Complete List Of Electric Light Orchestra Albums And Songs

Feature Photo: Helge Øverås, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) was formed in Birmingham, England, in 1970 by Jeff Lynne, Roy Wood, and Bev Bevan. The band’s initial aim was to create modern rock and pop songs with classical overtones, a goal they achieved through the innovative use of orchestral instruments like cellos and violins. ELO’s debut album, The Electric Light Orchestra, was released in 1971. Over the years, the lineup changed multiple times, with Jeff Lynne remaining the constant leader and creative force behind the band. ELO has released a total of fifteen studio albums, nine live albums, and numerous compilation albums. Their discography also includes several hit singles, with chart-toppers like “Mr. Blue Sky,” “Evil Woman,” and “Don’t Bring Me Down.”

The band’s success was marked by a string of awards and chart achievements. ELO has sold over 50 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling music groups of all time. They enjoyed significant chart success in the United States and the United Kingdom, with albums like Out of the Blue and Discovery achieving multi-platinum status. The single “Telephone Line” was a top ten hit in both countries, while “Mr. Blue Sky” and “Don’t Bring Me Down” became anthems of the 1970s and 1980s. ELO was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017, cementing their legacy as pioneers of symphonic rock

ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA STUDIO ALBUMS

The Electric Light Orchestra (No Answer)

Released: December 1971

The debut album by Electric Light Orchestra, often referred to as No Answer in the United States due to a misunderstanding by the American label, was a groundbreaking blend of rock and classical music. It featured the innovative use of cellos, which became a signature element of ELO’s sound. The album was recorded at Philips Studios in London between July 1970 and June 1971. It was produced by Roy Wood and Jeff Lynne.

The album featured Jeff Lynne on vocals, guitar, piano, and Moog synthesizer; Roy Wood on vocals, cello, guitar, bass, and bassoon; and Bev Bevan on drums and percussion.

CD Track Listings:

“10538 Overture” – 5:32
“Look at Me Now” – 3:17
“Nellie Takes Her Bow” – 6:02
“The Battle of Marston Moor (July 2nd, 1644)” – 6:03
“First Movement (Jumping Biz)” – 3:00
“Mr. Radio” – 5:04
“Manhattan Rumble (49th Street Massacre)” – 4:22
“Queen of the Hours” – 3:23
“Whisper in the Night” – 4:50

ELO 2

Released: March 1973

ELO 2, the second album by Electric Light Orchestra, saw the band refining their fusion of rock and orchestral sounds. This album included the epic cover of Chuck Berry’s “Roll Over Beethoven,” which became one of their early hits. The album was recorded at EMI Studios in London from May to October 1972. It was produced by Jeff Lynne.

The album featured Jeff Lynne on vocals, guitar, and Moog synthesizer; Bev Bevan on drums and percussion; and Richard Tandy on bass and Moog synthesizer.

CD Track Listings:

“In Old England Town (Boogie No. 2)” – 6:56
“Momma” – 7:03
“Roll Over Beethoven” – 8:10
“From the Sun to the World (Boogie No. 1)” – 8:19
“Kuiama” – 11:19

On the Third Day

Released: November 1973

On the Third Day marked the point where ELO began to solidify their identity, integrating their classical influences more seamlessly with their rock foundation. The album included the hit single “Showdown.” Recording took place at De Lane Lea Studios in London from April to August 1973. The album was produced by Jeff Lynne.

The album featured Jeff Lynne on vocals, guitar, and Moog synthesizer; Bev Bevan on drums and percussion; Richard Tandy on piano, Moog synthesizer, and clavinet; Mike de Albuquerque on bass and backing vocals; Mik Kaminski on violin; and Hugh McDowell and Mike Edwards on cello.

