Disco de The Moody Blues: “December”

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.

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!

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!

There are many out there who will immediately dismiss the Moody Blues as has-beens, trite, dinosaurs, etc. or just simply ignore them. In my view that is like ignoring the depths of one's heart and soul. I admit that they can be overly dramatic at times and are not the adventurous ones that they were in the 60s and 70s, but insincere they are not. What comes across to me, especially in Hayward's contributions, is the epitome of sincere reflection that often reaches deep into the emotional psyche. In a year of a boatload of Christmas cds being released, "December" is an immediate standout. It's not another attempt at "all your favorite Christmas caroles," but a Moody Blues album that thematically reflects the Christmas season in all it's joy, pain and anticipation. Whenever I hear their music (and this album is no exception) I am called to reevaluate my present within the context of the ideals and values I grew to embrace. Those ideals and values always flow out of love. That's not hokey to me.

Hayward has a way of turning a phrase into a picture as he does on all his compositions on this album. I find Lodge's efforts a bit more forced, but his production efforts make up for it. The cover tunes and caroles are well chosen and well played. They are complimentary to the rest of the ablum and fit the concept.

I confess that I miss the retired Ray Thomas, but his contributions to Moody cds have been minimal to absent in the last two decades.

I do hope that this album won't disappear in the midst of a myriad of Christmas cds. I suppose it'll be up to fans to spread the word - but that isn't much different than it HAS been for quite a while, now is it?? This album will make nice Christmas gifts, too! :-)

This one has got something for everyone, not just the loyal Moody Blues fans - although they will love it ,too. December is a Christmas CD in the best sense of the word, echoing the values and traditions of Christianity, and the universal themes of brotherhood, friendship and love, while warmimg the hearts of listeners with wonderful musical and lyrical pictures of the Christmas/winter season. The songs are a mix of sacred and secular music, featuring 5 original songs by Justin Hayward and John Lodge, 4 beautifully arranged covers of songs as diverse Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" and John Lennon's "Happy Xmas", and 2 very elegant arrangements of works by J.S. Bach and Gustav Holst. Hayward and Lodge shine in this effort, not only as fine musicians , songwriters and vocalists, but as the producers of this disc - and their original compositions are some of the highlights of this truly unique collection of songs. Add to all of this the fine keyboard work and orchestrations of Danilo Madonia, and you have a holiday offering that is sure to delight the listener for years to come.

After listening to December several times in the last few days I can only shake my head in wonder. This is a beautiful CD. I don't know how Justin Hayward does it but once again he manages to write songs that can give me chills. The 3 original songs he wrote for this collection are superb, the best being "December Snow". It's a slow moving ballad with a subtle touch of jazz piano, and a haunting melody that is one of his best songs ever. "Don't Need a Reindeer" is a another in his canon of smooth flowing rockers that I find myself humming to all day. "Yes, I Believe" is slightly reminiscent of "It's Not Too Late" from View From the Hill. John's two contributions are less consistent. "On This Christmas Day" is a solid song but "The Spirit of Christmas" which starts out strong has a jarring middle eight that spoils the poignancy of lyrics and seems totally out of place. The remaining 6 selections are covers of Christmas songs and the band has shown alot of originality in their selections. Lesser know ballads such as When A Child Is Born and A Winter's Tale are highlights. Even when they tackle a standard like White Christmas they add an upbeat tempo mid way through which makes it sound totally fresh. Although Christmas is the over-riding theme, the CD comes across as less a joyous Ode to the holidays. The lyrics are wistful, with alot of hoping and longing for a better world. The arrangements are superb, the production flawless and Justin's and John's singing and harmonizing are at their best. Will somebody please give this CD some airplay? It deserves too be heard.