4 Fantastic and Unforgettable Album-Closers by Electric Light Orchestra
Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) produced one of the most acclaimed catalogs of the classic rock era, featuring remarkable album-ending songs. The band distinguished itself in the 70s and 80s through Jeff Lynne’s unique blend of rock and classical influences, even in their heaviest tracks.
Lynne’s production was always impressive, and his often underrated songwriting gave the band a wealth of excellent material. Across 15 studio albums, ELO delivered many memorable closing tracks. Below are four standout examples that deserve special recognition.
Out Of The Blue
Lynne and his band took a bold creative leap with Out Of The Blue, a double album rich with diverse and memorable songs. Despite a period of writer’s block, Lynne experienced a burst of inspiration that led to its creation. The album ends powerfully with “Wild West Hero,” a track that explores the theme of the everyday person dreaming of a richer, more adventurous life—a concept that also defined ELO’s 1974 album Eldorado.
“Wild West Hero” centers on a theme that resonated with Lynne, that of the everyday Joe who imagines himself in a more vibrant life.
The song features saloon-style piano played by Melvyn Gale, the band’s usual cellist. It builds gradually from soft verses to energetic choruses, with Lynne’s vocals backed by a dynamic musical storm.
Discovery Era Wit
At the time, a popular joke about ELO’s album Discovery was that the title should have been “Disco-Very,” highlighting the band’s playful engagement with disco trends.
The joke at the time was that the title for Discovery should have been rendered as “Disco-Very.”
This reflects the band’s ability to blend humor with their evolving sound during this period.
Summary
Jeff Lynne and Electric Light Orchestra mastered the art of closing albums with impactful songs that showcased their creative range and emotional depth, leaving a lasting impression on rock history.
Author’s summary: ELO’s album-closers reveal Jeff Lynne’s creative genius, blending rock and classical styles to create memorable, emotionally rich finales that define their legacy.