Alone in the Universe Jeff Lynne's ELO RCA Three stars
Alone in The Universe is a testament to fan power. After selling out a big London gig in less than an hour last summer, Jeff Lynne (whose band now performs under the mouthful of a moniker, Jeff Lynne's ELO) thought a new album might prove popular.
The warm reception given to Alone in The Universe is not only down to the 68-year-old's history – it also features a set of wonderfully rendered pop songs.
Lavish opener When I Was A Boy conjures the wide-eyed optimism of Wings-era Paul McCartney. Love and Rain rides on a smooth groove and shows that Lynne voice's hasn't lost its bluesy grit.
Fans of ELO's signature backing harmonies will enjoy Dirty to The Bone. The breezy track's sun-kissed harmonies juxtapose neatly with dark lyrics regarding a woman who will "drag you down until you drown in sorrow".
The only misfire is the title track, which sounds like the wrong side of the 1980s with lacklustre digital drums and bland synths. That aside, Alone in The Universe marks the welcome return of a pop craftsman.
artslife@thenational.ae
