Reviews (page 11 of 15)
starts off strong, gets boring. some really good songs though
ELO is always a good time.
Huh. There's something kinda cloyingly over the top to this music, and I'm someone who tends to like music that's kinda over the top. Not sure why, but it's not really working for me. Bit long at 17 tracks, too. It all started sounding really samey pretty early on. This isn't for me.
little weird. little groovy and cool
Omg some of these music types aren’t half self inducement. I was losing the will to live by the end of this
Such a great album.
Latitude 88 North
Fun, lively and energetic. Can’t say I was familiar with this artist before this project, but this was a pretty entertaining record. Some unique sounds and compositions.
Fine background music. 2/5
This was a double disappointment as when the name and cover turned up, as my perma-daze simultaneously translated this into Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds soundtrack - which may be terrible, but I haven’t heard since I loved it as a pre-teen - and OMD, of whom I’ve heard enough to know I want to hear much more when I can be bothered to. Listened to this at work, started it with my first coffee of the day, finished it three more coffees later with a blazing caffeine hangover. Work wasn’t hard, sun’s been shining, I have had relatively fine sleep, so I can only blame this record, which confounds me by being both lovable and tedious. I understand the Beatles’ debt, but they are a frictionless version, too cuddly, slightly pantomime, and don’t have enough choruses with bite. Here’s a tip: I gave up a second playthrough to listen to Miles Davis’s “A Tribute to Jack Johnson”, which shreds. Maybe listen to that instead.
Much as a philosopher proposed for Jonathan Richman on this here website, Jeff Lynne looked at The Beatles and said "I can do that"; from time-to-time, he would succeed. You might think I am an ELO's Greatest Hits kinda guy, and you would be correct (apart from Discovery, which I love for nostalgic reasons). This one is too much and too long (often both at once), but when it gets it right it hits hard. "Sweet Talkin' Woman" and "Mr Blue Sky" are always a pleasure, and kudos also for inventing Daft Punk. I'm too old for double albums that are not particularly varied throughout, but I probably would have loved this if I discovered it 35 years ago. I'll be kind
This album is pure bliss. I imagine floating around space on the album cover's spaceship while neon lights glow all around. Everyone's dancing, singing, and having a great time. I wish I could've seen ELO live in their heyday - I bet everyone was high & happy. Big kudos to Jeff Lynne & the band for making some of my favorite 70s favorites. I absolutely adore the Xanadu soundtrack & totally love this album. Will revisit this when I need a good pick me up.
I do enjoy ELO, but maybe not a full album of theirs all at once.
Very fun and a bit weird but in a good way
Good album, I've already listened to it before. If the whole album was like Side 3 and Jungle wasn't on it this would be an easy 5. I don't really care for the last 2 tracks, Birmingham Blues and Wild West Hero. I'd give it a 4.4/5.
Ja, ein paar Lieder waren hörenswert, aber für mich nicht das beste Album von ELO.
blue
I dont Need to listen to this but i WILL because ELO and Out Of The Blue is one of the best albums i adore it alongside Discovery
Love mr blue sky - but album ad a whole is uninspiring
Very 70s not bad I guess just not for me
It’s was groovy 🤪🤪
The 70:s-est of albums. A really good vibe with influences of Beatles and Pink Floyd in The who. First third of the record are available bops. Some solid album tracks as n Mr. Blue sky
ELO hits for me and some of my favorite tracks are on this album. The album as a whole is put together really well and has a general overall feel to it. Out of The Blue is a bit to slow or easy for me at times but anyone experiencing ELO for first time I think will have a lot to enjoy.
4/12/24. I believe this is as close to a perfect album as you can get!
There are a few good songs here, like Turn To Stone, Across The Border, Starlight, Believe Me Now, Standing In The Rain, Summer and Lightning and Mr Blue Sky - but this album doesn't quite reach the height for me.
My first time listening to ELO (besides Mr. Blue Sky) and I love it. However, I am seriously torn about how to rate it. Generally, I'd give it 4.5 stars because while really fun, the album is too long and quite repetitive. There are about four songs I really liked and will definitely listen to again – it would be great for a regular-length album, but this one does have 17 songs. It's better than many of my other 4-star albums, but it's also just not quite a 5-star masterpiece. Damn, I wish half-star ratings were a thing... Also, definitely would like to get this on vinyl. This energy is just what I need to hype myself up while doing stuff around the house. It also instantly makes me want to play/dance/hum along. Okay, it's gonna be a 4, but a VERY tentative one because this album is so close to being among the greats – but just falls a tiny bit short
I like elo a lot, this album is fantastic though maybe a little on the long side for my liking.
Somehow this is bland mashup of McCartney, Queen, and Pink Floyd. Massively overproduced and twice as long as it needed to be. A couple memorable songs but mostly I just wanted it to end.
No skips, all bops.
ELO's sound is so unique that any song has the potential to be incredible. there are a few weaker songs here that make the album a bit too long, but some of the songs in here are absolutely unforgettable
the album was/ felt so long i could listen to it all. (also i didnt listen to it yesterday so im doing two today). the songs were all very similar but all pretty good.
Man when I saw this was 70 minutes long I kind of sighed but this was so awesome. I am just such a sucker for elo. The guff that sounds like violins is awesome and along with the backing vocals it just totally defines their sound. The album had classic elo tracks like turn to stone, sweet talking woman and obviously mr. Blue sky but the other tracks carried their own weight really nicely as well. The album was broken up very well also with shorter more instrumental tracks like believe me now. Overall super strong stuff
I liked this album very much
This is not the album of theirs that Eric played over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again. 3.5
An ok album
Fun. Thats what this album was. Plain fun. I ended up listening to this three times on Friday, so thats about as much of an endorsement as I can give. The album was poppy and light, but super progressive without feeling too showy or excessive. I could also hear a lot of their contemporaries influence in there. It felt like a big mish mash of queen, late era Beatles, and Elton John, but still its own distinct thing. My favorite song was Jungle. I listened to it twice before I realized its just one riff the whole time. Its a good riff. 10/10 A- album cover
The greatness of Mr blue sky almost brought me to a 5 but overall really great listen
I enjoyed the hits, and the production and instrumentation are nice, but the album felt pretty repetitive to me. Didn't really draw me in and I felt bored.
ELO is one of the few bands that tire me out from grooving too hard. I typically listen to their greatest hits compilations and haven't listened to as many of their albums as I should have. I think almost anyone would agree, the hits from this album are absolutely electric. 'Turn to Stone', 'Sweet Talkin' Woman' and 'Mr Blue Sky' are 11/10 songs and I've listened to them hundreds of times. They assume direct control of my feet and head, forcing me to tap and bob along. A lot of the quieter hits are also fantastic - 'It's Over', 'Across the Border', 'Starlight' and 'Sweet is the Night' stand out to me. Unfortunately, the album is too long. It's got a runtime of 1h10m, and there are stretches of tracks that start to blend together. I think this prevents it from reaching the highest tiers of album heaven, even if the hits are angelic. 9/10
This is a great album. It has taken me a while to properly get into ELO. For years I appreciated the big singles but never fully bought into the whole sound. In recent years though, it has really clicked, and Out of the Blue shows exactly why they were so huge. It is ambitious, melodic and unapologetically grand. The strings, harmonies and huge choruses could easily tip into over the top territory, but somehow it all works. There is a real sense of scale to the album, yet it never loses its pop instincts. The hooks are everywhere. Turn to Stone is a brilliant opener, full of energy and drive, and It’s Over shows the more emotional, dramatic side of the band. Even across a long running time, it rarely drags. It feels like a fully realised vision rather than just a collection of songs. Favourite song: Turn to Stone and It’s Over Least favourite song: Birmingham Blues Album artwork: Amazing cover. Iconic and perfectly matching the space age ambition of the music
One of the best bands and albums of the late 70’s . Love this band and its music to this day.
