Mr. Blue Sky: The Very Best
by Electric Light Orchestra
Metascore
62

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 7
  3. Negative: 1 out of 7
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  1. AllMusic
    Oct 30, 2012
    70
    This is by no means an embarrassing stroll down memory lane. It can be quite fun, actually, even if it is somewhat baffling.
  2. Uncut
    Oct 30, 2012
    80
    The new versions are, to all intents and purposes, exactly the same as the old versions, they're just more so, if that makes sense.
  3. Mojo
    Dec 13, 2012
    60
    This enjoyable act of historical revisionism highlights the still definitive source material. [Nov 2012, p.100]
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  5. Q Magazine
    Nov 21, 2012
    60
    While the songs remain wonderful, Mr. Blue Sky feels like Lynne righting imaginary wrongs. [Dec 2012, p.111]
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  6. The A.V. Club
    Oct 30, 2012
    25
    Mr. Blue Sky is the musical equivalent of George Lucas changing a few of the special effects in the Star Wars films and then re-issuing them (again).
  7. Consequence
    Oct 30, 2012
    70
    Whatever digital rosin Lynne is using these days seems to be working. "Strange Magic", "Don't Bring Me Down", and "Do Ya" are just a few tracks that sound faster and fresher.
  8. BBC Music
    Oct 30, 2012
    70
    It's like these songs have had their windows cleaned, a few crows' feet ironed out.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10
  1. Oliivirrian
    Jan 5, 2021
    6
    The older one was better :/ .
  2. lookinforsmthng
    May 1, 2018
    10
    The only flawed part is the ending, and maybe the cowbell if that's not your thing, but it is consistent in tone while having varied elements,The only flawed part is the ending, and maybe the cowbell if that's not your thing, but it is consistent in tone while having varied elements, and features one of the best and most underrated guitar solos of all time.… Full Review »
  3. MerseyMal
    Oct 19, 2017
    6
    Not bad re-recordings of ELO classics but somehow missing the essence of their original recordings e.g. Roy Wood on 10538 Overture, BevNot bad re-recordings of ELO classics but somehow missing the essence of their original recordings e.g. Roy Wood on 10538 Overture, Bev Bevan's drums, Richard Tandy's keyboards and Kelly Groucutt's backing vocals.… Full Review »
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