List of songs recorded by Electric Light Orchestra explained

The English rock band Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) recorded over 190 songs from 1971 to 2019. The band's music is characterised by their blending of Beatlesque pop, classical arrangements, and futuristic iconography.[1]

In 1971 the band released their self-titled debut album, The Electric Light Orchestra (No Answer in the US), the songwriting duties were split between band members Roy Wood and Jeff Lynne, Wood's songs were more classically influenced than Lynne's art rock influenced songs.[2] Before the release of ELO 2 (1973, Electric Light Orchestra II in the US) Wood left the band, making Lynne the sole songwriter.[3] The album contained a cover of the song "Roll Over Beethoven", the single would be a hit in the US.[3] Later in 1973, On the Third Day marked when the band developed its sound and improvements in Lynne's songwriting.[4] The concept album Eldorado (1974) saw the first time that an orchestra was used, where previously Lynne would overdub strings.[5] The presence of an orchestra would be a common part of future ELO albums.[5] The 1975 album Face the Music moved away from symphonic concept elements of Eldorado in favor of more radio friendly songs.[6] The lead single from the album, "Evil Woman", became ELO's first worldwide hit.[7]

Songs

Song! scope="col" class="unsortable"
Writer(s)Lead vocals(s)Original releaseYear
"10538 Overture"Jeff LynneJeff LynneThe Electric Light Orchestra1971[8]
"21st Century Man"Jeff LynneJeff LynneTime1981[9]
"A Long Time Gone"Jeff LynneJeff LynneZoom2001[10]
"A Matter of Fact"Jeff LynneJeff Lynne1986[11]
"A Matter of Fact (alternate lyrics)"Jeff LynneJeff Lynne1986
"Above the Clouds"Jeff LynneJeff Lynne
Kelly Groucutt
A New World Record1976[12]
"Across the Border"Jeff LynneJeff LynneOut of the Blue1977[13]
"After All"Jeff Lynne1983[14]
"Ain't It a Drag"Jeff LynneJeff LynneAlone in the Universe2015[15]
"All My Life"Jeff LynneJeff LynneAlone in the Universe2015
"All My Love"Jeff LynneJeff LynneFrom Out of Nowhere2019[16]
"All Over the World"Jeff LynneJeff LynneXanadu1980[17]
"All She Wanted"Jeff LynneJeff LynneZoom2001
"Alone in the Universe"Jeff LynneJeff LynneAlone in the Universe2015
"Alright"Jeff LynneJeff LynneZoom2001
"Another Heart Breaks"Jeff LynneTime1981
"Baby I Apologise"Jeff LynneJeff LynneELO 2 (First Light Series)2003[18]
"Believe Me Now"Jeff LynneOut of the Blue1977
"Big Wheels"Jeff LynneJeff LynneOut of the Blue1977
"Birmingham Blues"Jeff LynneJeff LynneOut of the Blue1977
"Blue"Jeff LynneJeff LynneAlone in the Universe2015[19]
"Bluebird"Jeff LynneJeff LynneSecret Messages1983[20]
"Bluebird Is Dead"Jeff LynneJeff LynneOn the Third Day1973[21]
"Boy Blue"Jeff LynneJeff LynneEldorado1974[22]
"Buildings Have Eyes"Jeff LynneJeff Lynne1983[23]
"Calling America"Jeff LynneJeff LynneBalance of Power1986[24]
"Can't Get It Out of My Head"Jeff LynneJeff LynneEldorado1974
"Caught in a Trap"Jeff LynneJeff Lynne1986[25]
