Alone in the Universe

     14 years after the initial revival of ELO with 2001's Zoom is 2015's Alone in the Universe. The one thing I kept thinking while listening through this album is "this is what Zoom was trying to be". AITU is much more successful at the revitalization of the band (now properly Jeff Lynne's ELO) than its predecessor, with a better sound and overall identity. One of my biggest complaints with Zoom was how a majority of the album blended together and a lot of the songs weren't distinct enough from each other which resulted in the album feeling muddled with same-ness. Alone in the Universe is thankfully free from that issue, with most of the songs having their own unique sound and identify while still remaining cohesive as a unit, now with an underlying more acoustic, almost sort of folk-rock sound tying it together. This album marks a proper return to the ELO tradition of trying out unique styles between songs that's been a staple of the band since 1974, with some good standouts this go-around. We have classic feeling rock songs (that are pulled off much better than most of the tracks from Zoom, in my opinion) rockabilly inspired tracks, and a surprising amount of synth-pop/rock in the vain Time or Balance of Power that I was pleased to hear. As is the case with much of ELO's past work, most of the songs are able to hold onto their own identity and still go together great. After the band's last few albums seemed to peter out a little bit, it's refreshing to hear Lynne move forward with a new sound that's unique in ELO's discography. I don't have many real gripes with the album other than that I was left wanting more; both in the sense of "more songs on the album" (I listened to the original release which clocks in at 32 minutes with 10 songs) and "more from the songs themselves" in that some of the tracks felt a bit lacking in sections. There's nothing too big that I would consider large enough of an issue to seriously mention here, but just small things that I felt could be improved. Overall, the album is very solid and a major step up from their previous showing. I'd say if you dug the band or Lynne's previous work that this is worth a listen.. 

    Highlights: Dirty to the Bone, When the Night Comes, Ain't It a Drag, One Step at a Time.
 

Rating: 4/6