Electric Light Orchestra | ||
| Allmusic Biography : The Electric Light Orchestras ambitious yet irresistible fusion of Beatlesque pop, classical arrangements, and futuristic iconography rocketed the group to massive commercial success throughout the 1970s. ELO was formed in Birmingham, England in the autumn of 1970 from the ashes of the eccentric art-pop combo the Move, reuniting frontman Roy Wood with guitarist/composer Jeff Lynne, bassist Rick Price, and drummer Bev Bevan. Announcing their intentions to "pick up where I Am the Walrus left off," the quartet sought to embellish their engagingly melodic rock with classical flourishes, tapping French horn player Bill Hunt and violinist Steve Woolam to record their self-titled debut LP (issued as No Answer in the U.S.). In the months between the sessions for the album and its eventual release, the Move embarked on their farewell tour, with Woolam exiting the ELO lineup prior to the enlistment of violinist Wilf Gibson, bassist Richard Tandy, and cellists Andy Craig and Hugh McDowell; despite the lengthy delay, Electric Light Orchestra sold strongly, buoyed by the success of the U.K. Top Ten hit "10538 Overture." However, Wood soon left ELO to form Wizzard, taking Hunt and McDowell with him; Price and Craig were soon out as well, and with the additions of bassist Michael DAlbuquerque, keyboardist Richard Tandy, and cellists Mike Edwards and Colin Walker, Lynne assumed vocal duties, with his Lennonesque tenor proving the ideal complement to his increasingly sophisticated melodies. With 1973s ELO II, the group returned to the Top Ten with their grandiose cover of the Chuck Berry chestnut "Roll Over Beethoven"; the record was also their first American hit, with 1974s Eldorado yielding their first U.S. Top Ten, the lovely "Cant Get It Out of My Head." Despite Electric Light Orchestras commercial success, the band remained relatively faceless; the lineup changed constantly, with sole mainstays Lynne and Bevan preferring to let their elaborate stage shows and omnipresent spaceship imagery instead serve as the groups public persona. 1975s Face the Music went gold, generating the hits "Evil Woman" and "Strange Magic," while the follow-up, A New World Record, sold five million copies internationally thanks to standouts like "Telephone Line" and "Livin Thing." The platinum-selling double-LP, Out of the Blue, appeared in 1977, although the records success was tempered somewhat by a lawsuit filed by Electric Light Orchestra against their former distributor, United Artists, whom the band charged flooded the market with defective copies of the album. Columbia distributed the remainder of the groups output, issued through their own Jet Records imprint, beginning with 1979s Discovery, which notched the Top Ten entries "Shine a Little Love" and "Dont Bring Me Down." In the wake of ELOs best-selling Greatest Hits compilation, Lynne wrote several songs for the soundtrack of the Olivia Newton-John film Xanadu, including the hit title track. The next proper Electric Light Orchestra album, 1981s Time, generated their final Top Ten hit, "Hold on Tight." Following 1983s Secret Messages, Bevan left the group to join Black Sabbath, although he returned to the fold for 1986s Balance of Power, which despite the presence of the Top 20 hit "Calling America," received little interest from fans and media alike. However, as Electric Light Orchestras career descended, Lynne emerged as a sought-after producer, helming well-received comebacks from George Harrison (1987s Cloud Nine) and Roy Orbison (1989s Mystery Girl) and additionally re-teaming with both rock legends as well as Bob Dylan and Tom Petty in the hit supergroup the Traveling Wilburys. Lynne made his solo debut in 1990 with Armchair Theatre but otherwise spent the decade out of the limelight, instead producing material for Joe Cocker, Tom Jones, and Paul McCartney in addition to working on the Beatles Anthology project. In 1988, meanwhile, Bevan formed Electric Light Orchestra Part II with vocalist Neil Lockwood, keyboardist Eric Troyer, and bassist Pete Haycock; although Lynne filed suit against the group (hence the "Part II" tag), a self-titled LP followed in 1991, with a live collection recorded with the Moscow Symphony Orchestra appearing a year later. In 2001, having successfully secured the rights to the Electric Light Orchestra name, Lynne recorded the album Zoom -- largely by himself -- and released it as an ELO album. After Zoom, Lynne took time off from ELO, working on several projects including his 2002 collaboration with George Harrison, Brainwashed, and his 2009 collaboration with Tom Petty, Highway Companion. In 2012, Lynne returned to ELO with Mr. Blue Sky, an album of re-recorded Electric Light Orchestra songs. In 2013, Lynne released a solo album of 50s and 60s pop hits titled Long Wave, as well as the ELO album Live, which featured concert performances ELO recorded during the tour for Zoom. Two years later, Lynne revived ELO -- this time the billing was Jeff Lynnes ELO -- for Alone in the Universe, his first album of originals in 14 years. It appeared on Columbia Records in November 2015. With new songs at their disposal the band went on tour, including dates in America, festival appearances, and a U.K. show at Wembley that was recorded for their 2017 live album, Wembley or Bust. | ||
 | Album: 1 of 40 Title: The Electric Light Orchestra Released: 1971-12 Tracks: 11 Duration: 48:37 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 10538 Overture (05:30) 2 Look at Me Now (03:20) 3 Nellie Takes Her Bow (06:02) 4 The Battle of Marston Moor (July 2nd 1644) (06:05) 5 First Movement (Jumping Biz) (03:04) 6 Mr. Radio (05:07) 7 Manhattan Rumble (49th Street Massacre) (04:26) 8 Queen of the Hours (03:26) 9 Whisper in the Night (04:50) 10 Battle of Marston Moor (take 1) (01:00) 11 10538 Overture (take 1) (05:46) |