"Cold Feet" (Recorded 1992)Jeff LynneJeff LynneElectric Light Orchestra Live2013[26]
"Confusion"Jeff LynneJeff LynneDiscovery1979[27]
"Danger Ahead"Jeff LynneJeff LynneSecret Messages1983
"Daybreaker"Jeff LynneOn the Third Day1973
"Destination Unknown"Jeff LynneJeff Lynne1986[28]
"Dirty to the Bone"Jeff LynneJeff LynneAlone in the Universe2015
"Do Ya"Jeff LynneJeff LynneA New World Record1976
"Don't Bring Me Down"Jeff LynneJeff LynneDiscovery1979
"Don't Walk Away"Jeff LynneJeff LynneXanadu1980
"Down Came the Rain"Jeff LynneJeff LynneFrom Out of Nowhere2019
"Down Home Town"Jeff LynneJeff LynneFace the Music1975[29]
"Dreaming of 4000"Jeff LynneJeff LynneOn the Third Day1973
"Drum Dreams"Jeff Lynne1980[30] [31]
"Easy Money"Jeff LynneJeff LynneZoom2001
"Eldorado"Jeff LynneJeff LynneEldorado1974
"Eldorado Finale"Jeff LynneEldorado1974
"Eldorado Instrumental Medley"Jeff LynneEldorado2001[32]
"Eldorado Overture"Jeff LynneEldorado1974
"Endless Lies"Jeff LynneJeff LynneBalance of Power1986
"Epilogue"Jeff LynneJeff LynneTime1981
"Everyone's Born to Die"Jeff LynneJeff LynneELO 2 (First Light Series)2003
"Evil Woman"Jeff LynneJeff LynneFace the Music1975
"Fault Line"Jeff LynneJeff LynneAlone in the Universe2015
"Fire on High"Jeff LynneFace the Music1975
"First Movement (Jumping Biz)"Roy WoodThe Electric Light Orchestra1971
"Four Little Diamonds"Jeff LynneJeff LynneSecret Messages1983
"From Out of Nowhere"Jeff LynneJeff LynneFrom Out of Nowhere2019
"From the End of the World"Jeff LynneJeff LynneTime1981
"From the Sun to the World (Boogie No. 1)"Jeff LynneJeff LynneELO 21973[33]
"Get a Hold of Myself (Take 2)"Jeff LynneCarl WayneELO 2 (First Light Series)2003
"Getting to the Point"Jeff LynneJeff LynneBalance of Power1986
"Goin' Out on Me"Jeff LynneJeff LynneFrom Out of Nowhere2019
"Grieg's Piano Concerto In A Minor"Edvard GriegFlashback2000[34]
"Heaven Only Knows"Jeff LynneJeff LynneBalance of Power1986
"Hello My Old Friend"Jeff LynneJeff LynneAfterglow1990[35]
"Help Yourself"Jeff LynneJeff LynneFrom Out of Nowhere2019
"Helpless"Jeff LynneJeff LynneFlashback2000
"Here Is the News"Jeff LynneJeff LynneTime1981
"Hold On Tight"Jeff LynneJeff LynneTime1981
"I'm Alive"Jeff LynneJeff LynneXanadu1980
"I'm Leaving You"Jeff LynneJeff LynneAlone in the Universe2015
"Illusions in G Major"Jeff LynneJeff LynneEldorado1974
"In For The Kill"Jeff LynneJeff LynneBalance of Power2007[36]
"In My Own Time"Jeff LynneJeff LynneZoom2001
"In Old England Town (Boogie No. 2)"Jeff LynneJeff LynneELO 21973
"In Old England Town (Instrumental)"Jeff Lynne1973[37]
"In the Hall of the Mountain King"Edvard GriegOn the Third Day1973
"Indian Queen (Demo)"Jeff LynneJeff LynneFlashback2000
"Interludes"Jeff LynneOn the Third Day2006[38]
"Is It Alright"Jeff LynneJeff LynneBalance of Power1986
"It Really Doesn't Matter"Jeff LynneJeff LynneZoom2001
"It's Over"Jeff LynneJeff LynneOut of the Blue1977
"Julie Don't Live Here"Jeff LynneJeff Lynne1981[39]
"Jungle"Jeff LynneJeff LynneOut of the Blue1977
