The Moody Blues: Justin Hayward (vocals, guitar); Ray Thomas (vocals, flute, harmonica); John Lodge (vocals, bass); Patrick Moraz (keyboards); Graeme Edge (drums).

The Moody Blues never really abandoned the majestic orchestrations that came to categorize the group's music from the late '60s onward. But THE PRESENT is one of those albums that unquestionably reflects the time at which it was recorded. The 1983 album is thickly redolent of one of pop music's most celebrated and infamous periods. This is an '80s album through and through, from the Pet Shop Boys-esque groove of "Blue World" to the echoing vocals on "Sitting at the Wheel" and the fervent whispers of "Going Nowhere."

THE PRESENT does include several noteworthy songs, a few of which represent interesting stylistic diversions. The twangy "It's Cold Outside of Your Heart" blends waves of synthesizer, the Moodies' de rigueur plangent strings, and a slightly countryish guitar melody. The excellent "Under My Feet" bears a strong Beatles influence. Fans of the Moody Blues' classic symphonic approach will favor the catchy ballads "Running Water" and "Sorry."