OCTAVE

This album marked the band's return from an extended break (1973-1977) when the members did various solo projects. Unfortunately, by the time The Moodies returned in 1978, their place as the premier classically-influenced progressive pop-rock band had been taken over by other bands (particularly ELO) which featured a poppier, peppier sound. When the Moodies returned with this album, which did not have their best songs, and which didn't live up to their earlier classics, their sound and style just seemed somewhat quaint and old-fashioned, and just didn't have much of an impact. There are several quite good songs on here, but overall, not a very triumphant return. Best Songs: Top Rank Suite, Driftwood, One Step Into the Light, I'll Be Level With You, The Day We Meet Again. Rating: 3