The first four songs in particular are mindblowing - what a way to start a new world record! Its predescessor album "Time" was clever as heck but somewhat self-conscious as a concept album to my ears, so "Secret Messages" felt like an incredible return to classic ELO form. I don't normally fall in love with albums upon first listen, needing a little time to get into and used to them - but "Secret Messages" blew me away with each highly diverse and multi-layered and multi-faceted cut the very first time heard back in 1983. This album is simply outstanding, one of ELO's 3 very best (along with "A New World Record" and "Out of the Blue"). This album along with 1981's TIME is better than most people realize. Now properly reissued with 3 bonus tracks, perhaps these new ELO reissues will invite more people to re-evaluate them. too much of a cheesy, tongue-in-cheek nod to rockabilly 50's! In my opinion, the outstanding cuts are "Secret Messages" (mesmerizing harmonies), "Bluebird" (bittersweet pop), "Four Little Diamonds" (the real rocker on the album), "Take Me On and On" and "Stranger" (one beautiful, wistful song). In fact, I never really liked "Rock 'N' Roll Is King". SECRET MESSAGES is loaded with harmonic ear candy despite a couple clunkers like "Train of Gold" and "Time After Time" (which was not included on the original US vinyl release that I grew up with). To be honest, I don't miss them here besides, strings would have sounded too quaint in an age of new wave and synthpop. The early 80's had the band pared down to the core foursome of Jeff Lynne, Richard Tandy, Bev Bevan and Kelly Groucutt, and it seemed - reasonably - that synthesizers could replace their trademark string arrangements.
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Lynne’s hooks and dense production were still in force, but it sounded more mechanized and heartless than usual, due in part to the surfeit of synthesizers on some tracks. Originally conceived of as a double album, and wisely whittled down to one on release, Secret Messages was routine, formulaic Electric Light Orchestra. chart.Ī gave Secret Messages a 3 star review: The album reached #4 on the UK album chart and #36 on the U.S. Clean disc!īackground: Released in 1983, Secret Messages was the tenth studio album by the Electric Light Orchestra. The disc is M- with a few spindle marks on the labels, but no marks on the vinyl.
The cover is M- and still has the original shrink wrap. Offered for sale is an original Japanese pressing of Secret Messages by The Electric Light Orchestra, including the “cap” obi.Ībout this copy: This copy of Secret Messages is a 1983 Japanese pressing on the Jet label.