From Out of Nowhere

    From Out of Nowhere is (at the time of writing) the final album from ELO. This is the last album that I have left to review that I had already known before starting this blog, making it the last item from the backlog (remember that, from over 3 years ago?). In a way, this being the last Electric Light Orchestra album and the last album from my original backlog feels fitting, as the whole album feels like a goodbye. The overarching theme that purveys most of the songs is one of finality and leaving something or someone, and maybe it's just because this album holds a bit of nostalgia for me and the fact that I'm at the precipice of an uncertain time in my life at the moment, but it really hit me hard. I'll say that I cried at multiple points throughout the album and not expound too much on it, as I feel this is a personal experience that most other people won't necessarily have listening, but it's my review so it earns a mention. From Out of Nowhere continues the pseudo-acoustic sound from the Alone in the Universe, but expands on it and is able to mix in new elements that I think greatly enhance the music; Jeff Lynne's mastery over melody and harmony even at his age is shown excellently here. The music also features a lot of references and homage to older rock, especially from the 50s/60s with some of the guitar and piano riffs that he pulls out. There's also a good amount of callbacks to ELO's discography that I liked, as a fan of the band. I think that this is a great album and, if it is indeed the last work to ever come from ELO or Jeff Lynne (which is looking like it might be), I think that it's a good note to go out on. This album means a lot to me, and it's an honor that I've been able to review it, as well as every other work I've looked at on this site, and that you've been here to read what I have to say, at least some of it. I truly thank you for being here with me.

    Highlights: From Out of Nowhere, Help Yourself, All My Love, Losing You, One More Time, Sci-Fi Woman, Time of Our Life.

Rating: 5/6