Ticket 2 Ride

Friday Five is our weekly look at five songs by a band or musical artist. This week, we remember John Lodge, who just passed away, with 10 songs that he wrote or co-wrote.

Lodge joined the Moody Blues when they changed over from a blues band to a pop-prog band. He played bass and was co-lead vocalist of the Moodies until they retired, after which, he continued his solo career.

When I think of John Lodge songwriter, I think of the upbeat, rockers that the Moodies were known for. They weren’t just an ethereal, deep-thinking group of folk-inspired proggers, they could rock-out when they had the urge.

“Lunch Break: Peak Hour” Days of Future Passed (1967) Lodge wrote the fast-moving part of the song, after the orchestral piece. The album is lush and ethereal, but not completely. This song shows the Moodies have bite.

“Ride My See-Saw” In Search of the Lost Chord (1968) One of the Moodies first rockers, with a pounding bass line, courtesy of Lodge. Not a Top 40 hit, but a favorite album cut and included in their live set list.

“Eyes of a Child I & II” To Our Children’s Children’s Children (1969) Although one song with two variations, this is a haunting song with acoustic guitars, mellotron, harp and woodwinds. The Moodies were great at creating mood and this song is a home run.

“Candle of Life” To Our Children’s Children’s Children (1969) Lodge and Justin Hayward share lead vocals. Another haunting, atmospheric song that achingly conveys the loneliness one feels inside.

“Isn’t Life Strange” Seventh Sojourn (1972) A Top 40 charting song, but it’s not really a single. This is a complex, intricate song of different parts. It’s a heartfelt, gentle ballad, but it’s also a lush, rousing, full-voice musical production.

“I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band)” Seventh Sojourn (1972) Leave it to Lodge to provide the rocker on the album, and another required rock in the set list. This is an exquisite rock and roll song. The song just barely missed making the Top Ten chart.

“Saved By the Music” Blue Jays (1975) Hayward and Lodge united to record a project together, after Mike Pinder bowed out. A very slickly produced album with a bit too much strings for me. This was Lodge’s best tune, a little drenched in production, but the beauty of the melody shines through. I always hoped they would revisit this album and dial back the strings.

“Steppin’ in a Slide Zone” Octave (1978) Once again, Lodge to the rescue, providing life to a very wimpy album of ballads and uninspired songs. The band had regrouped after almost four years apart, and it was the final collaboration of the five classic era Moodies.

“Gemini Dream” Long Distance Voyager (1981) Co-written with Hayward, that was the first album of the 1980s with an 80s sound. Patrick Moraz was aboard on synths and the sound was certainly updated. The song has a catchy beat and plenty of flourished. For better or worse, this was the new Moody Blues. The first single from the album just missed being a Top 10 hit in America.

“It May Be a Fire” The Other Side of Life (1986) The Moodies were in the twilight of their recording career. A couple more studio albums of declining sales, but they remained a steady concert draw. This song has a nice melody and decent production, allowing the song to shine brighter.

“Love Will Conquer All” Love Conquers All EP (2024) co-written with Jon Davison of Yes, the title track of the EP is a lovely, heartfelt song. Lodge said the songs were written during a period of challenge and reflection.