Electric Light Orchestra absolutely SLAYS! Vocal ANALYSIS of "Mr. Blue Sky" has my feet tapping!

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

We just released merchandise! Check out the full line-up here: thecharismaticmerch.com

[@jamesmcdonald4228]

Could you do dire straite

[@richardsenkBeachwalker]

The final section is night.

[@jmm1000]

youre a pop rock! boop! xo

[@evilvolts]

Lovebites new song Judgement Day also has breathing in it in a couple places at the beginning and during the guitar solos Judgement Day kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2TYeJ2mYrVqeqs

[@jen_alanfromchicago53]

Guardians Of The Galaxy pt2 also has "Lake Shore Drive " or L.S.D. on it but nobody ever gives Aliota Hayes Jeremiah a reaction.

[@rayjennings3637]

You can never have too much fire extinguisher in a song!

[@racebiketuner]

Bruce Dickinson and I agree! 😉

[@aMulliganStew]

"I've got a fever and the only prescription is more"... FIRE-EXTINGUISHER!

[@davidpalmer7175]

Fire extinguisher beats out cow-bell any time!

[@Murdo2112]

The brightness of this song has an extra layer of effect when you hear it in the context of the album. This was the last "movement" in a four track piece called "Concerto for a Rainy Day", which was the entire third side of the "Out of the Blue" double album. The previous three tracks had charted a man's descent into depression and beginning to turn things around and deal with how his life had crumbled. Mr. Blue Sky hits with far more emotional impact, when you hear it as the recovery and redemption of the poor bloke who's misery you've been following for the previous 20 minutes. It's so much more than the bouncy, catchy radio-friendly pop tune that most people think of it as being. It's beautiful.

[@ganjiblobflankis6581]

Also, the last few bars of strings are a motif from earlier in the concerto. The first time, it sounds bleak and tragic verging on melodramatic. As the conclusion, it sounds like he has made peace with the suffering and has transcended it. The resolution to major is a large part of it, but it genuinely sounds different before then and you don't really think he is relapsing into depression.

[@Murdo2112]

@@ganjiblobflankis6581 Yes! The reprise of the "Big Wheels" motif makes it feel like he's incorporated the bad times into who he is. It's taking the bad experiences and growing stronger for having had them.

[@riseandshine5706]

I like that. Thanks for sharing !

[@davetay44]

Thanks for that info, I've only ever heard this one song by them but love it. Looking forward to seeing it in a new light when I go and listen to the full thing - appreciate the knowledge

[@adriantiley6660]

So great to read your contextual representation, Concerto for a rainy day is Jeff's masterpiece!

[@helenwood8482]

Only we Brits can make a song this good about the weather.

[@excrono]

In Britain, you can have blue skies and get a tan even in the pouring rain.

[@cwalokie9559]

Well, if you live in the US great plains, you would have to change the genre every 4 beats.

[@uniseine]

They have run contests in Detroit in guessing the minutes of sun in February because we get so few.

[@greyhunter2453]

The entire Concerto for a Rainy Day

[@Erik_Danley]

Ha love it!

[@adamdarmstaedter1256]

Jeff Lynne is a BOSS. "Telephone Line" is probably one of his best vocal performances. "Showdown" is really good , too

[@natalieburnham3300]

Soooo Goood

[@daz_n]

And such a unique sound throughout!

[@jdy5556]

I agree, "Telephone line" is just a masterpiece.

[@jeanpaul3050]

I agree with u and also is one of his best compositions.

[@adampetten5349]

Mama Bell must be related to Telephone Line somehow.

[@jono10531089]

I LOVE the fact that your brain seems to be directly wired to your face. Every little nuance in the music results in a puzzled expression or a flash of teeth as a broad smile appears. It is so joyous to see your childlike awe at this wonderful song!

[@takaorobinson8719]

Wow, well said.

[@wekern5]

Agreed! Her musical performance knowledge is endless but her facial reactions/smiles are what brings me back to all her vids!

[@daviddevol8957]

It's so fun watching HER have fun...seeing all that enjoyment that she is getting listening to this. It has always been one of my favorite ELO songs...

