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Octave is the ninth studio effort by The Moody Blues, and their first release after a substantial hiatus, following the success of the best-selling Seventh Sojourn in 1972. However, the album proved to be the last for the group with keyboardist Mike Pinder, who departed after the album's sessions, declining an offer to tour with the group. As a result, Pinder would be replaced by former Yes keyboardist Patrick Moraz in time for their 1979 tour.
Octave was considered a departure from previous Moody Blues albums, mainly because the group used synthesizers in place of a Mellotron or Chamberlain (Pinder's song "One Step Into the Light" referenced the Mellotron). Real strings were used on three songs: "Under Moonshine" and "I'm Your Man" (both written by Ray Thomas), as well as "Survival" (written by John Lodge).
Released after a considerable break, which saw The Moody Blues returning in an era of punk music and disco, Octave evidenced a reduced commercial impact for the band, but still performed valiantly, reaching #6 in the UK and going platinum in the U.S. where the album reached #13. The album produced the hit single "Steppin' In a Slide Zone," which hit #39 in the U.S., in addition to "Driftwood", which was a smaller success.
[edit] Track listing
- "Steppin' In a Slide Zone" (John Lodge) – 5:28
- "Under Moonshine" (Ray Thomas) – 5:00
- "Had to Fall in Love" (Justin Hayward) – 3:38
- "I'll Be Level With You" (Graeme Edge) – 3:47
- "Driftwood" (Hayward) – 5:02
- "Top Rank Suite" (Hayward) – 3:40
- "I'm Your Man" (Thomas) – 4:20
- "Survival" (Lodge) – 4:09
- "One Step Into the Light" (Mike Pinder) – 4:28
- "The Day We Meet Again" (Hayward) – 6:18
[edit] Personnel
- Justin Hayward - vocals, guitar, keyboards
- John Lodge - vocals, bass, keyboards
- Ray Thomas - vocals, flute, tambourine
- Graeme Edge - drums, percussion, vocals
- Mike Pinder - vocals, organ, synthesizer
