ON THE THIRD DAY

This third effort is more pop oriented than the previous ones and is an indication of what comes next : "El Dorado".

The opener "King of the Universe" is a great, melodious song. It bears the ELO trademark. We'll always get this type of tracks (or attempt to it after ELO's best period) to start their albums. An impressive start representative of the album, so that the listener knows exactly what he"ll get (is this called concept album) ?. The melody of the chorus is sublime. A shivering number. The first one.

"Bluebird Is Dead" could have appeared on "El Dorado" without any problem. It is a Beatlesque wonderful track like another dozen or so Lynne will write in his carreer. Great string arrangements during the chorus. The second shivering number.

"Oh No Not Susan" is another of the so typical ELO one : great violin/cello intro and then a fantastic melody : one will never thank Mr. Lynne enough for the great work he has provided and his contribution to music. No wonder that he will be very close to some of the Fab Four. The third shivering number.

"New Word Rising" sounds a bit like "Mr. Radio" (from their first album) but again the melody and the instrumentals are another good example of ELO's production : I strongly believe only Mc Cartney has surpassed him in terms of melodies. Keys work combined with the strings is so light and harmonious...ELO will really be one of the most emotional band for several albums (till "Out Of The Blue"). This is the fourth shivering number.

It has been quite a while since I listened to this album for the last time and thanks to this review I rediscover how great it was.

"Showdown" is a bit more rocky and will be a hit. it is again a good track, but IMO it's the least interesting so far (but I have to admit competition it was tough a cometition!). The catchy and poppy sound is precursory of more to come in that genre. not disturbing as long as it is good.

"Daybreaker" is another of those superb moments ELO has delivered. An all instrumental short rocky piece. Just great. Although ELO has produced a lot of Beatles oriented songs, " Ma Ma Ma Belle" sounds like a Rolling Stones one. Maybe a tribute to this other great rock band ? Good rock'n'roll number.

"Dreaming of 4000" is another highlight (one more). Another of those wonders from Jeff Lynne. Very nice chord and fantastic vocal arrangements. This songs switches from rock to symphony (but again it is only one example out of many ELO songs.It is a masterpiece, really. My fave on this album and the fifth shivering number.

"In the Hall of the Mountain King" is a bit too lenghty and repetitive. Hypnotic as well. It gets crazier during its finale.

This album is really good. Not as innovative as ELO II, not really prog any more. But still a very good piece of music. Four stars.

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