| The Electric Light Orchestra : Allmusic album Review : Although ELO quickly became Jeff Lynnes baby, it was launched as a collaboration between Lynne and his bandmates in the Move, multi-instrumentalist Roy Wood, and drummer Bev Bevan. Indeed, the label on ELOs first album reads "Move Enterprises Ltd. presents the services of the Electric Light Orchestra," and most histories claim that the initial idea for the spin-off group combining rock and classical music was Woods, not Lynnes. Wood and Lynne split the songwriting duties on Electric Light Orchestra, much as they did on late-period Move albums, but it seems like their visions of what ELO was were widely divergent. Woods songs are clearly more classically influenced, with the string and horn sections driving the songs rather than merely coloring them, as they do on Lynnes tunes. The difference between Woods baroque "Look at Me Now" and Lynnes hard rocking "10538 Overture" is obvious, and Lynne never wrote anything as purely classical as Woods "The Battle of Marston Moor (July 2nd, 1644)" in his entire career. (The Gershwin-like piano jazz of "Manhattan Rumble (49th Street Massacre)" is Lynnes equivalent piece, and suggests an intriguing avenue he unfortunately never explored further.) This dichotomy makes Electric Light Orchestra in some ways much more interesting than later ELO albums. When Wood left to form Wizzard after the release of this album, the tension generated by that clear difference between his and Lynnes songwriting styles was gone. Later ELO albums were much more commercially successful, but they were also considerably more stylistically attenuated. As good as they are, all of the later ELO albums sound pretty much exactly alike. Electric Light Orchestra sounds like nothing either Jeff Lynne or Roy Wood did before or after, and therein lies its fascination. | ||
 | Album: 2 of 40 Title: Electric Light Orchestra II Released: 1973-02 Tracks: 13 Duration: 1:14:39 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 In Old England Town (Boogie No. 2) (06:57) 2 Momma (06:59) 3 Roll Over Beethoven (07:03) 4 From the Sun to the World (Boogie No. 1) (08:18) 5 Kuiama (11:21) 6 Showdown (04:11) 7 In Old England Town (instrumental) (02:43) 8 Baby I Apologise (03:42) 9 Auntie (Ma‐Ma‐Ma Belle) (take 1) (01:19) 10 Auntie (Ma‐Ma‐Ma Belle) (take 2) (04:04) 11 Mambo (Dreaming of 4000) (take 1) (05:02) 12 Everyone’s Born to Die (04:40) 13 Roll Over Beethoven (take 1) (08:16) |
| Electric Light Orchestra II : Allmusic album Review : Cut during the fall of 1972, Electric Light Orchestra II was where Jeff Lynne started rebuilding the sound of Electric Light Orchestra following the departure of Roy Wood from the original lineup. It was as personal an effort as Lynne had ever made in music, showcasing his work as singer, songwriter, guitarist, sometime synthesizer player, and producer, and it is more focused than its predecessor but also retains some of the earlier albums lean textures. Lynne, drummer Bev Bevan, bassist Mike DAlbuquerque, and keyboardist Richard Tandy comprise the core of the band, with two cellists and a violinist sawing away around them. There were holes in their sound that made the group seem somewhat ragged, as on the pounding "In Old England Town (Boogie #2)"; Lynnes singing would also have to develop, and some of the material also showed the need of an editor. On the other hand, "From the Sun to the World (Boogie #1)" was a succinct progressive rock workout, and "Kuiama" was a decent showcase for the different sides of the group that worked about as well as any 11-minute progressive rock track of the period. But the very fact that the groups cover of "Roll Over Beethoven" was the hit off of this album also showed how far Lynne had to go as a songwriter -- theres nothing else here one-half as good as that as a song, and the fact that the band attacked it like a buzzsaw made it one of the most bracing pieces of progressive rock to make the charts. As a patchwork job, the album holds up well, and it and the single did go a long way toward getting them the beginnings of an audience in America. | ||
 | Album: 3 of 40 Title: On the Third Day Released: 1973-11 Tracks: 9 Duration: 39:32 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Ocean Breakup / King of the Universe (04:06) 2 Bluebird Is Dead (04:22) 3 Oh No Not Susan (03:27) 4 New World Rising / Ocean Breakup (reprise) (04:06) 5 Showdown (04:10) 6 Daybreaker (03:50) 7 Ma‐Ma‐Ma Belle (03:52) 8 Dreaming of 4000 (05:03) 9 In the Hall of the Mountain King (06:32) |
| On the Third Day : Allmusic album Review : Electric Light Orchestras third album showed a marked advancement, with a fuller, more cohesive sound from the band as a whole and major improvements in Jeff Lynnes singing and songwriting. This is where the band took on its familiar sound, Lynnes voice suddenly showing an attractive expressiveness reminiscent of John Lennon in his early solo years, and also sporting a convincing white British soulful quality that was utterly lacking earlier. The group also plugged the holes that made its work seem so close to being ragged on those earlier records. "Showdown" and "Ma-Ma-Ma Belle" (the latter featuring Marc Bolan on double lead guitar with Lynne) became AM radio fixtures while "Daybreaker" became a concert opener for the group and, along with "In the Hall of the Mountain King," kept the groups FM/art rock credentials in order. | ||
 | Album: 4 of 40 Title: Eldorado: A Symphony by the Electric Light Orchestra Released: 1974-09 Tracks: 10 Duration: 39:09 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Eldorado Overture (02:12) 2 Can’t Get It Out of My Head (04:22) 3 Boy Blue (05:19) 4 Laredo Tornado (05:29) 5 Poor Boy (The Greenwood) (02:56) 6 Mister Kingdom (05:30) 7 Nobody’s Child (03:56) 8 Illusions in G Major (02:37) 9 Eldorado (05:18) 10 Eldorado Finale (01:29) |
 | Album: 5 of 40 Title: Showdown Released: 1974-11 Tracks: 8 Duration: 42:48 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 10538 Overture (05:30) 2 From the Sun to the World (Boogie No. 1) (08:15) 3 Whisper in the Night (04:44) 4 Queen of the Hours (03:23) 5 Roll Over Beethoven (long version) (07:00) 6 First Movement (Jumping Biz) (02:57) 7 In Old England Town (Boogie No. 2) (06:50) 8 Showdown (04:08) |
 | Album: 6 of 40 Title: Face the Music Released: 1975-10 Tracks: 8 Duration: 36:06 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Fire on High (05:30) 2 Waterfall (04:09) 3 Evil Woman (04:19) 4 Nightrider (04:24) 5 Poker (03:31) 6 Strange Magic (04:30) 7 Down Home Town (03:54) 8 One Summer Dream (05:46) |
| Face the Music : Allmusic album Review : Electric Light Orchestras more modest follow-up to Eldorado is a very solid album, if not as bold or unified. It was also their first recorded at Musicland in Munich, which became Jeff Lynnes preferred venue for cutting records. At the time, he was also generating songs at a breakneck pace and had perfected the majestic, quasi-Beatles-type style (sort of high-wattage Magical Mystery Tour) introduced two albums earlier. The sound is stripped down a bit on Face the Music, Louis Clarks orchestral contributions generally more subdued than on Eldorado, even when they compete with the band, as on "Strange Magic." The soulful "Evil Woman" was one of the most respectable chart hits of its era, and one of the best songs that Lynne ever wrote (reportedly in 30 minutes), while "Strange Magic" showed off his writing in a more ethereal vein. "One Summer Dream," which is written in a similar mode, also has a touchingly wistful mood about it but is a somewhat lackluster finale compared to the albums that preceded and followed this one. The requisite rock & roll number, "Poker," is a quicker tempo than anything previously heard from the band, the guitar is pumped up louder than ever. And "Down Home Town," an experiment in achieving a country & western sound, is fresh at this point and more interesting than the equivalent material of Out of the Blue. | ||