"Just for Love"Jeff LynneJeff LynneZoom2001
"Kuiama"Jeff LynneJeff LynneELO 21973
"Laredo Tornado"Jeff LynneJeff LynneEldorado1974
"Last Train to London"Jeff LynneJeff LynneDiscovery1979
"Latitude 88 North"Jeff LynneJeff LynneOut of the Blue2007[40]
"Letter from Spain"Jeff LynneJeff LynneSecret Messages1983
"Little Town Flirt"Maron McKenzie
Del Shannon
Jeff LynneDiscovery2001[41]
"Livin' Thing"Jeff LynneJeff LynneA New World Record1976
"Lonesome Lullaby"Jeff LynneJeff LynneZoom2001
"Long Black Road"Jeff LynneJeff LynneZoom2001[42]
"Look at Me Now"Roy WoodRoy WoodThe Electric Light Orchestra1971
"Loser Gone Wild"Jeff LynneJeff LynneSecret Messages1983
"Losing You"Jeff LynneJeff LynneFrom Out of Nowhere2019
"Love and Rain"Jeff LynneJeff LynneAlone in the Universe2015
"Love Changes All"Jeff LynneJeff LynneFlashback2000
"Ma-Ma-Ma Belle"Jeff LynneJeff LynneOn the Third Day1973
"Mambo (Dreaming of 4000)"Jeff LynneJeff LynneELO 2 (First Light Series)2003
"Mandalay"Jeff LynneJeff LynneAfterglow1990
"Manhattan Rumble (49th Street Massacre)"Jeff LynneThe Electric Light Orchestra1971
"Melting in the Sun"Jeff LynneJeff LynneZoom2001
"Midnight Blue"Jeff LynneJeff LynneDiscovery1979
"Mission (A World Record)"Jeff LynneJeff LynneA New World Record1976
"Mister Kingdom"Jeff LynneJeff LynneEldorado1974
"Moment in Paradise"Jeff LynneJeff LynneZoom2001
"Momma"Jeff LynneJeff LynneELO 21973
"Mr. Blue Sky"Jeff LynneJeff LynneOut of the Blue1977
"Mr. Radio"Jeff LynneJeff LynneThe Electric Light Orchestra1971
"Need Her Love"Jeff LynneJeff LynneDiscovery1979
"Nellie Takes Her Bow"Jeff LynneJeff LynneThe Electric Light Orchestra1971
"New World Rising/Ocean Breakup (Reprise)"Jeff LynneJeff LynneOn the Third Day1973
"Night in the City"Jeff LynneJeff LynneOut of the Blue1977
"Nightrider"Jeff LynneJeff Lynne
Kelly Groucutt
Face the Music1975
"No Way Out"Jeff LynneJeff LynneAfterglow1990
"Nobody's Child"Jeff LynneJeff LynneEldorado1974
"Ocean Breakup/King of the Universe"Jeff LynneJeff LynneOn the Third Day1973
"Oh No Not Susan"Jeff LynneJeff LynneOn the Third Day1973
"On My Mind"Jeff LynneJeff LynneAlone in the Universe2015[43]
"On the Run"Jeff LynneJeff LynneDiscovery1979
"One Day" (2013 remaster bonus track)Jeff LynneJeff LynneZoom2001
"One More Time"Jeff LynneJeff LynneFrom Out of Nowhere2019
"One Step at a Time"Jeff LynneJeff LynneAlone in the Universe2015
"One Summer Dream"Jeff LynneJeff LynneFace the Music1975
"Ordinary Dream"Jeff LynneJeff LynneZoom2001
"Out Of Luck" (Recorded 2010)Jeff LynneJeff LynneElectric Light Orchestra Live2013
"Point of No Return"Jeff LynneJeff Lynne2012[44]
"Poker"Jeff LynneKelly GroucuttFace the Music1975
"Poor Boy (The Greenwood)"Jeff LynneJeff LynneEldorado1974
"Prologue"Jeff LynneJeff LynneTime1981
"Queen of the Hours"Jeff LynneJeff LynneThe Electric Light Orchestra1971
"Rain Is Falling"Jeff LynneJeff LynneTime1981
"Rock 'n' Roll Is King"Jeff LynneJeff LynneSecret Messages1983
"Rockaria!"Jeff LynneJeff Lynne
Mary Thomas