CD Track Listings:

“Ocean Breakup/King of the Universe” – 4:07
“Bluebird Is Dead” – 4:42
“Oh No Not Susan” – 3:07
“New World Rising/Ocean Breakup Reprise” – 4:42
“Showdown” – 4:10
“Daybreaker” – 3:51
“Ma-Ma-Ma Belle” – 3:52
“Dreaming of 4000” – 5:04
“In the Hall of the Mountain King” – 6:37

Eldorado

Released: September 1974

Eldorado was a conceptual album by Electric Light Orchestra that told the story of a dreamer who escapes reality into a fantasy world. The album was a significant departure from their previous work, featuring a more prominent orchestral presence. It was recorded at De Lane Lea Studios in London in early 1974. The album was produced by Jeff Lynne.

The album featured Jeff Lynne on vocals, guitar, and piano; Bev Bevan on drums and percussion; Richard Tandy on piano, Moog synthesizer, and clavinet; Mike de Albuquerque on bass; Mik Kaminski on violin; Hugh McDowell and Mike Edwards on cello; and Louis Clark on orchestral arrangements.

CD Track Listings:

“Eldorado Overture” – 2:12
“Can’t Get It Out of My Head” – 4:21
“Boy Blue” – 5:18
“Laredo Tornado” – 5:29
“Poor Boy (The Greenwood)” – 2:57
“Mister Kingdom” – 5:29
“Nobody’s Child” – 3:56
“Illusions in G Major” – 2:37
“Eldorado” – 5:18
“Eldorado Finale” – 1:33

Face the Music

Released: September 1975

Face the Music featured a balance of rock and orchestral elements, producing some of ELO’s most iconic tracks like “Evil Woman” and “Strange Magic.” The album was recorded at Musicland Studios in Munich, Germany in early 1975. The album was produced by Jeff Lynne.

The album featured Jeff Lynne on vocals, guitar, and Moog synthesizer; Bev Bevan on drums and percussion; Richard Tandy on piano, Moog synthesizer, and clavinet; Kelly Groucutt on bass and backing vocals; Mik Kaminski on violin; Hugh McDowell and Melvyn Gale on cello; and Louis Clark on orchestral arrangements.

CD Track Listings:

“Fire on High” – 5:30
“Waterfall” – 4:27
“Evil Woman” – 4:19
“Nightrider” – 4:23
“Poker” – 3:31
“Strange Magic” – 4:29
“Down Home Town” – 3:54
“One Summer Dream” – 5:47

A New World Record

Released: October 1976

A New World Record marked ELO’s rise to international fame, featuring several hit singles like “Telephone Line” and “Livin’ Thing.” The album was recorded at Musicland Studios in Munich, Germany in mid-1976. The album was produced by Jeff Lynne.

The album featured Jeff Lynne on vocals, guitar, and piano; Bev Bevan on drums and percussion; Richard Tandy on keyboards and synthesizers; Kelly Groucutt on bass and backing vocals; Mik Kaminski on violin; Hugh McDowell and Melvyn Gale on cello; and Louis Clark on orchestral arrangements.

CD Track Listings:

“Tightrope” – 5:03
“Telephone Line” – 4:38
“Rockaria!” – 3:13
“Mission (A World Record)” – 4:25
“So Fine” – 3:55
“Livin’ Thing” – 3:31
“Above the Clouds” – 2:16
“Do Ya” – 3:45
“Shangri-La” – 5:32

Out of the Blue

Released: October 1977

Out of the Blue is considered one of ELO’s most ambitious projects, a double album featuring the “Concerto for a Rainy Day” suite. The album was recorded at Musicland Studios in Munich, Germany from May to August 1977. The album was produced by Jeff Lynne.

The album featured Jeff Lynne on vocals, guitar, and keyboards; Bev Bevan on drums and percussion; Richard Tandy on keyboards and synthesizers; Kelly Groucutt on bass and backing vocals; Mik Kaminski on violin; Hugh McDowell and Melvyn Gale on cello; and Louis Clark on orchestral arrangements.