 | Album: 7 of 40 Title: Olé ELO Released: 1976-06 Tracks: 9 Duration: 43:55 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 10538 Overture (05:30) 2 Kuiama (09:10) 3 Roll Over Beethoven (04:33) 4 Showdown (04:10) 5 Ma-Ma-Ma Belle (03:33) 6 Can’t Get It Out of My Head (04:23) 7 Boy Blue (04:12) 8 Evil Woman (04:19) 9 Strange Magic (04:01) |
| Olé ELO : Allmusic album Review : The early hits, marred only by the unnecessary cutting of "Roll over Beethoven." | ||
 | Album: 8 of 40 Title: A New World Record Released: 1976-09-11 Tracks: 9 Duration: 36:31 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Tightrope (05:05) 2 Telephone Line (04:40) 3 Rockaria! (03:14) 4 Mission (A World Record) (04:25) 5 So Fine (03:55) 6 Livin’ Thing (03:32) 7 Above the Clouds (02:17) 8 Do Ya (03:46) 9 Shangri‐La (05:34) |
| A New World Record : Allmusic album Review : Jeff Lynne reportedly regards this album and its follow-up, Out of the Blue, as the high points in the bands history. One might be better off opting for A New World Record over its successor, however, as a more modest-sized creation chock full of superb songs that are produced even better. Opening with the opulently orchestrated "Tightrope," which heralds the perfect production found throughout this album, A New World Record contains seven of the best songs ever to come out of the group. The Beatles influence is present, to be sure, but developed to a very high degree of sophistication and on Lynnes own terms, rather than being imitative of specific songs. "Telephone Line" might be the best Lennon-McCartney collaboration that never was, lyrical and soaring in a way that manages to echo elements of Revolver and the Beatles without ever mimicking them. The original LPs second side opened with "So Fine," which seems like the perfect pop synthesis of guitar, percussion, and orchestral sounds, embodying precisely what Lynne had first set out to do with Roy Wood at the moment ELO was conceived. From there, the album soars through stomping rock numbers like "Livin Thing" and "Do Ya," interspersed with lyrical pieces like "Above the Clouds" (which makes striking use of pizzicato bass strings). | ||
 | Album: 9 of 40 Title: The Light Shines On Released: 1977 Tracks: 9 Duration: 41:34 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Roll Over Beethoven (04:33) 2 In Old England Town (02:38) 3 Look at Me Now (03:16) 4 Momma (07:03) 5 Showdown (04:10) 6 Mr. Radio (05:02) 7 The Battle of Marston Moor (July 2nd 1644) (06:02) 8 Whisper in the Night (04:44) 9 10538 Overture (04:03) |
 | Album: 10 of 40 Title: Out of the Blue Released: 1977-10 Tracks: 17 Duration: 1:10:21 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Turn to Stone (03:49) 2 It’s Over (04:08) 3 Sweet Talkin’ Woman (03:49) 4 Across the Border (03:53) 5 Night in the City (04:02) 6 Starlight (04:27) 7 Jungle (03:52) 8 Believe Me Now (01:21) 9 Steppin’ Out (04:39) 10 Standin’ in the Rain (04:19) 11 Big Wheels (05:08) 12 Summer and Lightning (04:10) 13 Mr. Blue Sky (05:04) 14 Sweet Is the Night (03:28) 15 The Whale (05:02) 16 Birmingham Blues (04:23) 17 Wild West Hero (04:41) |
| Out of the Blue : Allmusic album Review : Nowadays, 1977 is remembered as both the year of punk and the year of disco. At the time, though, it was the year of Fleetwood Macs RUMOURS and Electric Light Orchestras OUT OF THE BLUE, two albums that were simply inescapable. But where overexposure made RUMOURS feel somewhat stale and dated, OUT OF THE BLUE sounds as fresh now as it did at the time. This is due in large part to the obsessive insularity of Jeff Lynnes aesthetic. He seems not to be ignoring musical trends, but to be simply unaware of them. Lynnes mid-period Beatles fixation combines with his love of lush orchestrations and pristine production to create some of his strongest music, including the enormous hits "Turn to Stone," "Sweet Talkin Woman" and "Mr. Blue Sky." However, the autobiographical "Birmingham Blues" suggests that Lynne was tiring of the rock-star grind, which might explain ELOs lowered profile after this release. | ||
 | Album: 11 of 40 Title: ELOs Greatest Hits Released: 1979 Tracks: 11 Duration: 44:31 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Evil Woman (04:13) 2 Livin’ Thing (03:32) 3 Can’t Get It Out of My Head (04:23) 4 Showdown (03:56) 5 Turn to Stone (03:49) 6 Rockaria! (03:14) 7 Sweet Talkin’ Woman (03:49) 8 Telephone Line (04:40) 9 Ma‐Ma‐Ma Belle (03:39) 10 Strange Magic (04:08) 11 Mr. Blue Sky (05:04) |
| ELO's Greatest Hits : Allmusic album Review : By ignoring the bands first two albums, the Roy Wood-dominated Electric Light Orchestra and the transitional ELO II, the 1979 singles compilation ELOs Greatest Hits presents a somewhat skewed vision of the band. Ironically, this revision has become the normative view of the band: slick, almost mechanical purveyors of undeniably catchy but somewhat soulless hit singles. "Evil Woman," "Showdown," "Turn to Stone," "Telephone Line," "Strange Magic" -- anyone who was anywhere near a radio in the latter half of the 70s knows them all by heart, whether they like them or not. But ELOs Greatest Hits does a far graver disservice to the Electric Light Orchestras oeuvre. For some reason, the original vinyl LP sounded somewhat muffled and distant, as if the EQ was perceptibly off. The result is that while this is otherwise a fine survey of Jeff Lynnes most successful -- if not necessarily his best -- songs, it just doesnt sound very good. | ||
 | Album: 12 of 40 Title: Discovery Released: 1979 Tracks: 9 Duration: 39:07 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Shine a Little Love (04:43) 2 Confusion (03:42) 3 Need Her Love (05:13) 4 The Diary of Horace Wimp (04:18) 5 Last Train to London (04:32) 6 Midnight Blue (04:20) 7 On the Run (03:57) 8 Wishing (04:14) 9 Don’t Bring Me Down (04:04) |
