Out Of The Blue

Surprised me how good music they have!

Amazing. Electric and jazzy but great voices too. Really enjoyed the listen. I do feel like the album doesn’t progress super well idk.

I'm sorry I can not do these. Its obnoxious

Not really my vibe but if i was a producer great opportunities for sampling with songs like “Night in the City” & Starlight.

Had some good moments but I wouldn't listen to it again. Turn to stone and Mr blue sky are bona fide classics, some of the instrumental songs are nice as well. Overall though, not my kind of thing.

Really fun to listen to, doesn’t feel like it’s over an hour long. Will listen to again. Listened 2x

Meh. Seems overproduced and fueled by cocaine. At first it was ok, but by the end I just wanted it to be over.

3.5/5. This is alright. It's kind of weird, and a little lengthy, but it's enjoyable.

I had heard mr. blue sky before and i was interested to see what else could be done with this kind of sound. I was disappointed to find that, despite a rather long runtime, the whole album exists within a very similar vibe that doesn't really go anywhere. I would have loved to hear this concept be explored a bit more thoroughly. Beyond that none of the songs really spoke to me. Not that it's musically bad, it's just a bit too safe i guess?

Pretty impressive elevator music - but elevator music all the same. I wanted to like this album because - honestly - it's full of really well-written, interesting songs. It's just that they seemed to have recorded them in a way that makes them sound as uninteresting as possible. I feel like if you took these songs and had Queen or Chicago or even REO Speedwagon record them, they'd all be hit songs. Alas, they removed all the guitars, horns, and keys that make those bands cool.

Melodieus, lekker 70s.

Swirly, orchestral, shimmery, innovative, original rock and roll for the tuna sandwich demi-intellectual who appreciates both Beethoven and the Beatles. Almost prog rock, but never actually lands in that haunted territory. Not a blue note in sight, but minor keys appear liberally, making this both shiny-happy and occasionally ominous (somehow, occasionally even simultaneously). This album is so much more than its tiny handful of massive hits, with very little fat but a lot of cream (and pure cane sugar).

Upbeat and happy. Love it so far

Solid beats. Started strong, dragged a bit in the middle and finished strong.

Aah*sigh*. I've given this album a number of chances and really do want to like it but I can't fully enjoy it. It's jist too much disco. There are nonetheless a couple of really strong tracks on here that I like to listen to. Mr blue sky and sweet is the night are two great tracks that runs into each other very nice. It opens strong with turn to stone and I do like stepping out and big wheels too.

This one intrigues me. Should listen to it a bit more, but certain songs I already quite enjoy, such as Turn to Stone, Mr. Blue Sky and Across the Border. Quite long with 17 songs though; some felt a bit to filler to me right now.

Top Quality

honestly that one kinda is a banger, would be 3.5 Moving, not being productive at work, weird vibes!

This was the first album I bought and I still love it today. It's 110% full-on from the word go with orchestral rock-n-roll pop-driven tunes and not a quiet introspective moment in 4 sides. Jeff Lynne is a genius for arrangements and tunes and it flows along with a multitude of classical and electronic tricks. I can understand how some people can't stand the whole vibe but it's so hooked into my memories I can't but love it.

Wild 80s stuff, kinda sounds at times like Queen, surprisingly.

Great nostalgia. Love this one!

Fun, pop rock, classic 70s English album. Wears it's influences on it sleeves. Easy listening. Instruments performed well, especially the piano.

Bangers all around.

great

Come for Mr Blue Sky, stay if you want the rest

Great Album

timeless today, and ahead of it's time 45 years ago. Easy to listen too and uniquely enjoyable

Very groovy. Mariachi notes are a nice.

Awesome classic.

Very good. Complex and layered pop.

Classic, Soundtrack for so much of my life

Tracks 1, 3, and 13 slap hard, the rest is ok.

Sweet, big-hearted and fun, this is impossible not to like. One considers Jeff Lynne both a high-quality entertainer and something of a pop music genius, as well as an underrated vocalist and songwriter. Sure, it's Beatles-Lite but the hooks don't stop. Lynne gets great mileage out of – and is clearly having a blast with – all the toys and tricks at his disposal. The synths, the strings, the backing vocals, the echo box. It all works even when one's convinced it shouldn't. "Sweet Talkin' Woman" (check the swinging articulation on "WOE-myn") is irresistible and "Turn to Stone" is just short of that, though a total toe-tapper. "Mr. Blue Sky" is light opera for people who don't like light opera. "Steppin Out" and "Big Wheel" are poignant and "Sweet is the Night" is moving. After considerable deliberation, one has decided that the fact that his 12-year-old-son loves ELO is a feature not a bug.

The second half was way better than the first half. It’s like ELO made a stasium rock album before anyone knew what the fuck stadium rock was.

Heard it before?: No, although I have heard ‘Mr. Blue Sky’ Enjoy it?: Definitely, it’s so uplifting and full of energy Favourite song: Track 3 - ‘Sweet Talkin’ Woman’

In my opinion ELO is the best group when it comes to Branding. The name, imagery on their albums, all fit in so incredibly well with the music. Out of the Blue is simply an incredible album. It's very cohesive front to back and filled with great tunes. Lots of classics but really no weak songs in here from what I see, and loved the Weather Suite portion ending with Mr Blue Sky. Easy 5 stars.

A little long but very easy listening

Mange sanger jeg har veldig glad i. Alt høres nostalgisk ut.

Too much, but mostly good

J’ai aime, j’ai trouve le style tres bon et les arrangements musicaux bienfaits. 4

Skipped through it. Shite.

A delightful crowd pleaser for all ages, this record threads the needle between the excesses of both glam and prog, primarily by focusing on great hooks, tunefulness and fun. Indeed, one traces a likable lack of embarrassment about making music to be enjoyed. Jeff Lynne does it all – compose, orchestrate, sing and entertain. A few top-class songs ("Turn to Stone" and "Sweet Talkin' Woman" and "Mr Blue Sky" [basically light opera]) plus lots more fun ("Birmingham Blues") and a few credibly poignant moments ("Steppin' Out" and "Big Wheels"). One believes ELO is unnderrated given that they are accessible and (at least somewhat) derivative of the Beatles and didn't act like tortured artists. But one counts 8-10 first-rate and near-canonical songs in their library that hold up well 40 years on, which can only be rated a triumph (even after discounting for the work on Xanadu and with the Traveling Wilburys). 4.3/4

Queen Style. Pas mal. Pas révolutionnaire

The album was a little long and didn't need to be over an hour long. A couple of the songs were recognizable. Mr. Blue Sky was the that I was most familiar with. The music for the most part isn't bad and definitely matching the sound lf other pop 70s music. It is probably a little better than a 3 but not really a 4.