Wow that's so well produced ! Not a fan of the backing vocals on most of the album but it's still a classic. 4 stars
Singles are okay. Okay-ish, anyway.
Meh
The Move, a sadly little known band in the states (look em' up and be amazed) birthed two bands in the 70's featuring two mercurial members: Jeff Lynne, he who became the fifth Beatle (or the fourth, after the murder of John) and a Wilbury, who brought us classic rock AOR standards with ELO, along with Move drummer Bev Bevan, and Roy Wood, who left after the first ELO album to pursue his own idiosyncrasies with Wizzard, a tragically cult-band in the US. It's fair to say that ELO had creative and critical juice throughout the 1970s until 1986, when ELO's AOR Imperial Phase ended, and produced a great many classic tunes ("Strange Magic" being my personal favorite) with their patented Beatles-esque songs and harmonies, powered by rock band + orchestra flourishes, where Wizzard produced one record Wizzard's Brew and a handle full of singles (notably, the holiday chestnut "I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday"), after which he busied himself with solo-albums, the Wizzo Band, and sundry performances. By all appearances, a one-hit wonder. But appearances be damned: Check out the sole Wizzard album; it is one of the most "what the fuck is happening" albums of the 70s, in every conceivable way. Don't sleep on that shit. (If it seems like I'd rather be reviewing Wizzard Brew, I would—but no disrespect to Lynne, Bevan et al.) The four sides of Out of the Blue show the full flower of what ELO could do, with rockers, weird orchestral pieces, all solid writing, all produced as though beamed through space. If we communicate with aliens like in "Close Encounters" through music, I imagine the aliens would like this quite a lot. Standout Tracks (all, really. It's a front to back proposition). Take the ride... And maybe wonder if Roy should've stuck around.
At the time, I would have thought this to be "spacy", for lack of a better word. The sound if late-Beatleish with a slant towards the late 70s or even early 80s. Sonically, everything is good. It's just, that short of one or two songs (Mr. Blue Sky, anyone?), this is a forgettable affair. Pity. 3/5
I feel like I should like this a lot more than I do. For whatever reason, they've just never clicked for me in spite of me liking all of their component parts. I think maybe it's just a bit too 70s-y for me?
Very ambitious album. Not sure why they felt the need to make a double album- a bit long for my attention span. Cohesive, which I suppose is good for an album but in this case almost turns into too much of the same. Would give it a 3.5 if I could but the musicality involved is going to tip it to a 4.
I always did like ELO, from the time I was in highschool
I can tell why this is beloved, but really I could only sing you back one or two songs. A lot of them are effervescent and fun but not memorable.
I liked this one a lot!!! It was theatrical and cinematic and a wide array of beautiful sounds
Decent album! I liked mr blue sky
ELO / Jeff Lynne has a very, very distinct sound but there is a bit of sameness. This isn't a bad album and Mr. Blue Sky is a great song but it doesn't resonate better than three stars for me.
ELO’s greatest hits is up there with any rock band’s. Seriously, go listen to it. However, with this album, once you’ve heard a few songs you’ve kinda heard em all
Really enjoyed it! Fun music! Love love Mr. Blue Sky! 5/5
3.5 some really good songs and musicianship. They could have cut some of the filler songs to make a better album
utterly amazing in every single aspect. elo is yet another band that i've adored for years, blending in poppy melodic hooks and grooves with dramatic and dreamy orchestral sounds, especially strings. i love their discography and i love this album because it's like a big ray of sunlight in the darkness. it's classy, it's fun, it's so engaging in every aspect. don't let it pass you by.
ELO had a very distinct sound with their use of strings, harmonies and background vocals. This distinction set them apart from other groups with an easily recognizable sound but it was also their bane as all their songs start sounding the same. I think it's a rut Jeff Lynne never grew out of. ELO is one of those bands I have little interest in outside of their greatest hits. There's a few good songs here but they are far outweighed by a LOT of forgettable bloat.
#2) I like ELO a lot. Although, compared to this album, I much prefer New World Record or Time. I would easily place one of those other two albums in my top ten favourite albums ever. Discovery, Face the Music, and On the Third Day are also a lot of fun. This one has some interesting ideas - and notably features Mr Bluesky, Sweet Talkin Woman, Turn to Stone - some big hits on it, but outside of a few inspired moments of Jeff Lynne songwriting, this album feels a little bland overall. The production is big and lush with rich orchestral/choral embellishments; delightful textured synths; and big rocking hooks. It's the signiature ELO sound, but still feels pretty hit or miss somehow. Anyway, I think there are better and more consistent ELO albums. This one's sitting at a high 3, but I bump up to 4 for having some of its very strong moments, and I must maintain my bias towards ELO, naturally. I have memories of listening to the double CD in my dad's car. Nostalgia wins.
Loved it. Fun album.
I really enjoyed this one. Not everything was great, but it was all good in my opinion. I'll have to listen to more of this. 4.5/5
What a beautiful album. Impossible to listen to without a big smile on my face.
A few great songs, a bunch of mediocre ones.
Tepid corporate dad schlock that doesn't move the needle one bit. It's pretentious, meandering prattle that only serves Jeff Lynne's ego. Something about Lynne that rubs me the wrong way. Hard pass.
Un peu comme si Supertramp et Queen avaient décidé de faire ensemble un album de rock progressif. Des choeurs, tout une panoplie d'instruments, des sons bizarres, british à souhait : un album qui s'écoute avec beaucoup de plaisir, même plusieurs fois de suite. Découvrir que le tubesque Mr Blue Sky intègre les 3 chansons précédentes pour former ensemble le "Concerto for a rainy day" donne encore plus de saveur à son écoute. Certainement la meilleure partie de l'album d'ailleurs !
A bit dated, but also fun and familiar. I like some of the songs.
Easy listening groovy fun. Overall I enjoyed the album.
I've heard several of ELO's songs, but never listened to a complete album. It definitely has a feel to it and it reminds me of mixing The Beach Boys, The Beatles, and Queen all together. The musical inventiveness of The Beach Boys, lyrics and singing style of The Beatles, and the grand themes and productions like Queen. A distinct style of their own. A solid album.
This album hits home for a lot of reasons. Definitely worth multiple play throughs.
Is 'Mr. Blue Sky' the greatest song ever recorded? Only drawback is that every song that follows pales in comparison to it.
I enjoyed this!
I like that Mister Blue Sky song a lot, but generally ELO sounds to me like they were inspired by the wrong parts of the Beatles and Beach Boys. Also, it occurred to me as I was wading through this that there is something Meat Loaf-ish about this (and that is not a good thing).
A classic, I know, but I don't think I've actually listened to the whole album before, or really heard most of the non-radio-hits. It's impressive how much the vocoder makes this sound a bit like time travel music-wise, with synthesizer-like sounds showing up in an analog context (the live string and horn sections contrast nicely with the sci-fi vocoder, or whatever synthesizer process gives the synth sounds and vocal manipulation). A fun listen, although not really my favorite sound, and it's sometimes hard for me to distinguish ELP, ELO, and Yes. And of course a few great radio hits like "Sweet Talkin' Woman" and "Mr. Blue Sky" make it a better experience (that helps you forget some of the weaker songs on the somewhat tediously long double-album).
