Electric Light Orchestra, or E.L.O., emerged from the creative vision of Jeff Lynne and Roy Wood, born from a shared ambition to fuse rock music with classical arrangements. Lynne’s entry into The Move in 1970 was predicated on this very concept, drawing inspiration from the Beatles’ groundbreaking Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. This fusion ultimately led to the formation of E.L.O. and a unique sound that captivated audiences worldwide.
While their 1971 debut album was a somewhat experimental foray into this hybrid genre, it was on their fourth album that E.L.O. truly began to solidify their signature style. By this time, Roy Wood had departed, leaving Jeff Lynne to fully steer the ship. Lynne moved away from overtly classical pieces like their rendition of Chuck Berry’s “Roll Over Beethoven” and the original “10538 Overture,” and instead honed in on crafting string-laden rock anthems with irresistible pop hooks. This shift would define the most successful period of E.l.o. Songs.
This list of the top 10 Electric Light Orchestra songs focuses on the band’s peak era in the mid-to-late 1970s. During this time, E.L.O. consistently delivered hit after hit, becoming one of the most dependable and innovative bands in music. These tracks represent the pinnacle of their artistry, showcasing their distinctive blend of rock energy and orchestral grandeur.
10. “Do Ya” (From A New World Record, 1976)
“Do Ya” holds an interesting place in E.L.O.’s history, as it was originally a song by The Move that achieved modest chart success in the U.S., reaching No. 93 in 1971. Jeff Lynne revisited this track with E.L.O. five years later, and this time it soared into the Top 20. Notably, “Do Ya” is somewhat of an outlier in the list of top e.l.o. songs because it minimizes the classical instrumentation that became their trademark. Instead, it’s a raw, powerful rock song driven by one of the most iconic guitar riffs in rock history. Its inclusion here highlights Lynne’s songwriting prowess across different styles and his ability to revisit and revitalize his earlier work for a new era.
9. “Strange Magic” (From Face the Music, 1975)
“Strange Magic” stands out as one of E.L.O.’s most enchanting ballads and a crucial song in their discography. It not only graced their first Top 10 album, Face the Music, but also signaled a significant shift in their musical direction. After experimenting with more commercially viable pop sounds on their previous album, Eldorado, E.L.O. fully embraced radio-friendly songwriting with Face the Music. “Strange Magic” is a prime example of this transition, blending Lynne’s melodic sensibility with lush orchestration to create a captivating and emotionally resonant track. This song cemented their ability to craft both rock anthems and beautiful, softer pieces, broadening their appeal and solidifying their place in popular music.
8. “Sweet Talkin’ Woman” (From Out of the Blue, 1977)
“Sweet Talkin’ Woman,” the fourth single extracted from the ambitious double album Out of the Blue, is pure pop euphoria. It represents the album’s most overt embrace of pop sensibilities, layering strings, synthesizers, guitars, and dynamic call-and-response backing vocals to build towards an unforgettable chorus. This track is a testament to E.L.O.’s collaborative energy and Lynne’s masterful production. “Sweet Talkin’ Woman” is also celebrated as one of E.L.O.’s finest group performances, showcasing the synergy and musical interplay within the band at their creative peak. It perfectly captures the vibrant and polished sound that defined their late 70s output.
7. “Can’t Get It Out of My Head” (From Eldorado, 1974)
“Can’t Get It Out of My Head” marked a pivotal moment for E.L.O., becoming their first Top 10 single and a defining song in their early catalog. Following three albums of more rigid, classically influenced orchestral rock, Jeff Lynne began to loosen the reins, allowing E.L.O. to explore more contemporary melodic landscapes. While Eldorado remained somewhat tethered to their past as a concept album with certain structural constraints, this stunning ballad broke free. “Can’t Get It Out of My Head” showcased Lynne’s growing confidence in crafting emotionally direct and commercially appealing songs, paving the way for their future pop-rock dominance. It remains a fan favorite and a testament to their evolving sound.
