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JUSTIN HAYWARD
View from the Hill

as reviewed by Jack Crompton at Amazon.com, May 1, 2008

A far reaching vision by an enormous natural talent.

Justin Hayward, as primary songwriter of the Moody Blues, has proved himself to be a consumate songwriter and musician/singer long ago. Right out of the gate, at barely nineteen he penned two classics of pop music history with ‘Tuesday Afternoon’ and ‘Night in White Satin’ which got eveyone’s notice who was paying attention. What’s remarkable is that he hasn’t let down at all during his lengthy four decade career and he continues to write and perform inspired songs today. As this wonderful album attests, if anything, Justin just gets better with age.

This album, released around 1997, shows Hayward in fine form. The opening cut, ‘I Heard It’ is a magnetic groove that instantly captivates the listener to let go and embark on this sonic journey of well crafted songs. Before that one is even completely finished you hear the heart beat bass of the ‘Broken Dream’ beckoning on in a totally different mood. This is one of the real gems on the record. A beautiful ballad that is arranged and recorded to perfection with sparse instrumentation but tastefully placed in just the right places. Justin’s singing voice is as good as it gets too, as it always has been. The phrases of the verses are framed with equisite flamenco-like guitar flourishes. Flutes soar in harmony a repeating instrumental chorus. Just gorgeous. And this attention to creativity and detail follows through the entire album.

In order to avoid writing a book here, I won’t articulate each track on here, but suffice it to say, none of them are lacking but are all surprisingly excellent. Each one comes up with a fresh vibe and the mix is perfect.

Justin Hayward, in true Moody Blues style reveals a consciousness that is clearly ahead of its time. He writes of progressive themes throughout such as ‘The Promised Land’, ‘It’s Not Too Late’, ‘Something To Believe In’, and the closing up-note: ‘Children of Paradise’. One of the most affecting tracks is a tale all too common in our lives today in ‘Billy’... a sad tale of tragedy of the reality of a very ‘hard world’.

This is an extraordinary solo album by one of this generations most gifted songwriters. This is very easily digested material but it gives rewards to those to can afford a careful listen.

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