[@MrTimothypjr]

You are exactly right. It reminds me of discovering this album myself when I did.

[@ELOfanatic]

Her facial expressions knock me out!

[@fishman-tr9im]

I have *never ever* had more fun watching Elizabeth react to a song - sooo good. And yes - Mr Blue Sky is pure happiness

[@mohawkgarage]

There's something quite moving about having someone else honoring the music you've revered so deeply for so long. Thank you.

[@Crybaby-Media]

It’s a really cool feeling. It’s like experiencing it again for the first time, and reliving all of the memories you have associated with it .

[@sandramurphy1052]

❤❤❤

[@brettteeter3461]

Beautifully stated.

[@commeman1]

How about Big Wheels and Shangri La?

[@mohawkgarage]

@@commeman1 Beautiful!

[@WouldYouKindlyWatch]

Mr. Blue Sky has been my alarm clock for about 7 years now. It's the only song / sound that I don't feel dread for even when it wakes me up every day. Even now I can listen to it happily.

[@happymadison1978]

Great choice! For a while I had "Go" by Pearl Jam as it was a CD system with Vs in.... Wonder why I had such anxiety in school! Also, is that a Bioshock reference in your username?

[@M_JackOfAllTrades]

Same though, it's amazing how I can still happily listen to it throughout the day completely without that dread you're talking about :D Best song to start each day with.

[@rarelycares8416]

Happiest song ever made. Jeff Lynn is an absolute genius, and that's not just my opinion...The Beatles held him in the highest regard. I had to have surgery a few years back and the doctor let me pick the song as I went under, picked this song to bring the vibes up. Everything went perfectly...thanks Jeff.

[@squirrelray1]

I'm glad your surgery went well. The right music is better than anything, whatever your taste. Be well.

[@weezerang]

This song is happy, but "Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina & the Waves is the happiest song ever made!!

[@scyz2807]

I've heard that John Lennon called ELO the Son of Beatles.

[@hammathguy3995]

@@weezerang You are, of course, correct!

[@JeffSchall]

Jeff Lynne was close friends with George Harrison, as well (he co-produced Harrison's "Cloud Nine" album). You can see the connections between The Beatles and Jeff Lynne here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Lynne_and_the_Beatles

[@garyjackson8757]

I think what I most love about your channel is your unbridled joy and enthusiasm for the music. Watching you also bring me much joy. Thank you.

[@joescott8877]

She's **Mrs.** Blue Sky! Not a cloud in sight.

[@AJCsr]

Listening to these songs as a kid, they made me feel great, so I'd play them over and over. Now I know the mechanics of how they were made and why they made me feel great !

[@stevenseul361]

Agree

[@larrytolson4135]

She does have such a girlish delight in her reactions. That’s one thing that makes her and her channel so endearing.

[@jaymachael4766]

The best part is always watching the sear joy and enthusiasm of the facial reactions

[@mymusicmixminute]

The vocal sound that "surprised" you is a vocoder. Even when you know all this song's secrets you can't stop listening to it- great songwriting, recording, and production.

[@mymusicmixminute]

From Wiki, "The Electric Light Orchestra was among the first to use the vocoder in a commercial context, with their 1977 album Out of the Blue. The band extensively uses it on the album, including on the hits "Sweet Talkin' Woman" and "Mr. Blue Sky."

[@angiehaddington6462]

I said vocoder before she even before she started. My dad had this album on original vinyl from its release on 1978 (I was 4) she said its folky, it will be they were one of the greatest Prog bands of the 70s. Genius in layering and mixing vocals and a mix of genres. The panning between left and right is a huge 70s trick this music is made to be listened to on headphones to fully appreciate those extra tricks. Truly one of my favorite bands ever and started my journey into the world of rock and metal. My dad had this song played at his funeral, as much as we were estranged and didn't see eye to eye this is the bit I thank him for.

[@alanmusicman3385]

@@mymusicmixminute Not so. The Vocoder was used worldwide in radio jingles by the PAMS company back in the 1960s. Google "PAMS Sonosational" to hear some.

