KEYS OF THE KINGDOM

THE MOODY BLUES are always surprising; when one thinks they're dead, they re-appear in a great mood! They should change their name to The Moody Phoenix or something like it. Well, that's the case with "Keys Of The Kingdom", a nice extra temporal work, not really progressive but honestly agreeable and tasteful.

But even trailing the pop-rock way it's easy to discern a bunch of beloved prog tunes and chords here and there which brings a feeling of inebriating satisfaction - they're always tied to their past and their roots. Album tracks are all average to say the least, if seen from the mentioned pop-rock view - some are great, no doubt about it. Musicianship and general production are flawless, in fact something truly expected from this bulwark of the contemporary music.

'Say it with love' opens the album with hard guitars and impressive vocals while 'Bless the wings.' pushes the climate to the radio sphere, with that characteristic MB signature. 'Is this heaven' is only a hearable and clean romantic song, good to close album's initial segment.'Say what you mean, pts 1 & 2' is really interesting, probably the best song here. The funky brass part is enjoyable and provides a pleasant touch to the track. Fading effect between parts 1 & 2 goes directly to prog hearts and the final keyboards section is appreciable.

'Hope and pray' is a charming soft-rock while 'Shadows on the wall' brings some memories to band's songs of late 60s and early 70s.'Once is enough' is a bit disturbing: the song seems boundless even adorned with good vocals and instrumentation.'Celtic sonant' starts the final segment with catchy folk tunes, followed by the plain 'Magic' and the cheesy 'Never blame the rainbow for the rain'. These three last tracks aren't special but worth a listening.

Considering that we had to wait an entire decade, since "Long Distance Voyager" their 1981 output, to hear a undeniable and well-balanced stuff released by THE MOODY BLUES, I believe that "Keys Of The Kingdom" may fit well in any music collection, prog included. Final rating: 4.