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Post by janne on Nov 13, 2015 6:15:27 GMT
Release day today, November 13!
I suggest we gather our own reviews of Alone In The Universe in this thread, rather in the general album thread where a lot of different stuff is.
First listen for me right now, I will come back with a more comprehensive review.
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Post by thewordsofaaron on Nov 13, 2015 13:54:27 GMT
hmmm....looks like nobody is prepared to go out on a limb....so i will....ahem....ok...i havent listened to it yet.....(wheres the bleedin postman gone)...so....having heard a few tracks last night at the beeb....and bits and pieces here and there...
its brilliant...best thing Jeff has done for the last ten years at least....lol....
im not going to yab on about this track sounds like that one...or 'oh no its back to BoP' etc....
probably me but i dont hear all the 'sounds like' this that and the other....
so....this is Jeff many years after OOTB, FTM, ANWR and he has matured....and its not the classic ELO that i love from around the Eldorado period....but then why should it be...people have to move on...and i will give you an example...
Queen...i love their early stuff...the further they got along the line over the years i hated their stuff more and more....but...and im not a Queen fan as some are....thats musical development...you cant stand still....and Jeff didnt...hasnt....if he had the last ten albums would be FTM part 2, 3, 4, 5 etc etc....
so Jeff...10 out of 10 for me....and thanks for all the listening pleasure over the years...even if, at times, i didnt get what you were doing but came round to it eventually....
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Post by soonerorlater on Nov 13, 2015 14:44:26 GMT
First listen and it's difficult to be objective isn't it? We all have different tastes and opinions when it comes to so many things, let alone our mutual love of the music of Jeff Lynne and ELO. There's a jumble of emotions for us all to contend with and right now my chief one is relief - relief that it's finally here and it's as good as I'd hoped it could be! Is it as good as Zoom? I'm not sure yet. As good as Balance Of Power? Certainly but it's completely different. Do comparisons actually matter anyway?
This is a beautifully crafted album that is strong and consistent. My initial favourites are The Sun Will Shine On You, All My Life and the title track but I'm sure that will change as time progresses. I love the bonus tracks but I'd agree that Fault Line doesn't sit well where it is on the track listing but, it's a bonus track so what else could they do?! The only song that doesn't quite do it for me is When The Night Comes. I like the guitar break but that aside, ever since I first heard it I wasn't totally sold on it. Again, we'll see over time.
No actual grading from me, it's just fabulous and I'm off to play it all over again!
Hope you all enjoy it too.
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Post by dillwyn on Nov 13, 2015 15:21:49 GMT
listen to the whole album once (+ bonus tracks) once, in between back-to-back meetings .. I was surprised on first hearing the strongest tracks are the ones i'd already heard. Maybe that is just familiarity, currently I don't hear a killer track ....just lots of fair to good ones...
I will have it on heavy rotation over the next few days ...initial impression love and rain feels under developed to me.
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Post by janne on Nov 13, 2015 16:26:31 GMT
So, initial review after exactly two listens:
A bit disappointed, since it sounds like Zoom Vol. 2, and I don't care for that album at all. The most truly ELO like song is When I Was A Boy, which I think is a good song with the possibility to grow.
I wanted synths, I wanted strings, but most of all I wanted strong melodies. Perhaps they are there, so I will of course listen a lot more to the album.
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Post by bhabs on Nov 13, 2015 16:26:36 GMT
I reviewed the album back when NPR first started streaming it, but I will say I stand by my initial thoughts: Very strong album, but not quite Jeff's greatest work; B+. The biggest thing for me is that some of the songs could have been longer and more developed. But as they stand, they're already great. Ain't It a Drag, One Step at a Time, and Alone in the Universe are probably my favorites. The melodies are so infectious! But then again, that's the case with most of the tracks!
As for bonus tracks, Fault Line is pretty weak, while Blue is very strong. I think the latter could have been a regular track on the album. Also, if anyone gets a hold of On My Mind, please let me know! I'm trying to burn a CD for my car with all the bonus tracks on there.
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Post by LoserGoneWild on Nov 13, 2015 16:40:22 GMT
I posted on Facebook that for me personally this album has followed a similar pattern as other Jeff Lynne albums in that I wasn't sure after the first listen, was getting it on the second but totally hooked after the third. My initial feeling was 9/10 but I am upping it to 10.