[@senjinthedragon]

I think she knows it's a vocoder since she mentions wondering what instrument they sent the voice through. A vocoder works with 2 audio inputs, the voice and a carrier signal, the latter being produced by an instrument. The vocoder makes the voice sound like the instrument it's being sent through. I think in this case it's a simple synthesizer/keyboard hooked up to the vocoder, maybe even some kind of electronic organ.

[@mymusicmixminute]

@@alanmusicman3385 Similar sound but not quite the same- Sonosational used a microphone held against the throat and then amplified/recorded. Invented to let folks who couldn't speak have a way to express themselves, good forward thinking there by someone and still being used today. The Vocoder runs the miked voice through keyboard electronics allowing most (all?) of the keyboard's synth/effects to be used to affect the original voice and then also allow it to be re-pitched by the keys.

[@danhaines]

I don't care what genre of music you are into, you cannot ever hate on ELO. They have a unique way of conveying emotion in their songs that drag you in and hold on to you. I defy ANYONE not to toe tap or bop along with this song.

[@randilevson9547]

See also "Rock and Roll is King," for a toe-tappin', swirling, and whirling ride. Good times!!

[@renegadetenor]

...and just where the heck did I put my fire extinguisher?

[@FeaturingRob]

You were definitely right about The Beatles influence, Jeff Lynne himself was an unabashed Beatles fan. He ended up doing a project with George Harrison, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty, and Bob Dylan in the 1980s called The Traveling Wilburys. Jeff Lynne was infamously known for his producing and layering of each track. He's always felt more at home in the studio, even though ELO could be an amazing live band. You cannot go wrong with listening to this song in the morning for a little pep me up! It's so infectiously happy. The song was written in Switzerland as Jeff was trying to write for the next ELO album, 'Out Of The Blue'. He holed himself up in a chalet, and it was raining for two weeks, and he was miserable...nothing was coming. Writer's block basically. Then one day, he looks out and sees the Alps in the sunlight...and is inspired! He quickly wrote several more tracks. "Mr. Blue Sky" is actually the fourth song of the 'Concerto For a Rainy Day' suite on the third side of the double album 'Out Of The Blue', and the last track of that side. (Please turn me over) 😊😊😊 Other ELO songs..."Rockaria!", "Sweet Talkin' Woman", "Evil Woman", "Last Train To London", "Strange Magic", "Turn To Stone", "Don't Bring Me Down", "All Over The World" from the movie musical 'Xanadu', and the title song from the same movie "Xanadu" which is Olivia Newton-John with ELO (you hear Jeff in the backing vocals, and Olivia is lead). I really want to see you react to "Xanadu"!!!

[@johnafirth]

Can't go wrong with the Wilburys, especially their first album. Roy's death was a huge loss for them.

[@AslansAngel1]

I definitely hear a Beatles influence. The first time I hear it is at this section kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipPWhaSGfZV3pKc. My first album that I owned was The Beatles: Yesterday and Today. I was 3 (1971.) Dad took me to the record store with my birthday money and we picked it out "together." It's one of my earliest memories. (I reminded him of this recently and he was surprised that I remembered doing that with him. We also picked out The Beach Boys for mom because she disliked the Beatles. Not a musical reason. She just thought they were "wild" and "disrespectful." LOL) I also remember dancing to ELO when I was a little kid. Had this album when I was 9. Music is and was a huge part of my life.

[@Pupalah]

Turn to stone is by far my favorite. Something about that intro slide...

[@frigginjerk]

The Wilburys would be a fun reaction video. I'd like to recommend something a bit lesser-known, but "Handle With Care" is just such a good sampling of all the variety of vocal styles you get with them.

[@popebinga]

Oh man, I'd forgotten about the Traveling Wilburys!

[@joergojschaefer3521]

Elizabeth and ELO...it never brings you down...

[@joergojschaefer3521]

🙂🙃🙂

[@jon-paulfilkins7820]

I see what you did there, well played.

[@tfisher8515]

You are so happy experiencing these songs one at a time. When I was a teenager we'd turn on the radio and all these songs would come pouring out it was a great time to see. Wish you could have experienced it.

