RecentMusic - Electric Light Orchestra New Releases

Electric Light Orchestra

Electric Light Orchestra, commonly abbreviated ELO, is an iconic English rock band that formed in Birmingham in 1970. The ensemble was originally conceived by songwriters/multi-instrumentalists Jeff Lynne and Roy Wood alongside drummer Bev Bevan. They aimed to create modern rock and pop songs with classical overtones, spurred by their ambition to pick up where The Beatles' "I Am the Walrus" left off. ELO quickly became known for its unique and rich fusion of rock music with orchestral arrangements usually associated with classical and symphonic music. Despite Wood's departure in the early years, Lynne became the driving force behind the group, crafting hit after hit with a distinct sound characterized by catchy melodies, layered harmonies, and futuristic production techniques.

Over the decades, ELO amassed a remarkable string of hits that charted in the UK and the US, cementing their legacy in the pantheon of rock history. With a fluctuating lineup and the omnipresent Lynne at the helm, their classic era saw albums such as "A New World Record," "Out of the Blue," and "Discovery" receive critical and commercial acclaim. They are best known for tracks like "Mr. Blue Sky," "Evil Woman," "Don't Bring Me Down," and "Livin' Thing." After a period of inactivity, Jeff Lynne revived the band name as Jeff Lynne's ELO, releasing fresh material including "Alone in the Universe" in 2015 and "From Out Of Nowhere" in 2019, and performing live, exemplified by the concert recording "Wembley or Bust." Their music continues to resonate, celebrating over fifty years with anniversary collections, reinforcing ELO's status as a stalwart act in the story of rock music.

Genres