All Electric Light Orchestra Albums in Order of Release Date

Also See: The Moody Blues Albums in Order

How many albums does Electric Light Orchestra have?

The discography of Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) consists of Fifteen (15) studio albums, 7 live albums, 40 compilation albums, 13 video albums, 33 music videos, 1 extended play, 50 singles, 1 soundtrack album and 8 box sets.

The List of Electric Light Orchestra Albums in Order of Release Date

Here is the list of Electric Light Orchestra Album in Order of Release Date 

1. The Electric Light Orchestra — December 1971
2. ELO 2 — January 1973
3. On the Third Day — November 1973
4. Eldorado — September 1974
5. Face the Music — September 1975
6. A New World Record — October 1976
7. Out of the Blue — 3 October 1977
8. Discovery — 1 June 1979
9. Xanadu — 11 July 1980
10. Time — 31 July 1981
11. Secret Messages — 24 June 1983
12. Balance of Power — 17 February 1986
13. Zoom — 12 June 2001
14. Alone in the Universe — 13 November 2015
15. From Out of Nowhere — 1 November 2019

All Electric Light Orchestra Albums List in Order

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1. The Electric Light Orchestra (1971)

Tracks

1. 10538 Overture
2. Look at Me Now
3. Nellie Takes Her Bow
4. The Battle of Marston Moor (July 2nd 1644)
5. First Movement (Jumping Biz)
6. Mr. Radio
7. Manhattan Rumble (49th Street Massacre)
8. Queen of the Hours
9. Whisper in the Night

The Electric Light Orchestra, the debut album by the English rock band Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), was released in December 1971 in the UK by Harvest Records and in March 1972 in the U.S., where it was titled No Answer due to a miscommunication. Created by Roy Wood, Jeff Lynne, and Bev Bevan, the album blended classical and rock influences, pioneering the “baroque-and-roll” sound with heavy cello riffs and woodwind arrangements. Tracks like “10538 Overture” showcased the band’s experimental approach, featuring overdubs and orchestral instrumentation. Its iconic cover, designed by Hipgnosis, depicted a baroque dance hall, symbolizing ELO’s unique fusion of eras and styles.

2. ELO 2 (1973)

Tracks

1. In Old England Town (Boogie No. 2)
2. Momma
3. Roll Over Beethoven
4. From the Sun to the World (Boogie No. 1)
5. Kuiama

ELO 2, released in 1973, marks Electric Light Orchestra’s transition towards their signature symphonic rock sound. Known as Electric Light Orchestra II in the U.S., it was their last release under Harvest Records and the first to adopt the shorthand “ELO.” Initially titled The Lost Planet, the album underwent changes after Roy Wood departed, leaving Jeff Lynne to fully embrace orchestral arrangements. It features sprawling, multi-layered compositions, such as the anti-war epic Kuiama and an iconic cover of Chuck Berry’s Roll Over Beethoven, blending classical influences with rock. Though receiving mixed reviews, ELO 2 laid a foundation for the band’s growing success.

3. On the Third Day (1973)

Tracks

1. Ocean Breakup / King of the Universe
2. Bluebird Is Dead
3. Oh No Not Susan
4. New World Rising / Ocean Breakup (Reprise)
5. Showdown
6. Daybreaker
7. Ma-Ma-Ma Belle
8. Dreaming of 4000
9. In the Hall of the Mountain King

“On the Third Day,” Electric Light Orchestra’s (ELO) third studio album, marked a turning point for the band following Roy Wood’s departure. Released in November 1973 in the U.S. and December 1973 in the U.K., it was the first album without “The” in the band’s name. Featuring shorter, concise tracks compared to its predecessor, side one seamlessly connected four songs into a symphonic suite. Violinist Mik Kaminski made his debut here, while Wilfred Gibson appeared on side two. Notably, “Showdown,” originally a single, was included only on the U.S. release. Though the album peaked at 52 on the U.S. Billboard 200, it failed to chart in the U.K.

4. Eldorado (1974)

Tracks

1. Eldorado Overture
2. Can’t Get It Out of My Head
3. Boy Blue
4. Laredo Tornado
5. Poor Boy (The Greenwood)
6. Mister Kingdom
7. Nobody’s Child
8. Illusions in G Major
9. Eldorado
10. Eldorado Finale

Released in 1974, Eldorado marked Electric Light Orchestra’s (ELO) first full-fledged concept album, showcasing Jeff Lynne’s storytelling genius. The album follows a dreamer escaping mundane reality through vivid fantasies, a theme driven by Lynne’s desire to respond to his father’s criticism about ELO’s music lacking melody. For the first time, Lynne employed a full orchestra, conducted by Louis Clark, blending rock with symphonic grandeur. Tracks like “Can’t Get It Out of My Head” became classics, propelling the album to Gold certification in the U.S. Critically acclaimed, Eldorado was lauded for its Beatlesque influences and progressive rock innovation, solidifying ELO’s iconic sound.

