December

The Moody Blues

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 28, 2003)
• Original Release Date: October 28, 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Polydor / Umgd
• ASIN: B0000DJYOD
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (124 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #912 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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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

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

62 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Early Holiday Treat, November 9, 2003

By	Dawn Johnson (Windsor, VA USA) - See all my reviews

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!

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars December, November 5, 2003

By A Customer

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.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars December Magic, November 3, 2003

By A Customer

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!