ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA

ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA
SECRET MESSAGES (1983)
REMASTER
320 KBPS

When this album was released in 1983, it was already clear that the Electric Light Orchestra had long since peaked (back around 1977) and so it was easy to dismiss their 80's efforts. The early 80's had the band pared down to the core foursome of Jeff Lynne, Richard Tandy, Bev Bevan and Kelly Groucutt, and it seemed -- reasonably -- that synthesizers could replace their trademark string arrangements. To be honest, I don't miss them here; besides, strings would have sounded too quaint in an age of new wave and synthpop. SECRET MESSAGES is loaded with harmonic ear candy despite a couple clunkers like "Train of Gold" and "Time After Time" (which was not included on the original US vinyl release that I grew up with). In fact, I never really liked "Rock 'N' Roll Is King" ... too much of a cheesy, tongue-in-cheek nod to rockabilly 50's! In my opinion, the outstanding cuts are "Secret Messages" (mesmerizing harmonies), "Bluebird" (bittersweet pop), "Four Little Diamonds" (the real rocker on the album), "Take Me On and On" and "Stranger" (one beautiful, wistful song).
Now properly reissued with 3 bonus tracks, perhaps these new ELO reissues will invite more people to re-evaluate them. This album along with 1981's TIME is better than most people realize.

1. Secret Messages
2. Loser Gone Wild
3. Bluebird
4. Take Me On And On
5. Time After Time
6. Four Little Diamonds
7. Stranger
8. Danger Ahead
9. Letter From Spain
10. Train Of Gold
11. Rock and Roll Is King
Bonus tracks
12. No Way Out
13. Endless Lies
14. After All