| Discovery : Allmusic album Review : Electric Light Orchestra continued on their winning Top 40 ways with the release of Discovery. Now pared down to the basic four-piece unit, Jeff Lynne continued to dominate the band and they still got their hits (this time around it was the smash "Dont Bring Me Down"). Elsewhere on the disc there was, of note, "Last Train to London" and "Confusion." Though Discovery charted well, it was becoming obvious that ELO were starting to run themselves out of useful Beatles hooks with which to fuel their hit-making machine. | ||
 | Album: 13 of 40 Title: Time Released: 1981-08 Tracks: 13 Duration: 43:57 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Prologue (01:16) 2 Twilight (03:42) 3 Yours Truly, 2095 (03:11) 4 Ticket to the Moon (04:07) 5 The Way Life’s Meant to Be (04:39) 6 Another Heart Breaks (03:48) 7 Rain Is Falling (03:55) 8 From the End of the World (03:16) 9 The Lights Go Down (03:33) 10 Here Is the News (03:45) 11 21st Century Man (04:02) 12 Hold On Tight (03:07) 13 Epilogue (01:31) |
| Time : Allmusic album Review : Time takes its cues more from such bands as the Alan Parsons Project and Wings than from Jeff Lynnes fascination with Pepper-era Beatles. Sure, all the electronic whirrs and bleeps are present and accounted for, and Time did spawn hit singles in "Hold on Tight" and "Twilight," but on the average, ELO had begun to get too stuck on the same structure and content of their releases. "The Way Lifes Meant to Be" echoes very early ELO hits like "Cant Get It Out of My Head," and the "Prologue" and "Epilogue" segments try and bring about a unifying concept that doesnt quite hold up upon listening all the way through. Time proves to be competent ELO but not great ELO. | ||
 | Album: 14 of 40 Title: Secret Messages Released: 1983 Tracks: 14 Duration: 56:09 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Secret Messages (04:44) 2 Loser Gone Wild (05:25) 3 Bluebird (04:13) 4 Take Me On and On (04:58) 5 Time After Time (04:01) 6 Four Little Diamonds (04:06) 7 Stranger (04:28) 8 Danger Ahead (03:52) 9 Letter From Spain (02:51) 10 Train of Gold (04:21) 11 Rock ’n’ Roll Is King (03:47) 12 No Way Out (03:28) 13 Endless Lies (03:26) 14 After All (02:23) |
| Secret Messages : Allmusic album Review : Originally conceived of as a double album, and wisely whittled down to one on release, Secret Messages was routine, formulaic Electric Light Orchestra. Lynnes hooks and dense production were still in force, but it sounded more mechanized and heartless than usual, due in part to the surfeit of synthesizers on some tracks. It did include the Top 20 hit "Rock & Roll Is King." [The 2001 CD reissue on Epic/Legacy included three bonus tracks: "After All," the B-side of "Rock & Roll Is King"; "No Way Out," planned for the double-album version of Secret Messages and eventually released on the 1990 Afterglow album; and a previously unreleased version of the Roy Orbison-style "Endless Lies," which was re-recorded for the Balance of Power album.] | ||
 | Album: 15 of 40 Title: A Perfect World of Music Released: 1985 Tracks: 16 Duration: 1:06:49 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Roll Over Beethoven (08:13) 2 Evil Woman (04:13) 3 Turn to Stone (03:49) 4 Confusion (03:42) 5 Ma-Ma-Ma Belle (03:35) 6 Shine a Little Love (04:39) 7 Showdown (03:53) 8 Hold On Tight (03:07) 9 Do Ya (03:46) 10 Don’t Bring Me Down (04:04) 11 Livin’ Thing (03:32) 12 Telephone Line (04:39) 13 Can’t Get It Out of My Head (04:26) 14 Sweet Talkin’ Woman (03:49) 15 Strange Magic (04:08) 16 Rock ’n’ Roll Is King (03:07) |
 | Album: 16 of 40 Title: First Movement Released: 1986 Tracks: 12 Duration: 1:08:31 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 First Movement (Jumping Biz) (02:57) 2 Look at Me Now (03:18) 3 10538 Overture (05:30) 4 Queen of the Hours (03:23) 5 The Battle of Marston Moor (July 2nd, 1644) (06:04) 6 Mr. Radio (05:05) 7 Kuiama (11:16) 8 Roll Over Beethoven (04:33) 9 From the Sun to the World (Boogie No. 1) (08:18) 10 Momma (07:05) 11 In Old England Town (Boogie No. 2) (06:51) 12 Showdown (04:08) |
 | Album: 17 of 40 Title: Balance of Power Released: 1986 Tracks: 10 Duration: 34:36 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Heaven Only Knows (02:56) 2 So Serious (02:43) 3 Getting to the Point (04:30) 4 Secret Lives (03:29) 5 Is It Alright (03:25) 6 Sorrow About to Fall (04:04) 7 Without Someone (03:51) 8 Calling America (03:28) 9 Endless Lies (03:00) 10 Send It (03:08) |
| Balance of Power : Allmusic album Review : After mining the Beatles gold mine for all those catchy hooks, by the time that Balance of Power was released, Jeff Lynne and company had pretty much found that once-rich vein going dry. This album did contain yet another Top 40 hit with "Calling America," but by the mid-80s, ELO were finding their audience and their inspiration on the wane. Not truly memorable, but passable. [In 2007 Epic/Legacy reissued Balance of Power with seven bonus cuts, including alternate takes of "Heaven Only Knows," "Secret Lives" and "Sorrow About to Fall," U.K. b-sides "Caught in a Trap" and "Destination Unknown" and the previously unreleased "In for the Kill" and "Opening."] | ||
 | Album: 18 of 40 Title: Afterglow Released: 1990 Tracks: 47 Duration: 3:31:59 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 10538 Overture (05:30) 2 Mr. Radio (05:06) 3 Kuiama (11:20) 4 In Old England Town (Boogie #2) (06:55) 5 Mama (07:05) 6 Roll Over Beethoven (08:10) 7 Bluebird Is Dead (04:25) 8 Ma‐Ma‐Ma Belle (03:52) 9 Showdown (04:10) 10 Cant Get It Out of My Head (04:25) 11 Boy Blue (05:22) 12 One Summer Dream (05:46) 1 Evil Woman (04:19) 2 Tightrope (05:05) 3 Strange Magic (04:30) 4 Do Ya (03:46) 5 Nightrider (04:24) 6 Waterfall (04:11) 7 Rockaria! (03:14) 8 Telephone Line (04:40) 9 So Fine (03:56) 10 Livin’ Thing (03:32) 11 Mr. Blue Sky (03:47) 12 Sweet Is the Night (03:28) 13 Turn to Stone (03:49) 14 Sweet Talkin’ Woman (03:49) 15 Steppin’ Out (04:39) 16 Midnight Blue (04:20) 17 Don’t Bring Me Down (04:04) 1 Prologue (01:16) 2 Twilight (03:32) 3 Julie Dont Live Here (03:40) 4 Shine a Little Love (04:43) 5 When Time Stood Still (03:33) 6 Rain Is Falling (03:58) 7 Bouncer (03:13) 8 Hello My Old Friend (07:51) 9 Hold On Tight (03:07) 10 Four Little Diamonds (04:09) 11 Mandalay (05:20) 12 Buildings Have Eyes (03:57) 13 So Serious (02:41) 14 A Matter of Fact (03:59) 15 No Way Out (03:24) 16 Getting to the Point (04:30) 17 Destination Unknown (04:06) 18 Rock ’n’ Roll Is King (03:07) |
| Afterglow : Allmusic album Review : Although it contains all the hits and the remastering sounds superb, the three-disc box set Afterglow is likely to be more ELO than anyone but the most devoted fans would want from an anthology. | ||