Enjoyed this so much more than I expected to. Fun shades of early rock and blues, only regret is the "singing dolphin" style of the voices.
I can take or leave ELO, Jeff Lynne wishing to be the fifth Beatle? Whatever. This is mostly moderate stuff and even it's highest high in "Mr. Blue Sky" has been watered down in recent years to the point that I almost hate to hear it.
Hell yeah
Paul not my cup of tea
What? I think I accidentally clicked on "1001 albums that'll make you wish you were dead". -Take this tepid claptrap and leave, please. This fills me with rage, so I guess in that sense it is doing a good job, as art should evoke a strong reaction. My strong reaction is to stuff bananas in my ears. It's so messy and such a waste of bananas. I know........... I could just turn it off, but where would be the bananas in that?
💖 jungle 🗣️ 8️⃣
Meh. Some good songs but a lot of slog.
I'd always discounted this record due to Mr Blue Sky being so overplayed but for the most part it slaps, HUGE pop songs. Very Beatles-esque. Goes on too long but this was unexpectedly great
Something about ELO's sound has always struck me as a bit theatrical, frequently pulling strings and keys into the mix to build out sweeping lush atmospheres. Generally bright in texture with punchy rhythms. It's Over is an early standout with that familiar ELO sound. Just a pretty and well written song. Sweet Talkin' Woman pulls out some sci-fi influence with the vocoder backing vocals (almost sounds like late Daft Punk). Feels like this one borrows heavily from a disco influence with the string swells and the drum rhythm. I was already digging Night in the City and then the cowbell thump started -- I'm sold. This is a really dense song (as typical with ELO) but it works so well. Tempo / rhythm shifts keep you on your toes, but the strings are very effective throughout. Something about the minor key line on Starlight reminds me distinctly of Odd Future production -- can't quite pinpoint it, but I think it has to do with the slight ominous tone mixed in with the otherwise bright sounding instrumentals that puts the thing a touch off balance (in a good way). Absolutely love Believe Me Now. I know its the shortest track on here, but it is so completely epic. Love the buried, echoing "can you hear me?" This segues into Steppin' Out, a ballad that almost sounds like a Beach Boys song upon intro. Beautiful production here lends a space-age vibe to the song; in some ways, I hear Prince on this song. Standin' in the Rain brings back some disco elements into the forefront, making for a prog-disco fusion of a song. Big Wheels is a slow and wonderful song. Once again, featuring gorgeous production and composition. Mr. Blue Sky is an electric song; always loved the hop of the song. True to the name, its a perfect song for skipping down the block in early Spring. Wow that album was an unexpected breath of fresh air. I did not go into this a huge ELO fan, but have come out a changed man. Sure there isn't a TON of variation to their sound, but they fit so well into that pocket that it is hard to complain. Beautiful production and track composition throughout. It runs a little long, but I'm hard pressed to say any track shouldn't be here. This is a very strong 4 from me.
Night in the City needs more cowbell. The Whale was trippy, liked it! Overall a really good album that has a electronic uniqueness to it that I have always enjoyed about ELO's hits. First time listening to an album all the way through and it certainly lived up to what I expected.
This album had some cool aspects to it instrumentally, but I was never able to get hooked and it kind of dragged on. Turn to Stone being the first song was really the high point that song its very fun. I didn't hate it by any stretch but I was happy when the album was over.
Funny, Jeff Lynne just announced yesterday that ELO is doing a farewell tour and I almost put this album on. Turn To Stone, Mr. Blue Sky, Sweet Talkin Woman. All jams. This is such a fun album with their harmonies and fun sounds. I know people call them the Beatles of the 70's. Not sure how entirely I agree with that but they're a fun band overall even though some of the songs tend to sound similar and it's a bit long for my taste. But holy shit The Whale is sick. Felt like I was on the moon. Instantly adding to my tripping playlists. We’re on an insane dad rock run and I’m about it.
Предимно заради mr blue sky. Иначе разчупено звучат, ама не ме грабна нищо др
I dig it.
Just a full hour of audial sunshine. This record is the logical conclusion of the "Wall of Sound" style production, just so much going on and not a single note of it could be edited out. This is as good as pop music can get.
This really feels like the same experience over and over. If you like it, you'll love it. If not????
no sabía que mr blue sky era de acá, temazo y pedazo de álbum
Very cool and creative group, and this album holds many good songs. I want to like them more for their creativity and uniqueness, but I think I might have burnt out a bit on them throughout the years and have a hard time really appreciating it THAT much. 'Mr. Blue Sky' is especially good, and there are some other songs I forgot the name of that are decent as well, along with some that pass by unnoticed. The length of the album was very noticeable as I got fed up by the end and just wanted it to be over. I was contemplating putting a 4 on this, but I don't feel like I want to revisit it soon, and it feels a bit weaker than some other 4s as well so it's going to be a strong 3 instead.
I really enjoy ELO in small doses. It has lots of qualities i like: innovative, orchestral and just plain fun. So when I started listening to "Turn to stone" I was really feeling it and looking forward to the rest of the album. It really has moments of greatness but for some reason i always get the feeling I'm done with ELO after a few songs and it instead feels bland for some reason I can't really but my finger on. Anyway, "Turn to Stone" as previously mentioned is great and so is "Mr Blue Sky". For new songs I discovered I hadn't heard "Standin' in the Rain" which was which was great. Actually the whole movement of "Standin' in the rain", "Big Wheels" and "Mr Blue Sky" was great and made "Mr Blue Sky" even better as a part of a bigger whole. Anyway, I feel a 3 is a bit harsh but I can't really bring myself to give it a 4 either.
This album is so happy that it makes it annoying and oversaturated, and it never changes the pace for its runtime of over an hour. Also if I ever hear Mr Blue Sky again I am going to rip my ears off. Seriously, how is the world not sick to death of that song already.
It's not bad but man it's a long album with not a lot of variation. Not my favorite.
Listened Before? N Pretty good prog album. I'm familiar with these guys but hadn't listened to them much. Enjoyable. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Mr. Blue Sky
Rockig. Poppig. Bisl seicht.
bangers on this, ran a bit long, but i loved it, i haven’t heard the song Turn to Stone since i was a child so it was a breath of fresh air, really liked the album overall.
ELO is an acquired taste. There tends to be a lot of similar instrumentation and treated vocals across all the tunes, and so if you like the sound, you'll like it, and if you don't like it, you won't like any of it, pretty much. This record has a couple of classics in "Turn to Stone" and "Mr. Blue Sky" which both still sound great and interesting today. The rest of the record is unfortunately somewhat forgettable, tunes blend into each other and don't have the hooks and songwriting necessary to really stick out like those two specific tracks do.
Consistent good album. Makes me wanna play the lotto. 4 stars
Pop/rock with occasional string arrangements and some synths from time to time. Catchy, but nothing that stands out too me.
I think this one has some pretty big potential, I will definitely be giving it another listen in the future.
I've always liked ELO. This album has a few classic on it.
