There are plenty of bands, new and old, that for me are better appreciated on greatest hits and best of compilations. As for Electric Light Orchestra, there is no reason for me to insist that I’m anything more than a very casual fan. I have no aspirations to own anything more than one disc of material from the British band’s discography nor do I want to make believe I’m an expert on all things ELO. Seriously folks—I’ve heard their music and on occasion find them to be entertaining. I’m in most ways the perfect audience for the recently released All Over the World: The Very Best of Electric Light Orchestra.

Popping this unassuming CD into my stereo rewards my ears with song upon song I’m already familiar with. That’s why I so appreciate albums like All Over the World. I hate filler and I hate having to sit through nine bad songs to get to one good one. This disc starts strong and maintains a high level of quality throughout. In more recent years ELO front man and primary songwriter Jeff Lynne has become well known as a talented producer, but during the 1970s and 1980s his energy was focused on his band. He acted in many capacities from singer to keyboardist to guitarist to producer. Without doubt Lynne was the force behind the now classic band.

Electric Light Orchestra is even now an interesting, strange band. They are interesting because the songs are largely entertaining. However, the blend of Beatles-esque melodies with progressive rock, synthesizers, disco, and classical is creatively unusual and unexpected. The end product sounds like offspring of the Bee Gees and Queen with all the drama and talent and melodic goodness you’d expect. What really surprises me about this disc is that I’ve heard all the songs repeatedly on rock radio. I already was well aware of the band, but unable to connect songs and titles with their name meant I could really identify anything they’d done. I’m pleasantly surprised by All Over the World. Looking for something immediately satisfying, familiar, and fun? Casual fans like me need to look no further than this disc. Even better? I now understand where many of the disco, prog-rock influenced pop bands coming from the UK are coming from. They positively smack of ELO.

Since I finally recognize the fact that the same man (Lynne) and band (ELO) created these twenty songs I feel like so much musical knowledge has been added. I used to think they were a hokey, kitschy band despite reviews. Then again, I had no real idea who they were. I was wrong. In fact, now I can help but hear direct musical references to ELO by the New York retro band Scissor Sisters—you’d have to be deaf and dense not to.

The shock I felt when I realized I’d been mistaken all these years is only outweighed by my appreciation of the songs themselves. With that said, it’s been brought to my (ignorant) attention that there are indeed tracks that are conspicuously absent. Can’t Get it Out of My Head, Roll Over Beethoven, and 10538 Overture are all apparent omissions though to me none of this matters in the least. Like the saying suggests “ignorance in bliss.” Of course if you really, really are bothered by this fact there are about two-dozen other Electric Light Orchestra collections to choose from. Of course, this really matters little to me. Honestly—I just don’t know any better to really be troubled. The songs I care about are here. What more could I really want? All Around the World covers the band from their breakout On The Third Day (1973) through 2001’s Zoom. The songs tie into one another nicely. Not one feels out of place in either quality or style. Like I said earlier, some songs are obviously left out, but the biggest omission is material from 1974’s Eldorado. The only possible explanation that I’ve been able to come up with is that album was intended to be self contained. A work unto itself inspired by the Beatles epic Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band individual songs pulled from it may not be appropriate. That withstanding, All Around the World makes my heart smile.

From the melodies to the guitars and from Lynne’s striking vocals to the fabulous keys I am completely in love with Electric Light Orchestra. Of course I’m a good thirty years too late, but I have a good excuse. I wasn’t born yet. All Around the World makes me feel as if I’ve discovered a secret, beautiful treasure. From start to finish, I’m completely in love with ELO. There is a little something here for every level of fan. For people who stay away from singles songs like The Diary of Horace Wimp will prove to be pleasant surprises. However for me I’m just impressed that every single song is familiar. Who knew that Michigan radio stations played this much from the band?

