KEYS OF THE KINGDOM

Better songs than the previous two 80's albums, and have mostly dropped the 80's synthpop sound by this time (but still a few holdover synthpop tracks and arrangements), although still geared toward commercial production. Multiple songs here still sound exactly like ELO (especially Say What You Mean and Lean on Me), and although that is not necessarily a bad thing, it is not what I want from the Moody Blues. Overall, a much better variety of tracks and return of fuller production and more complex arrangements. And the return of Ray Thomas as singer, songwriter, and flautist with his lovely Celtic Sonant. Certainly a step in the right direction, but the relative lack of success of this album lead to another long gap before the next studio album. Keyboardist Patrick Moraz was fired during the making of this album after he publicly complained about the band and his role in it (and lawsuits ensued). Best Songs: Say It With Love, Is This Heaven, Hope and Pray, Once is Enough, Never Blame the Rainbows for the Rain. Rating: 3.5