Out of the Blue certainly is grand. Everything about it is big. But nothing really stands out. The strings start to blend it all together after a while. It’s way too long. At times it is a half decent Abbey Road impression. It’s not a bad album. Half stars would be nice here. 5.7/10
Fun chamber rock pop
What a wild, ambitious sound! It’s a mashup of disco, doo-wop and prog-rock, and takes equal influence from Queen and The Beatles. It’s all big, soaring choruses and orchestral strings and flamboyant theatricality. I like that most of the songs aren’t actually that long. But they pack a lot into 4 minutes! And wow, this album is one song after another, each song matching the previous song's exuberant energy.
I just saw an interview where someone mentioned that they loved Jeff Lynne and they love ELO, and I said to myself "I should listen to ELO, I never really have", and here we are! I can tell right from the start that this is going to be an album that I will enjoy. I can also tell from a few songs in that these are songs I've definitely heard throughout my life but never really put much thought to see who it was, and I think that is a reason why maybe they've never reached a "must listen" status on my personal lists. To me, many of these songs are good-to-great, but many of them lack the big huge memorable moments or elements that many of the best classic rock bands had. It's like everything is good in these songs, there aren't any weak spots. But there's not often some huge standout thing or moment. I think some of this is because of Jeff Lynne's vocals. He's definitely an amazing musician and producer and a great singer but I'm not hearing that his voice has the range to take songs to the next level. Put a real rockin or theatrical singer in this band and these songs would be in that next level. With him here they sound just a little bit "soft". I'm being a little harsh because this is a legendary band, and I'm only being so stringent because I think this is going to be a high rating and when it comes to 4's and 5's on this list then they should really check all of the boxes. Each song is enjoyable, which is awesome. I can't wait for the next time I have a bad day so I can put this on and jam hard to it. I got a feeling this album would put up a good fight with a bad mood. As expected, the production is really a strong part of this album. I'm looking forward to hearing more. Great stuff for 1977. Incredibly inventive yet grounded in "good song making" conventions if that's a thing.
probably too much with a double album
Mr Blue Sky is an incredibly important song for our family, due to personal reasons. For that reason alone, this album rocks.
I was looking forward to this as I knew nothing about ELO. However this was a disappointment, very uninspiring and little to distinguish between each track. Not overly offensive but not exciting either.
Love this album
It’s alright, one stand out song is Mr Blue Sky, the rest is just ok
I should listen to more ELO
Some great tracks and it sure I’ve heard it before
Jeff Lynne sure can write a catchy tune. Add that to his skill with string and vocal arrangements, synth and keyboards, and round it off with his top notch production makes it hard to go wrong with any ELO album. 'Turn to Stone', 'Mr. Blue Sky', and 'Sweet Talkin Woman' are almost universally known and have been put to use countless times across all kinds of media. No one puts together so much aggressive happy tunes, but still leveling it with a bit of wistfulness and melancholy. A beautiful double album, start to finish.
Grand
A long time favorite of mine <3
Summary: The highs are high, and the lows are just kinda in the middle. Lots of songs sound the same, which is expected with 17 songs, But there were far too many that sounded too similar, making for some boring songs. Cover looks great! Turn to Stone: 10/10. Heard it before. Great vocals, violins and piano. Catchy little ditty. It's Over: 8.5. This song *sounds* great. Like the production on its is very good. Sweet Talkin' Woman: 6.5. Gets me grooving, but it's a little samey samey with the last couple songs. Across the Border: 5.5. 17 songs is starting to worry me. Hope they don't all sound the same. Well... I guess this one did add trumpets. Night in the City: 6. Some portions are catchy. Im gonna getcha part slapped. Starlight: 6. Man this song drags. Its a good slower song. Feels cozy. But yeah this did not need to be almost 5mins long. Jungle: 4. Waaaay too repetitive. This bits thrown in to make me feel like I was in a jungle were kinda goofy. In a good or bad way? I don't know! Believe Me Now: 8. Pretty good interlude. Main melody is nice. Voco parts feel out of place/tacky. Steppin' Out: 6.5. Hate the way the voco sounds. Hook is catchy. Could take or leave the rest. Drags. Standin' In the Rain: 4.5 . Boring. Wish they stuck with the atmosphere in the beginning. OKAY BUT THAT TRANSITION WAS SMOOTH. Big Wheels: 6.5. Peaceful track. Both transition were nice. Summer and Lightning: 5. Eh its just a little repetitive with nothing new thrown in. Besides the little swtich up, nothing note worthy. Nice intro to mr blue. Mr. Blue Sky: 7. Iconic song. Ive never really been one for Mr blue sky though. I can still groove to it from time to time. Piano outro was neat. Sweet Is the Night: 5. Inoffensive, but sounds like every other song. The Whale: 7. Cool instrumental. Very spacey feeling like how I imagined this album sounding. Birmingham Blues: 5.5. Its got its own sound somewhat. Yeah idk I got nothing. Its just fine. Wild West Hero: 5.5. Yeah it gets the closer sound right. Uninteresting otherwise.
Very iconic music
good
#4/1001 Overall: Wow. I wonder what bands this guy likes. It's not a bad album per se but it's SOOOOOOO boring and on top of that it's incredibly long, maybe it's because I don't like the Beatles very much. This is basically the Beatles with a mix of Queen-esqe vocal layering and maybe some Pink Floyd influence? The only interesting thing about this is the classical music influence, which I did like, although I wish there was more of it. Also, I do have to add a thank you to this album for Mr. Blue Sky because that song is in every movie ever. Favorites: Sweet Talkin' Woman Mr. Blue Sky Latitude 88 North
I've never given ELO a chance! However, has some absolutely awesome melodic songs.
Way better than I expected.
Lots of classic songs, but too slick for my taste.
- This is one of my favorite albums of all time, so it's an easy 5 stars from me!
Mr Blue Sky is awesome but the rest is a weird version of a less bombastic Queen. Respect the orchestral arrangements though.
Just a bit too 70s synth for me.
Seems like too many songs... make 1 LP and it is a 5 star album. As is, 4/5
Starts off with three bangers and never really lets up. Fantastic album.
