ZOOM

This is Electric Light Orchestra's return, though it was without the orchestra, only Jeff Lynne singing and playing all instruments, plus a few guests. Jeff said it was a return to form to the old ELO sound, but he didn't mention it was a return to the "Out of the Blue" era sound, not the Electric Light Orchestra I or II sound, which was their two best album, their first two. "Out of the Blue" was enjoyable, if not poppy, but nothing was even close to interesting after that.

So since this is a return to the "Out of the Blue" sound, it is somewhat enjoyable but it is also mediocre and boring at other times. The songs that harken back to the doo-wop or rockabilly sounds are the best, like "In My Own Time" and "Easy Money". Also, "Just For Love" actually tries to pull some of the sound of the "Showdown" era, so it's not bad. The songs have some variation to them at least, but all of the songs come in under 4 minutes, so there is no development here. Also, the songs tend to wear thin by the half way point, and become boring. It sounds like he was just trying to fill up a CD after track 7. He tries to emulate The Beatles and comes out sounding like the "Cracker Jack Plastic Beatles Substitute" version. Doesn't help that he has half of The Beatles on here either.

If you like the simple, pre-disco days of ELO, then you will enjoy this. If you like the progressive sounds of ELO's debut and Electric Light Orchestra II albums, then you will be sorely disappointed. It is a little better than the disco years, but not as good as "Out of the Blue" and "A New World's Record". That should give you an idea. Yes he tries, but most of the time it sounds forced, where before it was more natural. No prog. Nothing inventive. Fans can have this one, and hold on to my favorite three songs.