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1973 single by the Moody Blues

"I`m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band)" is a 1973 hit single by the English progressive rock band the Moody Blues, written by the band`s bassist, John Lodge. It was first released in 1972 as the final track on the album Seventh Sojourn and was later released as a single in 1973, with "For My Lady" as its B-side. It was the second single released from Seventh Sojourn, with the first being "Isn`t Life Strange", which was also written by Lodge.

The song reached number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US, becoming one of their highest-charting hits in that country, but fared less well in their native UK, where it managed number 36.[1][2] It was also the final single released by the Moody Blues prior to their five-year hiatus, which was agreed upon so each of the band members could pursue their own solo careers.[1] Their next single would not be until 1978, with "Steppin` in a Slide Zone".[1]

The lyrics suggest that music can unite people but says that people should not look to musicians for answers to their problems.[3] Music critic Maury Dean said that the song "combined a Byrds or Neil Young flavor with Jazz vocalics (complex chords) and a kicky, jiffy beat."[4]

Billboard regarded the song as a change of pace for the Moody Blues, stating that it had a more "upbeat rock sound" than their typical songs.[5] Cash Box predicted that it was "likely to turn gold," saying that "all indications are that it will head straight for the very top" of the charts.[6] Record World called it an "uptempo rocker" that will give the group "a lock on the top of the charts."[7]

Classic Rock critic Malcolm Dome rated it as the Moody Blues` 6th greatest song, calling it "a high energy, driving song which begins with a strolling drum intro from Graeme Edge."[3] AllMusic critic Lindsay Planer said that "Even though this is an uptempo rocker, Lodge delves headlong into an introspective space equal to that of another significant side, `Isn`t Life Strange.`"[8]

The song was the last of the band`s singles to feature the Mellotron. A promotional music-video was filmed for "I`m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band)". This video showed the band`s flautist Ray Thomas playing a baritone saxophone; however, according to keyboardist Mike Pinder, the saxophone was used just for effect in the video and the saxophone sound was produced by the Chamberlin.[9] The basic tracks for the song were recorded in Pinder`s garage, producing a raw sound.[8]

The song remained in the Moody Blues` live concerts throughout their career.[8] Live performances of the song during the band`s final years featured a live saxophone played by keyboardist Julie Ragins, along with Norda Mullen on flute.[10]

Personnel

• John Lodge – lead vocals, bass guitar
• Justin Hayward – vocals, acoustic and electric guitars
• Mike Pinder – vocals, Mellotron, piano, tambourine
• Ray Thomas – vocals
• Graeme Edge – drums, percussion

Chart history