A New World Record1976
"Roll Over Beethoven"Chuck Berry
Ludwig van Beethoven
Jeff LynneELO 21973
"Sci-Fi Woman"Jeff LynneJeff LynneFrom Out of Nowhere2019
"Second Time Around (Home Demo)"Jeff LynneJeff LynneDiscovery2001
"Secret Lives"Jeff LynneJeff LynneBalance of Power1986
"Secret Messages"Jeff LynneJeff LynneSecret Messages1983
"Send It"Jeff LynneJeff LynneBalance of Power1986
"Shangri-La"Jeff LynneJeff LynneA New World Record1976
"Shine a Little Love"Jeff LynneJeff LynneDiscovery1979
"Showdown"Jeff LynneJeff LynneOn the Third Day1973
"So Fine"Jeff LynneJeff Lynne
Kelly Groucutt
A New World Record1976
"So Serious"Jeff LynneJeff LynneBalance of Power1986
"Songbird"Jeff LynneJeff LynneFrom Out of Nowhere2019
"Sorrow About to Fall"Jeff LynneJeff LynneBalance of Power1986
"Standin' in the Rain"Jeff LynneJeff LynneOut of the Blue1977
"Starlight"Jeff LynneJeff LynneOut of the Blue1977
"State of Mind"Jeff LynneJeff LynneZoom2001
"Steppin' Out"Jeff LynneJeff LynneOut of the Blue1977
"Strange Magic"Jeff LynneJeff LynneFace the Music1975
"Stranger"Jeff LynneJeff LynneSecret Messages1983
"Stranger on a Quiet Street"Jeff LynneJeff LynneZoom2001
"Summer and Lightning"Jeff LynneJeff LynneOut of the Blue1977
"Surrender"Jeff LynneJeff LynneA New World Record2006[45]
"Sweet Is the Night"Jeff LynneJeff Lynne
Kelly Groucutt
Out of the Blue1977
"Sweet Talkin' Woman"Jeff LynneJeff LynneOut of the Blue1977
"Take Me on and On"Jeff LynneJeff LynneSecret Messages1983
"Tears in Your Life"Jeff LynneJeff LynneFlashback2000
"Telephone Line"Jeff LynneJeff LynneA New World Record1976
"The Battle of Marston Moor (2 July 1644)"Roy WoodRoy WoodThe Electric Light Orchestra1971
"The Bouncer"Jeff LynneJeff Lynne1983[46]
"The Diary of Horace Wimp"Jeff LynneJeff LynneDiscovery1979
"The Fall"Jeff LynneJeff LynneXanadu1980
"The Lights Go Down"Jeff LynneJeff LynneTime1981
"The Quick and the Daft"Jeff LynneJeff LynneOut of the Blue2007
"The Sun Will Shine on You"Jeff LynneJeff LynneAlone in the Universe2015
"The Way Life's Meant to Be"Jeff LynneJeff LynneTime1981
"The Whale"Jeff LynneOut of the Blue1977
"Ticket to the Moon"Jeff LynneJeff LynneTime1981
"Tightrope"Jeff LynneJeff LynneA New World Record1976
"Time After Time"Jeff LynneJeff LynneSecret Messages1983
"Time of Our Life"Jeff LynneJeff LynneFrom Out of Nowhere2019
"Train of Gold"Jeff LynneJeff LynneSecret Messages1983
"Turn to Stone"Jeff LynneJeff LynneOut of the Blue1977
"Twilight"Jeff LynneJeff LynneTime1981
"Waterfall"Jeff LynneJeff LynneFace the Music1975
"When I Was a Boy"Jeff LynneJeff LynneAlone in the Universe2015
"When the Night Comes"Jeff LynneJeff LynneAlone in the Universe2015
"When Time Stood Still"Jeff LynneJeff Lynne1981[47]
"Whisper in the Night"Roy WoodRoy WoodThe Electric Light Orchestra1971
"Who's That?"Jeff LynneJeff LynneFlashback2000
"Wild West Hero"Jeff LynneJeff LynneOut of the Blue1977
"Wilf's Solo (Instrumental)"Wilfred GibsonELO 2 (First Light Series)2003
"Wishing"Jeff LynneJeff LynneDiscovery1979