Great album full of gold 3 minute pop nuggets. I did have reservations about the track lengths initially but in the context of the whole album it seems to work. Mind you the song lengths on Zoom weren't much longer. The songs don't outstay their welcome and when you get to the end you are hungry to hear them all over again.
For me Love & Rain is a killer track. I love that mood changer at around the 2.30 mark. It just raises the whole level. All the songs are eminently singable and every one an earworm. And the title track provides an anthemic climax.
As for the bonus tracks? I actually don't mind Faultline. But Blue is a real surprise. It has a kind of Latin-American feel and I keep feeling that I may take up the Bossa-nova.
All in all a great listen that gets better with every spin.
10/10
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Post by Chippa on Nov 13, 2015 19:37:48 GMT
I've got it!
First off, love the 3-D cover, and the inner sleeve artwork with all the little touches like photos of Jeff as a kid, and the old radio.
Now on to the songs!
When I Was A Boy - Loved it from the first time I heard it. Melancholy and slightly sad feel, but a hopeful song about holding on tight to your dreams(to paraphrase another ELO song).
Love And Rain - I get the "Showdown" comparison, but this song stands out as being something special. Laura Lynne has some pipes! A great soul/R&B throwback, but with a modern touch that doesn't make it feel dated. Almost like an old Al Green song, or a new Alabama Shakes song! Great guitar solo, and the little bridge towards the end is outright brilliant. What a song!
Dirty To The Bone - A sunny sounding pop song, with the lyrics being a total contrast to the musical feel of the track. Wonder is this is about Rosie Vela? haha. Love Jeff's dry, upfront vocal parts ("she'll deceive you til the cows come home"), and the rippling keyboard that we've heard so many times on his other work. Super catchy and melodic. Another great song.
When The Night Comes- I like the pop-reggae influence, here. Shine it up a bit more, and layer some more synths and it could have been on "Balance Of Power". Definitely has hints of "Is It Alright". This one will likely grow on me.
The Sun Will Shine On You - On his last two albums of new material, Jeff had a couple of songs that really stood out as different-"Moment In Paradise", from "Zoom", and "Now You're Gone", from "Armchair Theater". This one continues that trend. God, what a feel to this song! Wasn't sure about it when it kicked off, but it built to something really magical. Love the subtle melody, and the "bits" in the background. If someone asked me to describe this song, I don't think I could! Maybe ....space age pop with a mildly melancholic country feel?? Hell, I can't! This is a fantastic piece of work! Just stunning.
Ain't A Drag- Damn fun rocker! Jeff doing his best Dylan voice, which is always cool. Kinda like way more upbeat "It Ain't Me, Babe" with a slightly surf-rock/late 60's Brit rock feel. Tremendous!
All My Life- The first outright love song of the set. Majestic power balladry. Love Jeff's voice on the chorus and bridge. Chills! I've gotta say, I love Jeff's solo guitar work on this album, so far. Simple, but effective. I could see this being a wedding song. Gorgeous song. Love it.
I'm Leaving You - Very sincere Roy Orbison tribute, with bits of all Roy's greatest hits thrown in. Probably my least favorite, so far, but far from a bad song.
One Step At A Time - Wow! It's like the best of "Secret Messages/"Time" with a disco-flavored chorus, and a verse with an almost 40's/50's feel. This song is outstanding, not only because of the great melody and overall feel, but also because it's quirky as hell!
Alone In The Universe - Space age melancholia, with an almost Flaming Lips/Grandaddy feel. Jeff Lynne's chord sequences kill me. How the hell does he do it? Love all the little blips and beeps going on in the background. Almost sounds like he recorded it in space!
Fault Line - Reminds me a lot of "The Midnight Special". Definitely a John Fogerty/Mark Knopfler folk-country sound here. Very catchy! I could see some young country artist having a hit with this. Are those seagulls at the end the same ones from "Armchair Theater"? haha.
Blue - Kicks off almost sounding like a Wilco song, then goes into an Everly Bros. type sound. Love the bridge! Really makes the song special. I wonder if he wrote this as a subtle tribute to George Harrison?
Overall, this gets a strong 9.5/10. Standout tracks are Love and Rain, The Sun Will Shine On You, All My Life, One Step At A Time, and Ain't It A Drag. Great to have "the man" back!