 | Album: 19 of 40 Title: The Very Best of ELO Released: 1990 Tracks: 29 Duration: 1:56:08 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify AlbumCover | 1 Prologue / Twilight (04:57) 2 Mr. Blue Sky (05:04) 3 Heaven Only Knows (02:54) 4 All Over the World (04:04) 5 Showdown (04:09) 6 Tightrope (05:05) 7 Rockaria (03:14) 8 Calling America (03:27) 9 Hold On Tight (03:07) 10 Im Alive (03:42) 11 Do Ya (03:47) 12 Don’t Bring Me Down (04:04) 13 Shine a Little Love (04:11) 14 Rock ’n’ Roll Is King (03:07) 15 Roll Over Beethoven (04:33) 1 Eldorado Overture (02:12) 2 Can’t Get It Out of My Head (04:23) 3 Telephone Line (04:41) 4 Evil Woman (04:11) 5 So Fine (03:54) 6 Livin Thing (03:34) 7 Last Train to London (04:28) 8 Sweet Talking Woman (03:49) 9 Turn to Stone (03:47) 10 Strange Magic (04:06) 11 Confusion (03:42) 12 Shangri-La (05:37) 13 Bluebird (04:09) 14 Its Over (04:07) |
 | Album: 20 of 40 Title: ELO Classics Released: 1990 Tracks: 10 Duration: 42:00 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Evil Woman (04:19) 2 Boy Blue (04:12) 3 Telephone Line (04:40) 4 Rockaria! (03:14) 5 Don’t Bring Me Down (04:04) 6 Ma-Ma-Ma Belle (03:37) 7 Can’t Get It Out of My Head (04:23) 8 Bluebird (04:06) 9 Birmingham Blues (04:07) 10 Loser Gone Wild (05:13) |
| ELO Classics : Allmusic album Review : ELO Classics is a budget-priced collection of some of Electric Light Orchestras biggest hits. Although several of their finest moments are included, the album leaves off too much prime material. The bands three other hits compilations are far better buys; only the severely budget-conscious should consider ELO Classics. | ||
 | Album: 21 of 40 Title: Early ELO 1971–1973 Released: 1991 Tracks: 26 Duration: 2:12:31 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 10538 Overture (05:30) 2 Look at Me Now (03:18) 3 Nellie Takes Her Bow (06:01) 4 Battle of Marston Moor (July 2nd 1644) (06:05) 5 1st Movement (Jumping Biz) (03:01) 6 Mr. Radio (05:06) 7 Manhattan Rumble (49th Street Massacre) (04:23) 8 Queen of the Hours (03:25) 9 Whisper in the Night (04:49) 10 1st Movement (Jumping Biz) (Quadraphonic mix) (03:03) 11 Mr. Radio (Quadraphonic mix) (05:04) 12 Nellie Takes Her Bow (Quadraphonic mix) (06:04) 13 Whisper in the Night (Quadraphonic mix) (04:46) 14 Roll Over Beethoven (04:33) 1 In Old England Town (Boogie No. 2) (06:57) 2 Momma (07:17) 3 Roll Over Beethoven (06:47) 4 From the Sun to the World (Boogie No. 1) (08:18) 5 Kuiama (11:17) 6 In Old England Town (instrumental) (02:44) 7 Showdown (04:10) 8 Baby I Apologise (03:42) 9 Auntie (Ma Ma Ma Belle, Early version) (03:59) 10 My Woman (Ma Ma Ma Belle, Early version) (03:58) 11 All Over the World (Showdown, Early version) (04:07) 12 Bevs Trousers (Showdown, Early version) (04:04) |
| Early ELO 1971–1973 : Allmusic album Review : Presented as an upgrade of the groups first two albums, this double-CD set promises more than it actually delivers, though at the time it was an improvement over the existing CDs. EMI redid the mastering on Electric Light Orchestra (as the album that Americans know as No Answer is referred to over there) and E.L.O. 2 (as Electric Light Orchestra II is called over there) and padded them out with outtakes that mostly consist of working versions of a handful of instrumentals that became finished songs in not-too-different form on the second and third albums. The 2001 two-CD version of the groups first album offers much better sound and more impressive extras, and the 1999 remastering of E.L.O. 2 runs circles around this set for audio quality. | ||
 | Album: 22 of 40 Title: ELOs Greatest Hits II, Volume Two Released: 1992 Tracks: 16 Duration: 1:03:52 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Rock n Roll Is King (03:35) 2 Hold On Tight (03:07) 3 All Over the World (04:04) 4 Wild West Hero (04:41) 5 The Diary of Horace Wimp (04:18) 6 Shine a Little Love (04:43) 7 Confusion (03:42) 8 Ticket to the Moon (04:07) 9 Don’t Bring Me Down (04:04) 10 Im Alive (03:45) 11 Last Train to London (04:32) 12 Dont Walk Away (04:41) 13 Here Is the News (03:49) 14 Calling America (03:26) 15 Twilight (03:38) 16 Secret Messages (03:35) |
 | Album: 23 of 40 Title: Collection Gold Released: 1992 Tracks: 13 Duration: 53:53 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Cant Get It Out of My Head (04:26) 2 Rock and Roll Is King (03:45) 3 Shine a Little Love (04:44) 4 Last Train to London (04:34) 5 Don’t Bring Me Down (04:03) 6 Ticket to the Moon (04:10) 7 Hold on Tight (03:06) 8 Telephone Line (04:41) 9 Its Over (04:05) 10 Mr. Blue Sky (05:04) 11 Getting to the Point (04:30) 12 Boy Blue (05:19) 13 Eldorado - Finale (01:20) |
 | Album: 24 of 40 Title: Definitive Collection - Best of the Best Released: 1992 Tracks: 27 Duration: 1:50:45 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Show Down (04:11) 2 Eldorado Overture (02:12) 3 Cant Get It Out of My Head (04:24) 4 Evil Woman (04:17) 5 Strange Magic (04:29) 6 Livin Thing (05:50) 7 So Fine (03:55) 8 Rockaria (03:14) 9 Sweet Talking Woman (03:47) 10 Turn to Stone (03:47) 11 Mr. Blue Sky (05:04) 12 Don’t Bring Me Down (04:04) 13 Shine a Little Love (04:39) 14 The Diary of Horace Wimp (04:17) 15 All Over the World (04:04) 16 Twilight (03:47) 17 Rock n Roll Is King (03:37) 18 Hold On Tight (03:07) 19 Secret Messages (04:32) 1 10538 Overture (05:30) 2 Roll Over Beethoven (04:33) 3 Poor Boy (The Greenwood) (03:00) 4 Telephone Line (04:42) 5 Last Train to London (04:34) 6 Im Alive (03:46) 7 Here Is the News (03:49) 8 Calling America (03:28) |
 | Album: 25 of 40 Title: Burning Bright Released: 1992 Tracks: 10 Duration: 40:20 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Turn to Stone (03:49) 2 Livin’ Thing (03:32) 3 Standin In the Rain (04:24) 4 Stranger (04:28) 5 Strange Magic (04:30) 6 Hold On Tight (03:07) 7 Night in the City (04:03) 8 Do Ya (03:46) 9 Fire on High (05:30) 10 Rock ’n’ Roll Is King (03:07) |
| Burning Bright : Allmusic album Review : Sony Music Special Products Burning Bright provides a good sampling of Electric Light Orchestras classic material, balancing hits with album tracks. There are enough hits -- "Turn to Stone," "Livin Thing," "Strange Music," "Do Ya," "Rock n Roll Is King" -- to satisfy curious casual fans, while there are enough strong album tracks to whet their appetite for the full-length records, which means its quite a successful budget-line disc indeed. | ||
