Melancholy Man
"Melancholy Man" is a song written by Mike Pinder that was first released on the Moody Blues' 1970 album A Question of Balance. It was also released as a single in some countries, but not in the UK or US.[1]
Pinder sings the lead vocal and according to music journalist Geoffrey Freakes he sounds more vulnerable than on any previous song.[2] The rest of the band provides backing vocals and, according to Freakes, "the counterpoint harmonies towards the end are sublime."[2] Pinder plays both acoustic guitar and Moog synthesizer, Justin Hayward also plays acoustic guitar, John Lodge plays bass guitar and Graeme Edge plays drums.[1][2]
"Melancholy Man" was particularly popular in France, where it was released as a single and reached #1.[1][2]
The Moody Blues retained "Melancholy Man" in their live concert set list through 1974.[2] A live version from the Isle of Wight in 1970 was included on the live album Live at the Isle of Wight Festival 1970. Freakes found this version to be "especially powerful with raw emotion."[2]