Great album and I am glad I own a copy of it on vinyl as the cover art is amazing

Not super memorable

Loved every minute.

I like some of this, but it all gets a bit samey and sounds much more dated than a lot of older stuff.

They had a unique sound and really enticing

Distinctly average. Never saw the great fuss over this band and album.

Wow what a surprise that was. I've heard the singles from the album and we all know how good they are. But the other songs where brilliant too. And best of all, it was not just a selection of songs, but a proper album - all the songs seemed placed perfectly. A proper 5 star album

A bit long but a good album

I didn’t like these guys in the late 70s and nothing has changed.

I disagree with The Rolling Stone critic who said "totally uninteresting and horrifyingly sterile package. All method and no madness: perfectly hollow and bland rock Muzak." It wasn't quite that bad.

In the early 70’s ELO was one of my favourite bands, and I must say they were the gateway to Classical music for me. Their first few albums were truly innovative - ELO, ELO 2, Eldorado, and especially Face The Music with Evil Woman, Strange Magic and my all time fav ELO song - Fire On High. Unfortunately they peaked with that album and became spectacularly popular and began putting out dreck like Out Of The Blue. This album is only saved by Mr Blue Sky.

4.5

Super good songs here, a lot of it sounds similar, but that's a small complaint for a really good sound. 3.5/5

Was a pretty easy album to listen to. I wasn’t blown away by it.

Not for me

Electric Light Orchestra is one of my favorite acts of the 1970s. I love their take on 70s psychedelia! This album is no exception. Out Of The Blue starts with the epic Turn to Stone, the only song I know where they successfully use a fade-out at the end. The next songs follow, and they add to the air of overwhelming emotional music. The alblum should have ended with Mr. Blue Sky, but it unfortunately continues into The Whale, Birmingham Blues, and Wild West Hero; three songs that are seriously weak. It is a great album, but has serious errors towards the end. Best Songs: Turn to Stone, It's Over, Standin' in the Rain, Mr. Blue Sky Worst Songs: Jungle, The Whale, Wild West Hero

Forgettable

With Mr. Blue Sky being on this album, the more important thing is trying to figure out the non-hits. Its got a lot of duwop and tight Brian Wilson like harmony. Jungle is a fun song. Summer and Lightning is a great tune.

A joyous, energetic, fantastical romp of an album. Starts with 'Turn to Stone,' which is great and a hit, but the rest of the songs somehow manage to live up to the bar the first song sets. And I mean, come on, who doesn't like 'Mr. Blue Sky?' It's one of the most feel good songs I've ever heard. ELO made an amazing album here, and it shines bright all the way through.

great orchestral rock album, mixing classical, rock and roll and other influences to create a complete fun album

fankastic

Nothing special

Masterpiece

stone cold 5

Great tunes! Always something new to hear each time. Sounds great, hasn't aged.

A work of genius, with some all time classics. Even the random bonus tracks are good!

first listen a GOAT record

Tried and true

Sounds like dad rock alright. Little progressive but a little boring

Some good tracks on here but dragged on a bit.

1 killer, lots of filler

Exactly as I'd expect. Strings, keyboards, pop vocals. Solid double.

251225 13:56 4 / highlights: sweet talkin' woman, across the border

This is a masterpiece, particularly Side 3. Great all round.

Skladateljski i aranžmanski sjajno ali nije po mom ukusu. Zato četiri

Great

One new song, interesting vibe but not particularly enthralling

ELO has such a soaring and monumental sound, full of gorgeous arrangements and infectious, melodic pop hooks. When they're at their best here, this is joyful, exhilarating, perfect music. The album moves along really breezily and avoids most of the pitfalls of double albums. Most of the songs are legitimately listenable for the most part, without much in the way of filler. Sure it has its self indulgent moments, as double albums often do, but we're talking ELO here. Self indulgent is a big part of the brand. Jeff Lynne and band really lean into the musical landscape around them in 1977, resulting in a slicker, pop-ier, spacier, somewhat disco-fied sound. ELO has better albums. But if we're not grading ELO against their own curve, there's still a lot to enjoy here. Several of the band's absolute best songs appear on this album, including "Mr. Blue Sky," and "Turn to Stone." You can't listen to these songs and be in a bad mood. I highly recommend enjoying "Mr. Blue Sky" outside, on a perfect day, preferably near water. Fave Songs: Turn to Stone, Sweet Talkin' Woman, Mr. Blue Sky, It's Over, Wild West Hero, Big Wheels, Sweet Is the Night, Standin' in the Rain, Believe Me Now

This album hits different. They have a very distinct sound. Their greatest hits albums is really good.

Mr Blue Sky is one of my all time favourite songs, and although the rest of the album doesn't land quite as strongly as that one tune, it's a great listen that they clearly put their all into.

El magnum opus de Jeff Lynne. Un doble disc infinit que barreja els grans temes pop amb melodies contagioses com 'Turn to Stone', 'It's Over' o 'Sweet Talking Woman' amb temes més experimentals, i també la pompositat orquestral i barroca, que és una altra de les marques de la casa de Lynne. Tot plegat un experiment que li surt força encertat i que es demostra con un dels grans discos dobles de la década

pretty dense textured sound. side 3 is incredible. overall it runs a little long but there's some pretty good stuff here.

You already know

You're telling me ELECTRIC made this light orchestra??

-Obviously, "Mr. Blue Sky" and "Sweet Talkin' Woman" are quite famous songs from this album. -One of my favorites is "Turn to Stone," especially the fast part where they say "Yes, I'm turnin' to stone/'Cause you ain't coming home/Why ain't you comin' home/If I'm turnin' to stone/You've been gone for so long/And I can't carry on/Yes, I'm turnin', I'm turnin'/I'm turnin' to stone" -"Night In The City" also stands out as a strong, catchy song. -Overall a very cool rock album with lots of keyboard and vocoder and multi-singer-harmony parts to give it a unique sound.