6. “Telephone Line” (From A New World Record, 1976)
Jeff Lynne’s knack for writing exceptional hooks is undeniable, and “Telephone Line” is arguably one of his most brilliant. Released as the final single from A New World Record, it surprisingly became the album’s biggest hit, reaching the Top 10. “Telephone Line” masterfully blends a futuristic sonic palette with a timeless melody. The song’s innovative use of sound effects and production techniques creates an atmosphere of longing and connection in the modern age, themes that resonated deeply with audiences. This track exemplifies Lynne’s ability to fuse classic songwriting with cutting-edge studio innovation, making it a standout in the e.l.o. songs collection.
5. “Turn to Stone” (From Out of the Blue, 1977)
As the opening track and lead single from the ambitious double album Out of the Blue, “Turn to Stone” immediately grabs the listener with its sheer energy and infectious hook. Like many of the best e.l.o. songs, it boasts a monumental hook that bulldozes its way into your consciousness. Adding to its sonic grandeur is the “small symphony of strings” that surges through the choruses, providing an extra layer of orchestral brilliance. “Turn to Stone” perfectly encapsulates the larger-than-life sound of Out of the Blue and E.L.O.’s ability to combine rock power with classical sophistication on a grand scale. It set the stage for the album’s epic scope and cemented its place as a classic rock anthem.
4. “Don’t Bring Me Down” (From Discovery, 1979)
Closing out E.L.O.’s eighth album, Discovery, “Don’t Bring Me Down” became their highest-charting single in the U.S., peaking at No. 4. Fueled by a driving, almost marching drum loop, “Don’t Bring Me Down” is often considered their last truly classic hit. It represents a slight stylistic shift towards a more streamlined, disco-influenced sound, while still retaining Lynne’s signature songwriting and production. Although E.L.O. continued to release music, including the Xanadu soundtrack and the Time concept album, “Don’t Bring Me Down” marks the end of their most consistent run of chart-topping and era-defining e.l.o. songs.
3. “Evil Woman” (From Face the Music, 1975)
“Evil Woman” served as E.L.O.’s breakthrough hit, marking a crucial transformation for the band. It was the moment they transitioned from somewhat serious art rockers into a more playful and decidedly funkier ensemble. This Top 10 hit, “Evil Woman,” seamlessly blends their trademark strings and contemporary keyboards, but this time, they are underpinned by a funky, danceable beat that propels the song to pop perfection. It showcased their versatility and willingness to experiment with different genres, broadening their appeal and establishing them as major players in the pop-rock landscape. “Evil Woman” remains a testament to their ability to evolve and innovate while staying true to their core musical identity.
2. “Livin’ Thing” (From A New World Record, 1976)
“Livin’ Thing,” the lead single from A New World Record, may not have cracked the Top 10 initially, peaking at No. 13, but it has since become one of E.L.O.’s most beloved and enduring songs. It encapsulates all the elements that made them great: a distinctive string-solo intro, soulful backing vocals, synth textures that ebb and flow around the chorus, and, of course, a colossal hook. “Livin’ Thing”‘s legacy was further cemented by its iconic use in the closing scene of the 1997 film Boogie Nights. While its cinematic association might be unexpected, it underscores the song’s powerful emotional resonance and timeless appeal, making it a cornerstone of e.l.o. songs.
1. “Mr. Blue Sky” (From Out of the Blue, 1977)
The Beatles-esque “Mr. Blue Sky” has only grown in stature and adoration over the years, becoming an undisputed classic. Its influence is evident in its incorporation by diverse artists ranging from rapper Common to indie-rock singer Mayer Hawthorne. Despite only reaching No. 35 as a single initially, “Mr. Blue Sky”‘s pivotal placement within the “Concerto for a Rainy Day Suite” on Out of the Blue cemented its importance. Furthermore, it features one of the most memorable and effective uses of the vocoder in 1970s music. “Mr. Blue Sky” embodies the optimistic and uplifting spirit of E.L.O. at their absolute best, making it the quintessential e.l.o. song and a deserving number one on this list.