I've heard of this, but only know Mr blue sky and other songs from other albums. I'm expecting a lot, since it's not gonna be basic rock or pop. Plus I'm in the mood of rock and a more upbeat sound in general. First song, fun start. Broadway vibe with that background vocals. He has a good voice, not annoying. Production is giving. It got slow and no background. Tempo is up and clear again. This is brilliant in a way, other songs must be better than this tho. Chorus has an amazing lyrical delivery. Wtf was that Queen like fast talking, love that it's not fully permanent wave and things change quickly. I definitely see Beatles vibe, but chorus is giving ABBA. Ending is becoming epic(genre-wise) but it ended miserably. Second song, got slow, I see Queen and Pink Floyd with that lyrical delivery. The beat came in and it's veeery good, but it's kinda sad. It's giving Arcade Fire, but kinda better. Chorus is too catchy with that piano especially. The instruments are very well and satisfyingly played. I'm amazed by the sound I just can't get enough of it. OOOH THAT PIANO SOLO. Someone said and yes this is so musical Pink Floyd. Ending is very quickly changed to dramatic sadness, loveee that. Third song, back to mid century classical music with that start wtf. THE BACKGROUND VOICES ARE SO FUN. It's repetitive, but in a good way. Wasn't no quick changes in the song, but still one of the best for now. Nevermind it got slow at the end, but quickly beat came back. Fourth song, love the start with that instrumental fusion. It was a weird intro vibe at the start, and then it opened and verse started in the best way possible. Instrumental pause was not good, but the second verse makes it up. That violin is weirdly well put. Btw I get why this is not only rock, but pop, because of it being accessible in an easy way, or not. Fifth song, movie start song vibes. That group singing is the best part in these songs. Chorus is giving Flight of the Conchords, idk why. What was that alien sound after the first verse, now lalalas and chorus again, rarely is that the case in songs. AAAAH THE CLASSICAL VIBE WITH THAT AFTER SECOND VERSE PART IS ADDICTIVE. Lyrical delivery is too well done in each song for now. Plane sounds at the end(?) war-like at least. Sixth song, if only there were transition, I would LOOOOVE this. Amazing start and the beat here. It's slightly slower. The sudden pauses are unhinged(good way). Less likeable song subjectively. No experimentation here, worst song for now. Seventh song, jungle start, oh fuck the name is jungle just realised. What is that beat it's tropical. MUUCH better than what I would have expected after the last song. It's cartoonish too. The chorus isss amazing and fits the vibe lyrically especially. Monkey sound was the one I could recognise from that chaos. At the end it weirdly stopped and a bell rang. Eighth song, dramatic Pink Floyd vibes, especially with that first lyric. Second one echoed and was fine vocally weird. I love the violins here. Autotune I see. Better be a transition. There wasn't. Ninth song, much calmer vibe. It has Starlight's style, it's slow, hope it doesn't last. I'm at the end of the song, and it wasn't what I wanted. Slow as fuck, no good chorus, or anything that is weirdly but well put in. Plus not feeling sad. 10th song, rain sounds. Instantly rock and storm. Autotune again, made me feel like storm talked to me. Biiig intro, but love it. Pause and Abba's-like production. Half the song passed and it just got better. Classical violin into play, but shortly. The fast talking is such a great part here. 11th song, fucking finally a transition between the songs. Feel like intro of this was a finale of the last song. This one's sad too. It's too long for it to give nothing. I heard the orchestra quite a lot here, but it's still not what I want, especially from them. I'm happy that all of them doesn't sound like this. 12th song, another transition lovely. This one's also not giving me what I want. It's not slow per se, but neither fun to listen to. There is a sound that must have been nostalgic if I listened to this year's ago. Oh shit shit it got real with that weirdness, but still not it. 13th song, OOOH been a long since I listened to this. It's as good as I remember. The lyrical delivery, solos, beat being walk-tempoed. Didn't remember the autotune here. Seems like a long outro. Opera women came in, oop men too. Whole beat change and now it's like a different song, only the start was nostalgic, did I never listen to this song fully? It's sad with the violins now. I like this about this band(?) the ever changing vibe. 14th song, this one seems badly slow. It kind of is. Beat isn't fun. Naah doesn't even compete with other songs. It's catchy, but not what I like from them. It only gets worse after this I suspect. Can't say anything more, it was just a good chorus. 15th song, OOH WEIRD ALIEN START. no lyrics? It's futuristic. I actually hear a whale sound, I think. Didn't expect a no lyrical song from them. Ooh best dropped and violin is slaying the scene. I feel like I'm underwater. It was repetitive, but it feels like a movie scene. Loved that they did this, I guess this qualifies as an interlude without the transition. 16th song, dramatic start. Nevermind it's upbeat now and Beatlesque. That instrument after he's done singing is very good, it doesn't last long tho. Solo is not as good. Verses aren't lyrically well delivered. The real solo isn't giving me what I want either. Too basic, feels like a filler song. 17th song, pardon me, but I can't take this slowness. Feels too basic again yk. Like I can find many music like this, but what they did before was an unique fusion. After that verse that solo of guitar and a piano(?) Just Wow. It got back to the same vibe, I must say I find this boring, I need to be depressed for this. Instruments are gone and it's a cappella now, that lasted shortly, and didn't really bring anything new. It's catchy instrumental-wise, but nothing else is as good. 18 and 19 songs aren't available, and they seem way less listened anyway. 20th song, different cover for some reason. This is catchy, but basic. This one is lyrically(delivery) more interesting than instrumentally. Melancholia is noticable. And it just faded away. Reaaally enjoyed this more than I expected. There were some sounds that we're not heard by me ever. Really want this kind of albums more. Thing is there were some songs that were not as appealing, because of that 4 stars feels like a safe choice, however, realistically it's very close to 5. Now I'm interested if other albums of them are here, better be, because I'm interested.
This album by the Electric Light Orchestra is bold and revolutionary. The melding of a broad assortment of sounds and genres, "Out of the Blue" is masterful and exciting. "Mr. Blue Sky" has been called a "miniature pop symphony" which has aged like vintage wine and is regarded as ELO's best song. This song also has an incredible impact on popular culture, being used in a wide variety of movies and other media.
Mr. Blue Sky
So Jeff Lynn was involved in a lot of really great collaborations and some of my favorite albums of all time... But unfortunately for me electric Light orchestra never did it for me. I could never really put my finger on it but it was just their overall sound. Maybe because Don't bring me down was overplayed on the radio. Giving him a 2.68 rounded up to 3 because he is a Wilbury.
The first couple of minutes are fun, then reality hits. Overproduced boring crap that goes on for what seems like forever.
Weird
A masterpiece.
Despite not knowing alot of the songs, this feels like I am listening to a greatest hits, in the best way possible. Its a double album so I won't go through the songs one by one, but good vibes all round. One of the biggest positives about the album is that Mr Blue Sky is probably one of the least interesting songs on the album, not in a bad way, but just that there is a lot on here that shines a bit more. The early stand out is the single Sweet Talkin' Woman, which is a great little disco number. Jungle is another highlight, great backing vocals, maybe even deserves a slightly longer run time, interesting song, nice groove. Summer and Lightning is another standout, really really good chorus, great second verse, great backing vocals and harmonies, very beach boys, great musical interlude Throughout the album there are little bit musically, that sound inventive and break up songs perfectly. The vocals are great, the backing vocals are great, the production is great. All the things you'd expect from Jeff Lynne I often complain about lengths of albums, but it's usually due to dumb skits, or people not having enough material, but with this album by the sounds of Latitude 88 North, they had more than enough material for this record. The quality of the songs is so high that i don't have any issue with the length at all.
I always forget what band Jeff Lynne fronted and I'm always surprised it's ELO. You can really hear his influence on the Traveling Wilburys, though. This was fun and bright and sunny and catchy. I reckon we could've cut a few songs had Jeff invited me into the studio, but well, he didn't.
A few familiar tunes on here, the rest follows suit stylistically, with some jammy elements as well as a classical music flavor sprinkled in there. Overall a sparkly production, reminiscent of certain elements of Queen and Bowie.
I was super surprised with Out Of The Blue's quality since at first, all i really knew it for was for being the album with Mr. Blue Sky and very little else. However, it turned out that all the songs on this album (including the one i just mentioned) are all very good. There were quite a bit of surprises for me with the uses of the instruments that i never would have expected. Its albums like these that show why i love doing this project so much because it allows me to see just how good some albums that i never cared all too much about at first really are. Best Song: Birmingham Blues Worst Song: Summer And Lightning
Very enjoyable listen. Funky, fun, rocking. I like the orchestral instrumentation combined with the classic drums, bass, keyboards/piano. Reminiscent of the era, and also probably genre expanding for its time.
3,5 It's really easy to understand how much Jeff Lynne love the Beatles and Bowie. Buuuuut it's not because you take ideas from the best commercial artists of all time that you can reach their level. However it's fun, you can easily dance to My blue sky. Feel peace with the whale or Jungle. So much interesting music and ways to use new instrument. It feels like a Chicago album, for a space movie. I'm feeling it, liking it but I will probably forget it in 2 weeks. Fav : It's Over / Mr Blue Sky Worst : Birmingham Blues
Mr Blue Sky is great. Otherwise I was bored.