LP

heck yeah!! super funky and my vibe. 80s kind of, lovee it

First band I fell in love with. This is also the first album I bought. Its cheesy and a bit over produced. It also has great tune and a bagful of singles including Mr Blue Sky which seems to never age. Its got the usual strings and Lynne's falsetto layered backing vocals. Tempted to give it a 4. Nah.

One of the great, but sometimes overlooked albums (and band) of the seventies. Solid work by Jeff Lynn and crew.

Amazing album. Mr. Blue Sky is masterful

Truly the past is a foreign country - what we’re they thinking?

A little soft rock bland in places, but it certainly has its moments

I love the band, and I love most of the songs. Did it need to be a double though?

I have my own little system of rating out here...everyone gets one star anyway...but influence, innovation, and just pure entertainment or listening pleasure all come into play...and if an album has more than 3 tracks that I add to a playlist (or already had) it's going to end up in that rarified air of 5 stars. This is one of those albums.

Never listened this album before. Enjoyed when young ELO Discovery Album (last train to London).

Top album, elk nummer is een banger

Nice mix of sounds. Lives up to the Orchestra name. Easy listening, very enjoyable.

A great album and I'd love to give it a 5 but honestly, it's too damn long. So many great songs but it does start to get repetitive after a certain point. I feel like you could easily cut 20 minutes and still have the same experience. 4.5/5

It's big and beautiful.

This is a very impressive record with much more consistency than I thought at first. I already knew "Mr. Blue Sky" and some other songs, but never had listened to it as a whole album and it makes much sense listening to it in this way. The final result is a little bit repetitive, but it's definitively a great album.

That Jeff Lynne sure does love to fill up the sonic space, doesn’t he?

Prog is boring.

I have a lot of love for ELO. My dad loves them so my first mixtapes were ELO hits and deep cuts. Later on I picked this album up during my vinyl collecting days for a buck or so. I used to listen to this one quite a bit, especially side 4. Side 4 is really where I think this album shines brightest. Sweet Is The Night is probably my favorite song on the whole album; I even put it on a mix CD for my wife when we first started dating. The Whale has some notes of cheddar but it's still a cool instrumental. Wild West Hero is my second favorite song on the album. It's just so good. My dad would always sing it when I was a kid. That probably adds to why I like it so much. There's some other classic ELO songs here: Turn To Stone, Sweet Talking Woman, Mr. Blue Sky. A few songs that are a little meh but nothing bad to be found on this double album. A pretty nice feat. This is probably a 4 overall, but I have so many great memories with this band and album that I gotta bump it to a 5.

Nice east rock album. ELO made this one pretty unique in the rock sense with an arrangement of instruments and stylings. The songs are easy going and mostly cheerful and fun to hear. The album is really just enjoyable. 7.7/10

I gave this 3 stars just because of Mr Blue Sky and Sweet talkin' woman. All the rest is acceptable filler.

Meh

One of the most sophisticated pop-rock bands of the 80s that managed to be in the best international positions.

Overall good album with songs I had forgotten about.

ELO's 7th studio album and a double one at that. I guess I've always been neutral about ELO. I appreciated some of their pop songs but never bought a full album. But, I do have the killer purple 45" vinyl of "Sweet Talkin Woman," which is on this album. Also, if there was a deathmatch for spaceship album covers, this would definitely knockout Boston's self-titled debut album. And, for some reason, I have a strange desire to play the electronic Simon game looking at the cover???? As far as music? Very much highly produced. I can't think of a good band comparison using the mixing and blending of orchestra and rock that ELO/Jeff Lynne does (The Beatles? Queen? sort of but not to this level). I suppose this can annoy some people and a whole album of this kind of music annoyed me at times. It doesn't mean that I didn't appreciate the achievement. The popular songs "Turn to Stone", "Sweet Talkin' Woman," "Mr. Blue Sky," and "Wild West West" still sound very good. I also found the whole third side, "Concerto for a Rainy Day," which is four songs inspired by a rainstorm interesting if not necssary. But, then again, this whole album is kind of over-the-top and was a huge success so.... This was a good album listen for the hits but can be a struggle at times especially if you are not a fan of the "ELO" type of music. And since I'm ELO-neutral, I kind of fell in the middle.

There are moments where ELO is way too disco-adjacent for me, but the strength of Side 3 of this record is enough to cover over a multitude of sins. Best track: Summer and Lightning

I thought I would love this album but outside of four or five songs I thought it was pretty mediocre.

nah

70’er pop, masser sf strygere, futuristisk stil, progressivt, opløftende

These songs maybe be well produced, and Jeff Lynne may occasionally be a genius, but this is still wuss rock. 3 stars

Excellent album!

Chill vibes, pretty fun. But did it need to be a double album?

Mr. Blue Sky the most known song of the album. Was alright, didn't care for most of it. 6/10.

04/14/2022 Super fun 70s pop! Mr. Blue Sky is a classic! Some other really good tracks fill the album. Not quite an all-timer, though. Had this on vinyl when I was little, and loved the album art - really influenced my music taste/appreciation at a young age.

It's ELO, so you know it's gonna be good. It's happy and cheerful music and yet I feel like it needs to be a little bit more than just ELO.

This was the first record I can recall buying. When I was still too young to go to second hand shops. Many of the other early purchases - Parallel Lines, Setting Sons - I listen to this day. This not so much. Not at all. Re-listening it is not really the songs. No-one can deny Lynne's songwriting. But there's a general sense of mid-70s ennui that the Eagles turned into gold, but here is just a sense of everything being just a little too laid back. Then there's Jeff Lynne's voice. Just don't like it - because he sounds completely without conviction. Not every vocalist is Iggy Pop, but there's a feeling for me he's doing the guide vocals for someone else. Finally, there's the odd novelty hit/pastiche vibe (Jungle could be a bad 10cc b-side) that a band at the very height of their commercial powers really shouldn't be doing. Want to hear the Quo with a string section? Birmingham Blues. Positives: Mr Blue Sky is still a pocket pop symphony, and the Whale is the bastard son of The Love Unlimited Orchestra and The Orb - bizarre and by far the most interesting track here. But for me the pop energy that fizzed through A New World Record has been traded away for something much lesser.

Hey there mister blue

Podug album, ali oprošteno! Želim na vinylu ovo. ★★★★ i pol.

