DISCOVERY

Discovery was probably ELO's biggest (or maybe quickest) selling album in their history. Unfortunately it didn't age well as a pop rock album (or any other genre you'd like to put it in). Perhaps it's because it is more heavily influenced by disco music, perhaps it was because it relied more on synthesizers than an orchestra, or perhaps it's because the songs were not anywhere near as good as on their two preceding albums. Whatever our thoughts might be on this, it seems irrelevant because most of these have found their way into bargain bins and circular files across the world. It's also mostly irrelevant because there isn't anything closely resembling progressive rock on Discovery (often jokingly referred to as "Disco? Very!").

The only other thing worth noting concerning this album was that it was the first to not feature the string trio of Mik Kaminski, High McDowell, and Melvyn Gale. They did make some appearances on music videos for the album that were created as substitutes for a concert tour. After this they were deemed surplus and dismissed (although Kaminski would make appearances on later albums). The trademark of the ELO name was deemed as surplus. What an insulting end to what many considered a unique creation in the world of music.

A dreadful album oozing with synthesized beeps and squeaks and lyrics screaming of cheese. Unbelievably, there was much worst ahead for ELO. One star. Only for completionists.