Before anything else, TIME SWEEEEEEEEP. For real though, I do respect this album a lot despite preferring the follow up. Turn to Stone, Sweet Talking Woman, Night in the City, Jungle, and of course the ever-enduring Mr. Blue Sky are all fantastic listens. This record handily deserves a spot on this list, and I wish ELO got even more love.
Overall not really a fan. Having said that, I can appreciate what this music did for music evolution overall and going more electric. Also, I recognize the song Mr. Blue Sky which I enjoyed! (I recognize it from Girl Talk who remix songs.)
A sprawling and ambitious double album that really does sound like it picked up where the Beatles left off (with a healthy dose of the Bee Gees for good measure). Slightly unwieldy but a good time.
It's... I mean it's alright, I guess. These fells are clearly talented but most of this album has a distinct disco stank on it that's just distasteful. The saving grace here is that the back 3rd of the album is actually pretty good. Even the disco grossness is dialed back in favor of a more Stones-esque vibe.
Classic rock, prog, pop, violins/celli/strings, slow/mid/fast, male, polyphonic, ballads, strange, annoying and boring WDR2-music, musically not bad, but either too much drama and ambition or lame, with small positive excuses
Something similar to Queen and The Beatles
I wasn't expecting to like this as much as I did. It just sounded so GOOD. I'm going to have to listen to more of their music. 5/5
ELO is nice, but sometimes (for me) too easy, too smooth, too beautiful.
It’s the Wish version of The Beatles. The influences are so clear that you almost feel embarrassed for him - mostly a shit tonne of Macca and some 50s doo wop. You can imagine him listening to the playback and thinking to himself, ‘I’ve crammed it with harmonies, double tracked the shit out of the vocals and layered on the strings but it still doesn’t sound like Sgt Pepper?!!’ His voice is very ordinary and you suspect he’s covering it up as best he can. To be fair, he does a reasonable job, which is probably why he became a go to producer for vocally challenged artists like George. I was getting increasingly annoyed, but then on comes Mr Blue Sky and all is forgiven for a couple of minutes. before normal service is resumed. I don’t think he’s totally without talent as a producer, Full Moon Fever is a great album, but Mr Blue Sky aside, he’s a very average writer and even he can’t polish these turds.
Out of the Blue I do like ELO a lot, they have some absolutely superb songs in their catalogue. I’ve given most of their albums a listen over the past few years but I’ve never been able to really latch on to any of them, despite loving a lot of the songs. This is no exception, there are some cracking tunes on here - Turn to Stone, Night in the City, Starlight, Jungle, Big Wheels, Summer and Lightning, Birmingham Blues, as well as the classics Sweet Talkin’ Woman and Mr Blue Sky - and in fact I don’t think any of the songs are particularly weak, but there is a similarity in tone, sound, structure, arrangement and production that it becomes hard to differentiate a lot of the songs. I am a fan of their signature style and I do like the mix of pop, rock, disco and, of course, the orchestral elements, but over the course of 70 minutes it feels like might be nice to disrupt that formula from time to time. I get there is a consistency and coherence but some variation would be welcome. I did like it, some of the subtleties became clear on repeated listens, and there are some superb songs, but the whole thing doesn’t quite settle with me for some reason that I cant quite work out. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
lijepi album <3
Cijeli album prepun hitova il bar tak zvuče.
Upon a first listen the album at first feels bland, each song sounding the same after just a couple tracks in. A look at the album's run-time doesn't help any initial negative feelings. The album's huge length, however, may be its saving grace. The further through the album, the more each track stands out and the more the album seems to fully form itself into something beautiful. While certainly too boring at times to be considered a personal favorite, there is no denying it is still by and large a solid album and a good listen.
Just all bangers. Excellent stuff
Classic
I like ELO’s sound - that peppy, technicolor mix of guitars, synths, strings and prominent backing vocals. I should probably listen to more of their stuff. It’s credit to them that they made a double album that probably justifies being a double album (i.e. there are more decent tracks than would’ve fit on one ~40 minute LP), though I won’t pretend the whole piece wouldn’t feel like it lacks a bit of magic without Mr. Blue Sky on it.
If it good enough for Groot it's good enough for me
The baby beatles Jeff Lynne is an absolute genius, would've loved to have been a fly on the wall inside the chalet deep in the swiss alps for them 3 and a half intesne weeks, watching this masterpiece unfold 4.5 / 5
A truly historic album and way ahead of its time. It has the stamp of approval from sir Eric Worsley so that is enough for me. Narrowly misses out on a 5. 4.5/5
1977?????
Mega mind song
4 me 5 stars
Enjoyed the album when I was in high school, however not one of my favorites. I did like Sweet is the Night and The Whale.
sometimes it was really good and other times it was average
Long-time favorite
My dad hated ELO with a vengeance but …
This is a cool album. Seems like something that could benefit from multiple listens. Will I listen to again: 75%
Can’t really say I’m digging it. It’s hard for me to put my finger one what isn’t working for me. Definitely don’t like the guy’s voice. And doesn’t really seem like they are singing about anything. Like, thematically the songs are just kinda empty. Mr. Blue Sky is alright, but mostly because it reminds me of “Ziggy Stardust” which is a better song. “Sweet is the Night” is pretty good also. Interesting mostly as a precursor to the Flaming Lips, who I would say really built on and developed these ideas in a much more interesting and deeply felt direction.
What a pleasant surprise.
Really enjoyed this. I liked Mr. Blue Sky before this and now I found more songs I like! It’s upbeat and positive which I enjoy.
A wonderful album with great arrangements, vocals and energy.
Perhaps the most enthusiastic ensemble you will hear—a genuine triumph.
Prog on easy mode. Peak 70s bloat. A aliant effort at making a perfectly smooth album. Like using a firehose to fill a half pint glass with Paul McCartney's worst impulses. Or if Andrew Lloyd Weber wrote a musical based on Space Oddity. Once in a while there's a bridge that really hits, but it's a bridge over something you'd want to hear between to things you don't.
3.5/5
Fun but a little long and gimmicky with so much of the layered melody effects. No real complaints
Decent enough effort from my least favourite Wilbury. Extra star for Mr Blue Sky.
I can't be objective about this album. I've been singing along since I was 6.
please turn me over
Great album. ELO has a unique sound - you always know when one of their songs come on exactly who it is. Starlight is a new favorite I have not heard before.
Turns out, this is a great album to listen to while shoveling the snow. It really takes you on a journey and is kind of weather-related towards the end? Absolutely delightful record. Of course, this falls victim to the classic double-album conundrum. Too much of a dip in quality in the middle. It’s a shame too, because the top tracks on this record are AMAZING! A few of the album cuts really impressed me too. Special shout out to the atmosphere of The Whale and the soothing harmonies of Wild West Hero. The arrangements are astonishingly great, combining synths and strings with our traditional rock instruments and operatic harmonies. Very complex writing, and ultimately very engaging. At the end of the day, I grew up listening to ELO and their sound is extremely comforting to me. If only they had gone back to the board and cut this down to a solid 46 minutes, this would be a 5 star album. Top tracks: Turn To Stone, Sweet Talkin’ Woman, Starlight, Steppin’ Out, Mr. Blue Sky, The Whale, Wild West Hero
My bias is showing. There’s no way I could give this anything but a 5. My aunt was a very cool lady. She loved this album. Got to listen to this while spending time outside on a warm spring day. Reminds me of her. It’s perfect.