CD Track Listings:

“Turn to Stone” – 3:47
“It’s Over” – 4:08
“Sweet Talkin’ Woman” – 3:48
“Across the Border” – 3:53
“Night in the City” – 4:02
“Starlight” – 4:30
“Jungle” – 3:53
“Believe Me Now” – 1:21
“Steppin’ Out” – 4:38
“Standin’ in the Rain” – 4:20
“Big Wheels” – 5:10
“Summer and Lightning” – 4:13
“Mr. Blue Sky” – 5:05
“Sweet Is the Night” – 3:26
“The Whale” – 5:05
“Birmingham Blues” – 4:21
“Wild West Hero” – 4:42

Discovery

Released: June 1979

Discovery was a commercial success, producing several hit singles and showcasing a more disco-influenced sound. The album was recorded at Musicland Studios in Munich, Germany from March to April 1979. The album was produced by Jeff Lynne.

CD Track Listings:

“Shine a Little Love” – 4:43
“Confusion” – 3:42
“Need Her Love” – 5:11
“The Diary of Horace Wimp” – 4:17
“Last Train to London” – 4:32
“Midnight Blue” – 4:20
“On the Run” – 3:55
“Wishing” – 4:14
“Don’t Bring Me Down” – 4:02

Xanadu (Soundtrack)

Released: June 1980

The Xanadu soundtrack album is a unique entry in Electric Light Orchestra’s discography, featuring songs from the 1980 musical film of the same name. The album is a collaboration between ELO and Olivia Newton-John, with each artist contributing to one side of the album. ELO’s contribution to the soundtrack includes some of their most memorable tracks, blending their symphonic rock style with the film’s pop sensibilities. The album was recorded at Musicland Studios in Munich, Germany, and Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles from 1979 to 1980. It was produced by Jeff Lynne and John Farrar.

The ELO tracks featured Jeff Lynne on vocals, guitar, and keyboards; Bev Bevan on drums and percussion; Richard Tandy on keyboards and synthesizers; and Kelly Groucutt on bass and backing vocals.

CD Track Listings:

“Magic” – Olivia Newton-John – 4:29
“Suddenly” – Olivia Newton-John and Cliff Richard – 4:02
“Dancin'” – Olivia Newton-John and The Tubes – 4:17
“Suspended in Time” – Olivia Newton-John – 3:55
“Whenever You’re Away from Me” – Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly – 4:22
“I’m Alive” – Electric Light Orchestra – 3:45
“The Fall” – Electric Light Orchestra – 3:34
“Don’t Walk Away” – Electric Light Orchestra – 4:48
“All Over the World” – Electric Light Orchestra – 4:04
“Xanadu” – Olivia Newton-John and Electric Light Orchestra – 3:29

Time

Released: July 1981

Time was a concept album that dealt with themes of time travel and futurism. The album was recorded at Musicland Studios in Munich, Germany in early 1981. The album was produced by Jeff Lynne.

CD Track Listings:

“Prologue” – 1:16
“Twilight” – 3:42
“Yours Truly, 2095” – 3:11
“Ticket to the Moon” – 4:07
“The Way Life’s Meant to Be” – 4:39
“Another Heart Breaks” – 3:49
“Rain Is Falling” – 3:55
“From the End of the World” – 3:16
“The Lights Go Down” – 3:32
“Here Is the News” – 3:49
“21st Century Man” – 4:03
“Hold On Tight” – 3:06
“Epilogue” – 1:31

Secret Messages

Released: June 1983

Secret Messages was originally intended to be a double album but was eventually released as a single LP. The album was recorded at Wisseloord Studios in Hilversum, Netherlands, and Musicland Studios in Munich, Germany from 1982 to early 1983. The album was produced by Jeff Lynne.