A mislim… Mr. Blue Sky ono

It was a very expansive record, ELO takes us on a journey through space and time with the mix of orchestral sounds and experimental electronica. Perhaps it might take a few more listens to really get a feel for it, but it didn't grab me as much as the iconic album cover. Best: Starlight Worst: Mr. Blue Sky

Não tem nada que agrade meu gosto musical

Mr Bluesky is awesome, the rest of it is just ok

An album that transitions the 70s into the 80s

It's an album with one great song and a couple good songs. It's okay.

Hadn't listened to this in years. Came in fresh for a Monday morning

Turn to stone Mr blue sky Sweet is the night Album sympa! pas leur meilleur, belle couverture, Groupe unique

A fun listen!

3.6 + Many of the regrettable 1970s music tropes are represented on this record: long prog-rocky intros, liberal use of disco string fills, falsetto Bee-Gees-style vocal harmonies, synthesized boogie-woogie blues... Sometimes the excess works, sometimes it doesn't. Much of the success of each song depends on the quality of the underlying song itself. If you strip all of the "studio magic" and unbare each song - just an instrument and single voice - what do you get? I'd guess that songs like "Mr. Blue Sky" and "Big Wheels" still sound amazing, and songs like "It's Over" and "Sweet Talkin' Woman" would show themselves to be the turds they are. This album is long and relentless. It gives me a headache to listen to start-to-finish. Still, I like it for a few brilliant songs. And I admire their dogged determination in trying to make me feel happy - all that effort sounds tiresome to my ears but I can't hate them for trying.

Out Of The Five

sounds way too cheerful and upbeat for my taste... but great production

I only knew Mr Blue Sky before listening to this (as most of the people), but it is a really good algum! Kinda long, but it still slaps. Favorite tracks: * Mr. Blue Sky * Turn To Stone * Big Wheels

It's quite bloated but it's not terrible.

Didn't jam with me the first listen but it's quirky style is growing on me.

Semi interesting, but can't say I'm ever going to double back to this one...

5/5. Truly legendary

There might be some good songs here but sheeesh they're hard to find under the bright, overwrought production. Like Brian Wilson on steroids, the studio effects just keep coming with little relief in sight. Somewhere under all the orchestral flourishes and choral singers and unnecessary sound effect is some good old fashioned rock songs....I guess. I wish someone had said to him; "Jeff, why don't you take a break?" 2.5 🌟

Lots of good songs but dang! It’s long!

It's great

La première pièce commence et on pourrait croire un groupe indie des années 2010's. On perd le feeling au fur et à mesure que la pièce avance et que les autres couches d'instrumentations embarquent. Après on revient vite dans un album rock orchestral un peu progressif des années 70. L'intérêt s'en va peu à peu. C'est dense, c'est bien fait, mais ça ne me rejoint pas. Il y a Believe Me Now où je retrouve des éléments intéressants comme l'utilisation du Vocoder (qu'on retrouve sur d'autres pièces par la suite) et les effets sur la voix qui n'est pas chantée. Cette pièce aurait pu être plus développée. Le Concerto For A Rainy Day (pièces 10 à 13) est probablement l'élément de cet album qui en fait un album à écouter. La pièce Mr. Blue Sky (probablement la plus connue et la plus intéressante) est la conclusion de ce concerto. Donc je l'ai écouté, mais je n'y reviendrai pas (à part pour Mr. Blue Sky. Vive l'ère du streaming pour ça). Pièce préférée: Mr. Blue Sky

There might be some good songs here but sheeesh they're hard to find under the bright, overwrought production. Like Brian Wilson on steroids, the studio effects just keep coming with little relief in sight. Somewhere under all the orchestral flourishes and choral singers and unnecessary sound effect is some good old fashioned rock songs....I guess. I wish someone had said to him; "Jeff, why don't you take a break?" 2.5 🌟

Wow

When I think of quality, classic 70s music, ELO is one of the very first groups to come to mind. They take the fun vibe of 70s soft rock and elevate it with wonderful orchestration and tasteful synths and keyboards. So many of these songs are just so fun and catchy and make you wanna dance. Fun listen I hadn’t paid attention to Sweet is the Night before, but I think it’s one of my very favorites of the album

Not their best

very good, liked them to start with and this album increased my awareness of their styles.

loving the vibes

Just like smelling gma’s cookies. Childhood memories.

Only a couple of songs that still hold. I was not a big fan of this record when it came out.

I’m not as into progressive rock but this was interesting to listen to.

Notes: Not a big fan. It's not a bad album, but I've never said to myself "this is just to much falsetto" this many times.

Hell yeah that's what I'm talking about

Other than 'Mr Blue Sky' I'm really unfamiliar with ELO but this was a bop. Just energetic and fun throughout, a good time if not mind blowing.

Sweet sweet is this album.

Incredibly solid album, right up my alley. There’s something I’m trying to put my finger on with this. A lot of the albums I’ve liked during this project will have a few songs that I really groove with, but will also bore me a lot at some other point. Vs ELO here, who held my attention and gave me a really good time the whole way through an entire double album-length of stuff… but at least on first listen, there wasn’t any particular song that yanked me in. A slower burn. Any case, liked it a lot.

Best Song: Night in the City. Wonderfully layered and uplifted vocals. Almost ruined by the brief cowbell interlude. Worst Song: Jungle. Much too droning and repetitive of a rhythm, especially balanced against the rest of the album. Overall: Very theatrical feel. Fits nice in the background, but there are too many slow moments and extended transitions to enjoy a really focused listen.

Don't have this and mainly knew the hits from this one. Very enjoyable as expected when I saw it come up.

Хороший альбом

This was a great listen… first time properly listing to ELO. Some amazing melodies and harmonies.

i got a Beatles/queen vibes from this whole album. overall pretty good album

pop rock no espaço

Listened to a few. It was okay.

Favourite Tracks: Turn to Stone, Jungle, Sweet is the Night, Mr Blue Sky, Wild West Hero I think I would have enjoyed this more listening to an odd song here or there over a few weeks. None strike me as particularly bad, but apart from a few standouts a lot of the album blends together into an amorphous blob of spacey guitars.

I was surprised by how much I liked it. I've heard of "ELO" but never listened on purpose. A couple of tracks were familiar. My least favorite thing is the "spacey" synth stuff, but there's a pretty good mix of sounds going on. The vocal style might be a little fatiguing, but it's consistent and ties everything together.

