 | Tracklist:
1. "Tightrope" – 5:03
2. "Telephone Line" – 4:38
3. "Rockaria!" – 3:12
4. "Mission (A World Record)" – 4:25
5. "So Fine" – 3:54
6. "Livin' Thing" – 3:31
7. "Above the Clouds" – 2:16
8. "Do Ya" – 3:43
9. "Shangri-La" – 5:32
Release Date: 1976 | |
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On 2 Lists
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| Summary: This is an album no one should be without. |
1 of 1 thought this review was well written
1976 holds some interesting events. The first recorded swine flu death occurred in 1976. Apple Company is also established by Steve Jobs, and Electric Light Orchestra is boosted into worldwide fame from out of the blue (good pun).
This album garnered fame from all around the world (another fun pun), receiving glorious approval from fans, critics, and musicians alike and debuting in the top 10 of every country it was released. In less than a year, this album sold more than 5 million around the globe. It’s quite impressive for a poppy-rock orchestra.
It’s entertaining. It’s catchy. It’s powerful. After listening to it you won’t even care if your friends call you fruity. As nutty as it sounds give it a few listens and you’ll agree, this really is a perfect example of self-indulgencing pop. Jeff Lynne sure grabs the band by the gonads here. They are all wonderfully in sync with each other on this album, and Jeff’s songwriting is extraordinary and majestical, crafting this album into an instant classic.
A New World Record starts off, and Tightrope begins with a UFO invasion of sounds, the haunting notes of a thriller movie roll with the chilling deep bass lines, and out of nowhere the song turns into an upbeat “don’t bring me down” love song. The vocals are great, and Richard Tandy’s backup falsetto Michael Jackson-like sounds are actually very pleasant to the atmosphere. The strings fit into the song in a very unimaginable way, but it works and is one of the cleverest pop songs I’ve ever heard. [A+]
As Tightrope dies down into oblivion, the album takes another interesting ‘spin’ into the next song “Telephone Line”. It’s a lovely ballad that’s as memorable as those arena songs you hear at a basketball game, but in a mellow manner. It retains the moody blues feeling and the lyrics are unforgettable. The “do-wahs” and ELO’s obsession with dark-blue nights are also very apparent, but the melody is orgasmic. [A+]
Rockaria! I was thrown off by the opera bit at the beginning, but apparently the “oops!” by the opera singer was left in on purpose. This song quickly changed my mind about Opera rock. This is the classic rocker of the album. “Come on over, you got nothin’ to lose!” The song is energetic, and Lynne’s vocals are great. Get out your jockey shorts and corsets, its time to dance old school in the living room. [A-]
Track 4: Mission (A New World Record). This is as weird as it gets. This song is not only creepier than the first song, but it creeps along and as you listen, your interest grows… The synth is a real hook in this song, but as it transitions into the chorus, the song turns into an orchestral funk disco mix jam session? What? As weird as it sounds, it draws you back into the song and its melancholy mood of “Who are you and who am I?” as said from the lyrics. Strangely enough, the blues guitar in the background of the song are melded well with the melody and give this song quite an interesting amount to offer to the listener. [B-]
Ooh La Ooh Lala Ooh! “So Fine” starts us back up after the storm to another fantastic rush of flavor. The strings are more of a backing track and carry the song to a wonderful amount. The song later breaks down into a creative percussion ensemble by the synthesizer and drummer and builds up into the ending of another wonderful tune. [b]
As the track “So Fine” melts into a different chord, the strings take over for a unique blend of seasonings for the album. The song “Livin’ Thing” takes over with its Caribbean-like mix of gliding vocals. Although Jeff never identifies what “It” is, this song is a major guilty pleasure and really is a great song. [A-]
“Above the Clouds” is the alternative intermission section of the album. But don’t call it filler, this song uses some intriguing sounds from the early 1900’s along with some more UFO sounds, that actually fit with the song yet again! A few areas of this song seem out of tune, but it still sounds cool. It’s a basis for what’s to come…. [C+]
“I’m saying… do ya do ya want my love”
“Do Ya” This song picks back up what the album started. The themes of love and the overall bliss of the song make this an excellent radio rock model. This is the best rock song ELO has to offer, and it’s actually a cover from when Jeff Lynne and Bev Bevan had their old band. All I can say is, with the orchestra added and the electric flow of rock, this song is the Electric Light Orchestra’s illustration of brilliance. If you don’t listen to any other song by them, listen to this. [A+]
Just when the album couldn’t get any better, then next song seems to be instantly halted by an interesting flow of vibes… The mood is darker again and the song is slow and melancholy in a similar fashion to the title track, although without the nuisances of UFO noises and misplaced blues jams every 10 seconds. This song picks up even more, with a beautiful light guitar solo and a lovely melody. It may not be an instant hit, but this song unquestionably grows on you the more you listen to it. And just as the song dies down, the mood is brought into a perfect opposite harmony as the way it started. The moving synthesizer pushes everything you just heard onto the album into a wonderful climax that’s as moving as real life depression. It’s a soaring ending of epic proportions. [A]
These guys knew how to play; their music is not only intense, but blissful. Every note is hit with a wonderful strength as if you were watching them live.
Recommended tracks:
Do Ya
Tightrope
Telephone Line
Shangri-La
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| Recent reviews by this author | | |
Album Rating: 5
enjoy!
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jeff lynne ftw
Digging: Coheed and Cambria - Year of the Black Rainbow
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The sun is shining in the sky, there's not a cloud in sight...
Digging: Death Cab For Cutie - Directions: The Plans Video Album
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out of the blue (good pun)
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUU
Digging: Jonsi - Go
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I should get an album by these guys, Fire on High kicks so much ass.
Digging: Frightened Rabbit - The Midnight Organ Fight
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i like the Overture song thingy. so good.
Digging: Immolation - Majesty and Decay
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I only own their hits collection, and I absolutely love it. I might have to get ahold of this - although I don't enjoy "Do Ya" nearly as much as "Livin' Thing". I think Jeff Lynne had a touch of the magic that helped The Beatles write all those great songs.
A lot of "this song this" and "this song that" in here, which comes from writing a track by track, I suppose. Still a good read and nicely written. Although, I feel as though puns are the lowest form of comedy.
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I really do not understand why these guys are not more popular. Jeff Lynne was, at times an utter genius.
This album has some of my favorite ELO tunes. (telephone line, living thing, and of course, Do ya.)
good review too. I hate to criticize since I've never submitted a review to this site, but get rid of the individual song "grades" this isn't school. lol
| | | Album Rating: 5
yeah i needed to grade them more for myself to get an idea of where they stand when i read over my review. they are all great songs really otherwise i wouldnt have given the album a solid 5. im a picky person with music.
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i think i need this :|
Digging: DJ Shadow - Endtroducing
| | | Album Rating: 5
you do. this album is the definition of REAL rock pop
| | | Album Rating: 4.5
Awesome job. ELO writes amazing pop music. And everyone should listen to them if they want to know what real pop music is.
Digging: Ihsahn - After | | |
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