Seventh Sojourn [Import] [Original recording remastered]

Track Listings
1. Lost In A Lost World    
2. New Horizons    
3. For My Lady    
4. Isn T Life Strange    
5. You And Me    
6. Land Of Make Believe    
7. When You Are A Free Man    
8. I'm Just A Singer    

Seventh Sojourn, Music, Moody Blues, Rock
Seventh Sojourn
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • The Rocker and The Balladeer
  • "Seventh Heaven!" :)
  • The last of their golden era, and one of their best
  • A must have for any Moody Blues fan
  • The Sojourn is Over
Seventh Sojourn
The Moody Blues
Manufacturer: Polydor / Umgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Every Good Boy Deserves Favour
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ASIN: B000002GQL
Release Date: 1997-05-20

Tracks:

  1. Lost In A Lost World
  2. New Horizons
  3. For My Lady
  4. Isn't Life Strange
  5. You And Me
  6. The Land Of Make-Believe
  7. When You're A Free Man
  8. I'm Just A Singer (In A Rock And Roll Band)

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars The Rocker and The Balladeer.......2007-06-08

This album is not my favorite MB offering, but there are four incredible songs on it that I dearly love, one being my "sometime" favorite MB tune. I'm only going to mention these songs in my little piece here. I titled my review as I did because of the perfect display of Justin's and John's strengths on this album, Justin being the soulful balladeer and John the ultimate rocker. These two great men are just "all that" in my book, so I gotta give 'em their due.

Justin Hayward's 'New Horizons', partially inspired by his late father, is a stunning song in every way. Both the arrangement and the music are wonderful, with the strings and Justin's guitar sounding almost mournful at times. Hayward's voice has such a sad and deep note to it as well and he uses it masterfully. His wide vocal range is spotlighted here, along with John's perfect use of subtle and understated harmonies. This song just grabs you by the heart and never lets up, but at the same time it's so beautifully done that you have to enjoy it as well. "Horizons" is just simply Justin Hayward doing what he was born to do.

Ray Thomas' 'For My Lady', written for the woman he was then married to, is this man at his awesome best. His rich baritone voice, with all its layered nuances has never sounded better, and it soared on the higher registers. The music and lyrics, which are both outstanding, complement each other so well. What more can I say except this is a beautiful song and Ray sings it to perfection. As an aside, I am so very glad he sang it at the 'Red Rocks' concert a few years back for all the world to discover and enjoy.

John Lodge once again manages to both playfully rock me and deeply touch my heart with his two songs on this album. A lot of fans and critics consider Lodge's beautiful 'Isn't Life Strange' to be his best song. It is a favorite of mine, as well. To all those who say John is neither a great singer or writer, I dare you to conclude that after giving this song a really good listening to, preferably two or three. John has never written so poignantly and eloquently as on this song. He writes: "Isn't life strange? A turn of the page. A book without light unless with love we write". WOW! is all I can say. John's airy, ethereal voice- not to mention his fabulous falsetto- have never sounded better or stronger. Justin's co-lead and harmonies once again show how terrific these two men sound together. The orchestral arrangements are wonderfully done without overwhelming the song, only adding to its magnificence.

I'm saving the best for last: John's 'I'm Just a Singer In a Rock n Roll Band'. This song frequently trade places with 'Ride my Seesaw' as my absolute favorite Moody Blues song. 'I'm Just a Singer' is THE consummate rock song and John Lodge is so very much in his element on this great song. My gosh but the man can rock it out like no one else. John wrote this song in response to the legions of "spaced out" fans who worshipped the Moodies as their messiahs. Thank God for those misguided fans or I wouldn't have this great song to enjoy- lol! Not only is the song plain fun to listen to, its lyrics actually have a deep meaning. This song is a winner in every way possible. All the Moodies give stellar performances vocally and instrumentally. The rhythm, beat and tempo of this song are outstanding, carried along by the masterful hands of Graeme Edge on percussion (his best performance, IMO) and John on his funky Fender bass. Mike Pinder's keyboards/ Mellotron work is absolutely incredible, and Justin's blazing guitar solo blisters the ears. I love to listen to this song cranked up full throttle while wearing headphones. I hit 'repeat' and off I go rocking for an hour or more on just this one song alone. (No, I never get tired of it- not yet anyway) I'm sure I have sustained major ear damage but the sheer joy this song brings me is well worth it. If I still smoked cigs, I'd have to light one up after experiencing the genuine pleasure this song gives me- it's that good! To all the fans who got to see this song performed live pre-hiatus, I am so very green right now. To me, this phenomenal song is the Moody Blues at their ultimate best.

