[Your Moody Dreams] -- In April of 1986, the Moody Blues released their 12th studio album, The Other Side of Life. Although the Moody Blues are widely regarded as a 60s progressive band, this was the third of ultimately four records they released in the 80s. That feat certainly qualifies them to be considered 80s artists as well, then, yes? If releasing four albums isn't enough to qualify them, then maybe having seven top 40 rock singles does. And two of those tunes came from this very record. Long time fans of the Moody Blues might have been a bit disappointed, or even confused, by the band's embracing of synthesizers, sequencers, and drum machines over their usual more symphonic sound. But new fans flocked to the record. The Other Side of Life peaked at #9 on the US Billboard 200 albums chart and it went platinum, meaning it sold well over 1,000,000 units in the US alone. Of course, the Moody Blues later proved they still had those symphonic chops with a live performance at Red Rocks, Colorado (1992). But, back to The Other Side of Life, "Your Wildest Dreams" was a massive hit for the band peaking at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Adult Contemporary chart. And the title track, "The Other Side of Life," reached #11 on the Mainstream Rock chart after being released as a single in August 1986. "The Other Side of Life" was decidedly more plodding and introspective than "Your Wildest Dreams," so you might not recall that one. But I bet you're hearing the chorus of "Your Wildest Dreams" in your head now that you've read the title just a few times. Well, it's the very first track of this 33-year-old album, so if you join me in revisiting The Other Side of Life, you might purge that earworm by the time you finish the other eight songs.
Flashback: The Other Side of Life (1986) by the Moody Blues
That's all till next week, folks. Dedicated 80s-philes can find more flashbacks in the Prophet or Madman archives or via Bookended's 80s Flashback tag. As always, your comments are welcome on today's, or any other, flashback post. And if you like what I'm doing here, please share the link with your friends. If, however, you don't like the flashback, feel free to share it with your enemies.
I'll see you in seven!
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