From Out of Nowhere

After reading numerous official and unofficial reviews about Jeff Lynne’s ELO’s latest album, "From Out of Nowhere", I wanted to add my thoughts to the myriad opinions. In no way do I consider myself an expert critic; nor do I believe I have a better understanding of ELO’s discography than others. To that end, after listening to and appreciating all facets of Jeff Lynne and ELO, over the past 40 years, I do believe I have something to add regarding the matter.Many are saying, this isn’t really an ELO album, for one reason or another, whether it’s because Jeff plays all the instruments or the other members are absent or because the spaceship looks different than it did in 1977. Really, folks, let’s give this some thought. Just like any other project with the ELO moniker, it’s a bona fide ELO album. Why? Because it’s Jeff Lynne.I think many are expecting a particular sound, whether it’s the over-dubbed "No Answer", the experimental "Face the Music", the classic "A New World Record" and "Out of the Blue", the conceptual "Eldorado" and "Time", the eclectic "Secret Messages", or the pure pop "Balance of Power". What I’ve just demonstrated is, there is no singular element to an ELO album, other than Jeff’s masterful chord progressions, lyrics, and production. "From Out of Nowhere" is just as much ELO, as the rest of them, regardless of when it was recorded, produced, and released. Many years ago, not long after he’d made Bungalow Palace into his recording studio, Jeff stated he was going for an organic sound – each room offered a different aspect, musically, and this is what’s directed him, ever since that time.Further, for those being overly critical of how it “doesn’t sound like classic ELO,” I have but one question: Are you the same, as you were 10, 20, 30, or 40 years ago? I dare say, you’re not. Well, neither is Jeff Lynne. He, too, has grown over his 50+ year career: learning; developing; simply finding a style that reflects his inspiration, after working with giants in the industry. (He, too, is a giant, and yet, he’s much too humble to acknowledge it.)With that said, let’s take a look at this latest masterpiece from the master, himself. "FOON" is, in my opinion, ELO’s best work, since "Secret Messages". (And I, for one, am a huge fan of "Zoom", which I think has been highly underrated.) Yes, it’s rather short – with only three-and-some-change minute songs – and yet, it doesn’t disappoint…it leaves me wanting to listen again, and again. The melodies, harmonies, instruments, and lyrics are fresh, and demonstrate a Jeff Lynne who hasn’t stagnated and is at the top of his game and happy to be doing this kind of work – even at 71!Side One’s opener, "From Out of Nowhere", sets the stage for what the listener is about to receive: A bold under-taking that has caught us all unawares. From a strong beginning, comes "Help Yourself", with profound lyrics and a melancholy air, demanding inner reflection. Jeff then throws us a curveball with "All My Love". Personally, this song hit me between the eyes, in that, it’s like nothing I’ve ever heard from him (although some of "Zoom’s" songs move in that direction); not to mention the lyrics are emotive, even cutting to the core. The fourth track, "Down Came the Rain", is classic ELO. How can you have an ELO album without something that’s rain, blue, etc.? The tune is memorable and the lyrics meaningful. The next song, "Losing You", is my least favorite on the album, but that’s not to say it’s bad – no. It captures something Jeff was feeling (perhaps the death of friends, George Harrison and Tom Petty?) at the time, and is beautifully expressed in both words and music. Side One in no way disappoints – I was more than eager to flip the vinyl and keep going.Side Two begins with an all-out rocker, reminiscent of "Roll Over Beethoven", "Rockaria", and the solo effort, "Let It Run". The aptly named "One More Time" adds depth to Lynne’s latest work, by demonstrating his vocal and guitar prowess – he still possesses the edge and means to show it…one more time…just in case we’ve forgotten. And, let’s not miss this: We hear a much-too-brief cameo by the amazing, Richard Tandy. Next, we’re greeted by "Sci-Fi Woman", which I’m still trying to figure out where Jeff came from and is headed with the tune. It’s a good track and brings in elements of "Time", with its synthesizers and riffs. The third track, "Going Out on Me", is simply fantastic – a nice blend of melody, harmony, solid lyrics, and a catchy doo-wop 6/8-time beat. Jeff then surprises us with a song unlike anything he’s ever done: He tells a story about his pure delight of playing at Wembley in 2017; in effect, it’s a song dedicated to his fans and how they inspire him. "Time of Our Life" is perhaps my favorite song on the album, because it combines strong musicality with true passion – it comes across as genuine and heartfelt. The album closes with "Songbird", a simply lovely blues tune that ends with hope. At first, I was indifferent to the song, thinking it was okay, and yet, after having listened to it more carefully on several occasions, I’ve come to believe it’s one of Jeff’s/ELO’s best slow(er) songs – definitely top five. Side Two, and the album itself, ends on a strong note.In summary, Jeff’s musical and production genius doesn’t disappoint in "From Out of Nowhere". It’s as much an ELO album, as "Out of the Blue" or any other record, from 1972 to 1986. There are no “throwaway” songs (do any of Jeff’s/ELO’s tunes fit that description?) on the album. What I also derived from the record is, there are more good quality songs Jeff hasn’t yet written, recorded, or produced – they’re just waiting to be released, but not from out of nowhere. Rather, the mind and heart of Jeff Lynne is a wellspring of brilliance, simply waiting to be revealed to a world, so desperately in need of good, clean, and uplifting music. May the Light burn brightly!

