Customer Reviews

Among the Stars

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Wow, Michael Pinder! 18 years between solo albums! We sure missed you and your mellotron! Welcome back! Lovely to see you again after all these many years!

Seriously folks, for those of you who enjoyed those "Magic 7" Moody Blues albums ("Days of Future Passed" through "Seventh Sojourn") with Michael's mellotron embellishing their music, and thereafter wondering where those eerie mellotron chords disappeared to, it pleasantly resurfaces here on this album! This project features very inspiring songs about love, romance, family, life, and concern for the well being of our planet. It is transparently clear that after all these years, Michael still possesses strong musical talent instrumentally, lyrically, vocally, and spiritually. Overall, I found this effort better overall than his previous solo album "The Promise" from 1976.

Although it is pretty difficult to locate, "Among The Stars" is definitely worth finding for the devout Moody Blues/Michael Pinder fan.

For years I avoided the solo albums by members of the Moody Blues, assuming they would be inferior to the band efforts. However, I eventually got most of them, including AMONG THE STARS. This one proves that theory wrong! It's definately different than the mellotron onslaught that Pinder brought to the Moodies in the early 70's, but is enjoyable nonetheless. The mellotron sounds aren't very noticable - in fact, I think Pinder has transferred all his mellotron tones to a digital system now -but songs like The World Today, which closes the album, at times remind you of some of the soaring mellotron effects that Pinder came up with back in the day. (like the song You and Me) The songs on this CD vary - not nearly as spiritual as Pinder's THE PROMISE album from the 70's, but they are well constructed and performed. I like this album better than THE PROMISE, in fact.

The Moody Blues put out STRANGE TIMES a few years after this one came out - which had only a few standout tracks on it surrounded by some almost unlistenable cuts - which made me wish some of the tunes from AMONG THE STARS had been on there instead.

A solo Moody Blues album so great that it begs the question - why doesn't he record more often? This is only his second solo album, and it's the only one in about the past 25 years. This sounds like a great lost Moody Blues album. Buy 2 copies and give 1 as a gift - it's a can't-miss sure-hit.

This is my first Mike Pinder solo album, but I don't think it will be my last. He wasn't always my favorite songwriter in the Moody Blues, but I have always respected the spirituality and thoughtfulness of his compositions. Here Mr. Pinder combines his old convictions with family friendliness, and the result is a wonderful collection of clean, adult contemporary songs rich in melody and fantastic production values.

It's hard to pick out a favorite track when everything on it is exceptional, but if I had to limit my choices? "Hurry On Home," which is the next best thing to smooth jazz, especially with that sultry sax; "When You're Sleeping," which was obviously written for one of his children; my absolute favorite, "Fantasy Flight" which has a definite Moodies feel to it; the beautiful instrumental "Waters Beneath the Bridge," and the final social commentary/new age platform of "The World Today."

See? It IS too hard to narrow it down, especially since the skip button never enters my mind when I put it on. All the songs are great, and they have a lot of thoughtfulness to them without being too preachy or introspective. Another nice one for a relaxing to, I'd give Among the Stars 10. Nice job, Mike!

Like many late Moody Blues albums, and like his first solo album, I was a bit disappointed at first. However, repeated play at elevated volume leads to a greater appreciation of this music. It is certainly worthwhile, especially if you are a Moody Blues fanatic like me! The group has never been the same since Mike departed. There are definitely transcendental moments on this album, and they are hard to find these days. His music is pure and direct. His values are "right on" and straight form the heart. I would certainly love to hear more from him!

Meaningful, mystical and yet, family oriented. The stuff on this record sounds like what Mike might've contributed to The Moodies during Other Side, Sur La Mer and Keys. In fact, when I place some of these tracks in compilations from that period they fit, and meld wonderfully.

Mike just needs to give us fans a new song album, his style, writing and performances are always to behold.

Yes, Justin Hayward & John Lodge also made a great album outside of the Moody Blues (Blue Jays?) and this is one star better with more of a 1990's/2000 feel to it...the Moody Blues have lots of albums equal to this in their quintet/quartet lineups, but for Mike Pinder to do this alone is amazing.

This album is a precious gift from Mike Pinder, reminding us of what's been missing from the Moody Blues since his departure: his amazing voice, harmonic sophistication, and socially/spiritually-conscious lyrics. Welcome back, Mike! More please!

This album will make your heart burst out with wounders full of love. If you put your heart into listening to it. you'll want to cry with joy. It will give you hope for the feuture.

Mike Pinder writes music that is easy to listen to and upbeat and positive. I've always liked his writings with the Moody Blues and my opinions haven't changed.