Best ELO (Electric Light Orchestra) Songs

Mr. Blue Sky

The entire "Out of the Blue" album is a daydreamy and atmospheric masterpiece, which makes me feel like I'm journeying through space with Electric Light Orchestra. I love the catchy and upbeat instruments of this song, plus it reminds me of journeying outside with the sky being blue and sunny.
It's definitely an iconic classic that deserves its praise, and I think that ELO is a brilliant band.

Literally musical perfection. The lyrics are so upbeat, the instrumental parts flawless, and the ending is very calm and relaxing. I love this song so much. It got me into the music of the sixties through eighties, and after hearing many older generation songs, none have quite beaten the quality of Mr. Blue Sky. This is my favorite song of all time and it will remain forever. -Kw6sTheater

Livin' Thing

Of course, Livin' Thing would be on here. It's pretty much ELO's progressive pop/rock sound at its finest. I mean, when I was young in 2006, my oldies station played this throughout the year, and it's always guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Really brilliantly used for the end credits of Boogie Nights! This really exciting and catchy song (personally either my first or second favorite by ELO) really concluded the movie terrifically!

Jeff Lynne kept this one simple for someone who could overproduce a little. Livin' Thing had perfect construction and a beautiful melody.

Don't Bring Me Down

That backbeat has got to be one of the catchiest ever. The rhythm guitar riff is absolutely awesome! Much edgier than the rest of Discovery.

The best. Check out its cover by the symphonic metal band Northern Kings. Man, their version is on steroids!

I love this song, especially the background music. I prefer this over "Mr. Blue Sky," to be honest, even though I like that song as well.

Evil Woman

For some reason, this song sounds so elegant to me. It reminds me a lot of Hellboy's modern and secret palace - just cool!

This song has the best intro you will ever hear!

Telephone Line

The very first ELO song I ever heard was "Telephone Line." This song led to ELO becoming my favorite band, and it is still my favorite song of all time. The song creates such a beautiful, sad, and nostalgic feel. Anytime I hear the song, I can't help but think about all the people I've lost throughout the years.
"Blue Days. Black Nights"
"I look into the skies (the love you need ain't gonna see you through). And I wonder why (The little things you planned ain't coming true)"
These lyrics create such a feeling of melancholic happiness. He can't help but reminisce about the beautiful days that have passed, and he wishes nothing more than to hear the voice of the person that has long since faded away from his life.
"I just can't believe... they've all faded out of view."
The orchestra complements the lyrics in such a perfect way. This is truly one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. Even the instrumental is amazing. This song creates such emotion and is a masterpiece in music-making.

Turn to Stone

My personal favorite. This song is insanely catchy and infectious!

Epic! Between this, Across the Border, and Starlight!

What the hell!? Why isn't this higher on the list?

Sweet Talkin' Woman

"Slow down, sweet talkin' woman slow down you've got me running, you've got me searching"... This song is always stuck in my head, and I'm caught humming and singing this amazing song on a daily basis. One of many ELO hits, and certainly one of their best songs, period.

Very catchy chorus. Might have just officially sold me on picking up some of their material.

Fantastic string intro followed by amazing vocals, a catchy chorus, and backing vocals. Puts me in a great mood time and time again.

Do Ya

No idea what lyrics Jeff Lynne is screaming out, but this song demands to be blasted on 11. Killer.

Great song! This should be number one, baby. Great guitar. Do Ya and Evil Woman are the best if you know rock and roll.

The best song they've made. Catchy guitar riff and amazing chorus. Should be number one.

All Over the World

I listen to this song, and it is so refreshing to see "all" these people dancing, smiling, singing, enjoying life while hearing a song with a beat and rhythm! Something we need to feel and not all the negativity society has these days. Thanks, ELO!

I hum this song when I am going to work or not feeling like going. I think it's one of the best songs Jeff ever wrote. Hum with me!

Hearing this at the end of "Paul" brought me back to ELO 30-odd years later. Thanks for all the music, Mr. Lynne.

Hold on Tight

Love it, love it. I even learned the French bit in the middle so I could sing along. Memories of happy days...

No question in my mind, a fab song. I play it loud in my car. Hold on tight to your dreams!

I like this song as #1. Just awesome!

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When Time Stood Still

Come on, guys. Take a listen to this piece of beauty!

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Ordinary Dream

Showdown

Best "rock" song in the entire ELO portfolio. Half the people submitting their votes probably haven't even heard this song. To those folks, I say do yourself a big favor. Listen to this song and then promptly change your vote in order to move this classic ELO cut where it belongs, which is at least in the top five! Lionheart0829

I woke up from my slumber when "I Need Her Love" brought back nostalgic memories!