Well dear folks, that's my take on 'Seventh Sojourn', four songs of it anyway. Take a listen to it...... and enjoy. As for John Lodge and The Moody Blues, I have to say that they are MUCH more than "just singers in a rock n roll band" to us fans. They are a fantastic group of talented men who bring so much needed joy and pleasure to a hurting world. Thank you!

5 out of 5 stars "Seventh Heaven!" :).......2007-05-20

To start off, what a topnotch remastering job on this splendid release! :)

On this occasion, Mike Pinder gets to open up a Moody Blues album with one of his compositions, "Lost In A Lost World"... I like the instrumental verse in the middle of the song, as well as the stereo effects on the vocals near the end, with the "So many people" chant on the right channel and the "Lost In A Lost World" chant on the left (Best experienced through headphones).

"When You're A Free Man" is an equally fine Mike Pinder song, and there is a sense of hope in the lyrics ... I love the one line that states:
"You know that love lasts ... For Eternity...
Let's be God's Children ... And live in Perfect Peace"
I love how the instrumentation in the fadeout to this track merges with the fade-in of the drums in the intro to "I'm Just A Singer (In A Rock And Roll Band)." Both this superb John Lodge composition and Justin Hayward and Graeme Edge's "You And Me" are excellent rockers that open up and close the second half of this album ... The brass effects on the former track are really neat and give the song that extra "punch," plus the group chant on the Justin and Graeme composition, before the lyrics "You're an ocean full of faces" is executed to perfection!

Both Justin's "New Horizons" and "The Land Of Make Believe" have a dreamy atmosphere about them, especially "Make Believe" (Beautiful xylophone effects and flute). Excellent dueling electric guitars (Also best experienced through headphones) on the solos to "New Horizons," as well. :)

For me, Ray Thomas' pleasant "For My Lady" paints the picture of a man on a cruise boat with the woman of his dreams! I love the way the song flows into John Lodge's fantastic "Isn't Life Strange," as both songs are played in the same chord ... Both Justin and John do an excellent job trading off vocals, and the harmonies sound nice on the choruses. I'm glad that this remastered edition of the album (As well as "Time Traveller") features a clean fadeout of the song that doesn't abruptly merge into the intro to "You And Me," like the earlier CD format of the album, released in the 1980's, did. To go off on a slight tangent for a bit, I'm probably one of the few (Or maybe the only one) listeners who enjoys the 1989 orchestral remake of "Isn't Life Strange," from "Legend Of A Band," just as much as the original version!

It's difficult for me to pick a favorite on this recording, since I enjoy all eight songs equally! I want to close this review by typing out one of my favorite Justin Hayward quotes from the live "Hall Of Fame" release:
"We're just Singers in a Rock and Roll Band!"
Thanks for reading! God Bless... :)

4 out of 5 stars The last of their golden era, and one of their best.......2007-05-12

Said to be loosely based on the Canterbury Tales (or at least it started that way), Seventh Sojourn was the Moodies' last album before a lentghy hiatus. They definitely went out on a high point.

Three of their FM radio/concert staples are found here: "For My Lady," "Isn't Life Strange," and "I'm Just A Singer (in a Rock and Roll Band)". That alone will probably be enough for any serious fan to want this disc. (If you are a serious fan and you aren't familiar with any one of those, trust me, you need to buy this!) But what about the five other songs? Like most Moody Blues album tracks, they take a bit of getting used to, but are worth the repeated listens. The opener, "Lost in a Lost World," comes as close as any song does to explaining why they broke up temporarily after this album, with its themes of isolation and lack of communication. But on the surface at least, it's not autobiographical. It's more of a rather cynical statement on the world at large. "New Horizons" begins almost dirge-like, but the balladish melody masks an optimistic tale of finding oneself. "You and Me" is one of their heavier rockers, and the "story" it tells works on a couple of levels. "The Land of Make Believe" and "When You're a Free Man" are characteristic acoustic ballads with orchestral backing, less radio friendly than the songs you already know but just as enjoyable once you get used to them.

The Moodies are as close as any progressive rock band ever came to being singles-oriented rather than album-oriented, and it does show occasionally here. Still, it's one of the most consistent albums they ever made.

5 out of 5 stars A must have for any Moody Blues fan.......2007-04-15

While this is not my personal favorite , it is the most commercial of the 7 concept albums . It is a stylistic bridge to the band's later work . The weakest cut is When You're A Free Man . Even though it marked the end of the band's 2nd incarnation ( remember Go Now ) it really doesn't come off that way . I have 14 of their albums , including all 7 concept albums ( in vinyl and CD ) and this is the one I would recommend to the casual fan . This is the first art rock band that was commercially successful . King Crimson , E L P and Yes all came later . It is unfortunate that this , last album arrived at a time when the art rock era was just starting . It actually propelled sales of the band's earlier work . The band would have even more wildly popular had Days Of Future Past been released in 1971 instead of 1967 . This is the only album of their's to be released during tha art rock era and by the time they got back together , the era had passed .