 | Album: 26 of 40 Title: Livin Thing: Best Released: 1992 Tracks: 19 Duration: 1:16:10 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Roll Over Beethoven (04:33) 2 Don’t Bring Me Down (04:03) 3 Turn to Stone (03:46) 4 Livin’ Thing (03:32) 5 The Way Lifes Meant to Be (04:41) 6 10538 Overture (05:30) 7 Rockaria (03:14) 8 Showdown (03:53) 9 Evil Woman (04:13) 10 Confusion (03:43) 11 Here Is the News (03:50) 12 Hold On Tight (03:07) 13 Rock and Roll Is King (03:45) 14 Shine a Little Love (04:43) 15 Twilight (03:43) 16 Telephone Line (04:35) 17 Im Alive (03:46) 18 Calling America (03:27) 19 All Over the World (04:04) |
 | Album: 27 of 40 Title: The Very Best of Released: 1993-10-11 Tracks: 19 Duration: 1:16:01 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify AlbumCover | 1 Last Train to London (04:26) 2 Don’t Bring Me Down (04:04) 3 Evil Woman (04:13) 4 Livin’ Thing (03:32) 5 Can’t Get It Out of My Head (04:23) 6 Do Ya (03:46) 7 Telephone Line (04:40) 8 Turn to Stone (03:49) 9 Sweet Talkin’ Woman (03:49) 10 Mr. Blue Sky (05:04) 11 All Over the World (04:04) 12 Hold On Tight (03:07) 13 Rock ’n’ Roll Is King (03:07) 14 Strange Magic (04:08) 15 Twilight (03:32) 16 Showdown (03:49) 17 Rockaria! (03:14) 18 Roll Over Beethoven (04:33) 19 Shine a Little Love (04:33) |
 | Album: 28 of 40 Title: The Very Best of the Electric Light Orchestra Released: 1994 Tracks: 18 Duration: 1:14:12 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Sweet Talkin’ Woman (03:49) 2 Mr. Blue Sky (05:04) 3 Livin’ Thing (03:32) 4 Evil Woman (04:13) 5 Telephone Line (04:40) 6 Rockaria! (03:14) 7 Turn to Stone (03:49) 8 Don’t Bring Me Down (04:04) 9 Wild West Hero (04:41) 10 All Over the World (04:04) 11 Hold On Tight (03:07) 12 Confusion (03:41) 13 Showdown (04:11) 14 Last Train to London (04:32) 15 Strange Magic (04:08) 16 Shine a Little Love (04:43) 17 The Diary of Horace Wimp (04:17) 18 Roll Over Beethoven (live) (04:18) |
 | Album: 29 of 40 Title: The Best Of Released: 1994 Tracks: 14 Duration: 1:03:05 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify AlbumCover | 1 Mr. Blue Sky (05:04) 2 Livin Thing (05:51) 3 Turn to Stone (03:47) 4 Rockaria (03:14) 5 Sweet Talkin Woman (03:48) 6 Telephone Line (04:42) 7 So Fine (03:58) 8 Standin in the Rain (04:19) 9 Big Wheels (05:08) 10 Summer and Lightning (04:13) 11 Tightrope (05:06) 12 Mission (A World Record) (04:28) 13 Do Ya (03:45) 14 Shangri-La (05:35) |
 | Album: 30 of 40 Title: Strange Magic: The Best of Electric Light Orchestra Released: 1995 Tracks: 29 Duration: 2:02:06 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 10538 Overture (05:30) 2 Roll Over Beethoven (08:10) 3 Showdown (04:10) 4 Daybreaker (03:30) 5 Ma-Ma-Ma Belle (04:12) 6 Can’t Get It Out of My Head (04:23) 7 Boy Blue (05:19) 8 Evil Woman (04:19) 9 Strange Magic (04:30) 10 Livin’ Thing (03:32) 11 Do Ya (03:46) 12 Telephone Line (04:40) 13 Rockaria! (03:14) 1 Turn to Stone (03:49) 2 Sweet Talkin’ Woman (03:49) 3 Mr. Blue Sky (05:04) 4 It’s Over (04:08) 5 Shine a Little Love (04:43) 6 Don’t Bring Me Down (04:04) 7 Confusion (03:42) 8 Last Train to London (04:32) 9 Hold On Tight (03:07) 10 Twilight (03:42) 11 Rain Is Falling (03:55) 12 Rock ’n’ Roll Is King (03:17) 13 Four Little Diamonds (04:06) 14 Stranger (04:28) 15 Calling America (03:30) 16 So Serious (02:43) |
| Strange Magic: The Best of Electric Light Orchestra : Allmusic album Review : ELOs smart blend of pop and rock with modernly orchestrated classical music flourished throughout the 70s and 80s, since their sound was one of a kind. Plush arrangements that drowned themselves in bright synthesizers and vibrant guitar gave way to a brand new type of music, giving the Electric Light Orchestra a distinguished setting atop the vast rock & roll mantle. Strange Magic is a two-CD set of their most illustrious songs from their lengthy career. Every one of their charted hits, except three, appear here, leaving out "Im Alive," "All Over The World," and the famed "Xanadu" with Olivia Newton John. These deletions aside, this generous 29-song compilation is a splendid cross-section of the group. The first disc is highlighted by the eight-plus minutes of "Roll Over Beethoven," which combines their trademarked classical and rock sound, and the guitar driven allure of "Ma-Ma-Ma Belle" showcases their edginess. ELOs most gracious offering, the beautiful "Cant Get It Out of My Head," appears here as well, with its grandeur stemming from its exquisite string work. The synth-saturated "Strange Magic" is one of their most colorful songs, and "Evil Woman" has Jeff Lynne showing off his concealed yet masterful voice. The second disc begins to show their drift into disco, with the keyboards front and center on "Shine a Little Love" along with the computerized texture of both "Turn to Stone" and "Sweet Talkin Woman." The wispy synthesized tinkle of "Confusion" is a nice addition, bringing their domination of electric music to its full capacity. ELOs glide into the 80s found them playing more rock-infused music, relying on the keyboards a little less. Songs like "Hold on Tight," with its slippery rhythm, and the 60s-tinged sound of "Rock N Roll Is King" proved that Lynne could pump out amiable rock tunes that befriended radio in a new decade. Strange Magic sums up this innovative groups musical career with an abundant amount of hits, bettered only by the box set. | ||
 | Album: 31 of 40 Title: Singles Collection Released: 1995 Tracks: 19 Duration: 1:13:14 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Secret Messages (04:51) 2 Here Is the News (03:49) 3 Don’t Bring Me Down (04:04) 4 So Serious (02:42) 5 Ticket to the Moon (04:09) 6 Honest Man (06:14) 7 Hold On Tight (03:07) 8 Roll Over Beethoven (04:33) 9 Do Ya (03:46) 10 Getting to the Point (04:30) 11 Sweet Talkin’ Woman (03:44) 12 Im Alive (03:45) 13 All Over the World (04:04) 14 Turn to Stone (03:45) 15 Confusion (03:42) 16 Rockaria (03:15) 17 Calling America (03:28) 18 Rock and Roll Is King (03:45) 19 Save Me Now (01:59) |
 | Album: 32 of 40 Title: Electric Light Orchestra Released: 1995 Tracks: 14 Duration: 1:01:16 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify AlbumCover | 1 Secret Messages (04:50) 2 Heaven Only Knows (02:52) 3 Bluebird (04:11) 4 Evil Woman (04:11) 5 Showdown (04:12) 6 Rockaria! (03:13) 7 Telephone Line (04:40) 8 Mr. Blue Sky (05:04) 9 Cant Get You Out Of My Head (04:26) 10 Turn to Stone (03:47) 11 Last Train To London (04:34) 12 Midnight Blue (04:20) 13 Eldorado (05:18) 14 Shangri-La (05:38) |
 | Album: 33 of 40 Title: The Gold Collection Released: 1996 Tracks: 14 Duration: 1:08:43 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 10538 Overture (05:30) 2 Mr. Radio (05:03) 3 All Over the World (Showdown - early version) (04:06) 4 Look at Me Now (03:18) 5 Manhattan Rumble (49th Street Massacre) (04:23) 6 In Old England Town (Boogie No. 2) (06:53) 7 My Woman (Ma Ma Belle - early version) (03:57) 8 Roll Over Beethoven (06:45) 9 The Battle of Marston Moor (July 2nd. 1664) (06:04) 10 Queen of the Hours (03:23) 11 Showdown (04:10) 12 1st Movement (Jumping Biz) (03:01) 13 Whisper in the Night (04:49) 14 Momma (07:18) |
