Back after a long absence, in between other writing and musical activities.
Back after a long absence, in between other writing and musical activities.
Member since:13.07.2000
Reviews:260
Members who trust:46
"Out Of The Blue" was an ambitious album that managed to be grandiose yet instantly commercial, and throughout his long career ELO mastermind Jeff Lynne rarely surpassed the achievement. Musically it runs the full gamut of mock-Wagnerian choral and orchestral audio pyrotechnics, but there are plenty of hooks and strong tunes to keep the listener's attention hooked. It's not everybody who would take a ballad like "Wild West Hero" and keep threatening to turn it into a grungy blues boogie with Chuck Berry guitar, bar room piano and sawing cello! Four of the 17 tracks were singles, in order "Turn To Stone", the diehard ELO fan favourite "Mr Blue Sky", "Hero" and "Sweet Talkin' Woman", but several of the other tracks would have fitted the bill equally well. "Across The Border", one example, introduces Mexican-Tijuanan-style brass, and the majestic "Standin' In The Rain" was strong enough to last as a regular stage favourite of the band right up to the post-Lynne ELO Part II. You can forgive them the odd dud, particularly the disco-like "Jungle". All in all, if you only know ELO from one of the many greatest hits compilations and want to hear more, put this next on your list.
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