ON THE THIRD DAY

I have always adored Jeff Lynne's capability as songwriter and composer where most (even all?) material in ELO albums have been written by him. But his creation has always created some negatives as well as positive even though the latter contributes more. Take an example of their previous album ELO II which really works fine with single but: why Chuck Berry's "Roll Over Beethoven" was there? This song really destroys the whole mood of the album. This "On The Third Day" album also features someone else' material who luckily is my favorite blues man: John Mayall especially on the musicall riffs.

Some critics have considered that this album represents ELO's most spiritual work and in fact some consider it as the most progressive album. It kicks off nicely with "Ocean Breakup" which depicts an intense drama in instrumental fashion. This opening track has become the recurring theme for the album. It flows with King of the Universe, which you might presume from its title that Lynne seeks for God The creature of the universe. It sounds like a ballad which gradually moves into dynamic drumming combined with symphonic nuance. The Beatles influenced "Bluebird Is Dead demonstrates how Lynne vocal reminds us to Lennon's. This song has emotional lyrics with great violin works combined with stunning guitar solo.

The next track Oh No Not Susan is performed by Jeff with dark lyrics. The music picks up dramatically with New World Rising which has some good combination of Tandy's keyboards and the string arrangements. Ocean Breakup (Reprise) brings the opening song cycle to a close.

Showdown brings a funky style. Jeff Lynne plucks an amazing guitar solo that stings and bites and leaves a mark...in its most bluesy tune of this album. With Daybreaker, ELO brings back into the pop arena with a bit of prog elements with some stunning guitar and rhythm. Marc Bolan of T Rex plays guitar in Ma-Ma-Ma Belle. Dreaming of 4000 is a spiritual theme, visionary lyrics, and experimental in nature. In the Hall of the Mountain King, is a reworking of Grieg's classical masterpiece.

Overall, this third album from ELO would favor those who like ELO II especially on the prog as well as classical motifs. Recommended.

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW (i-Rock! Music Community)