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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
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
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
73 of 76 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
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!
22 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
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.
24 of 25 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
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!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Not So Much
Um... I have every Moody Blues album. I bought DAYS OF FUTURE PAST on vinyl the first week it came out back in the sixties and played it to death. I love the Moodies. Read more
Published 3 months ago by J. R. Sparrowhawk
Offbeat Holiday
A nice change from the classic Holiday sound. It gives the Christmas sound a change of venue but still keeps the spirit of the holiday.
Published 5 months ago by moniquenln
Moody friend forever
I knew the Moodies in the sixties, as I too played in a rock band
The Moodies were like older brothers that were playing on the high line
Everything song they... Read more
The Moodies were like older brothers that were playing on the high line
Everything song they... Read more
Published 6 months ago by John A. Galloway
December/Moody Blues
Christmas has nothing to do with this CD. This is just a pap attempt at producing a secular xmas CD by a group that should stick with what it does best. Read more
Published 12 months ago by L. Turner
very good
I am a big fan of the Moody Blues and I have thirteen of their CD's.
I was a little disappointed in this one. Read more
I was a little disappointed in this one. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Robert F. Spera
Loveliest holiday album out there!
I purchased the December cd in 2004. Here I am still enjoying it in 2010. It has stood the test of time as evidenced by the number of positive reviews on Amazon. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Alexander S. Meyer
SOME SURPRISES IN STORE
First off, all die-hard Moody fans whine and cry about how their first 7 albums are the "standard" for Moody Blues sound. Read more
Published 17 months ago by ANTHONY L. ROBERSON
How can you not like this album?
How anybody could regard the music on this CD as dreary or depressing defies belief! It is true there are three or four slower tracks with thoughtful lyrics but if what you prefer... Read more
Published 17 months ago by R. Guest
Not one of their best efforts
I have been a rabid Moody fan since 1970. I love the vocals by Justin Hayward, the lyrics, the cool instrumentals and the messages.
This was a bit of a let down. Read more
This was a bit of a let down. Read more
Published on February 21, 2010 by James W. Ross MD
Moody Christmas!
This is the last studio album the Moody's have made in recent years. It includes some covers and several original songs. It is one of the best holiday albums I own. Read more
Published on February 5, 2010 by So Fab Blue
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SoundUnwound - the personal music encyclopedia
December is The Moody Blues' 17th studio release.
Justin Hayward, Patrick Moraz, Denny Laine, John Lodge, Mike Pinder and five other artists have been a member of The Moody Blues.
Justin Hayward, Patrick Moraz, Denny Laine, John Lodge, Mike Pinder and five other artists have been a member of The Moody Blues.
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