Octave (album)


Octave is the ninth album by The Moody Blues, released in 1978, and their first release after a substantial hiatus following the success of the best-selling Seventh Sojourn in 1972. The album proved to be the last for the group with keyboardist Mike Pinder, who departed during the album's sessions, and declined an offer to tour with the group. Pinder had just started a new family in California, and found that he was not getting along with his bandmates as he had before. Pinder would be replaced by former Yes keyboardist Patrick Moraz in time for their 1979 tour, beginning a new era in the band's history. Octave would also be the final studio album from the band produced by Tony Clarke.
Octave reached #6 in the United Kingdom and went platinum in the United States, where the album reached #13. The album produced the hit single "Steppin' in a Slide Zone," which hit #39 in the US, in addition to "Driftwood".
In November 2008, the album was remastered and released on CD, with five previously-unreleased, live, bonus tracks.

Original track listing

Side One

  1. "Steppin' in a Slide Zone" – 5:29
  2. "Under Moonshine" – 5:00
  3. "Had to Fall in Love" – 3:42
  4. "I'll Be Level with You" – 3:48
  5. "Driftwood" – 5:03

    Side Two

  6. "Top Rank Suite" – 3:42
  7. "I'm Your Man" – 4:21
  8. "Survival" – 4:09
  9. "One Step into the Light" – 4:29
  10. "The Day We Meet Again" – 6:19
The 8-track tape version of this album has the distinction of being one of the few 8-tracks that is arranged exactly like the album, with no song breaks. The original album was released on clear blue vinyl.

2008 CD Expanded Edition tracks (UK)


  1. "Steppin' in a Slide Zone " - 4:57
  2. "I'm Your Man " - 4:51
  3. "Top Rank Suite " - 4:28
  4. "Driftwood " - 5:02
  5. "The Day We Meet Again " - 7:16

Personnel

Album-Billboard
YearChartPosition
1978Billboard 20013
1978UK Albums Chart6

Singles - Billboard
YearSingleChartPosition
1978"Steppin' In a Slide Zone"Billboard Hot 10039
1978"Driftwood"Billboard Hot 10059