5. Face the Music (1975)

Tracks

1. Fire On High
2. Waterfall
3. Evil Woman
4. Nightrider
5. Poker
6. Strange Magic
7. Down Home Town
8. One Summer Dream

Face the Music is Electric Light Orchestra’s fifth studio album, released in September 1975 in the US and later in the UK. Moving away from the grand orchestral arrangements of Eldorado, ELO embraced a more radio-friendly pop/rock sound while still retaining prominent string elements. This shift marked a turning point, as Face the Music became their first platinum-certified album. Recorded at Musicland Studios in Munich, the lineup included newcomers Kelly Groucutt on bass and Melvyn Gale on cello. The album features standout tracks like “Evil Woman”, a global hit, and “Strange Magic”. With its innovative fusion of rock and classical, it cemented ELO’s path to mainstream success.

6. A New World Record (1976)

Tracks

1. Tightrope
2. Telephone Line
3. Rockaria!
4. Mission (A World Record)
5. So Fine
6. Livin’ Thing
7. Above the Clouds
8. Do Ya
9. Shangri-La

A New World Record is the sixth studio album by Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), released on October 15, 1976. Marking the band’s breakthrough in the UK, it became their first top-ten album there and reached multi-platinum status worldwide. The album features a mix of orchestral rock and pop, with hit singles like “Telephone Line” and “Livin’ Thing.” ELO’s transition to shorter pop songs became a hallmark of their sound. Produced by Jeff Lynne, the album’s sophisticated orchestral arrangements and catchy melodies earned critical acclaim. With over five million copies sold globally within its first year, it solidified ELO’s place as a major force in rock music.

7. Out of the Blue (1977)

Tracks

1. Turn to Stone
2. It’s Over
3. Sweet Talkin’ Woman
4. Across the Border
5. Night in the City
6. Starlight
7. Jungle
8. Believe Me Now
9. Steppin’ Out

Out of the Blue, the seventh studio album by Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), was released on October 24, 1977, in the U.S. and four days later in the U.K. Written and produced by Jeff Lynne, the double album became one of ELO’s most commercially successful, selling approximately 10 million copies globally by 2007. The album features a blend of rock and orchestral elements, showcasing Lynne’s creativity, particularly through the extensive use of the vocoder. Notable tracks include “Mr. Blue Sky,” “Turn to Stone,” and “Sweet Talkin’ Woman,” with the latter’s disco influence marking a key moment in ELO’s evolution. Out of the Blue remains a milestone in the band’s catalog and a classic in the rock genre.

8. Discovery (1979)

Tracks

1. Shine a Little Love
2. Confusion
3. Need Her Love
4. The Diary of Horace Wimp
5. Last Train to London
6. Midnight Blue
7. On the Run
8. Wishing
9. Don’t Bring Me Down

Discovery, the eighth studio album by Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), was released on June 1, 1979, in the UK and June 8 in the U.S. It marked a significant shift in the band’s sound, embracing disco influences. Featuring hits like “Shine a Little Love,” “Don’t Bring Me Down,” and “Last Train to London,” the album was ELO’s first to reach number one in the UK, staying at the top for five weeks. It also became the first album in UK history to generate four top-ten singles. Certified 2× Platinum by the RIAA in 1997, Discovery was notable for its departure from traditional orchestral arrangements, focusing more on synthesizers and pop elements.

9. Xanadu (1980)

Tracks

1. Magic
2. Suddenly
3. Dancin
4. Suspended in Time
5. Whenever You’re Away from Me
6. I’m Alive
7. The Fall
8. Don’t Walk Away
9. All Over the World
10. Xanadu

Xanadu, released in 1980, is the soundtrack for the musical film of the same name, featuring Olivia Newton-John and Electric Light Orchestra (ELO). The album was a commercial success, achieving double platinum status in the US and Canada, despite the film’s lackluster reception. It features a mix of Olivia Newton-John’s pop ballads and ELO’s rock tracks, including the hit singles “Magic” and “Xanadu,” which topped charts in several countries. Critically, the soundtrack received positive reviews for its blend of catchy tunes, with highlights including “I’m Alive” and the title track. It remains a significant 80s pop culture relic, earning international acclaim and impressive sales worldwide.

10. Time (1981)

Tracks

1. Prologue
2. Twilight
3. Yours Truly, 2095
4. Ticket to the Moon
5. The Way Life’s Meant to Be
6. Another Heart Breaks
7. Rain Is Falling
8. From the End of the World
9. The Lights Go Down
10. Here Is the News
11. 21st Century Man
12. Hold On Tight
13. Epilogue

Time, the ninth studio album by Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), was released in July 1981. This concept album explores the story of a man from the 1980s who is transported to the year 2095, grappling with the tension between technological advancements and nostalgic longing for past romance. The album marked a departure from ELO’s orchestral rock roots, embracing a synth-pop style infused with elements of 1950s music, new wave, and rockabilly. Though initially met with mixed reviews, Time topped the UK Albums Chart and has since gained a cult following, particularly among retrofuturists, influencing artists like Daft Punk.

