ELO Songs Ranked
The Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) are an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1970 by songwriters-multi-instrumentalists Jeff Lynne and Roy Wood with drummer Bev Bevan. Their music is characterized by a fusion of Beatlesque pop, classical arrangements, and futuristic iconography. After Wood’s departure in 1972, Lynne became the band’s sole leader, arranging and producing every album while writing nearly all of their original material. For their initial tenure, Lynne, Bevan, and keyboardist Richard Tandy were the group’s only consistent members. ELO was formed out of Lynne’s and Wood’s desire to create modern rock and pop songs with classical overtones. It derived as an offshoot of Wood’s previous band, The Move, of which Lynne and Bevan were also members. During the 1970s and 1980s, ELO released a string of top 10 albums and singles, including two LPs that reached the top of British charts: the disco-inspired Discovery (1979) and the science-fiction-themed concept album Time (1981). In 1986, Lynne lost interest in the band and disbanded the group. Bevan responded by forming his own band, ELO Part II, which later became the Orchestra. After a brief reunion from 2000–01, ELO remained largely inactive until 2014, when Lynne re-formed the band again with Tandy as Jeff Lynne’s ELO. During ELO’s original 14-year period of active recording and touring, they sold over 50 million records worldwide and collected 19 CRIA, 21 RIAA, and 38 BPI awards. From 1972 to 1986, ELO accumulated twenty-seven Top 40 songs on the UK Singles Chart and fifteen Top 20 songs on the US Billboard Hot 100. The band also holds the record for having the most Billboard Hot 100 Top 40 hits (20) without a number-one single of any band in US chart history. In 2017 the ELO line-up of Wood, Lynne, Bevan, and Tandy was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Here are all ELO songs ranked.
Never miss out on this English rock band. Click below and enjoy their songs as you reminisce the time of ELO.
20. 10538 Overture (The Electric Light Orchestra, 1971)
“One of their first… And definitely one of the most outrageously original tracks in that era. There’s a very good reason this was chosen for the Oscar-winning American Hustle… This is one of the greatest tracks of all time.”
19. Nightrider (Face the Music, 1975)
“A travesty that this single didn’t chart anywhere. The best song on the Face The Music album. Just as an aside for the people that wonder why some of their favorites aren’t higher in the charts…if it wasn’t a single or a hit the odds are that many don’t even know it.”
18. So Fine (A New World Record, 1976)
“String rhythms at its best, an outstanding pop-rock song. The upbeat great song never tire of this song still sounds great typical seventies sound doesn’t get played enough”
17. Showdown (On the Third Day, 1973)
“I am sure I’m the only person that feels this way, but this song makes me so sad. It reminds me of someone’s dead dreams. I refuse to believe it’s a song about a breakup. It’s something a lot heavier than that. I can hardly ever listen to Showdown and not get entirely choked up.”
See more: ELO Albums Ranked
16. All Over the World (All Over the World, 2005)
“I listen to this song and it is so refreshing to see “all” these people dancing, smiling, singing, enjoying life with hearing a song with a beat/rhythm! Something we need to feel and not all the negativity society has these days.”
15. Twilight (Time, 1981)
“I love this one. It’s just awesome. The pick instrumental composition is breathtaking. An amazing song to follow Prologue. The transition is amazing, one of they’re best!”
14. Do Ya (A New World Record, 1976)
“Certainly one up the best upbeat songs I know. Used in the movie “Martian Child”. Definitely a little Beatles / Paul McCartney influence detected. Pure rock / pop delight.”
13. Xanadu (Xanadu, 1980)
“Beautiful melody, beautiful backup, Harmony, creative bridges, soaring voice of Olivia Newton John, space age ending, what is not to love people! ElO’s Bohemian Rhapsody”
12. Last Train to London (Discovery, 1979)
“Not many people know this song but still was one of the best songs I have ever heard in my whole life I cannot think that in an ideal chart of ELO could miss this fantastic song!”
11. Strange Magic (Face the Music, 1975)
“One of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard. When I hear it, I never want it to end. An overall classic! It’s upbeat but not too crazy.”
10. Can’t Get It Out of My Head (Eldorado, 1974)
“Simply one of the most beautiful songs ever composed. In case you didn’t know the album Eldorado the story of a daydreamer. Just listen to this song and let your imagination go”
9. Shine a Little Love (Discovery, 1979)
“Greatest fusion of rock, hard core disco and classical strings that has ever been released. No wonder life seemed to be so much nicer back in 1979.”
8. Hold on Tight (Time, 1981)
“I’ve been a fan of Elo ever since. To this day they still have one of the most unique sounds out of any band that has ever existed. Oh, and this song, in my opinion, is definitely one of their better ones. Great!”
7. Sweet Talkin’ Woman (Wembley or Bust, 2017)
“Fantastic string intro followed by amazing vocals, catchy chorus, and backing vocals. Puts me in a great mood time and time again Very catchy chorus. Might have just officially sold me on picking up some of their material.’
See more: Metallica Albums Ranked
6. Turn to Stone (Out of the Blue, 1977)
“Turn To Stone. One of the many ELO songs that defined an era. The vocals, the electronic sound, and an orchestra! I grew up, thriving on ELO’s music, and still enjoy it today. They were a one-of-a-kind band, that has never really been copied. “
5. Telephone Line (A New World Record, 1976)
“This song and the lyrics as well goes into my heart directly. Beautiful, with little perfect effects. Not to listen every day, but on special events. Love it so much”
4. Livin’ Thing (A New World Record, 1976)
“Jeff Lynne kept this one simple for someone who could overproduce a little, Living thing had perfect construction and beautiful melody. Amazing topic and tells the audience that living is something to be happy for. “
3. Evil Woman (Face the Music, 1975)
“I simply love the music of Electric Light Orchestra. I most of their music is classic stuff and you won’t find it anywhere. I definitely would recommend for your collection the whole album.”
2. Don’t Bring Me Down (Discovery, 1979)
“ELO brings out their wonderful music! You can hear the rich warm sound from those tube amps. Good pumping and lyrics together can transpose you back into the ’70s!”
1. Mr. Blue Sky (Out of the Blue, 1977)
“Literally musical perfection. The lyrics are so upbeat, the instrumental parts flawless, and the ending is very calm and relaxing. I love this song so much; it got me into the music of the sixties through eighties and after hearing MANY older generation songs, none have quite beaten the quality of Mr. Blue Sky. “