"Question of Balance" was the fifth and last good Moody Blues album of the original seven. The title is ironic because on this album they achieve a more "balanced" and appealing sound as a band than on any prior album. In particular the proper balance between Mike Pinder and Justin Hayward is finally struck. Mike's electronics are more diversified, playful and subtle, and Justin creates a wider range of sonic expression on electric guitar than in prior efforts.
Three songs stand out as first rate. "It's Up to You" by Justin is the best on the album, and one of my favorite Moodies' songs of all time. It is loose, energetic rock 'n roll, and I remember a rock guitarist commenting what fun it is to play leads like Justin's on this song.  Notice also, his gentle power chords during the "we have got nothing to lose" section - brilliant!  "How is It We are Here" is my favorite of all Mike Pinder's songs, thanks to the snappy beat of John Lodge's bass, Mike's brilliant use of electronic keyboards and Justin's guitar solo that seems to throw off fireworks. "Dawning is the Day" by Justin is also nice and tight.  There is an extended alternating of tonic-dominant chords just before the final section of repeating "Listen we think we have found you", during which Graeme, the ever-subtle and unobtrusive drummer, punctuates Justin's strums with off-beat wiggles of percussion that make you feel something is about to be born.  Graeme can do that to you, even if you are not paying attention to him.
Most of the other songs are enjoyable, if unexceptional, and it is pleasing to see Graeme, the shyest writer of the group, score with "Don't You Feel Small?" The original hit single of "Question" included a knock-out fast acoustic guitar introduction by Justin that in the album version is overwhelmed by the bombastic "TA-DA" orchestral sound that ruins this segment of the otherwise good song. "Melancholy Man" includes a spectacular electronic keyboard instrumental section that climaxes with a descending cascade of notes like a shower of falling stars that alone makes this otherwise dull song by Mike well worth listening to. John's "Tortoise and Hare" tries a little too earnestly to be a hard rocker, but I enjoy it anyway.  "Minstrel's Song", John's other contribution is enjoyable only up to a point, and overstays its welcome.  Ray Thomas' two songs are overly sweet and I usually skip over them.  Overall, another very strong album from this unique band.
"Question of Balance" was the fifth and last good Moody Blues album of the original seven. The title is ironic because on this album they achieve a more "balanced" and appealing sound as a band than on any prior album. In particular the proper balance between Mike Pinder and Justin Hayward is finally struck. Mike's electronics are more diversified, playful and subtle, and Justin creates a wider range of sonic expression on electric guitar than in prior efforts. Three songs stand out as first rate. "It's Up to You" by Justin is the best on the album, and one of my favorite Moodies' songs of all time. It is loose, energetic rock 'n roll, and I remember a rock guitarist commenting what fun it is to play leads like Justin's on this song. Notice also, his gentle power chords during the "we have got nothing to lose" section - brilliant! "How is It We are Here" is my favorite of all Mike Pinder's songs, thanks to the snappy beat of John Lodge's bass, Mike's brilliant use of electronic keyboards and Justin's guitar solo that seems to throw off fireworks. "Dawning is the Day" by Justin is also nice and tight. There is an extended alternating of tonic-dominant chords just before the final section of repeating "Listen we think we have found you", during which Graeme, the ever-subtle and unobtrusive drummer, punctuates Justin's strums with off-beat wiggles of percussion that make you feel something is about to be born. Graeme can do that to you, even if you are not paying attention to him. Most of the other songs are enjoyable, if unexceptional, and it is pleasing to see Graeme, the shyest writer of the group, score with "Don't You Feel Small? " The original hit single of "Question" included a knock-out fast acoustic guitar introduction by Justin that in the album version is overwhelmed by the bombastic "TA-DA" orchestral sound that ruins this segment of the otherwise good song. "Melancholy Man" includes a spectacular electronic keyboard instrumental section that climaxes with a descending cascade of notes like a shower of falling stars that alone makes this otherwise dull song by Mike well worth listening to. John's "Tortoise and Hare" tries a little too earnestly to be a hard rocker, but I enjoy it anyway. "Minstrel's Song", John's other contribution is enjoyable only up to a point, and overstays its welcome. Ray Thomas' two songs are overly sweet and I usually skip over them. Overall, another very strong album from this unique band.