The Voice

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with The Moody Blues as we spin their 1981 hit "The Voice" here at THE ZOO! This track, penned by Justin Hayward, was a cornerstone of the band’s comeback album Long Distance Voyager, which soared to No. 1 on the Billboard 200. "The Voice" itself climbed to No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Mainstream Rock chart for four weeks in the summer of 1981, making it the band’s biggest hit on that chart. Its commanding vibe kicks off with a majestic 30-second synthesizer intro by Patrick Moraz, adapted from a piece he’d written a year earlier, setting a tone that feels like summoning ancient wisdom. Critics like Dave Connolly from Allmusic called it a "sweeping and majestic call to adventure," blending the band’s classic introspective style with a fresh ‘80s energy. The song’s upbeat melody and brisk pace carry a hopeful message about shaping the future through personal initiative, resonating deeply with fans of their psychedelic roots.

Digging into the story behind "The Voice," Justin Hayward revealed it came from a place of vulnerability. In Marc Cushman’s 2021 book Long Distance Voyagers: The Story of The Moody Blues Volume 2, Hayward shared that he felt disoriented in the early ‘80s, grappling with the pressures of stardom, poor reviews, and writer’s block. He channeled these insecurities into lyrics like “Won’t you take me back to school? I need to learn the golden rule,” reflecting a search for direction during a turbulent time. Interestingly, the song was initially titled "Fat Arthur," a quirky nod lost to history. Hayward recorded it using a 1963 red Gibson ES-335 for the guitar solo, and it was one of the first tracks he cut with a click track, thanks to drummer Graeme Edge’s willingness to embrace the tool. The song’s rich harmonies, with John Lodge and Ray Thomas joining on the “oh oh” refrain, added to its lush, uplifting feel, making it a fan favorite at live shows.

Now, let’s rewind to how The Moody Blues got their start. Formed in Birmingham, England, in 1964, the band began as part of the British beat and R&B scene, originally called the M&B Five after the Mitchell and Butler brewery that sponsored them. The name evolved into The Moody Blues, a nod to their moody image—dark clothes, no smiles—and their bluesy sound, with a subtle tip to Duke Ellington’s "Mood Indigo." The initial lineup featured Graeme Edge on drums, Denny Laine on guitar and vocals, Mike Pinder on keyboards, Ray Thomas on multi-instruments, and Clint Warwick on bass. They scored big with their 1964 UK No. 1 and US Top 10 single "Go Now," but Laine and Warwick left by 1966. Enter Justin Hayward and John Lodge, whose arrival shifted the band toward a psychedelic and progressive rock sound. Their 1967 album Days of Future Passed, a groundbreaking fusion of rock and classical music with the London Festival Orchestra, cemented their status as art rock pioneers, influencing bands like Yes and Genesis.

The band’s early days were gritty, backing blues legends like Sonny Boy Williamson and Memphis Slim while honing their craft. Mike Pinder’s expertise with the Mellotron, an early synthesizer he knew from working at its manufacturer, gave their sound a distinctive edge, especially in live performances. Despite a brief hiatus in the mid-1970s, The Moody Blues remained active until 2018, when Graeme Edge retired, leaving a legacy of over 50 years of influential music. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, with Hayward noting during his acceptance speech the profound impact of American rock icons on their work. Fans can still catch Justin Hayward and John Lodge performing classics on tours like the On The Blue Cruise or at solo shows, keeping the Moodies’ magic alive.

Zoo Freaks, connect with The Moody Blues online! Their official website, moodybluestoday.com, offers merch, tour dates, and news. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for updates, or check out Justin Hayward’s posts on X. For solo vibes, visit John Lodge’s official site. Fans can dive deeper at Moody Blues Fansite by Bill Jerome or join the Moody Blues Fan Club on Facebook. For more fan-driven content, explore Moodies Magazine or the Moody Blues FAQ compiled by the Lost Chords mailing list. Keep the psychedelic spirit alive, Zoo Crew!