The Electric Light Orchestra Self Titled Album Songs Ranked
The Electric Light Orchestra is the eponymous debut studio album by English rock band Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), released in December 1971 in the United Kingdom by Harvest Records. In the United States, the album was released in March 1972 as No Answer, after a misunderstood telephone message made by a United Artists Records executive asking about the album name;[1] the caller, having failed to reach the ELO contact, wrote down “no answer” in his notes, and this was misconstrued to be the name of the album. The album is focused on the core trio of Roy Wood, Jeff Lynne and Bev Bevan, who were the remaining members of rock group The Move. The Move were still releasing singles in the UK at the same time as this project was undertaken, but interest was soon to be abandoned in Wood’s former band. In fact, The Move’s final album, Message From The Country, was recorded simultaneously with this album. The sound is unique on this recording in comparison to the more slickly produced ELO albums of the subsequent Lynne years, incorporating many wind instruments and replacing guitar parts with heavy, “sawing” cello riffs, giving this recording an experimental “baroque-and-roll” feel; indeed, “The Battle of Marston Moor” is the most baroque-influenced track on the album. On this track, Roy Wood, in addition to playing virtually all the instruments, had to provide the percussion as well because Bev Bevan, normally the group’s percussionist and drummer, refused to play on the track because of his low opinion of it. Here are all of The Electric Light Orchestra Self Titled Album songs ranked.
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9. Whisper in the Night
“I’m torn whether “Whisper In the Night” is an example of a genuine tear jerker emotional ballad, or just a sappy piece of stinkage. I honestly don’t know which category I’d place it in, haha. So let’s just say I enjoy it, but I’m not always in the mood to hear it.”
8. Queen of the Hours
“Queen of the Hours” has a whimsical chorus that consists of an extremely catchy vocal melody combined with beautiful orchestration. It’s really darn cool.”
7. Battle of Marston Moor (July 2nd 1644)
“Believe it or not, my second favorite song is the very next one- “The Battle of Marston Moor”. I assume most people probably don’t feel as passionately about it as I do, but the orchestration is fairly complex and really exciting, and it takes up the majority of the song.”
See more: ELO Albums Ranked
6. Manhattan Rumble (49th Street Massacre)
“When I first seen the title “Manhattan Rumble” I immediately got the feeling this would be the bands attempt at a blues rocker. ELO is quite good at those kind of songs (as you will discover upon hearing future albums) however that’s not what this song is like at ALL. This is a really atmospherically dark classical-influenced instrumental piece, and it’s really darn good. I’ve never heard anything quite like it either.”
5. Nellie Takes Her Bow
“My favorite song is probably “Nellie Takes Her Bow”. The orchestration combined with a really depressing vocal melody blends together to create really good results. This should have been a huge hit. Even the jam during the second half is pretty awesome because it’s so melodic.”
4. Mr. Radio
“Unlike most people, I’m not a fan of “Mr. Radio”. Yes, it sounds inspired by the Beatles (yes, I know, I keep saying that- but it’s true!) however the vocal melody doesn’t seem as interesting to me personally compared to future ELO songs.”
See more: ELO Songs Ranked
3. Look at Me Now
“Look at Me Now” recalls “Eleanor Rigby” right on down to the little details — including the minor key, the staccato quarter-note string accompaniment, the “Aah” beginning each chorus, and even the hanging melodic sixth in the verse melody. But that song is downright original in comparison with “Jumpin’ Biz,” which is so obviously a re-working of “Classical Gas” that one can’t help but wonder about the legal implications of the similarities.”
2. 1st Movement
“First Movement (Jumping Biz)” shows STRONG signs of a band that would later release my favorite instrumental ever recorded- “Fire On High”. I absolutely think the world of THAT song, and “First Movement” is probably in the same league at least!”
1. 10538 Overture
“10538 Overture” is a pretty good song. Even though the vocal melody feels undeveloped, it does resemble the Beatles a little bit, so it’s a highlight for me. “Look At Me Now” reminds me of the Beatles “Eleanor Rigby”. I really like this one.”