It is a little long, some tracks should have been cut, but it’s so well made. So much cohesion with all the instruments and I always love strings
Already have heard and know well. Some acoustic versions may be a fresh addition to playlists.
ELNo thanks.
La utilización de los violines para llevar la canción momentáneamente a otros lugares es un recurso que le da al album un toque especial y muy particular. Es maravilloso la cantidad de climas que tiene el álbum y que puede tener una misma cancion. Standing in the rain is Halloween! Una verdadera masterpiece.
Sonuvabitch. Ok, well, I’m a fan of ELO I had no idea. But goddamn this is some good shit.
I liked their sound and instrumentation especially on tracks such as "Sweet talkin' woman" , and "across the border " . But overall I felt that after a while the tracks started to almost sound similar with rapid instrumentation and the sort of laid back vocals. Similarly I don't know whether it's the fact that it is almost two hours long or the fact that it is a double album but , the second half of the record really let me down especially the most famous track on the project "Mr Blue sky". But the closer was good.
I don't understand why this is considered so iconic - it's the blandest, most milquetoast shit ever. Stand-out: Sweet Talkin' Woman
Me gusta más la segunda parte del disco. La primera parte es como música ahí de fondo, que no molesta.
70 minutes of excellent, melodic, guitar pop goodness with lovely harmonies and lush orchestration. It's bold, it's confident and it's wonderful. Side three in particular is brilliant. Titled 'Concerto for a Rainy Day', it's a mini concept album on the theme of weather affecting mood, culminating in the classic 'Mr Blue Sky'. If the lush outro to that track closed the album it would be a perfect ending. Side 4 tails off slightly, but this album is still so good that if I had seen ELO at the Birmingham NEC in 1977, I would have been shouting with everyone else “Come back on, ELO, come back and carry on playing". Rating: 4.5/5 Playlist track: Mr Blue Sky Date listened: 07/02/24
Great album
I'm a big ELO fan, so this was an easy one. Love it!
Some tunes but felt like listening to the same song again after a while
Light pop, and the album includes Mr Blue Sky. What’s not to like. I give this 3 stars.
Again, loved the “not hits” from this. It was also super long.
Absolutely Tremendous!
This felt very plastic, pushed, and corporate. It's good-time jams for the whole family and it's the 70s so sunscreen wasn't invented oooh, look at me out in the sun.
Great memories of when I bought this album as a teen
Again, not something I’d ordinarily listen to but decent, recognised a few songs.
either you get it or you don’t
No heart, no soul
My punk loving heart tried hard to give this stink eye scorn. But some of these sounds are hard wired to ridiculous summer day fun in the swimming pool with ELO in the background which nearly hard wires me to smile on hearing it. Poppy, for sure. It isn’t Queen or Bowie it’s spangly stuff with orchestral bits thrown in but come on, Mr. Blue Sky is just fun. I want to give it a 3.5 but I can’t. Sigh. A 3 it is.
Rating: 3.5/10 I do not like this.
Starts out a bit weak, and the dread set in, but is it goes on it gets a lot better, ended up really enjoying this one.
Pretty awesome, but not awesome enough for a 4*. I wish I could give a 3,5 or anything.
A bit overflowing at times, for my liking. Some good songs in the second half of the album
While everyone has heard "Mr. Blue Sky" before, realizing that it comes from this album is such a delight. It's an incredible piece of music and it might join my regular rotation of albums. 5/5. Favorite Track: Mr. Blue Sky
Cool and thick album that's not like much of what I've heard from this time period. A lot of this album sounds like it could be contemporary alt rock. The production, vocal harmonies, and thick soundscapes are really what make this album stand out. Also, it's mostly upbeat and fun which is appreciated for an album that's so dense.
Great album, fun sounds
Bangers I never heard before!
I really enjoy the way ELO combines prog rock with pop. It's very satisfying. The musicianship is top notch, and their vocals work really well. I don't tend to love double albums, but this album plays well in the background without being dull 4/5
Some cool songs some not so good ones. It’s an average record with some moments of brilliance.
Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Definitive 3. There are some bright spots on this album, but Jeff Lynne's production will always prevent me from choosing to play it. I enjoyed the listens though.
Want to return to this one as I didn't have time to listen in full. 4/5 is a placeholder.
I've never listened to this album front to back. It's solid. The production is fantastic, but it's a bit too long and boring at times. It's great classic pop-rock and the hits are HITS. Mr. Blue Sky and Turn to Stone absolutely slap. But overall, this could be 5 to 6 songs less than it is and be really good.
Not my jam. Disco/program rock isn't for me
Quite listenable.
bangers
Awesome! What a tremendously talented band. 60’s music was superior to almost every other decade!
I’ve never listened to an ELO album from start to finish, so this is a first. I found it pleasant enough. It’s hard to not like Mr Blue Sky. And I really liked the last track Wild West Hero.
# Playlist track - Mr. Blue Sky # Notes - I really really enjoy the vibes of this. It's definitely something that I want to go back to and listen more times. - Of course, Mr Blue Sky is amazing.
Lidt langt
7,4
Solid 4
Just great fun but also a lot of musical innovation and nuance
This album stands the test of time and keeps on giving!
Long album, but some great songs on it.
Always liked ELO but a bit samey.
An album full of forgettable songs.
I'm chuckling at the chord similarity of Believe Me Now to the Beatles new single Now and Then. Just kind of makes things a little full circle with the ELO-Beatles thing. Orchestral tinged pop rock with irresistable hooks and harmonies. Such an obvious riffing off of Beatles structure. I'm feeling very short attention span today so it seems a bit much. Turn to Stone and Sweet Talkin' Woman are among my earliest songs I recall from my childhood. Clearly they've benefitted from a renaissance once Mr. Blue Sky was included in the Marvel Universe. Aside from the hits, Steppin' Out is a standout -- also The Whale sounds vaguely David Bowie-ish.
many of the songs have the same vibe, and for that reason it feels long with its 17 tracks. Beatles but futuristic with an orchestra. An extension of mr. Blue Sky
Turn to Stone, Sweet Talkin' Woman, and Mr. Blue Sky are all classics. The album is mostly upbeat, even Abba-esque? at times. The sound quality is pretty rough though (overly noisy/distorted at times). Lots of harmonies (sounding like Queen or even the Beatles at some points). Jungle & Birmingham Blues were new songs for me that I enjoyed. It's a good album and there weren't really any songs I wanted to skip, but I wouldn't say it was great by any means. 7.5/10 (3.75/5)
An album that makes you actually feel like you’re on a spaceship. Heaps of songs where I went ‘oh! I know this one! And it makes me feel… really good!’
Hadn’t ever listened to the whole album and found it’s pretty good.
Great listen while I worked yesterday afternoon. Upbeat but mellow.
Fun for Monday morning
an album of singles meant for 45s. too hard to get through in any one sitting
Some great bangers, others were ok!
Guardian of the Galaxy vibe
So many things happening on this album it should be a smoking car wreck. Somehow it's all held on the rails with endlessly insane hooks and melody. Hard to take really seriously but impossible not to like.
Impressive; great rhythms
8/10 - 4/5 Really fun! Probably the most fun album so far. Heard some songs that reminded me of Bowie and Queen, a little. That wild west song at the end is a jam. And Mr Blue Sky? Forget about it!