Laugh out loud, 23? You've got to be kidding me. Amateurs!

Can't Get It Out of My Head

Simply one of the most beautiful songs ever composed. In case you didn't know, the album Eldorado tells the story of a daydreamer. Just listen to this song and let your imagination go.

I love everything about this song! From the amazing chorus to the orchestra, this song couldn't be any better!

I have to listen to this beauty over and over on full blast. Outstanding Jeff Lynne acoustics!

Shine a Little Love

First, you have to get used to this song. But then it's the purest and most typical song of ELO at its zenith, apart from All Over the World.
It gives you kick and drive in every situation. It never gets boring, even after 40 years.

Greatest fusion of rock, hardcore disco, and classical strings that has ever been released. No wonder life seemed to be so much nicer back in 1979.

Personally, this is my favorite! So fresh! So timeless!

Strange Magic

One of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. When I hear it, I never want it to end. An overall classic!

One of my favorites. Strange that it is so low. Must be some sort of magic.

Definitely one of their best. Loved it the first time I heard it!

Last Train to London

I first heard this song as a little girl before I began school. For years, I didn't even realize that ELO did this tune. I heard it while playing random ELO songs, and my eyes lit up as I remembered being in love with this song at the age of 4. There are so many hits, but THIS is mine and my co-workers' all-time favorite from ELO! I'm so excited to see and hear Jeff Lynne this summer.

Not as many people know this song because it isn't highlighted in best-of albums. I agree it is one catchy song. I would gladly trade out "All Over the World" or "Hold On Tight" for this one. But most of all, I'd want to kick out this song's album-mate, "Don't Bring Me Down."

Twilight

I love this one. It's just awesome. The instrumental composition is breathtaking.

Amazing song to follow Prologue. The transition is amazing - one of their best!

Special song. Hard to understand it not being in the top ten.

Confusion

Should be in the top ten with its great intro, keyboard, and vocoder.

Calling America

This song got me into ELO at 14. Twilight and Turn to Stone made them my favorite group forever!

I always thought of our youngest son on his tours of duty (six) to Iraq! Yes, that's six tours to Iraq.

Such a great underrated hit. I wish this song got more attention.

Xanadu

Beautiful melody, beautiful backup, harmony, creative bridges, the soaring voice of Olivia Newton-John, and a space-age ending. What is not to love, people! ELO's Bohemian Rhapsody.

I prefer the re-recorded version with Jeff Lynne on vocals. It's my favorite of their songs.

Rockaria!

A reminder that there was a time when rock and roll was seen as anti-establishment. Classical musicians and politicians would not be seen dead at a rock concert. How times have changed!

This song is the perfect mix of orchestral (and operatic) grandeur and pure rock and roll! It absolutely represents and perfects what ELO is all about!

I love ELO, and for some reason, this song just captures all that joy that is Electric Light Orchestra for me more than any other!

Fire on High

Jeff should have played this song in 2019! We were sad he didn't include it in the 2018 tour.

My favorite ELO song. It needs to be included in the tour. Perfect encore song!

It was the right music at the right time. Don't know why this isn't in the top 5.

The Diary of Horace Wimp

Discovery is an album that never fails to be enjoyed every time you play it. Fantastic move by ELO into the music style of the time without losing their trademark sound. Brilliant.

Great song! It really illustrates that sometimes you have to take a chance in life and take a stand! Really one of the most underrated ELO songs of all time.

Totally the best ELO song! How can it be anything else? Don't be afraid! Just knock on the door! Well, he just stood there mumbling and fumbling!

Rock n Roll is King

You gotta be kidding. This is easily in the top three for this amazing band, and I am not a grandpa or grandma.

Seriously love this song. Ever since the first time I heard it, it's a song I've been able to rock out to.

Loved watching my mom and grandfather jive to this classic!

Tightrope

In my opinion, if you want to listen to one ELO song to get the "essence" of the group, this is the one. From the haunting strings, to the rocking guitars, back to the haunting strings, to the classical ending, it should be top ten. It's one of my favorites, definitely.

I'm amazed Tightrope is so low. By all definitions, musically, lyrically, and instrumentally, it's The Electric Light Orchestra at their absolute best.

Gotta be a top ten song! A genuine undiscovered piece of ELO treasure! A true roller coaster of a song, which would do well if it was released today.

Wild West Hero

This is simply the best song by ELO. Everything in this tune is wonderful. Just listen to the a cappella parts. Wow. Just wow.