I kinda listened. 3 stars because it's ELO. 3 stars because I didn't feel like finishing.

walk to pub

I was never really been a fan of ELO's synthesized sound and some of the production Jeff Lynne did for other artists, but they produced enough good songs to make me feel nostalgic every time I hear them. Each of their early albums had a few songs worth listening to and definitely Out Of The Blue is the most fulfilling. They had quite a bit of radio play during this time and they were popular enough I felt I didn't need to buy the record (if that makes sense?). The best songs are super catchy and I've heard Mr. Blue Sky more in the past couple of years than ever before. It must have appeared on some movie soundtracks or TV shows or something, anyways it's a great song!

Flows so well. Lots of great horns. Fun album

I really enjoyed this album and their unique sound mixed with classic rock! I ended up knowing more songs than I realized too

Hall and Oates meets Queen meets the Beatles. I really enjoyed this entire album, easy listen with interesting melodies and the orchestral instrumentation is great.

I love ELO’s hits a lot. Like if they come on the radio or a playlist I never skip. However listening to all of Out Of The Blue in one sitting was a bit of a chore because a lot of the songs sound the same! It’s a great sound and I love the orchestration, but I don’t know that as an album this is an all time great. I will never tire of Mr. Blue Sky.

A la disco, yet ahead of it's time. Cover is apt, felt like a space shuttle tour soundtrack. Loved it.

Absolutely love this album!! I was always obsessed with Mr Blue Sky, but never listened to the entire album and happy to be introduced to some absolute TUNES what a happy and exciting vibe. Loved the influences from the Beatles and I can see what they mean by trying to carry on from where I am the walrus left off. Love it! Some songs were a bit filler-y for me so it's lost one star.

I love it! Really fun, a mixture of different moods/sounds all coming together, had a good time listening to this :) from the name and the picture I expected something really different though

This was pretty confusing! Like I loved some of it, and some of it was, as James said, well naff. Some irritating. Some amazing. Some epic. What a mix.

I didn't hate it but I just find the whole thing a bit naff. Mr Blue Sky is a banger but the rest is naff naff naff.

Tämän levyn kuuntelu oli pitkä prosessi: levyn kesto oli pitkä ja kuuntelu jakaantui useampaan sessioon. Varsinkin toinen kuuntelukierros oli aika tervanjuontia, niin en voi sanoa vilpittömästi tykänneeni. Sinänsä ihan monisävyistä ja taidokasta kamaa, mutta kun genre ei nappaa, niin ei voi mitään.

Ensikuuntelulla tämä iski kovaa. Todella melodista ja positiivista musiikkia, jossa suuri osa kappaleista oli melkoisen tarttuvia. Varsinkin hittibiisi Mr. Blue Sky toimi. Valitettavasti seuraavilla kuuntelukerroilla homma vähän lässähti. Ehkä levy ei toiminut aivan samalla tavalla hiihto- tai salimusiikkina kuin työnteon taustalla. Ensivaikutelman perusteella nelonen, pidemmällä kuuntelulla kolmonen.

By 1977, rock's ballooning excess had been well and truly pierced by the tight and gritty authenticity of punk. For some, ELO represented all that had gone too far in rock, from their orchestra section to their live shows beginning with the band emerging from a spaceship. Yet despite all the criticism, there is something very direct and unfussy about Jeff Lynne's songwriting. It's absolutely unadulterated pop, taking obvious influence from The Beatles and other pre 70's popular music while picking up other cues from disco. I've always been a huge fan of ELO and all they stand for: bombastic arrangements, sugary sweet melodies, beautiful harmonies and falsetto, and an unashamed love of pop music. "Out of the Blue" has this in spades: beginning with the propulsive energy of "Turn to Stone", and mingling sunshine pop with aching ballads, it's one irresistible melody after another in a perfect fusion of synths and strings. Most of the songs in the album's first half are very good and then have one little touch- a middle eight or instrumental hook- to elevate them into "great". The rapid fire vocal section in "Turn to Stone". The "doo-doo" backing vocals in "Sweet Talkin' Woman". The blast of horns in "Across the Border". The fake-out coda in "Stepping Out". And then just when the album might be running out of steam, we're treated to side 3's "Concerto for a Rainy Day." This sequence of songs is pure magic and much greater than the sum of its parts. "Big Wheels" is underwhelming on its own, but the tracks around it lift it into the top tier. "Summer and Lightning" and, of course, "Mr Blue Sky" are blissful and need no further explanation. I hope they'll stay with me for the rest of my life. However, no matter how effusive I can be about this album at its best, the fact remains that it's 70 minutes and doesn't quite stick the landing. Everything about rock's excess can be held against it, and it starts to feel its runtime by the home stretch. "Birmingham Blues" is a hokey throwaway. "The Whale" is too unfocused, the closest the album comes to muzak. Even "Starlight", earlier on, is plodding and unessential. I hate to mark it down because there's so much I love about "Out of he Blue", but it has to be said that there's clearly a five star album nestled within it. The decision to set it as a double album in Lynne's burst of inspiration is admirable, but ultimately brings the quality down. Had some of the lesser tracks been dispensed of, it would be an all-time classic. Instead, I'll settle for "A New World Record", which is tighter and even more fun than this one. Oh, by the way, "Jungle" has never not made me smile. One of the most delightful recordings ever produced.

Yep, what an album, even today in 2022 it still sounds modern and good, which is more than can be said for a lot of music that was produced back then.

I listened to this one not too long ago, although I didn't like it as much as other people do. It's a decent pop/rock record overall.

Felt a little corny/70s disco at first but really enjoyed this overall. While the early songs were very similar - albeit solid - much more variety later in this extended album with touches of disco, blues, progressive, old-tyme etc. Good lead vocals and I got used to the falsetto backup vocals. It’s over, jungle, sweet talon woman, stepping out Beatles, ST, PF, BGs, bowie, Dylan sounds 3.7

I see these album as one of the standard ones my parents like, it’s not bad but lacks something that just makes it sound dull to me, not sure what it is exactly On paper a mix of the Beatles and prog rock sounds great . Can see why it’s on the list and I didn’t mind it, but wouldn’t be an album I’d Iv rave about. Maybe it does just sound very dated now.

The Whale bangs in the whip

Big Bangers. The use of full orchestra sound and voices is magical. Operatic even. An album that packs a punch while still being really fun to listen to.