"Without Someone"Jeff LynneJeff LynneBalance of Power1986
"Xanadu"Jeff LynneOlivia Newton-JohnXanadu1980
"Xanadu (New Version)"Jeff LynneJeff LynneFlashback2000
"Your World (Take 2)"Jeff LynneCarl WayneELO 2 (First Light Series)2003
"Yours Truly, 2095"Jeff LynneJeff LynneTime1981

Unreleased songs

Song! scope="col" class="unsortable"
WriterIntended releaseYear recorded
"Beatles Forever"Jeff LynneSecret Messages1982[48]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Erlewine. Stephen Thomas. Stephen Thomas Erlewine. Electric Light Orchestra — Biography. AllMusic. Netaktion LLC. 1 September 2021.
  2. Web site: Mason. Stewart. Electric Light Orchestra — The Electric Light Orchestra. AllMusic. Netaktion LLC. 2 September 2021.
  3. Web site: Eder. Bruce. Electric Light Orchestra — Electric Light Orchestra II. AllMusic. Netaktion LLC. 2 September 2021.
  4. Web site: Eder. Bruce. Electric Light Orchestra — On the Third Day. AllMusic. Netaktion LLC. 2 September 2021.
  5. Web site: Eder. Bruce. Electric Light Orchestra — Eldorado. AllMusic. Netaktion LLC. 13 November 2021.
  6. Web site: Christopher. Michael. 28 September 2015. When Electric Light Orchestra Unveiled A New Lineup On 'Face The Music'. ultimateclassicrock.com. Townsquare Media. 13 November 2021.
  7. Web site: Reed. Ryan. 7 January 2016. The 10 Best ELO Songs. Stereogum. 17 April 2024.
  8. The Electric Light Orchestra. LP liner notes. 1971. Electric Light Orchestra. United Kingdom. Harvest. SHVL 797.
  9. Time. LP liner notes. 1981. ELO. United Kingdom. Jet. JET LP 236.
  10. Zoom. CD liner notes. 2001. Electric Light Orchestra. United States. Epic. EK 85336.
  11. "So Serious". 12" back cover. 1986. Electric Light Orchestra. United Kingdom. Epic. TA 7090.
  12. A New World Record. LP liner notes. 1976. Electric Light Orchestra. United Kingdom. Jet. JETLP 200.
  13. Out of the Blue. LP liner notes. 1977. Electric Light Orchestra. United States. Jet. JT LA823 L2.
  14. "Rock 'n' Roll Is King". back cover. 1983. Electric Light Orchestra. United States. Jet. ZS4 03964.
  15. Alone in the Universe. CD liner notes. 2015. Jeff Lynne's ELO. Europe. Columbia. 88875145112.
  16. From Out of Nowhere. CD liner notes. 2019. Jeff Lynne's ELO. Europe. Columbia. 19075987102.
  17. Xanadu. LP liner notes. 1980. Electric Light Orchestra, Olivia Newton-John. United Kingdom. Jet. JET LX 526.
  18. ELO 2. First Light Series. CD liner notes. 2003. Electric Light Orchestra. Europe. Harvest. 7243 5 43328 2 1.
  19. Alone in the Universe: Deluxe Edition. CD liner notes. 2015. Jeff Lynne's ELO. Europe. Columbia. 88875164642.
  20. Secret Messages. cassette liner notes. 1983. Electric Light Orchestra. United Kingdom. Jet. JETCX 527.
  21. On the Third Day. LP liner notes. 1973. Electric Light Orchestra. United States. United Artists. UA LA188 F.
  22. Eldorado — A Symphony by the Electric Light Orchestra. LP liner notes. 1974. Electric Light Orchestra. United States. United Artists. UA LA339 G.
