11 Underrated Elo Songs: Gems You Missed

Hey there, fellow music enthusiasts! It’s TBone here, the proud owner of Level Tunes and a DJ with a passion for sharing hidden gems.

Today, I’m stoked to dive into a topic close to my heart: “11 Underrated ELO (Electric Light Orchestra) Songs You Need to Hear”.

As a DJ and a die-hard music fan, I’ve always believed that some of the best tunes are the ones that don’t always make it to the mainstream spotlight. ELO, with their unique blend of rock, pop, and classical influences, has a treasure trove of such tracks.

I’ve put together this list to shine a light on those ELO songs that deserve more recognition. Whether you’re a seasoned ELO fan or new to their sound, these tracks are sure to add some magic to your playlist. Let’s get started and discover the underappreciated brilliance of ELO together!

Here are the Underrated Elo songs that you can check out:

List Of Underrated Elo Songs

Underrated Elo songs in a list format:

1. “Mission (A World Record)”

From the album “A New World Record” (1976, United Artists Records), “Mission (A World Record)” is a stunning piece that showcases ELO’s flair for blending classical elements with rock. Composed by Jeff Lynne, the song is an odyssey through a futuristic soundscape. Its layered vocals and orchestral arrangements create an almost cinematic experience. The track didn’t receive the limelight it deserved, overshadowed by the album’s hits. It’s a testament to Lynne’s genius and the band’s ability to create something transcendent yet accessible. The intricate play between the strings and the electronic sounds makes this track a hidden jewel, exemplifying the band’s pioneering approach to music.

2. “One Summer Dream”

“Face the Music” (1975, Jet Records) brought us “One Summer Dream” – a serene and beautifully orchestrated track. Jeff Lynne’s songwriting shines in its simplicity and depth. The song is a perfect blend of melancholic lyrics and soothing melodies, capturing a sense of longing and nostalgia. It stands out for its understated elegance in an album filled with more dynamic tracks. The song features the serene orchestration typical of ELO, with Lynne’s vocals gently guiding the listener through a dreamy soundscape. This track, often overlooked, is a testament to ELO’s versatility and Lynne’s ability to evoke emotion through music.

3. “Kuiama”

From the 1973 album “ELO 2” (Harvest Records), “Kuiama” is a profound and lengthy track, often overshadowed by the band’s more radio-friendly hits. The song, penned by Jeff Lynne, is a moving anti-war ballad, showcasing his songwriting prowess. Its length (over 11 minutes) makes it a bold choice for the album, featuring intricate orchestration and powerful lyrics. The track demonstrates the band’s willingness to experiment and push the boundaries of rock music. The musicianship of Richard Tandy (keyboards) and Bev Bevan (drums) adds depth to Lynne’s heartfelt vocals, making “Kuiama” a truly immersive experience.

4. “Wishing”

“Wishing,” from the album “Discovery” (1979, Jet Records), is a track that often goes unnoticed. Written by Jeff Lynne, it’s a sparkling example of ELO’s ability to craft infectious pop-rock tunes with a deeper lyrical meaning. The song combines upbeat rhythms with introspective lyrics, reflecting on the theme of longing. Its catchy melody and Lynne’s distinctive vocals make it a classic ELO track, though it didn’t receive the attention it deserved. The harmonious blend of guitar, keyboard, and strings, alongside Lynne’s voice, creates a sense of warmth and nostalgia, making “Wishing” a hidden gem in their discography.

5. “Moments in Paradise”

Featured on “Zoom” (2001, Epic Records), “Moment in Paradise” is a testament to Jeff Lynne’s enduring songwriting talent. This later-era ELO track offers a more introspective and mature sound, blending classic ELO elements with a modern touch. The song’s reflective lyrics, combined with its melodious harmony, create a tranquil and uplifting experience. It’s a standout track for its ability to blend the old with the new, showcasing the band’s evolution while staying true to their roots. The inclusion of guest musicians, like Ringo Starr on drums, adds to the track’s allure, making it a must-listen for fans and newcomers alike.

6. “Ocean Breakup/King of the Universe”

From “On the Third Day” (1973, Warner Bros. Records), “Ocean Breakup/King of the Universe” is a two-part composition that highlights ELO’s adventurous musical spirit. Jeff Lynne’s creative vision is evident in the seamless transition between the gentle, melancholic “Ocean Breakup” and the more upbeat “King of the Universe.” This combination showcases the band’s ability to navigate different moods and styles within a single track. The song is a blend of rock and classical influences, with Lynne’s distinctive vocals tying the piece together. The musicians’ skillful execution, particularly Bev Bevan’s dynamic drumming, makes this track a noteworthy but often overlooked piece in ELO’s catalog.

7. “So Fine”

“So Fine,” featured on the album “A New World Record” (1976, United Artists Records), is a lively and rhythmic track that exemplifies ELO’s knack for creating upbeat, infectious music. Composed by Jeff Lynne, the song combines rock and disco elements, ahead of its time in its genre fusion. Despite its catchy melody and innovative sound, “So Fine” didn’t receive as much attention as other tracks on the album. The song stands out for its energetic rhythm, engaging chorus, and the seamless integration of electronic effects, making it a hidden highlight of ELO’s repertoire and a testament to their musical versatility.

