ZOOM

After a few discussions with Bevan, Jeff took the control again of the ELO brand. I have to say that I was quite surprised with the output of ELO Part II. A real return to the roots (at least the poopy and commercial ones). Far from this disgusting disco/synth music ELO delivered for quite a long time. I was curious to discover this new Jeff project.

To officialize his filiation with the Fab Four (but it was so obvious thoughout his career that it was not necessary, although very strong sentimentally, Jeff is surrounded by Georges Harrison and Ringo Starr). I guess that they felt at home with songs like "Moment in Paradise", "Just For Love", and "Ordinary Dream" which are very melodious pop songs. "A Long Time Gone" is also a pop ballad but melody is not as catchy. "State Of Mind" is a rocking number vaguely reminiscent of "Ticket To Ride" and "Really Doesn't Matter" tries to combine some rock flavour with a nice melody. Not too bad either.

ELO's rock'n'roll side won't be forgotten either : "Easy Money" and "All She Wanted". It is funny to see that Jeff follows the same strategy as Bevan with ELO Part II. Some great melodies, some rock'n'roll ones. Just what ELO was doing so well. What a pity that both of them didn't agree on a collaboration !

There will also be some weak numbers like "Alright" the opener, the jazzy "Stranger On A Quiet Street" and the bluesy one "In My Own Time". Same story with "Melting In The Sun". "Lonesome Lullaby", the closing number is a bit heavier. An average rock song.

As one could have hoped, the atmosphere of this album is truely Beatlesque. But I won't blame Jeff for this. He brings us also back to the 1975-1977 ELO years. Not better, nor worse. Bizarrely, this album is IMO inferior to the last ELO Part II one "Moment of Truth" which from the cover artwork to the last song was really an ELO album.

Jeff has tried to regenerate the ELO sound and for most of it, he succeeded. Still, the songwriting and inspiration is a bit below my expectations. Three stars.

This was the last ELO studio album to date. I really want to thank Jeff for his incredible input to this band as well as Bev Bevan. I have been missing the wonderful cello / violin section of the early days of which I would like to name Roy of course, Mike Edwards and Mike Kaminski. Let's forget here about these useless and painful albums and remember only the great ones these people have produced.