[@HotBranch]

I can't express how much I enjoy Elizabeth's enthusiasm and joy of discovery. Provides a renewed love of songs I've listened to for years. As a side note, I believe the tool/instrument they use for the voice is the same or similar to the talk box used by Peter Frampton in Do You Feel Like We Do (as era-specific examples).

[@keithrobinson1907]

Frampton used a Talk Box, in which he uses a tube in his mouth to shape the guitar tones and Lynne used a Vocoder, in which his voice is sent to a synthesizer and is pitched by which keys are played. Similar but different effects.

[@HotBranch]

@@keithrobinson1907 Thanks for the clarification.

[@Allan_Rickman]

Either way, Elizabeth must listen to "Do You Feel Like We Do," live. She will Explode!

[@bshunter9290]

Wow! An actual civilized discussion on YT Keith replied politely with a great information and Paul thanked him Wanna be friend guys?

[@frankferderer8567]

Used was a EMS Vocoder 🙋🏼‍♂️🎵🙋🏼‍♂️

[@trudilarose2260]

I'm sitting how she's pausing every 3 seconds to exclaim and another thing. The reaction has as much energy as the song.

[@mollygrubber]

As a parent, the line "Hey you with the pretty face - welcome to the human race" makes me tear up. Makes me think of my daughter every time. SO GOOD, I've loved this song for decades.

[@patrickrapps7089]

EXACTLY! When my daughter was wheeled out of the operating room, (being born C section)... she was in a bassinette eyes wide open - and looking up at me with clear focus..I think of it every time I hear this!

[@TomGlander]

Wow. My thoughts exactly. First grandson in a line of all females for YEARS... and wow! Yea, baby boys can have a pretty face and still be boys!

[@excrono]

One could also frame it as being about someone who has devalued their self worth for their entire life suddenly seeing how much value they can bring to humanity when encouraged by someone with an objective perception.

[@anthonymittelo2848]

Jeff Lynne is a musical genius (plays dozens of instruments), amazing songwriter, and a very underappreciated vocalist.

[@williamdavis600]

In the 90s my sons had a kindergarten teacher named Mrs Blue. Wonderful lady, wonderful teacher and on the way to school everyday we would play this and sing together replacing Mr with Mrs. and just have a blast. She was at both boys graduation from high school, college, and grad school. Thank you Mrs Blue for giving my boys a great start in school. We will never forget you.❤

[@jbottoms6855]

Jeff Lynn has never written a bad song! Every song by ELO, the Xanadu soundtrack, and the Traveling Wilbury's are amazing! He is literally a musical genius. I saw Jeff Lynne's ELO live in 2019 and he hasn't lost a step. It was like stepping back into the 70's. You should review every song!

[@markmclaughlin2690]

The Traveling Wilburys are absolutely amazing, a true supergroup.

[@johndreessen7335]

Saw them live too. Was amazingly good. The new band is great. He is a master songwriter/composer. Mr. Blue Sky is a masterpiece.

[@ffjsb]

Meh, Xanadu was quite commercial and pop for him, along with "Don't Bring Me Down". Not necessarily bad songs, but nowhere as good as 95% of everything else he's done.

[@dresdyn100]

War of the Worlds, the double disc rock opera.. Brilliant

[@johndreessen7335]

@@dresdyn100 War of the World is from Jeff Wayne. But you are right. Brilliant.

[@madisonoaks6386]

Yesssss! Let’s go down the ELO rabbit hole, shall we?? Other great songs are Evil Woman, Don’t Bring Me Down, and Livin’ Thing! Thank you for always killing it with the artist choices, I always look forward to seeing who you pick next 😌

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

Thank you, Madison! But it's you all that pick the artists mostly, not me. ;-)

[@averagedemographic8933]

Last Train To London and Calling America too!

[@henrikl1394]

Last Train to London , Wild West Hero

[@SpectreGunship]

All over the world.

[@foxmulder2845]

I suggest to you " Sweet talkin' Woman, Wild West Hero and Roll over Beethoven "

[@edwoll]

Every time you say that you've never heard of a song or group, you make me feel like I'm a 100 years old.. I was in high school when this gem of a song was released. In my opinion, the best era of music hands down.

