Sur la Mer by Moody Blues (The) (CD, May-2005, Universal Special Products)

Sur La Mer, from 1988, is probably not one of the Moodies’ best efforts by comparison. Most of the cuts are formulaic but there are some highlights. The first track, I Know You’re Out There Somewhere, was a minor hit for them and a song they performed as a part of an Olympics opening ceremony. John Lodge gets a couple of cuts, with Here Comes The Weekend a fair rocker. Justin Hayward gives a good effort on a nice ballad, No More Lies and his Vintage Wine is a good introspective retrospective. This album is also heavily influenced by Patrick Moraz’ keyboard work, which at times overshadows the trademark guitar work by Hayward and the Moodies’ excellent vocal harmonics. Fortunately, iTunes lets us pick and choose which cuts we keep.