4 out of 5 stars The Sojourn is Over.......2007-01-30

I like this album , it's the perfect ending to the Classic 7. As usual the Moodie 3 R's - Rock, Romance and Risk are all covered.
Seventh Sojourn
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Their Best Album
  • Mike Pinder's Lost World
  • "Seventh Heaven," Deluxe Edition! :)
  • CD vs. SACD...some people just don't get it...
  • INTENSE re-mastering...
Seventh Sojourn
The Moody Blues
Manufacturer: Umvd Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Every Good Boy Deserves Favour
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  5. To Our Children's Children's Children

ASIN: B000MGVCFY
Release Date: 2007-04-10

Tracks:

  1. Lost in a Lost World
  2. New Horizons
  3. For My Lady
  4. Isn't Life Strange
  5. You and Me
  6. Land of Make Believe
  7. When You're a Free Man
  8. I'm Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band)
  9. Isn't Life Strange [Original Version][#][*]
  10. You and Me [Beckthorns Backing Track][#][*]
  11. Lost in a Lost World [Instrumental Demo][#][*]
  12. Island [#][*]

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Their Best Album.......2007-06-06

If you ever want to try out a album by The Moody Blues. Get this one, this is & forever will be the best album ever released by the band. If you want to go one step further, get the SACD version containing bonus tracks. Every track is a classic. Search Judemac Forever on msn

5 out of 5 stars Mike Pinder's Lost World.......2007-05-25

If anything, this final CD reissue of the Moody Blues initial seven records will remind the listener how vital Mike Pinder was to the Moody Blues. On each track of Seventh Sojourn, his arrangements come to fore, his stamp is on each track. The wispy figure in "New Horizons", the swirls in "You and me" and "Singer in a rock and roll band", the thick flute sounds of "My Lady". These are some of Pinders most imaginative moments in Moody Blues history.
He also provides the much-needed edge on this release, compensating for the rather sedate predecessor "Every Good Boy". On Seventh Pinder uses a Chamberlain to great effect, producing a cleaner, brighter, less murky sound than the mellotron used on subsequent recordings. Pinder also opts for one of the few bona-fide Justin Hayward guitar solo's (and a memorable one) on his composition "When You're a Free Man".
"Seventh" was recorded during a period of band fatigue. Like the Beatles, they had spent most of the early adult life together. The liner notes detail the unusual length of time (for the Moodies) spent in 1972 on completing this eight song album.
Fans will not want to miss the 4 bonus tracks. The never before released 8 minute version of "Life Strange' is the first highlight- opening with a piano count in omitted in the standard release. The clarity of this version is better, one can hear the pump organ breathing and wheezing through the track. . However, the big surprise is when after the oboe fade sequence Pinder's Chamberlain swoops in to begin a 2 minute instrumental section. As is, it seems to have been left unfinished-to these ears, it seems to have been laid down as the background for a big guitar solo. It's assumed the band decided to leave this section off the track before atempting overdubs.
The "Lost World" instrumental demo is another revelation and the highlight of this release. It opens quite differently than the released version with a prominent, ominous guitar riff, and has a slight 70s soul sound to it. (Not too surprising, considering Pinders r&b roots.) The drumming also has more of a soul feel to it, and it really stands as a track on its on-it would fit nicely into a soundtrack.
"Island" appears to be an abandoned track with a scratch vocal, the chorus is not developed, (Justin Hayward scats this section) and what remains is a basic backing track with a neat ascending Chamberlain figure that repeats in intensity until the end of the track. What is also interesting about this track is that the band recorded this as early as Feb 1973- only a few months after "Seventh Sojourn" had hit the top of the charts. The liner notes make no mention of any other recording attempts after "Island" and after a long lull of seeming inactivity the band embarked on a world tour (perhaps obliged by contractual reasons) in Sept. 1973 ending in Feb. 74 in San Francisco.
One hopes a live concert from one of the 74 concerts is eventually released. The song selection was challenging (the concert opened with "Higher and Higher" which morphed into "Out and In", and numbers such as "Eternity Road", "One More Time to Live","Watching and Wating" and an extended "Legend of a Mind" were performed.)

5 out of 5 stars "Seventh Heaven," Deluxe Edition! :).......2007-05-20

*The following comments are in regard to the bonus tracks on this release. To read my opinions on the original content of this album, check out my review under:
"Seventh Sojourn" by The Moody Blues (Audio CD - 1997) - Original recording remastered

Here is what I enjoyed about each of these outstanding bonus offerings...

