ELO- Out of the Blue

The legendary 1977 effort by these Birmingham rockers is next up for review. 

Side One opens with ‘Turn to Stone’ a true pop masterpiece, it’s catchy chorus is infectious and the string orchestra provide a sense of enormity to the song. A brilliant album opener. ‘It’s Over’ is the next track a far more sombre affair with an acoustic guitar being the centre piece of the track. Lyrically the track is more sombre to with the phrase ‘It’s Over’ being repeated throughout the track a complete change from the upbeat opening track. Yet it still makes for a true classic. ‘Sweet Talkin Woman’ is the next track and the brilliant pop songwriting is in full swing, this track is one of the bands most loved songs, and it’s easy to see why. The song is a classic pop song but it also has a disco like element as well as almost classical strings. This track is probably my favourite on the album. It’s a masterpiece. ‘Across the Border’ ends Side One a song about the US and Mexican border, with synths being the predominant instrument. Brass is also used heavily on this track, it’s a grand song with several elements which all work together to create a colossal piece of music. 

‘Night in the City’ opens Side Two this track makes brilliant use of backing vocals, to add layers to the song. It’s almost progressive in its elements with weird synth sounds and haunting vocals in places. It’s one of the most underrated songs on the whole album and in my opinion shows a band at the peak of their powers. ‘Starlight’ is the next track. It’s a very soulful song, it’s probably the most simple song on the album, and does not have many elements but the simplicity is what makes it great, it’s a welcome change of pace and lets Jeff Lynnes lyrics shine through. ‘Jungle’ follows on from ‘Starlight’ it’s an absolute stomper, the drums and hand claps set the pace with the chant like chorus. It’s unlike anything else on the album, and anything else I’ve ever heard. Another underrated gem. A weird experiment, which worked so well. The instrumental ‘Believe Me Now’ is next a sombre piece of piano, with distorted vocals which feels like you’re floating away in space. Strings and a mellotron are used to add a futuristic element to the track. ‘Steppin Out’ is the final track on Side Two another more sombre affair, with a slow melodic piano driving the song, Jeff Lynne constructs the lyrics and the rest of the songs components around this piano, the track provides a bookmark and acts as the end of the first act of the album. Another classic. 

Side Three or ‘Concerto For a Rainy Day’ opens with ‘Standin’ in the Rain’ another upbeat tune, complete with strings and keyboards. It makes for the perfect opener, it’s a massive song with so many elements, which are all parts of the song. These elements are added and removed to completely changed the song, at points they are all working together and then at other times only Jeff Lynne is singing. It’s a masterpiece. ‘Big Wheels’ is next and this track is another underrated gem in the bands discography, a slow ballad to start with, which highlights Jeff Lynnes brilliant and unique voice, the chorus is subdued to start with however as the song progresses it becomes bigger and bigger, until it’s a fully fledged grand classic. ‘Summer And Lightning’ is the penultimate track on this Side a progressive track with strings and synths creating a wall of sound, which the lyrics become wrapped around. The guitar work in this track is some of the best on the album, it’s simple yet beautiful, and is the cornerstone of the verses. Finally ending Side Three is ‘Mr Blue Sky’ the most famous ELO song what can I say about this that hasn’t already been said. It’s one of the best songs of the 70s a beautiful pop song, with a catchy chorus, and it provides a beautiful end to this Side of vinyl. 

Side Four begins with ‘Sweet Is The Night’ another of my favourites a beautiful guitar riff is used within this track creating a rock classic. The chorus is also really clever it’s powerful yet subdued, the backing vocals create this subdued power. Another classic. ‘The Whale’ is next a true wall of noise, with psychedelic elements and sound affects. It has more in common with War of the Worlds than The Beatles. A break from the rest of the album. ‘Birmingham Blues’ is a traditional rock stomper, with strings. I suppose I’ve got a soft spot with this track being from the midlands however even without that regional bias. It’s still an album highlight with a brilliant chorus and instrumentation, one of the bands best. ‘Wild West Hero’ ends the album the start always reminds me of ‘Seaside Rendezvous by Queen’ the song itself is a sombre affair but it has a waltz like middle 8 with a mellotron and guitars creating a dance like break. However the sombre nature of the lyrics and melody make a welcome change from the upbeat nature of the previous track. It’s a perfect contrast.

Hope you enjoyed x

For Archie x