  23. "Secret Messages". back cover. 1983. Electric Light Orchestra. United Kingdom. Jet. JET 7038.
  24. Balance of Power. LP liner notes. 1986. Electric Light Orchestra. United States. CBS Associated Records. FZ 40048.
  25. "Calling America". 12" back cover. 1986. Electric Light Orchestra. United Kingdom. Epic. QTA 6844.
  26. Electric Light Orchestra Live. CD liner notes. 2013. Electric Light Orchestra. Europe. Frontiers. FR CD 595E.
  27. Discovery. LP liner notes. 1979. Electric Light Orchestra. United Kingdom. Jet. JETLX 500.
  28. "So Serious". 12" back cover. 1986. Electric Light Orchestra. Europe. Epic. EPCA 12.7090.
  29. Face the Music. LP liner notes. 1975. Electric Light Orchestra. United States. United Artists. UA LA546 G.
  30. "I'm Alive". liner notes. 1980. Electric Light Orchestra. United Kingdom. Jet. JET 179.
  31. "All Over The World". liner notes. 1980. Electric Light Orchestra. United States. MCA. MCA 41289.
  32. Eldorado — A Symphony by the Electric Light Orchestra. CD liner notes. 2001. Electric Light Orchestra. United States. Epic. EK 85419.
  33. Electric Light Orchestra II. LP liner notes. 1973. Electric Light Orchestra. United States. United Artists. UA LA040 F.
  34. Flashback. CD liner notes. 2000. Electric Light Orchestra. Europe. Epic. EPC 500931 2.
  35. Afterglow. CD liner notes. 1990. Electric Light Orchestra. United States. Epic Associated. Z3K 46090.
  36. Balance of Power. CD liner notes. 2007. Electric Light Orchestra. Europe. Epic. 82796 94279 2.
  37. "Showdown". label. 1973. The Electric Light Orchestra. United Kingdom. Harvest. HAR 5077.
  38. On the Third Day. CD liner notes. 2006. Electric Light Orchestra. United States. Epic. 82796 94271 2.
  39. "Twilight". back cover. 1981. Electric Light Orchestra. United Kingdom. Jet. JET 7015.
  40. Out of the Blue. CD liner notes. 2007. Electric Light Orchestra. United States. Legacy. 82796 94272 2.
  41. Discovery. CD liner notes. 2001. Electric Light Orchestra. United States. Legacy. EK 85420.
  42. Zoom. CD liner notes. 2001. Electric Light Orchestra. Japan. Sony Music Intl.. SRCS 2466.
  43. Alone in the Universe. CD liner notes. 2015. Jeff Lynne's ELO. Japan. Sony Music Intl.. SICP 30890.
  44. Mr. Blue Sky: The Very Best of Electric Light Orchestra. CD liner notes. 2012. Electric Light Orchestra. Europe. Frontiers. FR CD 570E.
  45. A New World Record. CD liner notes. 2006. Electric Light Orchestra. United States. Legacy. 69699 85422 2.
  46. "Four Little Diamonds". 12" back cover. 1983. Electric Light Orchestra. United Kingdom. Jet. TA 3869.
  47. "Hold On Tight". back cover. 1981. Electric Light Orchestra. United Kingdom. Jet. JET 7011.
  48. Web site: Electric Light Orchestra – Beatles Forever. thelogbook.com. 1 June 2021.