"Isn't Life Strange" (Original Version):
The piano "count in" was a surprise, as I don't believe a piano was anywhere to be heard on the final version of the song! The instrumental break, that was edited out of the final version, was beautifully executed and reminded me of "The Voyage" from "On The Threshold Of A Dream" (In certain places) and "The Word (Mellotron mix)" from the Deluxe Edition of "In Search Of The Lost Chord," in true Mike Pinder mellotron style! The fadeout is extended a little further, so we can hear The Moodies singing a tad more than on the final version of the song. :)

"You and Me" (Beckthorns Backing Track):
This version of the song blew me away with the keyboard tracks in place of the vocals ... To me, the instrumentation sounded similar to the mellotrons heard on "The World Today," from Mike Pinder's 1994 release, "Among The Stars." The extra instrumentation, that was edited out of the finished product, was a treat, as well! Sounds like background music that could be used during a Moody Blues radio interview. :)

"Lost in a Lost World" (Instrumental Demo):
The haunting electric guitars, in place of the vocals, really grabbed my attention on this version of the song ... This riff sounds more like David Gilmour's style (Pink Floyd's "The Wall" and "A Momentary Lapse Of Reason," in places) than Justin Hayward's! What a wickedly beautiful sound! :)

"Island:"
Until this reissue came along, this amazing unreleased gem would have made a fine bonus track to Justin Hayward's "Songwriter." The tune also reminds me of something Justin would have come up with for "A Question Of Balance," had The Moodies created the song at that time. More magnificent mellotron/Chamberlain playing from Mike Pinder, yet again! "Island" definitely has that "'Classic 7' Moody Blues" feel to it. :)

Just like the 1997 CD remaster of "Seventh Sojourn," this Deluxe Edition also featured a topnotch remastering job! I would recommend this release to any Moody Blues fan or collector. Thanks for reading! God Bless... :)

4 out of 5 stars CD vs. SACD...some people just don't get it..........2007-04-26

The focus of this review is sound quality only; as such, it is restricted to the SACD version/disc on this two-disc package. The only reason to pay the cost of these reissues (I suspect most true fans have already bought the five albums released last year) is the high resolution available via the SACD format. If we take for granted that you have the necessary hardware to properly decode/playback this format, then these reissues are well worth the extra cost, as they reveal greater dynamic range, increased resolution and 'air', and a far deeper and wider soundstage (even through two channels). By the way, these are NOT 5.1, but 4.1 (they were sourced from the quad mixes, remember?). Some of the very minor audio drawbacks that plagued the DVD-A 'Perceptions' box-set by the Doors (see my review there for more details) are also present here, but overall, this SACD offers sound quality that comes about as close to the warmth of fine analog as the digital format currently allows. Remember, these recordings (these comments can be extended to include the SACD version of 'Every Good Boy Deserves Favor') are 35+ years old. By the way, the only "compression" I noticed was when I wore my headphones too tight, so I'm at a loss to explain the observation expressed elsewhere; perhaps Home-Theatre-In-A-Box strikes again, who knows?

1 out of 5 stars INTENSE re-mastering..........2007-04-24

This review is based on the CD portion of the disc only.

If you are hoping these "deluxe editions" will sound even better than the re-mastered discs of `97 you will be disappointed. The old re-masters sound much more pleasant to the ears than these "deluxe" discs. Doing a side by side comparison, using top of the line monitors, these "deluxe" versions don't come close to the last round of re-masters which breath much better. The "deluxe" versions have been once again aggressively compressed, which means, by the time you've reached the middle to later stages of the album (depending on the album), you may experience some ear fatigue. The sound is unrelenting and it changes the original dynamics. I felt like I was hearing a whole new mix, which is a sign of over compressing. For example, the song "For My Lady" seems to have lost all it's relaxed nature and Ray's vocals were lost in the mix! Has the music industry gone compression mad? Or, were the Moodies worried that their back catalogue (the holy seven) lacked musical muscle, and super charging it with heavy compression is the answer? Or both?

The bonus tracks were very interesting to hear, but not really important unless you are a Moodies fanatic. The booklet's in this "deluxe" series are all a little redundant, you'll be reading a lot of the same text from booklet to booklet. The picture selection was a bit lacking in imagination. It appears that the people responsible for the booklets went with one photo session. Is that lazy or boring?

