OUT OF THE BLUE

Out of the blue is Jeff Lynne's and ELO's what "Songs in the Key of Life" meant to Stevie Wonder. An ambitious double LP with many artistic directions, maybe trying to please multiple fan groups, maybe demonstrating Lynne's touch that turned everything to gold.

I think this is the first album with excellent production which would become one of the greatest Lynne's strengths in the 80's.

"Turn to stone" is a fantastic uplifting classic ELO starter and the instrumental highlight is Tandy's moog accompanied by typical string arrangements.

It's over returns to the mid-70's album rock with symphonic opening and mildly progressive chorus. Similar to the brilliant "Mr. blue sky" it contains many music ideas packed together and great arrangements.

"Sweet talkin' woman" is noteworthy for its futuristic robotic vocals, great harmonies and catchy rhythmic chorus.

"Across the border" shows has a bit of country flavour and creative synths. "Night in the city" is a generic ELO workout with major/minor chord variation and decent string arrangements.

"Starlight" starts a bit sloppy but during its 4:30 time it flourishes into a memorable chorus. It is a soothing track that brings emotional balance.

"Jungle" is a silly one-of-a-kind ELO track with playful drumming and screaming Lynne's vocal. Though it's very catchy, it doesn't have the substance of other ELO tracks on the album.

Then come two heartbroken tracks - the robotic vocal symphonic led "Believe me now" which could be an intro to the vastly elegant "Steppin' out" with McCartney-like bass guitar. It is an effective ballad though the chorus is slightly generic.

The more ambitious Concerto for a rainy day contains several tracks and starts on a solemn note - the accessible largely instrumental and experimental "Standin' in the rain" goes into several directions but is well baked by Lynne.

If you expected this to continue in the same vein, then you'll be disappointed by the poppy "Big wheels". It seems that the concerto was largely a lyrical concept and not a trip into the past ELO's music.

"Summer and lightning" is a decent if not exceptional track. "Mr. Blue Sky" is exceptional though thanks to its complex rhythmic structure and first-class vocals, it also later refers to the symphonic music on the album.

Out of the remaining tracks, the progressive keyboard led "The whale" which could be sonically linked to being in the sea, is worth mentioning. Synthesizer textures and the collaboration between the keyboards and strings is outstanding - this is how you make an accessible atmospheric track.

"Wild west hero" has an increasing chorus and excellent vocals, a country instrumental piece. The final minute sounds like an album culmination with Lynne giving his best in vocals.

This is an excellent album and showcases one of the best pop double albums of the 70's.

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