ELO PART II: MOMENT OF TRUTH

ELO Part II released an interesting album with "Part II" some three years before this one. It was a return to a more symphonic and pop sound. A return to their early days period (1975 - 1977). This one will continue in the same direction.

I must honestly say that this "Overture" sounds really brilliant. During several and boring albums, Jeff intended to recreate the "El Dorado" mood but have always failed. I really wonder how it sounded so easy for this line-up to succeed where the master has lamentably failed ? This will always remain a mystery.

This album features some great pop songs, very much in line with some of their legendary releases (not talking about ELO II which was their most - and only - true prog effort). In fact this album is a continuation of nice melodies like "Breakin' Down the Walls", "Power of a Million Lights", "One More Tomorrow", "Love Or Money" which is truely a gem of a melody (100% in line with their greatest pop songs) and "Twist Of The Knife".

Another ELO tradition was to include some rockier songs in their releases. We'll also get such ones here as well : "Don't Wanna" with nice vocal arrangements,"Whiskey Girls" which sounds a bit country at times (hence the title I guess) and "So Glad You Said Goodbye"with a strong melody again.

Some of the tracks are somewhat weaker as well, like "Voices" although it has a nice symphonic break, but the vocals are pretty boring. Sounds as a Christian choir track. Not my cup of tea. I also appreciate very moderately "The Fox".

There are several very short tracks (six in total). Total duration of those six tracks clocks at 3'31" of which "Vixen" last for just FIVE seconds. I am not quite sure they were really relevant for the equilibrium of the whole although the three "Interludes" and "Blue Violin" are very nice. They could have been a bit longer...

"Underture" is also a very nice way to close this album. All the past grandeur of the band is there again. What a surprise ! The songwriting is of course sub-par when compared to the jewels of the band. Maybe some of them sound too mellowish but I am so happy to hear this nice sound again after so many terrible ELO releases that I might be biased when it comes to rating time (at least I admit it).

I really wonder why Jeff declined to join on their previous release ? Maybe because the idea came form Bevan ? Who knows ? But I am damned sure they could have achieved greater things again together. Still, this one is a valuable effort. I really advise ELO fans of their pop / symphonic period to give this one a spin. You won't be disappointed even if it might sound an heresy to get an ELO (being Part II) without Jeff. But he'll be back ...

Seven out of ten for this good album which I will generously upgrade to four stars.