An album made even more outstanding when one considers its lead architect can't even read sheet music. Jeff Lynne fires on all cylinders with this LP, interlacing stacked vocal melodies on top of horns, organ, guitar, bass, and countless other multitracks to form a carefully crafted wall of sound that defies any genre label one might want to put on it.

feel good music meets prog rock

Very 70s. A lot of over production. It’s ok, but no desire to hear it again.

Classic rock is classic. Mr Blue Sky is such a lovely song.

Feel like a disco astronaut on psychedelics imagining life in the year 2030

Awesome album, lots of various music styles incorporated into a final rock product. Classics as well as some other songs that stretch the genre in a cool way!

Play Mr Blue Sky without playing Mr Blue Sky

Fun album but definitely too long.

I knew the one song by ELO, so there was a start. Jeff Lynne one said that he wanted ELO to be like where the Beatles would have gone next. I don't know if I follow that conclusion. I mean, if they continued on the path of Abbey Road, sure. But the Beatles were more than that. They also did "Let It Be," as we have seen from the recent documentary. They were willing to try different things. Anyway, the album itself is pretty good. I liked the concept album approach, although some of the songs did start to sound a little same-y. (Also there's this effect they used in "The Whale" that I first heard on Zappa's album "Sheik Yerbouti" so I associate it only with him, it's rather jarring to hear it somewhere else). I dug it for what it was, but it seemed a little out there? I think it's something I need to listen to again, because it feels like something I just did not "get."

I've always liked ELO but don't own any of their albums or know which songs come from which albums. It's hard for me to put a finger on what this album is - it's slightly more synthy than what I remember them for (I only recognized Turn to Stone and Sweet Talkin Woman). They always had synth, but a little more rock edge in other tunes. Night in the City still has more of that edge. It also has some spacey, dream pop motifs - which after reading up was apparently where they were going with their whole style? I guess them and Badfinger both, in trying to be a new age Beatles sound (which I kind of hear, but not always). I think bonus points for the double album and the running theme throughout which gave it an almost prog rock feel, but with progressions combined across not within songs - e.g., Side 3 from Standin in the Rain to Big Wheels to Summer and Lightning to the big finish in Mr. Blue Sky. I liked it, but it also made me question what it is that I call classic rock. It also made me realize that these guys (well, Jeff Lynne mainly) probably opened the door for crappy pop rock - they did it well but the imitators not so much.

Love me some ELO. I remember listening to this album as a kid (thanks to my older siblings who were ELO fans). Those opening notes of Turn to Stone bring back memories and it's still a great song. ELO is one of those bands where I enjoy everything I hear but have never dug deeply into their catalog. Jeff Lynne is awesome and I appreciate him more every time I hear anything he's involved in. Mr. Blue Sky has been played a million times in my house since my kids got into Guardians of the Galaxy, but it never gets old. Stuff like Sweet Talkin' Woman is very 70s, but still great. Favorite non-hits - Jungle (fun track), Believe Me Now, Sweet is the Night. Basically, there isn't a weak moment on the album, which is even more impressive since it's a double album. Great stuff, easy 5.

elo combines my 2 favorite genres rock and classical. there are a lot of my favorite elo songs on this album.

Odd. What is it? Prog rock for the impatient?

my god this album art is just fantastic. i'm starting this rating at 4 stars just because of that, let's see if the music keeps it there. Yea it was pretty good all around, I'm keeping it at 4!

Super fun listen! Many many good songs, but WOW is Mr. Blue Sky just an incredible feat of music. Turn to Stone, Sweet Talkin' Woman, Summer and Lightning, just to names a few others. The incorporation of strings and backing vocals really makes the songs on this thing so different from typical 70s pop rock. 8/10

Ffs

Mids

ELO is a solid band to get me in a happier mood or feeling more energized...I might not have a clue what they are talking about half the time, but the vibe is solid

Very enjoyable!

Rating: 9/10 Best songs: Turn to stone, It’s over, Sweet talkin’ woman, Night in the city, Jungle

Another album that rocked during high school days…. Many great tracks on this album….

Love theses guys; Turn to Stone, Sweet Talkin & Starlight are great oldies. Thanks Mr Blue Sky😊

This was an absolutely classic album. Along with the cover and time frame, this felt right up there with Boston's albums. I wouldn't directly compare them beyond that but I really enjoyed this. My favorite was Mr. Blue Sky but the rest all felt like the classic rock I know and love that helps close this week out on a better note.

Really dug this one. It feels extremely cinematic, like a rock opera with the pretense that saddles so many rock operas (looking at you, Tommy). It's maybe not narrative the way others are, but so many songs on here feel like they could be pivotal scenes in a story, or end credits in a movie. I've heard some ELO before, but barely anything from here and I think they killed this. Really vibrant rock, a bit refined but doesn't lose the sauce. Days like this make me glad to be doing this list and finding things that I may have otherwise continued to go without. I won't be counting ELO out after this. Favorite tracks: Mr. Blue Sky, Jungle, Steppin' Out, Summer and Lightning, Sweet is the Night, Across the Border. Album art: Gorgeous picture here, I've never even seen this before. Alex compared it to a Journey cover, and I can see that. Excellent colors, seriously great job matching the feel of the album. Talk about a sleeper hit. 4.5/5

elo!!!!! so iconic!!!! kinda love the musical motifs that recur throughout the entire album--a rock orchestra to be certain. 4/4 for concept; last star is missing only because i'm not sure how willing i'd be to re-listen/re-visit any specific songs outside of the context of the whole album

I'm not really a fan of prog rock. This is like prog pop. I'm not really a fan of that either as it goes.

So much joy in this album. It was a fun, buoyant listen.

Pretty good album. I've always thought ELO doesn't get enough recognition, but this was the first time I've listened to a full album

Some brilliant songs in there, and I love the orchestral elements of the performance (where did those disappear to over time)? But... ELO is still a band best experienced through "best of" collection albums, on account of the overabundance of fluff between the really good stuff.

Full of bangers.

Really sweet album. Missing __something__, though.

Good album - will return for another listen

Impressive production values, sort of a Phil Spector wall-of-sound approach updated with synthesizers. Hard to argue with the quality, but for me it lacks passion and "realness" if that makes sense. I prefer music that is a bit more organic sounding. 3 stars.

Fantastical

Good

I dont know how i've never heard of this album, while having known most of the songs in that album

Big 70s Jammies

Holy fuck how did I not come across this album

All great. Surprising to see just how many listens Mr Blue Sky has compared to some of their other bops though.

