Jeff Lynne’s When I was a Boy song is simply fab!

A friend of mine named Kevin Minihan, once described Jeff Lynne as “son of the Beatles.” It was a telling description that probably Jeff Lynne wouldn’t even argue against. Jeff Lynne’s music and production has always echoed the harmonies, chord changes and melodies of the Beatles. However, as much of an inspirational force the Beatles were on Jeff Lynne (and everyone else who grew up in the 1960’s and 70s) Lynne’s music has always presented fans with  brilliant original melodies  and outstanding production values. It was  Jeff Lynne’s production techniques and intellectual understanding of popular music that created his successful career as a music producer outside of his personal recorded output with his own ELO band and solo career.

As a fan of Jeff Lynne’s work, it always wonderful to hear new material from the composer and producer. In 2015, Jeff Lynne released an album entitled Jeff Lynne’s ELO Alone in the Universe. The album’s opening  track “When I Was a Boy,” is clearly reminiscent of old school ELO. The Jeff Lynne harmonies and the ascending and descending string lines are all present. And of course, the Beatles inspiration dominates the chord changes. The eighth note piano comping throughout the song is somewhat similar to the Beatles’ “Carry That Weight.” Nonetheless, “When I Was a Boy,” is a brilliantly written and produced pop song that would have easily been a hit during the 1970’s and 1980’s popular music periods. The domination of county pop, hip hop, r&b, and young rock bands seems to clearly stand in the way of songs like “When I Was a Boy,” garnishing airplay. It’s a shame, because if more young people heard songs like Jeff Lynne’s “When I Was a Boy,” that era of music may once again begin to find its way back into mainstream culture.

Jeff Lynne’s When I was a Boy song is simply fab!

Written by Brian Kachejian