In conclusion, after hearing all of these "SACD Deluxe Editions," I'll be keeping my old (1997) re-masters, after all, they still sound great. Perhaps the other two layers of these "deluxe editions" will be rewarding, but if you still haven't bought any of these yet, you are way ahead of the game.
Seventh Sojourn
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • still going strong--the last Moodies album before an extended hiatus
Seventh Sojourn
The Moody Blues
Manufacturer: Universal/Island
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00006HBBQ
Release Date: 2002-10-07

Tracks:

  1. Lost in a Lost World
  2. New Horizons
  3. For My Lady
  4. Isn't Life Strange
  5. You and Me
  6. Land of Make-Believe
  7. When You're a Free Man
  8. I'm Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band)

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars still going strong--the last Moodies album before an extended hiatus.......2005-09-17

Originally released in November of 1972, "Seventh Sojourn" is the last of what is known as the Moody Blues' "Core 7", i.e. their 1967-1972 era albums. Although it's fair to say that the band had undergone a certain evolution over the course of this period, it's also fair to say that by this time they had settled into a formula and were no longer breaking new ground, and at times it sounds like the group would have rather been elsewhere.

One interesting thing about the album that does set it apart is the presence of the Chamberlain which is used in place of the Mellotron in certain places, providing the album with some extrodinarily lush sounds. Granted, keyboardist Mike Pinder was a master of the Mellotron, and the previous 6 albums were all lush in their own right, but the Chamberlain provides a bit of a different and unique feel.

There are some great songs here. The album opens with Pinder's pleading, arrestingly dramatic epic "Lost In A Lost World" which has a winding, expansive feel. It's followed by Justin Hayward's moving ballad "New Horizons" which is one of his most tender compositions--excellent layered vocals and layered guitar work from Justin on this track. Pinder's ultra-atmospheric ballad "When You're A Free Man" has an arresting spiritual quality to it and has a note-perfect double-tracked Hayward guitar solo, a snippet of which sounds almost exactly like what he'd later play in the intro of "Steppin' In A Slide Zone". John Lodge's uptempo album-closer "I'm Just A Singer (In A Rock And Roll Band)" is extremely catchy and energetic, with another great Hayward solo, and the synthesized brass gives the song a strangely primitive and profound quality.

Absolutely none of the remaining tracks are weak, although they occasionally sound tired an uninspired. Ray Thomas' folky, medieval-sounding "For My Lady" is nicely melodic, but the dorky accordian on the chorus is ultra-hokey. Lodge's "Isn't Life Strange" is quite strong, with moving verses, but the chorus is overly-bombastic, with lead guitar work that's crafty but feels out of place. "You And Me" has great layered guitar licks from Hayward, and the verses and chorus are catchy, but it's attempt to be anthemic feels a little forced. "The Land Of Make-Believe" is a characteristic Hayward epic along the lines of the previous album's "You Can Never Go Home", starting off mellow and folky before quickly building--unfortunately, it's way too melodramatic and bloated to really take off, although it's still reasonably pleasant.

In closing, "Seventh Sojourn", despite the flaws, is solidly recommended--it's a strong ending to this era in Moodies' musical career, and if you're a fan of the band, it's inconceivable that you'll dislike it.
Seventh Sojourn
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • still going strong--the last Moodies album before an extended hiatus
Seventh Sojourn
The Moody Blues
Manufacturer: Polygram Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Question of Balance
  2. To Our Children's Children's Children's
  3. In Search of the Lost Chord
  4. Days of Future Passed
  5. On the Threshold of Dream

ASIN: B0000584TM
Release Date: 2007-03-14

Tracks:

  1. Lost in a Lost World
  2. New Horizons
  3. For My Lady
  4. Isn't Life Strange
  5. You and Me
  6. Land of Make-Believe
  7. When You're a Free Man
  8. I'm Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band)

Album Description

Japanese reissue of their classic 1972 album. Packaged in a miniature gatefold LP sleeve. 2000 release.

Album Details

Japanese version digitally remastered in a LP style sleeve cover.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars still going strong--the last Moodies album before an extended hiatus.......2005-09-17

Originally released in November of 1972, "Seventh Sojourn" is the last of what is known as the Moody Blues' "Core 7", i.e. their 1967-1972 era albums. Although it's fair to say that the band had undergone a certain evolution over the course of this period, it's also fair to say that by this time they had settled into a formula and were no longer breaking new ground, and at times it sounds like the group would have rather been elsewhere.

One interesting thing about the album that does set it apart is the presence of the Chamberlain which is used in place of the Mellotron in certain places, providing the album with some extrodinarily lush sounds. Granted, keyboardist Mike Pinder was a master of the Mellotron, and the previous 6 albums were all lush in their own right, but the Chamberlain provides a bit of a different and unique feel.

