ELDORADO

Eldorado was my introduction to Electric Light Orchestra and I remember picking it up after reading all the praise that it had received. Since I never cared much for compilation albums, this felt like the natural first step and I wasn't disappointed!

While listening to it for the first time I could already foresee Eldorado becoming one of my all time favorite albums! It's all about the great songwriting and this release has plenty of just that. From the majestic sounds of crashing violins on Overture, we are taken on a journey through a fantasy world that features a bunch of memorable characters which all add to the magnitude of this album's greatness. Can't Get It Out Of My Head is probably the most recognized tune out of the bunch and it's clearly why that is so. For me personally, it's mostly notable for its simplistic by very memorable drum intro halfway through the first minute of the song. This rather insignificant fill always manages to make me feel right at home with the tune and I gradually sink in and begin singing along to the backing vocals towards the chorus section.

I agree that Mister Kingdom sounds more and more like a rip-off of John Lennon's Across The Universe but Jeff Lynne's vocals really add a new dimension to the composition that still makes it one of the album's highlights for me. After a much bluesier Nobody's Child and a nosedive in an out of place rock & roll number, Illusions In G Major, we finally get to the album's crown jewel in the form of the title track. What a perfect conclusion to such a great album!

I'm clearly biased about this record but I really can't help myself. This material really speaks to me and I'm happy that I gave it a go since it has now grown into one of my biggest album favorites. Eldorado will definitely be a disappointment to anyone expecting skillful instrumental arrangements, especially since Electric Light Orchestra has never been about that. This is an album for fans of great pop music with a touch of Art Rock added to it and a masterpiece at that!

***** star songs: Eldorado Overture (2:12) Can't Get It Out Of My Head (4:21) Boy Blue (5:18) Mister Kingdom (5:29) Eldorado (5:17) Eldorado Finale (1:34)

**** star songs: Laredo Tornado (5:29) Poor Boy (The Greenwood) (2:57) Nobody's Child (3:56)

*** star songs: Illusions In G Major (2:37)