[@realityquotient7699]

You just can't go wrong with ELO. It's the one single band I wish could go back in time to see perform at their height.

[@johndreessen7335]

Saw them a few years ago. Still amazing.

[@johndreessen7335]

Good reaction. One of my all time favorite bands. Did see them live a few years ago with his new band. Jeff Lynne’s ELO. Was amazing. Almost sounded recorded. He wrote most of the songs and is an amazing songwriter/componist. Thank you for this reaction.

[@nigelb5370]

I was lucky enough to see them during their prime (out of the blue/space ship tour). They were every bit as good as you could imagine.

[@tomaszwalenciak]

Glad to say I have 😁😁😁

[@peterjohnson9291]

Wow! You must have a limited taste in music.

[@darrenbarlow5759]

I give E.L.O all the credit for how I listen to music today. They were my favorite band growing up and their complex orchestral sounds backing up their music tuned my ear to appreciate the subtleties of all the music I loved as I got older. I absolutely love the strings at the very end of the song. So beautiful. They really were my first love musically and after 40 years of waiting I finally got to see them live at Madison Square Garden for a night I'll never forget.🙏❤

[@azcoder]

Nice, they were my favorite also when I grew up 40 years ago. I have every album.

[@Mrlin13]

That's a perfect way of describing listening to ELO, and I've always had that same vibe with The Who's music from around that era as well.

[@raycardy4843]

Totally agree with the other comments - ELO were part of my growing up too - along with ELP, Pink Floyd, Focus, Yes...etc!! I still have my copy of 'Out Of The Blue' and most of their other albums on vinyl!

[@another3997]

I also liked their music growing up, and I got to see them a few years ago when they toured for the first time in decades. The O2 Arena in London was packed, with barely any empty seats, and there were people of all ages. Some I spoke to had come from abroad because tickets near them had sold out so quickly, and luckily ELO had put on an extra night in London. One of the best concerts I've ever been too.

[@another3997]

I also liked their music growing up, and I got to see them a few years ago when they toured for the first time in decades. The O2 Arena in London was packed, with barely any empty seats, and there were people of all ages. Some I spoke to had come from abroad because tickets near them had sold out so quickly, and luckily ELO had put on an extra night in London. One of the best concerts I've ever been too.

[@jedinova67]

You should give Sweet Talkin Woman a day in court with those same headphones. Another wonderful song to get immersed in.

[@theresam.hoffman5841]

this is one of my favorite ELO songs and I am so glad that you are feeling the vibe of it as Jeff Lynn wrote this song after nearly two weeks of gray misty skies and then the Sun finally came out. This song is one I love to play when I need a pick me up! These are his own words in an interview about that song and the album itself: Jeff Lynne has said that he wrote 'Mr Blue Sky' after locking himself away in a Swiss chalet, and attempting to write ELO's follow-up album to A New World Record. "It was dark and misty for two weeks, and I didn't come up with a thing," he told the BBC. "Suddenly the sun shone and it was, 'Wow, look at those beautiful Alps.' I wrote 'Mr Blue Sky' and 13 other songs in the next two weeks."

[@christopherconard2831]

I may be getting it confused with another of his songs, but I believe he had also had a conversation with his father recently. His dad complained that too much music at the time (Jeff's included) was depressing. He asked if it was too hard to write a happy song.

[@stevem-h3562]

The production values for the time are absolutely staggering. One of the most significant tracks in rock history.

[@Brigadier_Beau]

My all-time favorite song! ELO - Mr. Blue Sky 💙💙 🌎 💙💙 I can't listen to it without smiling. Thank you!

[@youbertu]

In 1977, I had enough Columbia Record Club credits to get a double album, so "Out Of The Blue" it was. From the opening song, "Turn To Stone" through side three "Concerto For A Rainy Day" that Mr. Blue Sky ends, and all the way to the end with "Wild West Hero", it's epic! EVERYONE should experience listening to a vinyl double album before they die.

[@MoMadizon]

It was a fantastic album, and "Turn to Stone" would definitely be an interesting one to break down the vocals on. Parts of it are pretty wild.