There are some great songs here. The album opens with Pinder's pleading, arrestingly dramatic epic "Lost In A Lost World" which has a winding, expansive feel. It's followed by Justin Hayward's moving ballad "New Horizons" which is one of his most tender compositions--excellent layered vocals and layered guitar work from Justin on this track. Pinder's ultra-atmospheric ballad "When You're A Free Man" has an arresting spiritual quality to it and has a note-perfect double-tracked Hayward guitar solo, a snippet of which sounds almost exactly like what he'd later play in the intro of "Steppin' In A Slide Zone". John Lodge's uptempo album-closer "I'm Just A Singer (In A Rock And Roll Band)" is extremely catchy and energetic, with another great Hayward solo, and the synthesized brass gives the song a strangely primitive and profound quality.

Absolutely none of the remaining tracks are weak, although they occasionally sound tired an uninspired. Ray Thomas' folky, medieval-sounding "For My Lady" is nicely melodic, but the dorky accordian on the chorus is ultra-hokey. Lodge's "Isn't Life Strange" is quite strong, with moving verses, but the chorus is overly-bombastic, with lead guitar work that's crafty but feels out of place. "You And Me" has great layered guitar licks from Hayward, and the verses and chorus are catchy, but it's attempt to be anthemic feels a little forced. "The Land Of Make-Believe" is a characteristic Hayward epic along the lines of the previous album's "You Can Never Go Home", starting off mellow and folky before quickly building--unfortunately, it's way too melodramatic and bloated to really take off, although it's still reasonably pleasant.

In closing, "Seventh Sojourn", despite the flaws, is solidly recommended--it's a strong ending to this era in Moodies' musical career, and if you're a fan of the band, it's inconceivable that you'll dislike it.
Seventh Sojourn
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • SEVENTH SOJOURN!!!
  • still going strong--the last Moodies album before an extended hiatus
  • The Primer...
  • Thanks for this album
  • This is a great album to listen to from beginning to end.
Seventh Sojourn
The Moody Blues
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
Soft RockSoft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Progressive RockProgressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
Psychedelic RockPsychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
Album-Oriented Rock (AOR)Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Days of Future Passed
  2. Every Good Boy Deserves Favour
  3. Question of Balance
  4. In Search of the Lost Chord
  5. To Our Children's Children's Children

ASIN: B000001F60
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

  1. Lost in a Lost World
  2. New Horizons
  3. For My Lady
  4. Isn't Life Strange
  5. You and Me
  6. Land of Make-Believe
  7. When You're a Free Man
  8. I'm Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band)

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars SEVENTH SOJOURN!!!.......2007-05-28

THIS IS MY ALL-TIME FAVORITE FROM THE MOODIES. I LOVE THE MOFI VERSION.

4 out of 5 stars still going strong--the last Moodies album before an extended hiatus.......2005-09-17

Originally released in November of 1972, "Seventh Sojourn" is the last of what is known as the Moody Blues' "Core 7", i.e. their 1967-1972 era albums. Although it's fair to say that the band had undergone a certain evolution over the course of this period, it's also fair to say that by this time they had settled into a formula and were no longer breaking new ground, and at times it sounds like the group would have rather been elsewhere.

One interesting thing about the album that does set it apart is the presence of the Chamberlain which is used in place of the Mellotron in certain places, providing the album with some extrodinarily lush sounds. Granted, keyboardist Mike Pinder was a master of the Mellotron, and the previous 6 albums were all lush in their own right, but the Chamberlain provides a bit of a different and unique feel.

There are some great songs here. The album opens with Pinder's pleading, arrestingly dramatic epic "Lost In A Lost World" which has a winding, expansive feel. It's followed by Justin Hayward's moving ballad "New Horizons" which is one of his most tender compositions--excellent layered vocals and layered guitar work from Justin on this track. Pinder's ultra-atmospheric ballad "When You're A Free Man" has an arresting spiritual quality to it and has a note-perfect double-tracked Hayward guitar solo, a snippet of which sounds almost exactly like what he'd later play in the intro of "Steppin' In A Slide Zone". John Lodge's uptempo album-closer "I'm Just A Singer (In A Rock And Roll Band)" is extremely catchy and energetic, with another great Hayward solo, and the synthesized brass gives the song a strangely primitive and profound quality.

Absolutely none of the remaining tracks are weak, although they occasionally sound tired an uninspired. Ray Thomas' folky, medieval-sounding "For My Lady" is nicely melodic, but the dorky accordian on the chorus is ultra-hokey. Lodge's "Isn't Life Strange" is quite strong, with moving verses, but the chorus is overly-bombastic, with lead guitar work that's crafty but feels out of place. "You And Me" has great layered guitar licks from Hayward, and the verses and chorus are catchy, but it's attempt to be anthemic feels a little forced. "The Land Of Make-Believe" is a characteristic Hayward epic along the lines of the previous album's "You Can Never Go Home", starting off mellow and folky before quickly building--unfortunately, it's way too melodramatic and bloated to really take off, although it's still reasonably pleasant.