Great orchestral pop rock, simple arragements that have aged well though. (8/10) FT: Turn To Stone, Mr. Blue Sky, Sweet Talkin' Woman

Not a fan. Still, good to listen to while doing the dishes. I need to do a poo. Home alone with Ruby.

This is the album they became ELO rather than the Electric Light Orchestra. The voyage from pioneers to settlers was complete. The craft is evident with some great songs.

4.5

1st half of this album I hated. It seemed like they combined the worst parts of disco and rock, blended them together and got an annoying mix which did not work. Repetitive and annoying lyrics to go with it. 2nd half I really dug was like a completely new album, great music great sound. Great production over all in this album but I'd probably only listen to the 2nd half 1st half 1/5 2nd half 4/5 So 2.5/5 really but imma gonna give it a 2

Bland

Pop-rock setentero. Está bien.

electric blues

One Of The Greatest Electronic Balades That I've Ever Heard

This is obviously a great album with loads of great songs. I find it hard to connect with it though, maybe all the layers and layers of harmony just put a bit of distance between me and the songs. Objectively four stars, personally three.

Nothing wrong with it, but just not very interesting

ELO has established themselves prior with albums such as Eldorado and A New World Record. Leaning heavy into the string arrangements made them one of the most notable "Symphonic Rock" bands . Hell, there's even a "conerto" on this album! It's always been their wheelhouse, of course, but Out of the Blue was the most ambitious ELO album at the time of it's release, being a double album and having their most popular singles ever. Being a symphonic rock album, it's naturally going to be very theatrical by nature. This usually isn't my style but ELO sells it so well that I can't not love it. However, the album's tracklist length hinders the total product as a lot of the songs on the first half sail right by me. I love Turn to Stone, Sweet Talkin' Woman, and Jungle, but the rest didn't stick with me as much. This then brings us to the second half which kicks off with the "Concerto for a Rainy Day" and I'm 100% enamored with what this album does. Just a fantastic display of musical prowess. Wow! The last few songs are a nice way to close the album, especially The Whale. Overall a wonderful experience that I'm sure I'll love even more with repeat listens. Based and GOATed

3.75

2.75

In 1977, I was listening to The Clash, The Sex Pistols and Sabbath. ELO wasn't even something I was remotely interested in. But 45-years later, and several listens over the years, it's grown on me. It's a lot of fun to listen to. Except Mr Bluesky. I'm so, so tired of that song.

Maybe after a few more listens I'd find some memorable songs.

Album znany, ale nigdy wczesniej nie przesluchany, bo znany jedynie z klasycznego songa mr blue sky, ktory nie tylko w radio sie przewija, ale robi tez robote w ostach filmowych, wiec out of the blue jest 7 studyjnym krazkiem brytyjskiej bandy ELO, ktora tworzylo w okresie tworzenia tego materialu siedmiu czlonkow, podobno byl to zloty okres bandy, dlatego ten line-up zwie sie klasycznym, najbardziej charakterystyczne w brzmieniu elektrikowej swiatlowej orkiestry jest wykorzystanie smyczkow, w tym wypadku dwoch wiolonczeli pana Gala i McDowella, do tego dochodza skrzypce pana Kaminskiego, a reszta to klasyka rokowych band, wiec wokal i gitarka Jeff Lynne, Kelly Groucutt na basie i wokalach, dziwne duo tworza z Lynnem, bo to takie chorkowanie jak w jakims disko funku dopowiadaajace kwestie, czy powtarzajace za glownym wokalem, no ale harmonicznosci nie mozna im odmowic, Bev Bevan na drumach i kolejny wazny aspekt brzmienia ELO, czyli klawisze i syntezatorowanie Richarda Tandiego, bo gatunkwo ciezko przypisac temu naklejke typowego rokowego materialu, bo takie dziwy brzmieniowe sie pojawiaja, ze czlowiek sie zastanawia czy to disko, rokowanie, a moze jakas synfonia futurystycznosci rodem z przeszlosci, bo jak na album z 77 przystalo uzycie syntezatorow leci ostro po kablach, ale smyczki rownowaza brzmienie dlatego to taki retro future, juz od samej okladki widac, ze muzyka bedzie kosmiczna, chociaz jakos nie czuc tego w liryce, a bardziej w brzmieniu instrumentalnym, bo kontent liryczny, to bardzo pozytywne songi, wiec o relacjach szczesliwych miedzy ludzmi bedzie, o ladnej pogodzie, o tym jak ladnie w nocy, czy o dzikim zachodzie, czesto pojawia sie tez motyw niebieskiego, co pewnie ma zwiazek z tytulem, czy to niebo niebieskie, woda, uczucia, pomimo tego ze nie ma takiej monotonii jesli chodzi o tematy, to jednak wiekszosc kawalkow jest strasznie mialka, wiec pan Lynne nie bedzie w topce zarowno moich teksciarzy jak i wokalistow, ta mialkosc moze wynikac z tego, ze plyta ma godzine i dziesiec minut, wiec taki odsluch potrafi wymeczyc, zwlaszcza jesli nie ma tutaj zadnych zaskakujacych zwrotow akcji, bo upbeatowy material z pozytywnymi kontentami chyba tylko w jednym miejscu, na big wheels zmienia troche tempo i opowiada o struglowaniu z zyciem tak dla odmiany, tej odmiany mi brakowalo, bo 16 trakow tak pozytywnych, ze w pewnych momentach ociekasz cukrem tego futurystyczno retrowego lukru, wiec dobrze sie tego slucha dla samych instrumentalnych kompozycji, ktore w niektorych momentach przypominaja numery poznego okresu queenowego, czy kawalki yesa z fragile z podkrecona sruba futurystyczna, wiec banda zyje do swojej nazwy, czy jak to sie mowi po polskiemu i brzmi naprawde orkiestrowo swietliscie, na plejce mialem juz oczywiscie mistera blue sky i otwierajacy turn to stone, ale dodam jeszcze numer ktorego jeszcze wczesniej nie mialem okazji uslyszec i naprawde sie wyroznil na tle calej plyty, a to bedzie juz wspomniany big wheels

Not exactly my thing but a lot better than I had thought. Very much like the post-Beatles Beatles releases from the anthology series

Mr Blue Sky such a timeless classic.

It sounded to me a lot like a queen album, and I wonder how much cross influence there was there.