 | Album: 34 of 40 Title: Light Years: The Very Best of Electric Light Orchestra Released: 1997-11 Tracks: 38 Duration: 2:28:04 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Turn to Stone (03:49) 2 Evil Woman (04:13) 3 Livin’ Thing (03:32) 4 Twilight (03:37) 5 Telephone Line (04:40) 6 Four Little Diamonds (04:06) 7 Xanadu (03:29) 8 Last Train to London (04:32) 9 Strange Magic (04:08) 10 Ma Ma Ma Belle (03:20) 11 Confusion (03:42) 12 Rock ’n’ Roll Is King (03:07) 13 The Way Life’s Meant to Be (04:39) 14 Cant Get It Out of My Head (03:07) 15 Secret Messages (03:35) 16 Calling America (03:28) 17 Dont Walk Away (04:40) 18 Don’t Bring Me Down (04:04) 19 Mr. Blue Sky (05:04) 1 Sweet Talkin’ Woman (03:49) 2 Im Alive (03:44) 3 Shine a Little Love (04:12) 4 Ticket to the Moon (04:07) 5 Illusions in G Major (02:37) 6 So Serious (02:43) 7 Nightrider (03:43) 8 All Over the World (04:04) 9 Here Is the News (03:45) 10 The Diary of Horace Wimp (04:18) 11 Across the Border (03:53) 12 Showdown (04:10) 13 Hold On Tight (03:07) 14 Wild West Hero (04:40) 15 Do Ya (03:46) 16 10538 Overture (04:03) 17 Getting to the Point (04:30) 18 Rockaria! (03:14) 19 Roll Over Beethoven (04:33) |
| Light Years: The Very Best of Electric Light Orchestra : Allmusic album Review : Light Years: The Very Best of Electric Light Orchestra is an extensive double-disc, 32-track, U.K.-only collection that runs through all of ELOs biggest hits, plus several lesser-known singles and album tracks. While this is comparable to the American collection Strange Music, it isnt as lean and effective as that release, meandering just enough to sound a little bloated. Nevertheless, its not a bad choice for the fan who wants a little more than the hits but not as much as the albums. | ||
 | Album: 35 of 40 Title: Friends and Relatives Released: 1999 Tracks: 29 Duration: 1:46:37 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Intro (live) (00:32) 2 Rockaria! (live) (02:50) 3 Telephone Line (live) (04:22) 4 Are You Ready to Rock (02:31) 5 Let There Be Drums (02:52) 6 Fire Brigade (02:23) 7 Top Ten Record (02:15) 8 Custers Last Stand (04:05) 9 In Time (05:35) 10 Someday (03:59) 11 Clog Dance (03:02) 12 Under the Blue / Asteroid (03:13) 13 Any Old Time Will Do (04:16) 14 Evil Woman (live) (04:14) 15 10538 Overture / Do Ya (live) (04:45) 1 Mr. Blue Sky (live) (03:46) 2 Livin Thing (live) (04:20) 3 Flowers in the Rain (02:25) 4 Rock n Roll Winter (Loonys Tune) (05:04) 5 Bitter Sweet (02:42) 6 Pictures in My Pillow (04:01) 7 Heavy Head (03:31) 8 Miss You Nights (03:13) 9 Eternal Quest (05:28) 10 Ria (02:51) 11 This Is the Story of My Love (Baby) (04:10) 12 Oh! What a Shame (03:51) 13 Blackberry Way (03:32) 14 Roll Over Beethoven (live) (06:48) |
| Friends and Relatives : Allmusic album Review : Electric Light Orchestras family tree is certainly a long and winding one, as evidenced by the 1999 double-disc compilation Friends and Relatives. As its title suggests, what you get here are tracks by artists who are in some way, shape, or form related to ELO, with a few live ELO tracks thrown in for good measure. In other words, dont expect a multitude of renowned tracks youre likely to hear on the average classic rock radio station. For instance, youll find tracks from Wizzard (a band Roy Wood was in after ELO), Rick Price (bassist for Wizzard and the pre-ELO band the Move), Bev Bevan (drummer for the Move and ELO), and even tracks by ex-Wings member Denny Laine (who once worked with Trevor Burton of the Move). Standouts include Wizzards Phil Spector-ish sounding "This Is the Story of My Love (Baby)," the Moves Beatlesque "Blackberry Way," and such renowned ELO tracks as "Evil Woman" (in live form). If you already own the majority of Electric Light Orchestras albums and want to sample the bandmembers music outside of ELOs confines, Friends and Relatives is a solid "taster" set. | ||
 | Album: 36 of 40 Title: The BBC Sessions Released: 1999 Tracks: 10 Duration: 56:56 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Kuiama (11:05) 2 Roll Over Beethoven (07:40) 3 From the Sun to the World (07:19) 4 Momma (06:56) 5 In the Hall of Mountain King (05:42) 6 King of the Universe (02:35) 7 Bluebird Is Dead (04:24) 8 New World Rising (04:01) 9 Daybreaker (03:31) 10 Ma Ma Ma Belle (03:40) |
 | Album: 37 of 40 Title: The Swedish Collection - The Very Best of Electric Light Orchestra Released: 2000 Tracks: 38 Duration: 2:28:05 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Turn to Stone (03:49) 2 Evil Woman (04:13) 3 Livin’ Thing (03:33) 4 Twilight (03:37) 5 Telephone Line (04:41) 6 Four Little Diamonds (04:06) 7 Xanadu (03:29) 8 Last Train to London (04:33) 9 Strange Magic (7" edit) (04:08) 10 Ma Ma Ma Belle (7" edit) (03:21) 11 Confusion (03:41) 12 Rock ’n’ Roll Is King (03:07) 13 The Way Life’s Meant to Be (04:39) 14 Cant Get It Out of My Head (7" edit) (03:08) 15 Secret Messages (Special Version From the LP) (03:36) 16 Calling America (03:28) 17 Dont Walk Away (04:40) 18 Don’t Bring Me Down (04:03) 19 Mr. Blue Sky (05:04) 1 Sweet Talkin’ Woman (03:47) 2 Im Alive (03:44) 3 Shine a Little Love (04:12) 4 Ticket to the Moon (04:07) 5 Illusions in G Major (02:39) 6 So Serious (02:43) 7 Nightrider (7" edit) (03:45) 8 All Over the World (04:04) 9 Here Is the News (03:45) 10 The Diary of Horace Wimp (04:18) 11 Across the Border (EP version) (03:51) 12 Showdown (04:10) 13 Hold On Tight (03:07) 14 Wild West Hero (04:40) 15 Do Ya (03:46) 16 10538 Overture (04:03) 17 Getting to the Point (04:30) 18 Rockaria (03:14) 19 Roll Over Beethoven (04:33) |
 | Album: 38 of 40 Title: Flashback Released: 2000-12-11 Tracks: 53 Duration: 3:33:16 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 10538 Overture (05:30) 2 Showdown (04:10) 3 Ma‐Ma‐Ma Belle (03:56) 4 Mr. Radio (05:03) 5 Roll Over Beethoven (07:48) 6 Mama (new edit) (04:06) 7 One Summer Dream (05:22) 8 Illusions in G Major (02:37) 9 Strange Magic (04:29) 10 Eldorado Overture (02:12) 11 Can’t Get It Out of My Head (04:23) 12 Eldorado (05:18) 13 Eldorado Finale (01:29) 14 Do Ya (alternative mix) (04:09) 15 Mister Kingdom (05:08) 16 Griegs Piano Concerto in A minor (02:58) 1 Tightrope (05:23) 2 Evil Woman (04:19) 3 Livin’ Thing (03:32) 4 Mr. Blue Sky (05:04) 5 Mission (A World Record) (alternative mix) (04:31) 6 Turn to Stone (03:49) 7 Telephone Line (04:45) 8 Rockaria! (03:14) 9 Starlight (04:45) 10 Its Over (03:55) 11 The Whale (05:07) 12 Sweet Talkin’ Woman (03:49) 13 Big Wheels (05:32) 14 Shangri‐La (05:34) 15 Nightrider (04:24) 16 Tears in Your Life (03:05) 1 Don’t Bring Me Down (04:04) 2 The Diary of Horace Wimp (04:18) 3 Twilight (03:42) 4 Secret Messages (04:38) 5 Take Me On and On (04:58) 6 Shine a Little Love (04:12) 7 Rock and Roll Is King (03:08) 8 Last Train to London (04:32) 9 Confusion (03:42) 10 Getting to the Point (04:51) 11 Hold On Tight (03:07) 12 So Serious (02:43) 13 Calling America (03:28) 14 Four Little Diamonds (04:06) 15 Great Balls of Fire (live) (03:06) 16 Xanadu (new version) (03:21) 17 Indian Queen (demo) (00:57) 18 Love Changes All (03:28) 19 After All (02:23) 20 Helpless (03:19) 21 Whos That (01:25) |