At times a little cheesy, but much of it felt like the next incarnation of the Beatles if the Beatles had continued with the more experimental style of Sgt. Peppers. Out of the Blue has a lot of layers and interesting things to listen for, not to mention good songs.
A great album with a lot of great songs, with the occasional filler.
A good album, I was already familiar with Mr Blue Sky, and the rest of the songs on this album were on par. I listened to this album while cleaning and it made good background music to work to.
Awesome journey, cool synth vibes, enjoyable listen
Always liked ELO's music. But, all sounds the same after a while.
I remember several of these songs, being an ELO fan since my teens. Not my favorite of their albums but a good second or third place.
A wonderful album but since I know that you are not going to publish another one I am going to give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ because they have better albums. Time!!!
Highly polished complex pop/rock music. Unfortunately, it's too smooth and just passes me by. Inoffensive.
Good
I like this album more than I should. I prefer A New World Record overall. Great songs on here including the excellent suite. Favorite songs are Turn To Stone, Sweet Talkin Woman, Summer And Lightning, Mr. Blue Sky, and The Whale. Objectively a 3.
Only know Mr. Blue sky going in Used it during reading time. Pleasant listening. Enjoyed the synth vibe
OUTSTANDING!! So groovy and eclectic. Loved it!
I came. I listened. I left. Felt too much like work finishing it.
I have to rate 4 stars because my wife loves ELO 😀
Classic album - not much to be said other than I could listen to this all day on repeat. I love ELO and this album in particular is hit after hit after hit.
I adore ELO and consider “Mr Blue Sky” to be favorite song. So it should come as no surprise that I give Out of the Blue the full 5 stars. Sure, the lyrics are nothing to write home about, but they’re not really the point. Jeff Lynne is an absolute genius at crafting catchy melodies and sparkling maximalist production, and that is what this album is all about. So many classic tracks: “Turned to Stone,” “Wild West Hero,” “Sweet Talkin’ Woman,” “Jungle,” (I could go on). I love it. Chooka Chooka Hoo La Ley!
Good stuff. Can pop up in my play list if it likes.
Too much ELO can be a little draining. I like them but this record is a little too long for me.
Knew the singles. Good strings and very cohesive overall. 7/10.
Classic ELO album.
Its nice. Not my normal go to but enjoyable.
Fun album. This one improves your mood with a great beat and great sounding voices. Even the electronic stuff puts a smile on my face
Solid 4/5 Ihan menevää oli paikoittain 3.5/5
I wasn’t looking forward to this and it went as expected. Big sound, prog rock and all a bit the same.
Last week was not a good week for album selections in my personal opinion so this was a nice change. Heard the name, don’t know the songs apart from Sweet Talking Woman (ruined by usage in TV adverts) and Mr Blue Sky. Not fully enjoyed but an average 3 given how it’s an improvement over last week.
That was great. Unexpectedly so. I’m obviously aware of this band (how could you not be) and their distinctive style, but never listened to an album. I really enjoyed it. Bopped along nicely. A couple of times I felt it was going a bit Status Quo but that soon passed thankfully. Really loved the hits, and quite a few others. A beautiful and appropriate appearance by a cow bell on ‘Night in the City’. I’m a sucker for an appropriately used cow bell. I enjoyed ‘Steppin’ out’ and ‘Big Wheels’ too. Another ‘New to Me’ old album I’ve added to my library. A mid to high 4
How cool was it to say 'I love ELO' in the 1970's/80's? It wasn't. Luckily for them, I believe thanks to The Magic Roundabout film and the distance of time, they are actually cool nowadays! Thoroughly enjoyed this. It was nice to delve a bit deeper into their catalogue than just my 'Best of' collection. The rock/ classical sound with a hint of prog/ psychedelia, along with excellent songwriting, it is a winner with a mid 4.
Love the album found some new gems on it
Orchestral rock delight!
This was fun. Took me all the way back to middle school.
Classic. There were a few rough spots but ever all great album.
Music my dad used to listen to!
Playing Catan with my wife and daughter one evening and much to my surprise, Sis plays Mr. Blue Sky. I owned the greatest hits disc, but I had no idea she was a big fan. The things you learn when you hang out with your children. And for that reason, Mr. Blue Sky, holds a little extra spot in my heart and best song off this album. Several great songs, Mr. Blue Sky, Sweet Talkin Woman and Turn to Stone and a few others I really liked in Jungle, Steppin Out and Sweet is the Night. But this album could have cut a few songs off that didn't seem the test of time. Looking at you, The Whale. Overall a very good listening experience and really enjoyed a good portion of the album. ELO was a big name back when I was High School and I have always enjoyed a lot their music. Nice to see the younger generation taking an interest. Thinking of Salter as I type this! Peace, brother. It is a double album and went a little long, but I still enjoyed. Made me think of Sis, high school and Slater. How can I give this anything less than a 4? I can't........ 4
We all know how I feel about double albums. This one is one of the only ones that almost breaks that rule. I think Out of the Blue is a rare album that exemplifies absolutely great about a band who are all performing at their absolute peak. Out of the Blue has quite a few of their greatest hits which says a lot about this album's importance in ELO's discography. While I do hold New World Record in slightly higher regard you simply cannot go wrong with (most) of Out of the Blue. 4.5
2.5 I have a lot of the same feelings about this one that I had about the Chicago album prior. Once again, massively overrated classic rock band with an album that’s waaaaay too long. As for these guys specifically, despite having friends and family that enjoy the group, I’ve always found ELO to be corny and uninspiring. In particular, I can’t stand Mr. Blue Sky, a song that I feel epitomizes those attributes - and wouldn’t you know it, that song is on this album. That all being said, I don’t hate the group - they have some songs I find decent - but I’m just generally unaffected by them, and that really didn’t change with my listening here. I did find the first few songs to be somewhat enjoyable and nearly considered giving a 3 because of them, but man, as you keep listening, you feel the length of this album. By the time Mr. Blue Sky rolled around, I was long over the whole thing and eagerly waiting for it to end. Fortunately, the following track Sweet is the Night breathed a little bit more life back into the album and was a back half favorite, but honestly, I think I really only liked the track because it felt like he was doing a Bob Dylan kind of thing with the vocals. Double albums are always a gamble and very rarely stick the landing in my opinion, and this one is no different. I commend the group on having a unique and hit-making sound to them, but it’s just not my thing - it’s more the kind of thing I would pick up at a record store used for like a buck and then would leave sitting in the back of my collection, unplayed.
Better in small doses. Was very over the sound by the end of the album.
Love this!
How do you even start to come up with some of these beautiful songs? So many beautiful melodies in each song, Lynn is a genius, a very weird looking genius.
We are very blessed that this exists
meh...
lush and grandiose, a classic elo album
Had me ascending by the end
Ahhh ELO.
Obnoxiously chipper at times, but damn if it's not infectious.
Big 3
A very constant Karen O YYY sound. Not bad, but not all too unique.
Pretty good timepiece. I may or may not listen again.
Such a fun listen! Never fails to put me in a good mood. Grade: 4/5
It was not that great, other than evil woman and Mr blue
Listened to this before!
Typically ELO: Nice voice, many instruments and many different melodic songs
I liked it
An hour and then some of tracks that are hard to distinguish from each other. Then comes Mr Blue Sky and you think the whole album has basically been stripping that track back for parts and trying to run with it, The success rate is pretty low.
Best album fr
Boring and irritating