Summary:

“On The Threshold of a Dream” is a 1969 vinyl record by the British rock band The Moody Blues. The album, released during the height of the psychedelic rock era, features a fusion of orchestral and rock elements that set it apart from the band’s earlier work. The album contains 13 tracks, including the hit singles “Never Comes the Day” and “Dear Diary”.

About the Artist:

The Moody Blues formed in Birmingham, England, in 1964. The original lineup consisted of Ray Thomas, Mike Pinder, Denny Laine, Clint Warwick, and Graeme Edge. Their early music was rooted in rhythm and blues, but the band’s sound evolved to incorporate symphonic and psychedelic elements. By the late 1960s, The Moody Blues had become one of the leading acts in the British progressive rock movement.

About the Record:

“On The Threshold of a Dream” significantly departed from The Moody Blues’ previous albums, incorporating orchestral arrangements and more complex song structures. The album was produced by Tony Clarke and recorded at Decca Studios in London. The album’s title was inspired by a dream that keyboardist Mike Pinder had, and the songs explore themes of love, life, and the human experience. The album was a critical and commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the US and UK charts. This record has a marked hole.

About the Cover:

The album cover for “On The Threshold of a Dream” features a surrealistic painting by Dutch artist Phil Travers. The image is meant to represent the album’s themes of imagination and dreams.

About the Lyrics & Music:

The album’s opening track, “In the Beginning,” sets the tone for the album with its orchestral introduction and spoken-word narration. The song leads into “Lovely to See You,” a more upbeat track with a catchy guitar riff and soaring harmonies. “Dear Diary” is a ballad that showcases lead singer Justin Hayward’s vocals, while “Never Comes the Day” is a radio-friendly single with a memorable chorus. Other standout tracks include the haunting
“Are You Sitting Comfortably?” and the epic “The Dream,” which features a 10-piece orchestra.

Conclusion:

“On The Threshold of a Dream” is a landmark album in The Moody Blues’ discography, representing a shift towards more experimental and ambitious music. The album’s fusion of rock and orchestral elements set it apart from the band’s earlier work and helped define the progressive rock genre. With its memorable songs, thought-provoking lyrics, and lush production, “On The Threshold of a Dream” is a must-have for any vinyl collector.

Other Recommendations:

Fans of The Moody Blues may also enjoy their other classic albums, including “Days of Future Passed” and “On the Threshold of a Dream.” For those interested in similar artists, Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” and Yes’ ‘s “Close to the Edge” are both excellent examples of the progressive rock genre.

About the tracklist:

Side one:
In the beginning
Lovely to see you
Dear Diary
Send me no wine
To share our love
So deep within you.
Side two:
Never comes the day
Lazy day
Are you sitting comfortably
The dream
Have you heard? (1)
The voyage
Have you heard? (2).