немного в стиле куин, супер аранжировки, гармонии, максимально интересно, старый звук 70-ых

A little long, but Jeff Lynne's gift for melody is unparalleled.

Such a great representation of so much about 70s pop-rock. I remember their hits playing on the radio in the 70s, then later as "classic rock" stations emerged. A lot of the songs are catchy, but the album grew quickly repetitive-sounding for me with my present-day ears. Mind-time-travelling back to when this album was released, I imagine it stood out. Really cool cover art on this album. (Dang, I really miss album cover art.)

Enjoyable but feels sedated

This album climbs up and collects a higher critter than the last. Still doesn’t do a lot for me

// Favs: Sweet Talkin’ Woman / Believe Me Now / Mr. Blue Sky 🥰 Score: Decent 3

I enjoyed this album.

despite of being aware of the band since like forever and of course being a fan of Mr Blue Sky, I had never listened to this record, a very very nice surprice, I think I may buy it!

One of my all-time favorites

Enjoyable the whole way through. Put me in a good mood. Sweet Talkin woman and Mr blue sky highlights for me

ELO has a rather unique style. Whenever they come up on the radio they annoy me more often than not. But as an album I will return to them in the future.

Love the musical vibes.

Way too long and some songs feel like fillers, but overall a classic and a good album

I like the Beatles too.

Maybe it's because the site happened to give it to me on a perfect day for it (clear mid-70s skies following a storm that caused a shitload of flooding), but I really enjoyed Out of the Blue's spacey, grandiose sound. The impeccable instrumentation works beautifully off of Jeff Lynne's voice, producing euphoric highs that resemble a top-tier prog rock band with more strings and less noodling. It's a double album, so it inevitably runs into a handful of tracks that feel more like filler, but it's still tighter than you would expect a 70-minute double LP to be. Hell, I went into this knowing I wasn't the biggest fan of Mr. Blue Sky, but it works really well as the finale of side 3's weird little weather-themed suite. Great stuff all around. Key Tracks: Turn to Stone, Night in the City, Big Wheels

stage 1: this album is how long? stage 2: okay jeff, we get it. you like the beatles stage 3: this album is HOW long?? stage 4a: the edibles hit stage 4b: the whale stage 5: the lights are off and the sun went down an hour ago stage 666: a c c e p t

Amazing album. top #5 of all time for sure.

For about a year they ruled the world. A string of singles from this album (including the sublime Wild west hero) meant it was impossible to go anywhere without hearing ELO playing. Places me forever in Coventry shopping precinct.

Man what a great album. Unique

Mr. Blue Sky is still a lot of fun but most of the rest of this album just didn't resonate much with me. I was surprised as I was expecting to be way more into it than it turned out to be.

Good time.

A bit ‘of its time’, but still pretty catchy in places

Overall pretty good

mr bluuuee sky

En general me ha gustado, pero las canciones que mas me han gustado ya las conocia, salvo una que me ha gustado bastante y no conocía, pero no se cual es :)

An extraordinarily well named band. The music is unforgettable and well crafted. Unfortunate that Debbie Gibson used the same album name...

ELO seems to stand in a genre of their own... majestic orchestral rock. Jeff Lynne's songwriting is fantastic, the music is catchy, with a pretty impressive variety of approaches on the album. Even with 17 tracks... i can listen to this on repeat for an entire day. Love it.

L. 7/30 - 8/1 Immaculately and meticulously crafted. Grand Rock music. Standout Tracks: Turn to Stone, It's Over, Night in the City, Jungle, Big Wheels, Summer and Lightning, Mr. Blue Sky, The Whale

This is a cool album. Don't know if it's "good" but it is definitely cool. The harmonizing is something else. "Turn to Stone", "Sweet Talkin' Woman", "Sweet Is the Night", and, of course, "Mr. Blue Sky" are the standouts but there aren't really any duds.

Some classic tracks but the orchestration gets my goat after a while.

Was enjoying it but it was too long and by the end I couldn't wait for it to finish.

Not bad per se, but hasn't aged well and annoys me

Really good

Only the length holds this back from a 4 - some brilliant songs and some filler that can grate

Electric Shite Orchestra

Good, need to listen again

I’m sure there were a lot of innovative sonic qualities in this album for ‘77, and in a way I like the orchestra integration, but overall this album just really doesn’t do it for me. Not sure what it is, but it kind of all starts to blend together after a while and not many songs really stuck out for me. Not bad by any means, just nothing overly special. And I know that’s a crime considering Mr. Blue Sky is on this album but 🤷🏼‍♂️

Really liked the general vibe of the album. Have listened to ELO before so kinda knew what to expect but also wasn't disappointed. Really like Turn To Stone and Mr Blue Sky, nothing else really stood out to me.

Chipper pop rock, definitely of its time. Strings and keyboards vs. guitar rock gives it a real 70s vibe. Even disco-ish, I must admit, although dismissing it out of hand for that is short sighted. There’s definitely a lot more going on here than that statement gives it credit for. Besides, it’s right there in the name: Electric Light *Orchestra*. You can’t accuse them of false advertising. I like this, although a lot of criticisms would be justified, and I wouldn’t have an answer for them… except to say that this album contains “Mr. Blue Sky”, which is a song that never once in my life has failed to put me in a good mood. For that song alone, 5 stars.

this may have too much nostalgia in my rating because some of the tracks lean on weird synth sounds a little TOO heavy, but this is one of my favorite albums and I can't make myself take a star away for that. <3 ELO

3 1/2

At least 3 stand outs.

Super groovy, great harmonies. Definitely a favorite album

Not my favorite. Sounds like a compilation of the cheesiest classic rock radio station songs.

Meh not bad not good. Just a bland soft electronic album. Not for me.

Not bad if you’re in the mood. Beatles-esque but too peppy and string heavy. Mr Blue Sky was the best track

Awesome. Great flow.

Just awesome.

“Mr. Blue Sky” is an instant mood booster! The moment it comes on I can’t help but be in a better mood. I wish the rest of the album was more in line with the driving upbeat vibe of it. Unfortunately the rest of the album kind of drags to me and it’s way too long. Still, very creative and well done.

Who could dislike ELO? Who is not happy listening to this music? Well, probably many people for some valid reasons, but I’m not one of them. I love how the strings are used on this record. Not overdone, just the right amount coming in at just the right time. Every track is magic. I love it. Favourite track: C’mon. “Mr. Blue Sky”