[@thecaptainmarko]

and more precisely that exact one

[@michaeldavies4871]

‘Mr. Blue Sky’ is perfect example of WHY the music created in the seventies is the greatest of our lifetimes, bar none. Love ELO… such a strong Beatles influence as well.

[@Tampahop]

It's like ELO was made just for you. Your enthusiasm for the music you react to is contagious. You both make me smile. 😃

[@radio-su6lh]

Thank you Elizabeth for your enthusiastic reaction to this wonderful music.

[@TimMatheny]

Elizabeth, the vocal is being run through a device called the Vocoder 2000, which Jeff Lynne would use to great effect over the next few albums. It was literally so new that Lynne recalled that they had gotten it as a prototype from the factory and it didn’t even have a manual - they just had to figure it out on their own. By the way, there’s a great Spanish bubblegum pop band called La Casa Azul who had a song called “El Secreto de Jeff Lynne” (yes, they used the vocoder, and I don’t think you need any translation on that title). Re your comment on the “hamburger” - I saw ELO on that tour, and the stage literally was in the shape of the 3D logo on the album cover. It split apart - looking all the world like you were separating the two buns of a hamburger - and the bottom half slowly descended to the arena floor with the entire band inside!

[@Crybaby-Media]

Concerts with crazy showmanship are always so much fun. I figured it was a vocoder and wanted to comment, but I’ve never used one so I looked to see if anyone else in the comments knew . Thanks for the confirmation! And the interesting tidbits!

[@delphi-moochymaker62]

I saw them in Concert in 1977. They sounded as good live as they do on album. Their talent as performers was undeniable. Complete with mini orchestra of course.

[@wiwsmith1]

I recently discovered your channel, I have been an audiophile for most of my life and it's so entertaining to watch your videos! I have learned a lot about the voice, and how singers are able to perform the way they do. Your reactions have also put words to things I have noticed over the years about music construction but couldn't put a definition to. I look forward to watching every video, you always have such a happy and excited presentation that is infectious. I see you have reviewed several ELO songs, and have discovered how complex their songs are, it is one of the reasons they are a top ten band in my list. Keep going!

[@TheNoladrummer]

I love your channel more than I originally thought I would. The way you love music so intensely, the way you listen carefully and appreciate the little things that most people wouldn’t notice, how much you love surprises in the arrangements - that’s exactly how I feel about music! They say that every songwriter is writing for an audience of 1. From now on, when I’m writing, arranging, and mixing, my audience of 1 will be you (and, by extension, everyone like us). Hopefully it, too, will surprise and delight the listener. Thank you!

[@frimiseestheworld4800]

You just described a muse...❤

[@sarahnuamah7009]

She’s truly a musical empath and able to really feel it! Soo fun to watch. I also didn’t think I’d like these very much but totally love her

[@samclark5156]

Jeff Lynne is a literal musical genius. And an under appreciated one at that.

[@zepo82]

true, he is up there with Bowie for me, but that is just me! We all have different tastes.

[@donaquinilator4959]

But Jeff Lynne isn’t unappreciated at all

[@kebonhawk1081]

Jellyfish have a song called "Ghost at number One" about Jeff Lynn and how he never got the appreciation he deserved.

[@Oldironsides-ck7nt]

Bowie, Bowie ? ...please......Look who( individuals and bands)Jeff Lynette wrote, for arranged and produced with and had time to write, perform and orchestrated his own songs ....No comparison ..hand down Lynn...@@zepo82

[@jasonelliott66]

And this is why I love your reactions..."We need a cowbell. But we don't have a cowbell. Fire extinguisher?" I literally laughed out loud.....classic!!

[@bobbabai]

Jeff Lynne - wow. He was core to so many careers in the '60s, '70s and '80s. He was at the center of George Harrison's post-Beatles recording career. He was the producer of so many great albums. Writer of so many great tunes that he gave to other performers. He was at the center of the Traveling Wilburys in the '90s, working alongside and directing Tom Petty, Roy Orbison, George Harrison and Bob Dylan (!!!). Lovely, fun albums they did together. Through all of this work he did, you hear his influence on the sound of the instrumentation and voices and the mix. Amazing man.

