No.56 - ‘A New World Record’ - Electric Light Orchestra (1976)

“Hey, how're you feelin'? Are you still the same? Don't you realise the things we did, we did, were all for real? Not a dream; I just can't believe they've all faded out of view…”

Yes, it’s one of those rare, pre-90s albums to feature on this list. From absolutely loving Mr Blue Sky as a child (a song I would possibly say is the best popular song ever written), I took the time a few years back to pour over their albums. Out of the Blue is THE album for most people but A New World Record just pips it to the post for me.

This album is incredible. A huge range to the styles, really catchy songs, interesting melodies and well written, crafted, produced and played. I love Jeff Lynne’s voice and the harmonies are so sweet in both tone and theatrics. The mix of classical music and rock works so well. Others have tried to great success, most notably the Beatles who are a huge influence for ELO, but to make it the interwoven core of every song; no-one has ever done it better. 

My highlight of the album is Telephone Line - one of the greatest ever leads into a chorus in my opinion. It’s instantly recognisable and always makes me smile. The other singles from the album are certainly strong points also. Rockaria is weird and wonderful (classical opera playing Chuck Berry - “She’s sweet on Wagner…loves the way Puccini lays down a tune”), Livin’ Thing is classic ELO, and Do Ya, a cover of Jeff Lyne and Roy Wood’s own song from their ‘The Move’ days.

During my ELO listening marathons, I realised how many songs that I loved by other bands were actually ELO covers or samples. Their influence is so wide; they truly are one of the greatest bands to ever have existed. 

Electric Light Orchestra formed in 1970 by Jeff Lynne and Roy Wood, although Wood left in 1972. They have released 15 studio albums, two of those as Jeff Lyne’s ELO (Out of Nowhere is absolutely brilliant by the way!). In 14 years of activeness during the 70s and 80s, 27 of their songs reached the top 40 in the UK singles charts, whilst selling over 50 million records worldwide and gaining numerous awards. A New World Record reached no.6 in the UK album charts and no.1 in Australia, Sweden and Canada. Obviously, it has been released numerous times on vinyl, and the original transparent red edition resides in my collection.

Favourite songs -  Telephone Line, Livin’ Thing, Do Ya, Rockaria!

Other great albums - Face The Music (1975), Out Of The Blue (1977), Out of Nowhere (2019)

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