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Track by track review..From Out Of Nowhere - Soaring guitars and an almost instantly recognizable melody. the chorus is one of the many sticks-in-your-head moments on this album.Help Yourself - Melodically, probably the most old school ELO-like song here. Gorgeous melody, beautifully stacked harmonies and a tasty guitar solo. Sounds a lot like the best moments from Zoom.All My Love- This song manages to sound totally modern, while at the same time sounding like a lost classic from the 80's. In fact, you could almost hear this coming from a boombox on the beach during a 1980's summer day. Melodically, it's not the strongest, but it has enough different and interesting things going out to make it appealing.Down Came The Rain - Tom Petty would have loved this one. Chugging rhythmically along, with a chorus very similar to The Traveling Wilburys' Not Alone Anymore, and a slide guitar solo George Harrison would be proud of.Losing You - Achingly gorgeous melody, and some incredible vocals, especially on the bluesy chorus. Similar stylistically to The Beatles' Free As A Bird, but better. Sweeping strings come in just at the right time. I'm guessing Roy Orbison may have been on Jeff's mind when he wrote this one.One More Time- One of those old school rock stompers that Jeff could write in his sleep. Like a mix of Let It Run from the Electric Dreams soundtrack, and She's My Baby by the Traveling Wilburys. But wait, then a totally unexpected string drenched instrumental comes in, followed by a killer Jerry Lee Lewis-like piano solo from Richard Tandy. A really fun stack of vocal harmonies end the song on a great note.Sci-Fi Woman - With a melody in the verses that sounds like Doctor My Eyes by Jackson Browne, and a very cool arpeggiating synth sound running through the whole song, this track is instantly catchy. Then there's what sounds like a theramin coming in at the chorus. There's so much going on here, it'll take a few listens to catch everything. I have a feeling a lot of people will love this one.Goin Out On Me- Like a mini tribute to old school pop songs like Sleepwalk, Tears On My Pillow, You Really Got a Hold On Me, and This Boy. Not to mention, a nod to In My Own Time, from the Zoom album. Another great guitar solo!Time Of Our Life - Lynne's love letter to the Wembley Stadium show. Lyrically, maybe it's not exactly the smoothest, but one can forgive the somewhat heart on your sleeve lyrics. A chorus straight out of the 70's, with some fun "twiddly bits" thrown in, including a shoutout to Telephone Line.Songbird - Wow! Al Green, Sam Cooke, and Donny Hathaway are obviously huge influences on Jeff Lynne. Vocally, he's in top form here, bending those notes just at the right place. Lynne is one of the most soulful old, white British guys ever! I can honestly imagine someone like John Legend, Pharrell Williams, or Leon Bridges having a go at this song.Overall, this album is a grower. I've listened 4 times now, and find something new with each play. Not everyone, especially fans who are still stuck on the "orchestra" part of ELO, are gonna love it. But anyone who appreciates good songcraft and melodies will like this album a lot!

A new album from ELO is like the aligning of the planets, a comet flyby or a solar eclipse. Like its predecessor, Alone in the Universe, this one is packed with gorgeous tunes and melodies and more importantly, sounds like an ELO record. From the opening notes of the title track to the positive, upbeat message in Songbird, this is another enjoyable album from start to finish. Like he did on the last album, he plays everything himself though Richard Tandy makes an appearance on one of the songs (no vocals from his daughter this time around). Although there are only 10 tracks, no bonus tracks and each is roughly 3 1/2 minutes long, the songs are very well crafted and the melodies and hooks stay in your head. It's hard to believe that at 71, Jeff can still write super catchy songs and sound great singing them.I love the second single, Time of our Life and its reflection on that magical performance at Wembley in 2018. Other notable early favorites include Down Came the Rain, All My Love, Losing You and Help Yourself. I am going to enjoy this one for many years to come, thanks to my hero, Jeff Lynne :-)

Jeff Lynne's ELOWhat can you say i have followed this group since the 1960s and former group The Move .

Good

Super Musik

Solito lavoro di Jeff Lynne. Più passa il tempo e più lo apprezzo.

Ja gruppen har givit ut flera cd. Än av de senaste