Balance Of Power

I first got to know of Jeff Lynne when he was a Wilbury and he'd more or less forgotten about ELO in favour of his new best friends. As a safe bet I bought ELO's "best of" to see how I liked it, and I did! Since then I've loosely been an ELO fan. When he appeared at the Radio 2 Hyde Park concert a few years ago my interest in ELO was rekindled. This album is very typical of his work, he does the vocals and most of the instruments himself, and I like every track on Balance of Power. I think my favourite ELO work is Time. If you haven't heard either of these albums I recommend them both, you won't be disappointed.

I have never ever heard a bad Jeff Lynne track yet alone album and this is like all of ELO's albums ; amazing.Getting To The Pointis a work of pure genius that is one of my all time favourites and there are many more gems on this album that will grow on you more and more with each playing. Buy it and enjoy. His music does not show its age but as with other geniuses like Beethovenand Mozart is timeless. Forget Lennon and Mcartney, Lynne is the real deal, Bob Dylan, George Harrison,and Tom Petty werejust 3 who marveled at his productions and who else has ever produced for the other genius over the pond Brian Wilson.Long may this Collossus continue to entertain us.

A surprisingly good album from Jeffrey Lynne given that the orchestra had effectively been dissolved. The comparison with The Travelling Wilberrys is, unsurprisingly, strong given that Lynne has impersonated Roy Orbison very closely here. Anyway, this is a lovely valedictory album although, it has to be said, it isn't as good as the albums which preceded it.

The final bonus track alone (Destination Unknown) on this album is well and truly the best reason to buy this great remastsred version of this album. Just quite Why (and I've read others who have asked this too) this track was relegated to bonus & a B-side. The Album is more 80s kind of synth base which for me works really well. I love the tracks SO SERIOUS, CALLING AMERICA & GETTING TO THE POINT very big sound. Great Album, Unfortunatley only the original version of the album is available as an amazon download without any of the great bonus tracks, which is a big shame.

Missed this when I replaced all my other ELO vinyl. What a mistake to make!. It's excellent, and even though Jeff Lynne was redefining the direction he wanted to go and there is much less string backing, he has produced some brilliant tracks of a more conventional nature. Ranging from the lively "Calling America" and "So Serious" to the more melodic "Getting to the Point" and the stunningly gorgeous "Without Someone" (which really should have been a single), it's a pleasure to listen to all the way through.

Once you get past not having the usual ELO string arrangements and the 80's feel to the production this is a great album. Why some of the bonus tracks were left off the original album is beyond me ! Well worth a listen. Its a crime this wasn't more successful at the time it was originally released.

Typical Jeff Lynne melodies but some stranger lyrics than usual I have not read any other reviews of this but had never heard it in all my years of following ELO. Overall enjoyable, like the later albums minimal orchestral stuff but unmistakeable and listenable with a couple of oddities.

An interesting selection of songs from the great Jeff Lynne, offering a very different version of ELO. Stand out tracks include: "So Serious" and "Calling America", whilst "secret lives", "Getting to the point" and Sorrow without a fall" are all worth a listen. This version also has extra tracks which are all nice additions. This will never be regarded as the greatest album ever, however at under £ 10 is a great disc for the collection and an easy album to listen to on a Sunday afternoon.

Neue CD

I've owned this album since 1986! If you like Jeff Lynne then you will like this album

Al principio no me gustaba, pero poco a poco fue calando y ahora disfruto de este disco.

Credo sia l'ultimo album del gruppo inglese degli ELO (Electric Light Orchestra) prima del loro scioglimento.L'album mi è piaciuto molto e la qualità audio è davvero molto buona.Amazon sempre perfetta nella spedizione e prodotto integro e perfetto.Consigliato per gli amanti degli ELO (musica anni 80)

I confess, this one got by me somehow............So glad I found it, but all it takes is seeing that name & I buy it. Lots of ballads. I just have to acknowledge each one, to do it justice"Heaven Only Knows," is very upbeat and ELO for sure."So Serious," very well done, but very short for this band, but good. Liked it from the beginning. Almost disco, but I love it! I never had a problem, like the other Critics had, with their disco, as long as it's ELO."Getting To The Point," What A beautiful song, a ballad as only they can do. I mean this song is so beautiful you don't want it to end & you will probably play it again."Secret Lives," Is pretty good, but not the best one & too short also."Is It Alright," great music, that incredible music we expect from this band, and with that voice of Jeff's, a sure thing."Sorrow About To Fall," Almost a ballad with such sounds, which is always good. Awesome horns sections that take you back to some oldies. Kind of makes one think of Jerry Rafferty, equals great!"Without Someone," A really good ballad. Such a melody and the harmony is so nice. A little sad, but such is life."Calling America," This one I already have, but love it & sounds good every time you hear it. Sounds like it might have been on their first album!"Endless Lies," Begins very slow, picks up & back down then you realize, Yup, that's ELO, always a welcome surprise!"Send It," Wow, this one is almost a bit country, but yet very techno and still ELO. Jeff can really hit the high notes. Rather different, but trust me, it will grow on you before it's over.It has six bonus tracks, alternative version of "Heaven Only Knows," (with parts of the Lords Prayer, but with reverence. Along with "Secret Lives," (alternative mix) maybe even better. "Sorrow about To Fall." A nice treat and loses nothing. With an added new "In For The Kill," good song, with awesome keyboards. "Caught In A Trap," & "Destination Unknown," were both side B's in the UK. The latter is the best! You can't sit still with this one either! I mean this is a real sleeper and sorry it wasn't released in the US. It's got every thing you could want, typical ELO, with a great beat, lyrics, lots of horns. So strong & will take you back to the late fifties, early sixties. I played it repeatedly six times. You will dance and sing along with it. Yup, I guess I have to say, I think it's my favorite! What a sweet treat, you won't be expecting!Naturally, all songs written & produced by Jeff. Any ELO fan has to have this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!