From the dying embers of hit 60's rockers The Move, the Electric Light Orchestra stands as one of the most beloved bands of the 70's and 80's. Despite numerous lineup changes, the core of the band was the song writing, producing and lead vocals of Jeff Lynne (also no slouch with a guitar either).
Although the band officially broke up in 1986, there have been some comebacks in 2001 and now a new album in 2015 ("Alone in the Universe"). It's time to look at how the catalogue of ELO albums rank (at least in my opinion)
13) "Secret Messages" (1983)
Lynne's idea was for a double album but thankfully, he realised that there was not enough material to work with. Despite that, this album is confused, and swamped in layers of cheesy 80's synths. There are undoubted highlights but as a whole, this album is very messy.
Highlights: "Secret Messages", "Four Little Diamonds", "Rock and Roll Is King"
12) "Zoom" (2001)
The comeback album- but many would argue that it hardly deserves the ELO moniker as only Richard Tandy appears on this album from the Lynne's group of the 70's. Clearly, these people don't realise what a revolving door the band was even back in the 70's. Nevertheless, it's hard to shake the feeling that these songs are nowhere near Lynne's best. It is notable that it is one of the last albums to feature George Harrison, which bumps this just off the bottom rung.
Highlights: "Alright", "Easy Money", "Lonesome Lullaby"
11) "Balance of Power" (1986)
The final album by the band before their initial breakup. Lynne is clearly exhausted and keen to move on- along with the remaining band mates. This album really feels like a contractual obligation (which it was). That being said, every now and then, Lynne still shows that he can craft a good tune or two.
Highlights: "Heaven Only Knows", "So Serious", "Calling America"
10) "No Answer" (1971)
With Roy Wood and Bev Bevan, Lynne shaped the debut album by the band but, by his own admission, they had no idea what they were doing. Roy Wood has a ball on his own tracks playing every instrument he can get his hands on and the results are fairly out there. There is a charm to this album, no doubt, but against what would come from this band, it seems experimental and raw.
Highlights: "10538 Overture", "Mister Radio", "Whisper In The Night"
9) "Xanadu" (1980)
This album is produced by Lynne (who wrote all the songs on the second half of the album and produced the entire album) and features the rest of ELO in sparkling form. Olivia Newton-John brings some much needed life to this collection and some of her finest vocal work. Whilst the film is eminently forgettable, the soundtrack is not.
Highlights: "Magic", "All Over The World", "Xanadu"
8) "ELO 2" (1973)
With the departure of Wood, Lynne could focus on making an album without the need to delegate. Although only five tracks (the shortest track is just a shade under 7 minutes), this is the album where the ELO would really start to germinate. Some outstanding playing from the members plus a top drawer cover of a Chuck Berry classic make this one of the better sophomore albums around.
Highlights: "Mama" "Roll Over Beethoven"
7) "On The Third Day" (1973)
Getting rid of some of the excesses of the previous album meant leaner, tighter song writing. As a whole, the album meanders a fair bit and never really settles despite a lot of notable tracks on it. What's clear is how much growing Jeff Lynne has done from album one to this one (and the trajectory that would ensue).
Highlights: "Ocean Breakup/King of the Universe", "Showdown", "Ma-Ma-Ma Belle"
6) "Discovery" (1979)
Keyboardist Richard Tandy referred to this as "Disco Very"- and he's not far off the mark. This is most definitely an album of it's time. The production is very much of the day but the songs are mesmerising. This contains one of their greatest hits and it's clear that despite the dated nature of the album, the entire band is having a ball playing this material
Highlights: "Shine A Little Love", "The Secret Diary of Horace Wimp", "Don't Bring Me Down"
5) "Face The Music" (1975)
It's hard to separate the top 5 in this list, but this album is just a shade lower than the others because there is still an element of experimentation of the sound. This album introduced Kelly Groucutt to the line-up and that brought about some song writing relief to Jeff Lynne. This is an amazing album with some fantastic material that remain staples of the ELO set to this day.
Highlights: "Evil Woman", "Strange Magic", "One Summer Dream"
4) "Time" (1981)
The last great ELO album. This album truly embodies the story telling nature of the band and Lynne's desire to do concept albums (or at least albums with a unifying theme). There is nary a dud track on this one. The range of emotions explored on this album rival those from more well-known songwriters like Springsteen and Dylan.
Highlights: "Twilight", "21st Century Man", "Hold On Tight"
3) "Eldorado" (1974)
Taking his writing and producing to the next level, Jeff Lynne delivers an absolute masterpiece of an album making full use of a large string section and choir. The songs are exquisite as are the performances and it all flows so effortlessly.
Highlights: "Can't Get it Out Of My Head", "Boy Blue", "Eldorado"
2) "Out Of The Blue" (1977)
One of the finest and most consistent double albums to come out of the 70's. Inspired by his surrounds in Switzerland, Jeff Lynne carried on where his previous album left off. The magic "Concerto For A Rainy Day" (side 3 on the original lp) is a crowning jewel in the ELO canon. Whilst there might be a bit of chaff, it never feels bloated like most double albums. Between this and the number one album, there is nary a whisker...
Highlights: "Turn To Stone", "Stepping Out", "Mr. Blue Sky"
1) "A New World Record" (1976)
The absolute peak of ELO output. Every facet of this album is perfect. If "Out Of The Blue" seems a bit wayward at times (some people do believe this....) then this album is right for you. Not a dud track to be seen anywhere and Lynne at the height of his creative powers. Once heard, you will never be the same again...
Highlights: "Rockaria", "Living Thing", "Do Ya"
