The Moody Blues
Floating
In the sixties, the career of a beat group seemed like any usual business: Different sound experiments lead to a receiving appriciation. Then there was the breakthrough, usually thanks to a hit single, coming from a concept album, which wasn’t any less successful and will be forever associated with the group. Finally, the group established themselves thanks to subsequent hits and LPs. But then in terms of popularity, a decline becomes noticeable.
Signs of wearing off become obvious, members say goodbye in order to pursue a solo career. The strength, inventiveness and creativity diminish. Finally, the group would disappear from the scene or gets to play only small gigs in a different line up. Then there would be a comeback attempt, which is successful and consolidate the fame.
After that, it rains invitations due to permanent success — invitations to charity concerts, Grammy awards, Hall and Walk of Fame awards.
It is a similar story when it comes to The Moody Blues after their first success, “Go Now” they changed the lead singer and as a result of the composition talents of Justin Hayward, the new man at the microphone, they gained fame and honor. “Nights In White Satin” is the melancholic mega success, “Days Of The Future Passed” the related concept LP of the orchestra consisting of five musicians. For years, The Moodies published one successful concept album after another. Each of them was accompanied by a respectable lead single. Later, they topped the charts again with the album “The Other Side Of Life”, a remarkable comeback. Even today, three band members tour the world.
Quite remarkable: Each Album has got a small diamond, a perfect little calm but memorable tune, often written by Ray Thomas or John Lodge. The nice and friendly piece of music settles in your ear. “Floating” from the LP “To Our Children’s Children’s Children (no error)” is such a song. It deals with the carefreeness, spontaneity and love for life. Just great.
The composer calls it a tongue-in-cheek melody. “Floating” was just like “Children ….” inspired by the moon landing in the same year, 1969.
