The Other Side of Life is the twelfth studio album by English progressive rock band the Moody Blues, released in 1986 by Polydor Records. This was the first Moody Blues album since 1978's Octave, and only the second since 1969's On the Threshold of a Dream, not to be released by the Moodies' custom label, Threshold Records. Beginning with this album, and continuing through 1999's Strange Times, albums would be branded "in association with Threshold Records". Production The Other Side of Life was the third recording with Swiss keyboardist Patrick Moraz and the first for flutist and vocalist Ray Thomas not to play a major role. The main songwriters were vocalist/guitarist Justin Hayward and bassist John Lodge, with only one song, "The Spirit", composed by Moraz (his only songwriting credit with the band) and drummer Graeme Edge. The music on the album is characterized by the heavy use of synthesizers, sequencers and drum machines, to the point that it could be classified as synth-pop, a sharp change in style for a band that had stood at the origins of symphonic rock. The album was recorded at Good Earth Studios in London and produced by Tony Visconti. Reception Anthony DeCurtis in his review for Rolling Stone suggested that the album for the most part "plays to the Moodys' longstanding musical strengths: luscious symphonic textures, rich, stately melodies and densely overlaid vocal arrangements" and praised the band for successfully avoiding pompous lyrics, which he felt were present only on "The Spirit". Track listing Personnel The Moody Blues Justin Hayward – vocals, guitar John Lodge – vocals, bass Ray Thomas – tambourine, backing vocals, flute Graeme Edge – drums, percussion Patrick Moraz – keyboards, synthesizers Technical personnel Tony Visconti – producer, engineer Alwyn Clayden – art direction, design Bruce Gill – design Michael Hoppen – photography Karl Lloyd – illustration Charts Certifications References The Moody Blues albums 1986 albums Polydor Records albums Albums produced by Tony Visconti