In closing, "Seventh Sojourn", despite the flaws, is solidly recommended--it's a strong ending to this era in Moodies' musical career, and if you're a fan of the band, it's inconceivable that you'll dislike it.

5 out of 5 stars The Primer..........2004-12-06

Here is the single BEST intro to the Moody Blues that any non-fan could ever pick up. It is more solid and less expansive than any of the so-called 'Core 7'(ie: Days Of Future Passed, Lost Chord, Threshold, Children's Children, EGBDF, Question, and Sojourn). This album is simply an 8-song set of stand-alone tunes that won't confuse the listener who may or may not be accustomed to the Blues' style of organic album-writing which has been tagged with the title "rock symphonies".

"Lost World" is a straight-ahead, middle-of-the-road groove rocker, while "Isn't Life Strange?" sounds like something that KISS might have covered(believe it or not...just listen to "Great Expectations" on 'Destroyer'), and "Singer In A Rock & Roll Band" is the closest that the Blues ever came to 70's funk(ironically enough, considering its title) and is one of the greatest "goodbye kisses" that a band ever gave to its audience(right behind the Beatles' Abbey Road medley with "The End" and Cream's farewell concert).

In all, recommend this to someone who doesn't have a Moody Blues collection and tell them to start their "7 Shades Of Blue" here, in reference to the "Core 7" albums at the heart of the Moody Blues collection.

5 out of 5 stars Thanks for this album.......2003-11-20

I just wanted some other Moody Blues fans to know how much this album meant to me. I was born an only child to a single mom back in 1965. My mother passed away in 1998. I was pretty strong at the time, I barely cried during the whole funeral. A few days after the funeral I was playing some of my old records, and Seventh Sojurn was one of the records I was listening to. When I got to Living In a Land of Make Believe, I just started to cry. I couldn,t stop. I must have played the song 10 times that night. But I really listened to the lyrics, It made me feel very good because I knew that eventually I would see my mother again and I know that she,s watching me every day.
It,s a great album all around but the 5 stars are mainly for that song alone. Thank you Moody Blues and thank you Justin for the emotional release you gave me that night....

5 out of 5 stars This is a great album to listen to from beginning to end........1999-08-04

As with many of the earlier Moody's albums (Days of Future Passed, On the Threshold of a Dream, Lost Chord, etc.), Seventh Sojourn will transport you off into an interesting world if you listen to it cover to cover. A world of love, hope, religion, and, of course, harmony. Check out how the Moodys puncuated their songs with just the right amount of added instruments. It's like a recipe: a cup of electric guitar (isn't life strange (refrain)), a pinch of flute (for my lady), and a hundred pounds of kettle drums (lost in a lost world). It's another masterpiece from a band that made music that was more than the sum of its parts.
Seventh Sojourn
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • SEVENTH SOJOURN!!!
  • still going strong--the last Moodies album before an extended hiatus
  • The Primer...
  • Thanks for this album
  • This is a great album to listen to from beginning to end.
Seventh Sojourn
The Moody Blues
Manufacturer: Mobile Fidelity
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
Soft RockSoft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Progressive RockProgressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
Psychedelic RockPsychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
Album-Oriented Rock (AOR)Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Days of Future Passed
  2. Every Good Boy Deserves Favour
  3. Question of Balance
  4. In Search of the Lost Chord
  5. To Our Children's Children's Children

ASIN: B000000IWE
Release Date: 1998-02-17

Tracks:

  1. Lost In A Lost World
  2. New Horizons
  3. For My Lady
  4. Isn't Life Strange
  5. You And Me
  6. The Land Of Make-Believe
  7. When You're A Free Man
  8. I'm Just A Singer (In A Rock And Roll Band)

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars SEVENTH SOJOURN!!!.......2007-05-28

THIS IS MY ALL-TIME FAVORITE FROM THE MOODIES. I LOVE THE MOFI VERSION.

4 out of 5 stars still going strong--the last Moodies album before an extended hiatus.......2005-09-17

Originally released in November of 1972, "Seventh Sojourn" is the last of what is known as the Moody Blues' "Core 7", i.e. their 1967-1972 era albums. Although it's fair to say that the band had undergone a certain evolution over the course of this period, it's also fair to say that by this time they had settled into a formula and were no longer breaking new ground, and at times it sounds like the group would have rather been elsewhere.

One interesting thing about the album that does set it apart is the presence of the Chamberlain which is used in place of the Mellotron in certain places, providing the album with some extrodinarily lush sounds. Granted, keyboardist Mike Pinder was a master of the Mellotron, and the previous 6 albums were all lush in their own right, but the Chamberlain provides a bit of a different and unique feel.

