From Out Of Nowhere

This is only 32 minutes long and you feel that there is something missing. The drums are so basic and the production is dull. Have a listen on YouTube to the title track where The ‘Orchestra’ (that Jeff doesn’t record with anymore) have remixed it with strings which brings it alive and sounding like the old classics. Hopefully they may all work on doing that to the whole album as then it would be 5 stars.

This is all good stuff, his 2nd recent album under the "Jeff Lynne's ELO" moniker, where he plays virtually all of the instruments himself. 10 new songs all around the 3 minute mark, with catchy melodies . If you liked his last album, then this will hit the mark for you too. There are a few tracks that immediately hit the spot, such as "Down Came the Rain", and " The Time of Our Life" fondly remembering a 2017 Wembley gig with 70,000 ecstatic fans.It is perhaps not up there with his absolute classic hits with his original band, but it is still fine soft rock easy listening which will be popular with his many fans. Jeff now has nothing to prove, and could be relaxing sitting on his laurels, so it is fantastic that this rock veteran still has the enthusiasm and commitment to write and release new songs. The first time I listened to the new album it all washed over me a bit, but after a 2nd and 3rd play the ear worm hooks start to engage, and individual tracks become more distinct and memorable. So I think this will definitely grow on you with repeated listens.Some of the songs cover longstanding themes, like "Sci-Fi Woman" harking back to Out of the Blue references, and the artwork on the cover shows yet another variation on the familiar spaceship cover that has become his distinct trademark. It is a pity he was not a bit more adventurous on a couple of tracks, perhaps stretching out for a longer song, or varying from his well trodden track record formula . It is perhaps all a tad too familiar and cosy, but he knows what he is good at, maybe thinking if it ain't broke then don't fix it , and it will certainly please his multitude of fans..The album is short by modern CD standards, clocking in at less than 33 minutes in total. It received a supportive 4 star review in Mojo Magazine, and is definitely a bit stronger and more consistent than his previous comeback album. I am sure it will be a popular Christmas present gift buy for many. You will not be disappointed if you like previous ELO, this will be a safe bet, both the singing and playing are of a consistent high standard, no real weak tracks, it all hangs together well as an album. The tempos do vary, with several faster tracks, mixed with some slower ballads such as closer "Songbird".It is just lacking a real memorable standout classic track, and could have been more innovative, but it is a safe bet that will appeal to existing ELO fans.

.This album is so unlike ELO and seems to have been made for commercial rather than artistic reasons. The tunes are dull and the lyrics insipid. Having listened to it once there are no tracks I’d want to listen to again. Wish I could get a refund! I had to give it a one star rating which is more than I wanted to give.

firstly another cd where the manufacturer can't be bothered to add track titles to the cd, so player only shows track 1, then track 2 etc. Now for the cd. I know Jeff has the right to THE ELO Name but it is just a Jeff Lynne album. solo solo albums lack excitement compared to group efforts. Track 6 only stand out track.

A solid album from Jeff. If I was going to criticise it for anything is that it is maybe a bit safe. I loved previous albums like 'Time' and 'Out Of The Blue' because they were creative but this is a 'touch' mundane.It sounds fantastic on 180g vinyl which brings me on to my next gripe. I swear that the images showing the vinyl version of this album on Amazon showed it being gold in colour but unfortunately in reality, it is black. Not a deal breaker but I loves the coloured vinyl!!!!Overall, a great listen which I will be returning to. Let us hope we see a few more!!