11. Secret Messages (1983)

 

Tracks

1. Secret Messages
2. Loser Gone Wild
3. Bluebird
4. Take Me On and On
5. Four Little Diamonds
6. Stranger
7. Danger Ahead
8. Letter from Spain
9. Train of Gold
10. Rock ‘n’ Roll Is King

Secret Messages is Electric Light Orchestra’s tenth studio album, released in 1983. Marking the end of an era, it was the last album with bass guitarist Kelly Groucutt and conductor Louis Clark, as well as the final release on Jet Records. The album is known for its playful use of hidden messages, including backmasking, as a response to accusations of Satanic content on earlier albums. The cover art features classical references, with band members subtly incorporated into the design. The album, initially intended as a double album, achieved commercial success, peaking in the top 40 worldwide and spawning several singles.

12. Balance of Power (1986)

Tracks

1. Heaven Only Knows
2. So Serious
3. Getting to the Point
4. Secret Lives
5. Is It Alright
6. Sorrow About to Fall
7. Without Someone
8. Calling America
9. Endless Lies
10. Send It

Balance of Power, released in 1986, marks Electric Light Orchestra’s (ELO) eleventh studio album and the band’s final project before their initial disbanding. It features Jeff Lynne taking a hands-on approach as producer, handling most of the instruments, including bass and synthesizers, while co-founder Bev Bevan and keyboardist Richard Tandy contributed. The album’s production was delayed, and it was ultimately released in March 1986. Highlighting the band’s evolving sound, tracks like “Calling America” and “Endless Lies” showcase their use of synthesizers and polished pop-rock styles. This album also signified the end of an era for ELO, with the band’s final live show in 1986.

13. Zoom (2001)

Tracks

1. Alright
2. Moment in Paradise
3. State of Mind
4. Just for Love
5. Stranger on a Quiet Street
6. In My Own Time
7. Easy Money
8. It Really Doesn’t Matter
9. Ordinary Dream
10. A Long Time Gone
11. Melting in the Sun
12. All She Wanted
13. Lonesome Lullaby

Zoom is the twelfth studio album by Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), released on June 12, 2001, marking the band’s first new material in 15 years. Recorded primarily by Jeff Lynne, the album features contributions from George Harrison and Ringo Starr, with Lynne handling most of the instrumentation. The absence of original drummer Bev Bevan is notable, as is Harrison’s involvement, making it one of his final recordings. Despite being marketed as a return to the classic ELO sound, Zoom received modest sales, peaking at No. 34 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 94 on the US Billboard 200. A remastered version in 2013 included bonus tracks, offering additional live performances and unreleased material.

14. Alone in the Universe (2015)

Tracks

1. When I Was a Boy
2. Love and Rain
3. Dirty to the Bone
4. When the Night Comes
5. The Sun Will Shine on You
6. Ain’t It a Drag
7. All My Life
8. I’m Leaving You
9. One Step at a Time
10. Alone in the Universe
11. On My Mind

Alone in the Universe is the thirteenth studio album by Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), released on November 13, 2015, under the moniker “Jeff Lynne’s ELO.” It marks the band’s first new material since Zoom (2001) and their return after disbanding in 1986. The album, largely written and produced by Jeff Lynne, showcases a blend of pop, rock, and orchestral elements, with Lynne playing most instruments. Tracks like “When I Was a Boy” and “Love and Rain” highlight his autobiographical songwriting. The album was well-received, peaking at number two on the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart and achieving platinum status in the UK.

15. From Out of Nowhere (2019)

Tracks

1. From Out of Nowhere
2. Help Yourself
3. All My Love
4. Down Came the Rain
5. Losing You
6. One More Time
7. Sci-Fi Woman
8. Goin’ Out on Me
9. Time of Our Life
10. Songbird

From Out of Nowhere is the fourteenth studio album by Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), released on November 1, 2019. It marks the second album under Jeff Lynne’s ELO moniker and the band’s first studio release in four years. The title track, which was also the lead single, reflects themes of hope and salvation, mirroring the album’s optimistic tone. Lynne played most instruments on the record, with Richard Tandy returning for one track before his passing in 2024. The album received generally favorable reviews and charted globally, peaking at number one in the UK and reaching the top 50 in the US.

Conclusion:

The Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) discography highlights their remarkable journey as pioneers of symphonic rock, blending classical elements with pop and futuristic themes. Formed in 1970 by Jeff Lynne, Roy Wood, and Bev Bevan, ELO’s innovative sound and iconic albums like Out of the Blue (1977), Discovery (1979), and Time (1981) brought global acclaim, selling over 50 million records worldwide. Despite lineup changes and brief inactivity, Jeff Lynne’s leadership sustained ELO’s legacy, culminating in a 15-album studio discography. With 27 UK Top 40 hits and numerous accolades, Electric Light Orchestra remains a defining force in rock history, inspiring generations of fans.

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