| Flashback : Allmusic album Review : The very fact that Electric Light Orchestra released a second three-disc box set is a tacit admission that, yes, 1987s Afterglow wasnt everything it should be. Happily, 2000s Flashback is. Assembled with the cooperation of Jeff Lynne, Flashback covers all the bases, featuring all the hits, a good selection of album tracks, and seven previously unreleased tracks, two alternate mixes and "After All," previously unavailable on CD. The sequencing is roughly chronological, with each of the three discs spotlighting a different era, then sequenced for maximum listenability within that -- so "10538 Overture" segues to "Showdown" and "Ma-Ma-Ma Belle" then doubles back to the first album. Its a gambit that works, since Flashback winds up flowing as gracefully as ELOs best albums. And, make no mistake, this is one of their best albums, a rare box set that satisfies the needs of both casual and mildly dedicated fans, while offering the hardcore not just a bunch of rarities but an enjoyable album with its own character. So, it trumps Afterglow in every possible way, then, and thereby eliminates the need for yet another three-disc ELO box. | ||
 | Album: 39 of 40 Title: Zoom Released: 2001-06-06 Tracks: 15 Duration: 50:17 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Alright (03:12) 2 Moment in Paradise (03:36) 3 State of Mind (03:04) 4 Just for Love (03:40) 5 Stranger on a Quiet Street (03:41) 6 In My Own Time (03:03) 7 Easy Money (02:51) 8 It Really Doesn’t Matter (03:20) 9 Ordinary Dream (03:23) 1 A Long Time Gone (03:15) 2 Melting in the Sun (03:10) 3 All She Wanted (03:14) 4 Lonesome Lullaby (04:02) 5 One Day (03:03) 6 Turn to Stone (live from CBS Television City) (03:40) |
| Zoom : Allmusic album Review : Fifteen years after Jeff Lynne masterminded the last official Electric Light Orchestra album, and ten after his solo debut, Lynne recorded Zoom -- an ELO album that he recorded nearly entirely by himself. So why isnt this a solo album? Well, not only does Lynne own the ELO name, so he can do whatever he wants, but he designed this to be a return to the classic ELO sound. Which it is, more so than any album since the early 80s. There are lush, heartbreaking ballads and 50s-styled rockers with an endearingly robotic pulse and Beatlesque harmonies. Better than that, the songwriting is melodic and memorable, the strongest Lynne has done in decades, resulting in the most consistent record released under the ELO banner since Discovery. On top of that, the production, while clearly not a product of the 70s, avoids all the pitfalls of modern record production, sounding warm, welcoming, and right. So, why was Zoom largely ignored upon its release in the summer of 2001? Probably because no matter how good it is, there werent a lot of listeners clamoring for a new ELO album, and even some dedicated fans may have wondered if they needed a new ELO record, since, for all its strengths, Zoom doesnt deliver any knockout punches, even on the level of "Calling American" or "Four Little Diamonds." Without a great lead single (and, even if there had been, there wouldnt have been any place for it to receive airplay), there was nothing to bring the doubters into the fold, so they couldnt discover that Zoom was a very good ELO album, certainly more than just an album for the true believers -- which is what it wound up being. | ||
 | Album: 40 of 40 Title: Alone in the Universe Released: 2015-11-13 Tracks: 12 Duration: 37:19 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 When I Was a Boy (03:13) 2 Love and Rain (03:30) 3 Dirty to the Bone (03:07) 4 When the Night Comes (03:22) 5 The Sun Will Shine on You (03:30) 6 Ain’t It a Drag (02:36) 7 All My Life (02:52) 8 I’m Leaving You (03:09) 9 One Step at a Time (03:22) 10 Alone in the Universe (03:55) 11 Fault Line (02:07) 12 Blue (02:36) |
| Alone in the Universe : Allmusic album Review : Alone in the Universe isnt the first Jeff Lynne album of the 21st century, nor is it the first Electric Light Orchestra of the 21st century. That honor belongs to Zoom, a 2001 comeback that faded quickly into history books, its lack of success blamed in some quarters on Lynnes reluctance to tour. If Jeff didnt want to hit the road, his old bandmate Bev Bevan had no problem constituting a lineup and touring under the name ELO Part II, whose presence somewhat explains why Alone in the Universe is credited to the somewhat convoluted Jeff Lynnes ELO -- a truncation of the bands full name that also assigns credit where its due, as most listeners associate this majestic post-Abbey Road pop with Lynne alone. Certainly, Alone in the Universe is recognizably the work of Lynne: harmonies so sweet theyd induce cavities, stately midtempo marches that just avoid the appearance of pomp, a devotion to both McCartney-esque melody and Martin-esque production, spiked by an ode to George Harrisons slide guitar. At 32 minutes, Alone in the Universe is remarkably devoid of excess -- notably, its just five minutes longer than his breezy 2012 covers album Long Wave -- but it doesnt feel shrugged off, nor does it feel especially attached to its time. Lynne abandons some of the clean-cut sharp edges of his early-90s productions so he can happily live in the late 70s -- there are echoes of disco on "One Step at a Time" and the entire enterprise carries a sci-fi aura, even if it never is fantastical or prog -- and theres an appeal to his long looks back because hes not pandering to nostalgia: hes simply embracing who he is. If he hasnt written a knockout single -- a high bar for a craftsman of 67 to clear -- hes nevertheless sculpted ten strong songs, each one containing a sturdy melodic foundation and dressed in the handsomest threads of 1978. For many longtime followers of Lynne and ELO, that will be all they need from Alone in the Universe. | ||