8. “The Way Life’s Meant to Be”

From “Time” (1981, Jet Records), “The Way Life’s Meant to Be” is a standout track that often gets overlooked. Written by Jeff Lynne, the song is a richly orchestrated piece that delves into themes of time and nostalgia. Its narrative-driven lyrics and elaborate musical arrangement exemplify ELO’s ability to create songs that are both thought-provoking and sonically pleasing. The song’s blend of classic rock elements with futuristic sounds makes it a unique piece in ELO’s discography. The performance of each band member, particularly the harmonious interplay between the strings and electronic instruments, adds to the song’s appeal, making it a hidden gem worth exploring.

9. “Starlight”

“Starlight,” from the album “Out of the Blue” (1977, Jet Records), is a beautifully crafted song that often goes unnoticed amidst the album’s more prominent hits. Jeff Lynne’s songwriting shines in its ability to create a romantic and dreamy atmosphere. The song features a blend of smooth vocals, gentle melodies, and a subtle but effective use of synthesizers. Despite its captivating charm, “Starlight” didn’t achieve the same level of fame as other tracks on the album. Its understated elegance and the emotive performance of the band, especially the harmonious blend of the string section, make it a noteworthy track in ELO’s extensive catalog.

10. “In My Own Time”

“In My Own Time” is a track from “Zoom” (2001, Epic Records) that showcases Jeff Lynne’s ability to adapt ELO’s sound to the new millennium. The song combines classic rock elements with a contemporary feel, reflecting Lynne’s evolving musical style. Its catchy melody, coupled with introspective lyrics, creates a compelling listening experience. The track didn’t gain the same recognition as some of ELO’s classic hits, but it stands out for its modern approach and Lynne’s unmistakable vocals. The addition of guest musicians, including the skilled guitar work, adds a fresh dimension to the song, making it a hidden highlight in their later work.

11. “Shangri-La”

“Shangri-La,” from the album “A New World Record” (1976, United Artists Records), is an epic closure to the album, often overshadowed by other tracks. Jeff Lynne’s composition is a masterful blend of orchestral grandeur and rock energy. The song’s dramatic arrangement and poignant lyrics create a cinematic feel, showcasing ELO’s ability to craft emotionally resonant music. Despite its impressive composition, “Shangri-La” remains one of the lesser-known tracks on the album. The song’s intricate layers, combined with Lynne’s powerful vocals and the band’s cohesive performance, make it a standout piece that encapsulates the essence of ELO’s musical journey.

Fun Facts: Underrated Elo Songs

1. “Mission (A World Record)”

• Unique Instrumentation: This track is notable for its use of the vocoder, an electronic device that modulates the human voice. This was quite innovative at the time and added a futuristic feel to the song.

2. “One Summer Dream”

• B-Side Popularity: Despite being a lesser-known track, “One Summer Dream” was the B-side to the hit single “Mr. Blue Sky,” gaining some recognition among dedicated fans and collectors of vinyl records.

3. “Kuiama”

• Epic Length: At over 11 minutes, “Kuiama” is one of the longest tracks ELO ever recorded. Its extended playtime allowed for a more expressive and narrative-driven musical experience.

4. “Wishing”

• Disco Influence: Released during the height of the disco era, “Wishing” reflects some of this influence in its rhythm and melody, showcasing ELO’s versatility and ability to adapt to contemporary music trends.

5. “Moment in Paradise”

• Celebrity Collaboration: The track features the legendary Ringo Starr on drums. His participation added a distinct flavor to the song, bridging the gap between classic rock and contemporary styles.

6. “Ocean Breakup/King of the Universe”

• Two-Part Harmony: This song is unique in its structure, starting with the melancholic “Ocean Breakup” and seamlessly transitioning into the more upbeat “King of the Universe,” showcasing ELO’s creative composition skills.

7. “So Fine”

• Ahead of Its Time: The fusion of rock and disco in “So Fine” was quite ahead of its time, predicting the future trend of genre blending in music that would become more prevalent in the following decades.

8. “The Way Life’s Meant to Be”

• Futuristic Themes: Part of the concept album “Time,” this track explores themes of time travel and nostalgia, reflecting the album’s overall narrative and ELO’s penchant for storytelling through music.

9. “Starlight”

• Romantic Appeal: “Starlight” is often cited as one of ELO’s most romantic songs, making it a favorite for fans during live performances, especially for its dreamy and soothing melody.

10. “In My Own Time”

• Millennial Resurgence: Featured on “Zoom,” an album that marked ELO’s return after a long hiatus, “In My Own Time” played a crucial role in reintroducing the band to a new generation of listeners in the early 2000s.

11. “Shangri-La”

• Album Finale: As the closing track of “A New World Record,” “Shangri-La” is often remembered for its grandiose ending, leaving listeners with a powerful and lasting impression of the album’s musical journey.

And there you have it, fellow music lovers – a journey through the hidden treasures of ELO’s discography. These 11 underrated tracks are a testament to the band’s diverse talents and Jeff Lynne’s songwriting genius. Dive in, give them a listen, and discover the lesser-known side of ELO that deserves your attention!

Thanks for reading.

TBone