Moody Blues would produce a Christmas record. Why it took this long is the mystery. The group's classical music underpinnings have always been ripe for the Christmas canon and on December they add to it with their own contributions. "Don?t Need A Reindeer" is a remarkably sweet little pop song that proves Justin Hayward can still write what sounds like a hit. A fair amount of orchestration shades the rest of the CD, as the band arranges and adds lyrics to a Bach piece (here called "In the Quiet of Christmas Morning") while also taking on "In the Bleak Midwinter," "When A Child Is Born," "White Christmas," and the John Lennon/Yoko Ono classic, "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)." In the same vein, though less cheerful, John Lodge pens a melancholy meditation on the horrors of the Mideast in 2003. While he?s no John Lennon and December is uneven at best, for Moody Blues fans it will be like finding the lost chord.--Martin Keller
"I normally don't listen to Christmas music too early in the season for fear of tiring of it too soon. I adore The Moody Blues, but was reluctant to go right out and purchase this CD as I've done with their music in the past. A friend of mine surprised me by sending a copy in the mail as a gift. The words that come to mind upon first listen are "refreshing" and "sincere." "Don't Need A Reindeer" is such a catchy, bouncy opener that has several hooks that just play through your head all day. "December Snow" is another favorite of mine, showcasing Justin Hayward's mind-blowing talent for writing such poignant ballads. Though the remaining Moody Blues can handle the harmonies quite well, I do miss Ray Thomas' full, rich baritone that I've loved all these years. As for the flute-playing, Norda Mullen does a marvelous job on this recording, and in concert for the last year.I echo the sentiments of those who regretted there not being more original tunes on the CD. I've read an interview where Justin stated that adding more "covers" was the idea of the record company rather than their own. I also agree that this is a CD that is not exclusive of the holiday season. I think this is a positive thing, though. I'm going to enjoy listening to this great offering from my favorite band well into the new year!"
Sounds lovelier each time it is heard!
cmp | Miami, Fl USA | 11/14/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"One of the best cd's the Moodies have made. It literally transports the listener to some past or future December... Cold and blustery winds may blow but the music and voices are warm and embracing.
I expected to like this cd...but after one listen I was in love!The original songs like "December Snow" are instant classics. The lyrics will come to mind over and again throughout your day!
Thankfully, it is not strictly a holiday song... it is a song of happy memories, lost loves and undying hopes and dreams...Other favorites are "Don't Need A Reindeer" (which is great fun and will have everyone dancing in no time!), "The Spirit Of Christmas" is heart wrenching...and very timely.The covers of "Happy Xmas", "When A Child Is Born" and especially the hymn "In The Bleak Midwinter" feature wonderful vocals! Justin's version of the Mike Batt/Tim Rice "A Winter's Tale" is another treasure! Both John and Justin are in very good voice.I have only one complaint...well, two...I do miss Ray Thomas' presence...and a bit more from Graeme would have thrilled..still, the band and their friends and fellow musicians did a splendid job on this cd! Warning, you cannot listen to it "just once"! Plan the evening, place the cd on your player and prepare to spend the entire night enjoying this litte gem!"
December Magic
Dawn Johnson | 11/03/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As a Moody Blues fan spanning the decades since there first recordings it still brings me chills with anticipation of a new release. This time however the thought of a Christmas Theme made me wonder what to expect and could the Moodies really spin their magic on a holiday theme? December comes to me as an extremely pleasant surprise! Beautiful music in the Moody Blues style. Justin's songs are wonderful. I fell immediately for "December Snow" and "I Believe". Some Christmas classics mixed in were a wonderful surprise. This has to be one of there best since "Seventh Sojourn"! Time will tell if this will be considered a great success but my thoughts are it will. Great music from the Moodies for old and new fans alike. Thank you Moody Blues for making my holiday spirits start early this year!"
December
Dawn Johnson | 11/06/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Lovely! Captures the essence of the challenging times we face. There is a sweetness here, even in the midst of sadness -- a wistful yearning that we may yet find peace within our hearts...a wish that each person may build a better life, a life filled with love, light, and hope. These voices ring true with that wonderful Moody magic -- not too preachy, not too dark. Balm for the heart. Traditional, cheery Christmas music? No. But for those who recently lost homes in the California fires, for those still mourning the victims of 9/11, for those who are dealing with uncertain times, for those who are brokenhearted -- this music may offer solace, comfort, and gentle hope for a loving Christmas, and for a better tomorrow."
The Moody Blues Give Us Some Holiday Cheer.
Louie Bourland | Garden Grove CA | 11/07/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
""December" is the first new studio album by The Moody Blues since the release of "Strange Times" in 1999. Not only that, "December" is the band's very first seasonal project. Although it has the sound of the modern Moody Blues, this album is almost a throwback to the concept albums that made the band famous so many moons ago. "December" not only features Christmas songs but also includes songs about winter, snowfall and other events associated with the month of December.Musically, The Moody Blues are still in top-notch form as they perform spirited versions of "White Christmas", "In The Bleak Midwinter" and John Lennon's "Happy Xmas". Additionally, Moody members Justin Hayward and John Lodge add their own original material including Hayward's rocking opener "I Don't Need A Reindeer" and beautiful ballad "December Snow" as well as Lodge's lush orchestrated "On This Christmas Day" and "The Spirit of Christmas". The only minor drawback with this album is the absence of original Moody member Ray Thomas who retired from the band this year after 40 years. His unique vocals and haunting flute are missed but the three remaining members do more than their share of making up for Thomas's absence.
"December" is not only a fine addition to The Moody Blues lengthy catalog, it's also an excellent addition to one's Holiday music collection. Justin Hayward, John Lodge and Graeme Edge have put their trademark musical stamp on these Holiday favorites and originals. The could very well be an album that can be played year-round. Definitely a must for any Moody Blues fan."