A NEW WORLD RECORD

ELO albums between 1975-1977 were the pinnacle of Jeff Lynne's songwriting and trademark sound with orchestra. While 1975's "Face the music" still had last hints of prog baked in the cake, 1976 is fully streamlined.

The first X tracks are prime examples of Lynne's exceptional songwriting which included Beatles, classical music and contemporary album pop/rock music.

"So fine" features an updated disco beat by Bevan and Tandy contributes with funky clavinet. "Telephone line" belongs to the best group ballads with excellent vocals, great string arrangements and soaring melody.

"Do ya" is a re-recording of the Move version. The tracks is cleaner, well arranged but doesn't bring much added value.

"Shangri-la" as track title sounds deceivingly unconventional and the start is quite unspectacular with a more generic classic motive with lack of tension. Synths alongside strings are quite pleasant though however after the 4- minute mark we are coming to the overblown pinnacle of the album with strings, moog and ornate singing (Lynne sounds a bit like Orbison).

4-4.5 stars granted to this well executed work and 2 stars for prog-rock ELO fans.

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