[@celt67]

Its only recently (other than his ELO heyday) thats hes finally getting the respect he deserves. The guy is a giant of the music scene and his influence far exceeds his band.

[@josephsoap2698]

What about ' The Move' ?

[@bobbabai]

@@josephsoap2698 What about "The Move'?

[@bobbabai]

@@josephsoap2698 It looks like Jeff Lynne wasn't part of the hit producing period for that band, the move. He joined them very late in their history, not long before he started electric light orchestra.

[@josephsoap2698]

@@bobbabai He didn't start Electric light orchestra on his own it was a joint thing with Roy Wood. He left the band early on to start Wizard .

[@Ironoclasty]

Mr. Blue Sky is the last of the four-piece Concierto for a Rainy Day from Out of the Blue, a two-record album set (long before CDs came along). Taking all of "side three" of the album, the other songs from the concierto are a joy to listen to: Standin' in the Rain, Big Wheels, and Summer and Lightning set up the start of Mr. Blue sky. That last transition is the end of the Concierto, sort of a closing parentheses.

[@oskarostermann4734]

God... how sweet you are when you're giggling 🤭 Your face is really visualising the sunshine finally breaking through the clouds, as Jeff experienced it in the Swiss Alps when he wrote this song. A pleasure to watch. You are truly Mrs. Blue Sky. 🌱🌞

[@barbaramccullough604]

This is one of the best songs ever! Makes you soooo happy!! I love ELO!

[@1stapproach]

Jeff Lynne is a GENIOUS! His music ALWAYS has the exact same effect on me, giving me an instant smile. ELO was the first concert I ever went to (in 81), and I returned seeing them 38 years later in 2019. It was still great, and it was 2 hrs of nothing but smiley faces around me! Thank you for the music, Jeff! ❤

[@jackstrawful]

There's a saying I came up with and have been spreading around to various reaction channels: "Michael Jackson may be the King of Pop, but Jeff Lynne is the Einstein - the greatest genius pop music has ever seen". I was only just born in '81, but ELO is my mom's favorite band and, through her, they've become my favorite pop act as well, with about a dozen songs I'd count in my top 100.

[@cdjeeyore]

Almost every song by ELO is instantly recognizable from the first notes. You hear it and you know its ELO and you're like "this is gonna be good".

[@Maz08]

ELO is just another one of those bands that reminds me of growing up in the 70’s and early 80’s. Like many people have mentioned, “sound tracks to life growing up”.

[@joelspaulding5964]

Imagine how much this blew our minds as 12 year olds when it came out😉 A huge YES for the iZotope RX! Appreciate the Jerhro Tull comparisons. Having always accepted ELO as a musical cousin of the Beatles, it is easy to miss other influences. You REALLY nailed those.

[@JPPAD52j]

The song is about ELO recording album in Germany. Jeff Lynne:" I remember writing the words down,” Lynne told Rolling Stone in 2016. “I was at a chalet in the mountains of Switzerland and it was all misty and cloudy all the way around. I didn’t see any countryside for the first four days or so, and then everything cleared and there was this enormous view forever and the sky was blue.”

[@MrTimothypjr]

I came to say this. He was in a funk, and the sky turned blue. He had been in a block and couldn’t figure how to get out of it. He was as happy as the song makes me.

[@JPPAD52j]

Thank you for the song!! @@MrTimothypjr

[@raj66kas]

I love the album TIME, it's so futuristic and about space exploration.I think this song in some way leads to the Time album

[@richard_n]

The back story to this song is just as amazing. The band went to a cottage retreat in the Alps to have some peace and quiet to be able to focus and write songs for their next album. However the weather was overcast and rainy for the first two or three weeks. When the weather finally broke, it inspired Jeff Lynn to write this song.

[@michaelzarnoch5489]

I love that you reviewed this song!! One of my favorites. I love ELO. My Dad would play this album when I was 6 or 7 and I was mesmerized by the sounds. It’s crazy revisiting this 40 years later and listening to a professional perspective. You have a gift that most of us don’t have. You hear things we just don’t initially hear. Thank you for sharing your perspective because it completely opens up the song in every way. You’re awesome! 😊❤

[@Darryl_Frost]

All your videos make me happy, and this one is a double dose of happy, happy, joy joy...

