Summary:Self-produced, the first release of new music from ELO since 2001's Zoom was completely a one-man project except for Jeff's daughter Laura Lynne on backing vocals.
Alone In The Universe is a triumph of songcraft and studio invention, one that trounces notions of soft rock and guilty pleasures. He might be a man alone, but he’s got the whole world, potentially, in his hands. Again.
The predictability of Alone In The Universe is its strongest suit, these are all cast-iron songs that will sit on an ELO retrospective beamed down from that spaceship in 10538 and nobody would imagine they were released 40 years after their golden age.
At 32 minutes, Alone in the Universe is remarkably devoid of excess--notably, it's just five minutes longer than his breezy 2012 covers album Long Wave--but it doesn't feel shrugged off, nor does it feel especially attached to its time.
Few of the new tracks reach that level of greatness [of his classic hits], and flimsy lyrics mar a couple. But several worm their way into the ear endearingly.
Four-and-a-half decades on from the original band’s formation, Lynne’s voice is as warm and comforting as ever, his ear for a hook still sharp and his production is as shiny and gorgeous as a celebrity model’s hair from a shampoo advert. But still, there’s something missing.
This is Lynne's strongest batch of songs since at least Discovery. In ELO's heyday a number of these would have been hit singles: "When I WasThis is Lynne's strongest batch of songs since at least Discovery. In ELO's heyday a number of these would have been hit singles: "When I Was A Boy," "When The Night Comes," "One Step At A Time," the title track, "The Sun Will Shine On You," and "All My Life." Some of the professional reviews lament this album not having a "big" sound - ironic, considering that most contemporary reviews at the time blasted ELO for being *too* "bombastic" - but the last time Lynne did full blown symphonic music was Out of the Blue's Concerto for a Rainy Day, so Alone in the Universe isn't any less of a "big sound" than Discovery, Time, Secret Messages, etc. What Lynne has here on this album is his most focused, best pop music in decades and Alone in the Universe rivals ELO's best albums.…Expand
I have just bought and listened to this album (Alone in the Universe).
At 67 I still love Jeff Lynns music, some songs I like more thanI have just bought and listened to this album (Alone in the Universe).
At 67 I still love Jeff Lynns music, some songs I like more than others but their is not a bad song.
Well done Jeff and thank you, a really good album that sits well aside the others.
I think some of these lyrics may be about Jeff Lynns experience of life and I am sure the lyrics will strike many a chord with the listening public.
10 out of 10 from me.
Judd123 on the 19th of November 2015 at 15.55 hours.
Merry Christmas to you all.…Expand
I thought this album was very instant and there wasn't a song that I didn't like on first playing. Normally there's one or two song on pastI thought this album was very instant and there wasn't a song that I didn't like on first playing. Normally there's one or two song on past ELO albums that have had to grow on me but this one was a winner right away. Over time I suspect it will be a real favourite with ELO fans. It's taken different elements from different phases in Jeff Lynne's style development and blended them into a very pleasing album. My only criticism is that it is too short - but, I'd rather that than a CD that outstays it's welcome. Definitely get the deluxe edition though, the extra tracks are good and it makes for a better length of album.…Expand
"Hallelujah, Jeffrey Genius just released another album!" This will always be my default reaction to Jeff Lynne/ELO coming out with new"Hallelujah, Jeffrey Genius just released another album!" This will always be my default reaction to Jeff Lynne/ELO coming out with new material. So then, the trick for me as a mega-fan is to try and drill a bit deeper as I momentarily wipe the smile off my face and type. I think the first thing to consider is that Jeff played all the instruments here. And why not? - he's inarguably an accomplished musician. That said, maybe the album should have come out as a solo album. Am I criticizing my boy right out of the gate? Heaven forbid; it's a fantastic album. But when I think of ELO, I think of strings and layered arrangements as I imagine a dozen or so musicians doing their thing on stage. The strings are replaced by keyboards and it doesn't have fullness of classic ELO. Hey, the guy can't be a virtuoso on every instrument in the world! I understand. But the virtuosity of the violinists, drummers, and keyboardists on ELO albums is what elevates them (just slightly) from being merely Jeff's solo albums (did I say "merely" - for shame...). Each track here has it's own identity and yet is easily identifiable as Jeff Lynne. That's no small feat in music. The album is utterly "listenable" all the way through and there are no throwaways here at all. Even the bonus tracks are solid! Bottom line - As an ELO album, I'd give it a solid 8.5 (if only I could on this site). As a Jeff Lynne solo album - 10. Hence, my rating of 9. Who knows. maybe when you're 67 you no longer want to follow a studio schedule dictated by being in a full band, but for the next (truly) ELO album, it sure would be nice! Thanks, Jeff!!…Expand
"When I Was a Boy" is perhaps Lynne's best song ever. Most ELO songs, beautiful as they may be with harmonies and orchestral arrangements"When I Was a Boy" is perhaps Lynne's best song ever. Most ELO songs, beautiful as they may be with harmonies and orchestral arrangements mixed with rock guitars, have no real meaning, but this song does, and it's touching and very, very catchy, and beautiful. Not sure about the other songs, save for "Ain't It a Drag," another nice one! But, "When I Was a Boy" is like a masterpiece in 3 minutes, so it's hard to compete with. It's not New World Record or Face the Music, but f you love Lynne, and ELO, you'll have to have this, too.…Expand
Jeff Lynne shows on Alone in the Universe that his qualities not only belong to the profession as a producer. His extensive knowledge providesJeff Lynne shows on Alone in the Universe that his qualities not only belong to the profession as a producer. His extensive knowledge provides ten songs in which the chord progressions and the length determine everything. The rhythmic textures, warm harmonies and catchy melodies gives meaning to the sound ELO has become famous with. The innovations from the present integrates Jeff neatly in the Strange Magic of his comprehensive sound. The musical genius has taken off with his spaceship from the past, to descend into the current time and in a successfully way establish a connection with the present.
Full Review: http://www.platendraaier.nl/albumrecensies/jeff-lynnes-elo-alone-in-the-universe/…Expand
Didn't really enjoy it constantly played at home and that is why I find it so irritating I don't think I will ever like this album so there isDidn't really enjoy it constantly played at home and that is why I find it so irritating I don't think I will ever like this album so there is really no point continuing this review.…Expand