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Post by 88keys on Nov 13, 2015 20:43:26 GMT
I have my beautiful vinyl copy and am in LOVE! I only listened to the NPR stream once in the background while doing school work, but now that I can properly immerse myself in it....and it's blowing me away! my gosh All My Life is making my tear up! OMG. Jeff damn you! I'm freaking crying! Sorry! LOL. His voice is vulnerable and sincere.
Ok I need to get a grip. Fuck. This is overwhelming. I love you Jeff!
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Post by Deleted on Nov 14, 2015 1:22:08 GMT
After hearing about the terrible news out of Paris, I had to put this on in order to help soothe my soul. And boy did it do the trick! Love And Rain is jawdropping, for lack of a more subtle term. Jeff has a real soulful streak running through his DNA. And huge kudos to Laura for belting out those backing vocals like something out of the Stax-Volt era!
All My Life is one of the best songs I have ever heard. Not just a Jeff Lynne song or ELO song, but one of the best songs I've heard, PERIOD! Somebody needs to make sure this song gets heard by as many people as possible.
I'll get to the rest later. Have to run for dinner! Enjoy the album, ELO family!
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Post by tightrope on Nov 14, 2015 2:45:44 GMT
All My Life is a beautiful song and seems so heartfelt. I wonder if he wrote it for his girlfriend who he credits for encouraging him while recording the album.
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Post by thewordsofaaron on Nov 14, 2015 15:39:14 GMT
I Am Alone In The Universe....amazon didn't deliver it yday...b'stards....got it today...but my son I stuck in front of the box with a effing minion movie on...zzzz....i could go and sit I the car....
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Post by thewordsofaaron on Nov 14, 2015 15:47:08 GMT
So, initial review after exactly two listens: A bit disappointed, since it sounds like Zoom Vol. 2, and I don't care for that album at all. The most truly ELO like song is When I Was A Boy, which I think is a good song with the possibility to grow. I wanted synths, I wanted strings, but most of all I wanted strong melodies. Perhaps they are there, so I will of course listen a lot more to the album. Sorry...but I don't understand what people don't get about the Zoom album...Ordinary Dream has ELO stamped all over it...ive still only heard a few tracks from AITU but its nothing like Zoom...to me anyway... Completely disagree.....
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Post by tightrope on Nov 14, 2015 16:07:47 GMT
So, initial review after exactly two listens: A bit disappointed, since it sounds like Zoom Vol. 2, and I don't care for that album at all. The most truly ELO like song is When I Was A Boy, which I think is a good song with the possibility to grow. I wanted synths, I wanted strings, but most of all I wanted strong melodies. Perhaps they are there, so I will of course listen a lot more to the album. Sorry...but I don't understand what people don't get about the Zoom album...Ordinary Dream has ELO stamped all over it...ive still only heard a few tracks from AITU but its nothing like Zoom...to me anyway... Completely disagree..... Zoom was a superb album that showed another side of Lynne's genius. Alone in the Universe is however, a step up from that. It seems Jeff is getting better with age and has further separated himself from other great acts from the 70's and 80's. He is in a league of his own. I know I'm biased but this is the best album I've heard since OOTB from anyone, a 38 year span. Yes, I do realize that includes Time, Discovery and everything else. Only Full Moon Fever comes close IMO.
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Post by elophile on Nov 14, 2015 16:09:44 GMT
So, initial review after exactly two listens: A bit disappointed, since it sounds like Zoom Vol. 2, and I don't care for that album at all. The most truly ELO like song is When I Was A Boy, which I think is a good song with the possibility to grow. I wanted synths, I wanted strings, but most of all I wanted strong melodies. Perhaps they are there, so I will of course listen a lot more to the album. Sorry...but I don't understand what people don't get about the Zoom album...Ordinary Dream has ELO stamped all over it...ive still only heard a few tracks from AITU but its nothing like Zoom...to me anyway... Completely disagree..... I held off getting ZOOM for a long time just assuming I wouldn't like it - having been burnt by late career albums from other artists. It's turned out to be one of my favorite ELO albums. Right up there with OOTB and TIME. So yeah, I don't get it either. ZOOM is filled with super solid songs, it taught me to have faith in Jeff to always deliver.
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