CD Track Listings:

“Secret Messages” – 4:44
“Loser Gone Wild” – 5:27
“Bluebird” – 4:13
“Take Me On and On” – 4:58
“Time After Time” – 4:01
“Four Little Diamonds” – 4:05
“Stranger” – 4:27
“Danger Ahead” – 3:52
“Letter from Spain” – 2:51
“Train of Gold” – 4:21
“Rock ‘n’ Roll Is King” – 3:49

Balance of Power

Released: March 1986

Balance of Power was the final album by the classic lineup of ELO. The album was recorded at Compass Point Studios in Nassau, Bahamas, and Wisseloord Studios in Hilversum, Netherlands from mid-1985 to early 1986. The album was produced by Jeff Lynne.

The album featured Jeff Lynne on vocals, guitar, and keyboards; Bev Bevan on drums and percussion; and Richard Tandy on keyboards and synthesizers.

CD Track Listings:

“Heaven Only Knows” – 2:54
“So Serious” – 2:41
“Getting to the Point” – 4:28
“Secret Lives” – 3:31
“Is It Alright” – 3:25
“Sorrow About to Fall” – 4:05
“Without Someone” – 3:52
“Calling America” – 3:28
“Endless Lies” – 3:26
“Send It” – 3:04

Zoom

Released: June 2001

Zoom marked the return of ELO after a long hiatus, with Jeff Lynne reactivating the band for a new album. The album was recorded at Bungalow Palace and Harrison’s Friar Park in early 2000. The album was produced by Jeff Lynne.

The album featured Jeff Lynne on vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards, and drums, with guest appearances by George Harrison on guitar and Ringo Starr on drums.

CD Track Listings:

“Alright” – 3:13
“Moment in Paradise” – 3:36
“State of Mind” – 3:04
“Just for Love” – 3:40
“Stranger on a Quiet Street” – 3:40
“In My Own Time” – 3:03
“Easy Money” – 2:50
“It Really Doesn’t Matter” – 3:20
“Ordinary Dream” – 3:23
“A Long Time Gone” – 3:15
“Melting in the Sun” – 3:10
“All She Wanted” – 3:14
“Lonesome Lullaby” – 4:03

Alone in the Universe

Released: November 2015

Alone in the Universe was ELO’s first album of new material in fourteen years. The album was recorded at Jeff Lynne’s home studio in Los Angeles from 2014 to early 2015. The album was produced by Jeff Lynne.

The album featured Jeff Lynne on vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards, and drums.

CD Track Listings:

“When I Was a Boy” – 3:12
“Love and Rain” – 3:29
“Dirty to the Bone” – 3:06
“When the Night Comes” – 3:22
“The Sun Will Shine on You” – 3:30
“Ain’t It a Drag” – 2:34
“All My Life” – 2:52
“I’m Leaving You” – 3:07
“One Step at a Time” – 3:22
“Alone in the Universe” – 3:54

From Out of Nowhere

Released: November 2019

From Out of Nowhere is Electric Light Orchestra’s latest studio album, continuing Jeff Lynne’s legacy with the band. The album showcases ELO’s signature blend of rock and orchestral elements, maintaining the classic sound while introducing new compositions. The album was recorded at Jeff Lynne’s home studio in Los Angeles over the course of 2018 and 2019. The album was produced by Jeff Lynne.

The album featured Jeff Lynne on vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards, and drums, with Steve Jay on percussion.

CD Track Listings:

“From Out of Nowhere” – 3:14
“Help Yourself” – 3:14
“All My Love” – 3:06
“Down Came the Rain” – 3:29
“Losing You” – 3:36
“One More Time” – 3:28
“Sci-Fi Woman” – 3:07
“Goin’ Out on Me” – 3:09
“Time of Our Life” – 3:10
“Songbird” – 3:07

Classicrockhistory.com claims ownership of all its original content and Intellectual property under United States Copyright laws and those of all other foreign countries. No one person, business, or organization is allowed to re-publish any of our original content anywhere on the web or in print without our permission. All photos used are either supplied by the artists, public domain Creative Commons photos, or licensed officially from Shutterstock under license with ClassicRockHistory.com.