Of the twenty tracks, a total of seven really jump out at me. Of course all of them have merits and all of them could be a favorite, but a few are truly special. The first of these is Evil Woman, a mild and groovy rock track. The pianos are glorious and the chorus with the bass guitar and fabulous melody are unforgettable. Though, I think the song that most speaks to me is Don’t Bring Me Down. This song is easily the one I most recognize. It’s a classic 1970s (albeit from the late part of the decade) song. The driving melody populated by keys, guitars, and heavy percussion work wonderfully. Lynne’s dramatic vocals are at the same time cool as they are fascinating. The lyrics too are unforgettable:

You’re lookin’ good just like a snake in the grass,
One of these days you’re gonna break your glass.
Don’t bring me down,no no no no no no no no,
I’ll tell you once more before I get off the floor
Don’t bring me down.

You got me shakin’ got me runnin’ away
You get me crawlin’ up to you everyday,
Don’t bring me down,no no no no no,
I’ll tell you once more before I get off the floor
Don’t bring me down.

All Over the World holds my attention for a few more songs with very familiar lyrics and melodies. It takes until another song from Discover (1979) before I’m once again really impressed. Confusion is a delicate, mid-tempo pop track. Lynne sings softly and controlled. It’s the kind of thing that is most certainly all across adult contemporary stations. I love the actual sound of this song, sure I’m mildly annoyed by the gratuitous synthesizers but somehow it still all makes sense. Speaking of really making sense, Telephone Line really is an incredible little song. I will admit to being a bit worried by the whole obvious seventies electric vibe early on. It starts quietly and then opens up into a full Beatles-style arrangement. Drums and piano meet classical strings on this gorgeous ballad. I love that ELO tosses in a good bit of doo-wop harmonies—it really adds something different and special to the track.

All Over the World is the next song that makes me happy. It’s hip and groovy and precisely the kind of thing played at roller rinks around the nation. It is on this song that I can obviously see the influence of ELO on current retro disco bands like Scissor Sisters. I love the arrangement and the frenetic pace. Claps, keys, and percussion get my attention but Lynne’s writing keeps me listening. Next Ma-Ma-Ma Belle grabs me with overt blues rock influences. Once again I find myself impressed by their ability to blend together unexpected influences. Like I said, it’s clearly blues ala Rolling Stones but with the inclusion of a cello there is little doubt that ELO has created a unique new sound. It’s the kind of thing you just have to love. Strange Magic is another melodic ballad. Once again it’s delicate and sparkles with a lovely pop brilliance.

The songs I’ve mentioned are but a sampling of what is available on this compilation. Twenty songs are here, and that should be enough to get a real handle on what kind of band Electric Light Orchestra was. I’m impressed and surprised by All Over the World. Who knew that there was a rock band out there that I’d not yet given a chance? I think this CD is one of my guilty pleasures. It’s not perfect and there are omissions but it is still a very worthy offering.

Rating: 4/5 stars

Track Listing:
01. Mr. Blue Sky (Out of the Blue, 1977)
02. Evil Woman (Face the Music, 1975)
03. Don’t Bring Me Down (Discovery, 1979)
04. Sweet Talkin’ Woman (Out of the Blue, 1977)
05. Shine a Little Love (Discovery, 1979)
06. Turn to Stone (Out of the Blue, 1977)
07. The Diary of Horace Wimp (Discovery, 1979)
08. Confusion (Discovery, 1979)
09. Hold on Tight (Time, 1981)
10. Livin’ Thing (A New World Record, 1976)
11. Telephone Line (A New World Record, 1976)
12. All Over the World (Xanadu Original Soundtrack, 1980)
13. Wild West Hero (Out of the Blue, 1977)
14. Showdown (On the Third Day, 1973)
15. Ma-Ma-Ma Belle (On the Third Day, 1973)
16. Xanadu (Light Years: The Very Best of ELO, 1997)
17. Rockaria! (A New World Record, 1976)
18. Strange Magic (Face the Music, 1975)
19. Alright (Zoom, 2001)
20. Rock and Roll Is King (Secret Messages ,1983)

Recommended: Yes