Ray Thomas - Hopes Wishes & Dreams (1975)

This album by Ray Thomas, "Hopes, Wishes, and Dreams", is his second solo outing, and yet another fine treat from this talented flute player (among a host of other instruments) and songwriter/wordsmith. His lyricism and rich baritone voice lend itself well to the kind of fare this album offers. I have to say my impression of this album upon first listen was, "Ah well, another Moody Blues' side project...." but upon listening further, it grew on me, and I began to appreciate the intricacies therein.

The opening track "In Your Song" is a straight ahead rocker with a killer, hookish guitar stylings . This is a decent opener, that leads nicely to the next track "Friends" which is a nice, rhythmic piece with some nice piano and guitar work. "We Need Love" is a fine song that highlights Thomas' voice, and has a lush, sweeping string arrangement. "Within Your Eyes" is a standout on this album , a mellow ballad with an AWESOME flute solo (that clearly illustrates Thomas' trademark sound) and creates an almost psychedelic atmosphere. "One Night Stand" is yet another song that is a highlight, and features some fantastic guitar work by this album's axe player, John Jones.

"Keep On Searching" opens the second side to this album (FYI this is NOT a vinyl rip I feature here!). It sounds a bit like some of the solo work by Bryan Ferry which is contemporary to this release. No surprise, since some of the backing vocalists heard here are one and the same as Ferry's. "Didn't I" is a fine song that is a look ahead to what Thomas' sound on the Moodies' "Octave" album would sound like. It's a nice, mellow e-piano based ballad/love song, and showcases Thomas' soaring voice. One of the oh-my-god moments on this album is the song called "Migration". It is Ray Thomas at his FINEST, in an "Every Good Boy Deserves Favour"-type piece, and just makes you realize how great an artist he REALLY is. "Carousel" is a circus-themed song that reminds me of some of the end content on the "Long Distance Voyager" record that would come later. The album closes with "The Last Dream", with deep, meaningful lyrics, and has lush piano against layers of strings, and more of Thomas' endearing vocals.

He is allowed to shine a bit more on his solo releases, and explore his own styles independent of The Moody Blues moniker, however it is evident that the musical apple does not fall far from the tree. His style takes its own shape, but keeps the elements of The Moody Blues that made him famous. It's a stellar example of a solo album that offers something extra, while holding onto the artistic integrity and greatness, and gives the listener an experience that is both familiar and fresh.

Highly recommended to Moody Blues fans everywhere!!!!

----Review by Virginia Plain




Tracklisting:
1. In Your Song (4:45)
2. Friends (2:58)
3. We Need Love (4:17)
4. Within Your Eyes (3:52)
5. One Night Stand (3:46)
6. Keep on Searching (4:51)
7. Didn't I (4:03)
8. Migration (3:56)
9. Carousel (4:05)
10. Last Dream (5:08)

Total Time: 41:41

Line-Up:
- Ray Thomas / Flute, Lead Vocals, Vocals (Background), Harmonica
- Mike Moran / Keyboards
- Barry St. John / Vocals (Background)
- Liza Strike / Vocals (Background)
- John James / Guitar, Vocals (Background)
- Nicky James / Percussion, Vocals (Background)
- Helen Chappelle / Vocals (Background)
- Graham Deacon / Percussion, Drums
- Trevor Jones / Bass (Electric), Vocals (Background)
- John Jones / Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Electric)