There are some great songs here. The album opens with Pinder's pleading, arrestingly dramatic epic "Lost In A Lost World" which has a winding, expansive feel. It's followed by Justin Hayward's moving ballad "New Horizons" which is one of his most tender compositions--excellent layered vocals and layered guitar work from Justin on this track. Pinder's ultra-atmospheric ballad "When You're A Free Man" has an arresting spiritual quality to it and has a note-perfect double-tracked Hayward guitar solo, a snippet of which sounds almost exactly like what he'd later play in the intro of "Steppin' In A Slide Zone". John Lodge's uptempo album-closer "I'm Just A Singer (In A Rock And Roll Band)" is extremely catchy and energetic, with another great Hayward solo, and the synthesized brass gives the song a strangely primitive and profound quality.

Absolutely none of the remaining tracks are weak, although they occasionally sound tired an uninspired. Ray Thomas' folky, medieval-sounding "For My Lady" is nicely melodic, but the dorky accordian on the chorus is ultra-hokey. Lodge's "Isn't Life Strange" is quite strong, with moving verses, but the chorus is overly-bombastic, with lead guitar work that's crafty but feels out of place. "You And Me" has great layered guitar licks from Hayward, and the verses and chorus are catchy, but it's attempt to be anthemic feels a little forced. "The Land Of Make-Believe" is a characteristic Hayward epic along the lines of the previous album's "You Can Never Go Home", starting off mellow and folky before quickly building--unfortunately, it's way too melodramatic and bloated to really take off, although it's still reasonably pleasant.

In closing, "Seventh Sojourn", despite the flaws, is solidly recommended--it's a strong ending to this era in Moodies' musical career, and if you're a fan of the band, it's inconceivable that you'll dislike it.

5 out of 5 stars The Primer..........2004-12-06

Here is the single BEST intro to the Moody Blues that any non-fan could ever pick up. It is more solid and less expansive than any of the so-called 'Core 7'(ie: Days Of Future Passed, Lost Chord, Threshold, Children's Children, EGBDF, Question, and Sojourn). This album is simply an 8-song set of stand-alone tunes that won't confuse the listener who may or may not be accustomed to the Blues' style of organic album-writing which has been tagged with the title "rock symphonies".

"Lost World" is a straight-ahead, middle-of-the-road groove rocker, while "Isn't Life Strange?" sounds like something that KISS might have covered(believe it or not...just listen to "Great Expectations" on 'Destroyer'), and "Singer In A Rock & Roll Band" is the closest that the Blues ever came to 70's funk(ironically enough, considering its title) and is one of the greatest "goodbye kisses" that a band ever gave to its audience(right behind the Beatles' Abbey Road medley with "The End" and Cream's farewell concert).

In all, recommend this to someone who doesn't have a Moody Blues collection and tell them to start their "7 Shades Of Blue" here, in reference to the "Core 7" albums at the heart of the Moody Blues collection.

5 out of 5 stars Thanks for this album.......2003-11-20

I just wanted some other Moody Blues fans to know how much this album meant to me. I was born an only child to a single mom back in 1965. My mother passed away in 1998. I was pretty strong at the time, I barely cried during the whole funeral. A few days after the funeral I was playing some of my old records, and Seventh Sojurn was one of the records I was listening to. When I got to Living In a Land of Make Believe, I just started to cry. I couldn,t stop. I must have played the song 10 times that night. But I really listened to the lyrics, It made me feel very good because I knew that eventually I would see my mother again and I know that she,s watching me every day.
It,s a great album all around but the 5 stars are mainly for that song alone. Thank you Moody Blues and thank you Justin for the emotional release you gave me that night....

5 out of 5 stars This is a great album to listen to from beginning to end........1999-08-04

As with many of the earlier Moody's albums (Days of Future Passed, On the Threshold of a Dream, Lost Chord, etc.), Seventh Sojourn will transport you off into an interesting world if you listen to it cover to cover. A world of love, hope, religion, and, of course, harmony. Check out how the Moodys puncuated their songs with just the right amount of added instruments. It's like a recipe: a cup of electric guitar (isn't life strange (refrain)), a pinch of flute (for my lady), and a hundred pounds of kettle drums (lost in a lost world). It's another masterpiece from a band that made music that was more than the sum of its parts.
Seventh Sojourn
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Seventh Sojourn
    Moody Blues
    Manufacturer: Msi Music Corp
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    Psychedelic RockPsychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
    Album-Oriented Rock (AOR)Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
    ASIN: B0002BA9ZI
    Release Date: 2002-08-22
    Seventh Sojourn
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Seventh Sojourn
      Moody Blues
      Manufacturer: Phantom Sound & Vision
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      Psychedelic RockPsychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
      Album-Oriented Rock (AOR)Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
      ASIN: B000BRHZ1E
      Release Date: 2001-12-11

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