[@jasonplymette7510]

ELO was one of the best bands of all time! I think I know every word to every song. Such a joyful experience!!

[@markwilliams3068]

Always liked ELO, saw them twice in concert and they are amazing live as well. Their sound quality live showed their talent in spades. First time I heard this song I heard Beatles influence and vibe - big time.

[@19Poolshark81]

This has become one of my all-time favorite songs. The more I listen to it, the more I hear new sounds or inflections. It's truly a masterpiece

[@calebclunie4001]

Jeff Lynne is, the production and mixing maestro. Those panning and spacial placement, interweave, and with differing voices from all angles, and instrument, and vocal doubles, and arrangement. It's the work, of an sonic architect. He knows, all of the tools, and what balance to use, between composer, and mixer. The group always sounds great, in headphones. Your reaction is spot on.

[@renehinojosa1962]

Jeff Lynne was ELO. Without him they were literally nothing.

[@jollyjohnthepirate3168]

Remember he mixed this on analog tape with maybe 24 tracks.

[@Suzz78]

@@renehinojosa1962 sadly that's exactly how he saw it, later on his band mates didn't see a penny, and at least one died in poverty

[@nicholasschneider6655]

A few less commas, please. You're chopping your sentences into sections that shouldn't exist.

[@michaelwiley3221]

Your song analysis is always fun, but it was extra fun with this one. Thank you for lifting this old heart today, and for being such a beautiful human being.

[@GoA7250]

Why we have the song: Jeff Lynne has said that he wrote 'Mr Blue Sky' after locking himself away in a Swiss chalet, and attempting to write ELO's follow-up album to A New World Record. "It was dark and misty for two weeks, and I didn't come up with a thing," he said in an interview. "Suddenly the sun shone and it was, 'Wow, look at those beautiful Alps.' I wrote 'Mr Blue Sky' and 13 other songs in the next two weeks." The song's arrangement has been dubbed "Beatlesque", as it has similarities to Beatles songs 'Martha My Dear' and 'A Day in the Life', and it shares its unusual first four chords and harmonic rhythm with 'Yesterday'. For such an epic song, the song simply follows the concept of a rainy day that comes to an end.

[@scubasmith]

I needed this today. Your smiling face, exploring such a fun song = a better day for me. Thank you for this gift.

[@xenontouchstone]

Ive been listening to this song for over 40 years, and you have managed to highlight so many parts I had completely missed but can now appreciate , thanks. :-)

[@LadyGnomeofthewoods]

I saw ELO in the 70s at Cleveland Stadium at one of the World Series of Rock concerts. When the band opened, the stage was covered by a lighted spaceship similar to the album cover. As the spaceship lifted, the sounds from the amplifiers rushing out gave a roar which made you think of rockets. Then colorful laser lights were projected from the stage. One of the best concert experiences, EVER!!!

[@keithb.kenerly2481]

I saw the same in Atlanta in the mid 70's! Great stage setup, great atmosphere, great show.

[@frogswurld]

I was there 😊 Best stadium show I ever saw.

[@DavidJacobsvo]

Your pure unadulterated joy for music is just incredible. I don’t know what to say. Love your channel. ELO is a treasure trove of awesome. More please.

[@davidconnolly6690]

I love this song. My dad had the double album he'd 'borrowed' off a friend and I remember playing it on the old record player. He'd be sprawled on the sofa reading the paper and me hovering near the player. And today at work this song came on the radio. Everyone was still working away but would take up little bits of the track and just sing along. Such a brilliant tune!

[@keithv4452]

I so LOVE your analyses videos. You take songs Ive heard for YEARS and really bring them to life. I have so much more appreciation for them afterwords! Thank you Thank you

[@day_tiger7981]

This song just never grt's old. You just throw it on and it's an instant mood changer

[@tekvax01]

The entire album is amazing! Jeff Lynn did a tons of stuff with the Beatles, Roy Orbison, the Traveling Wilburys, and Tom Petty.

[@j.kevvideoproductions.6463]

Wilbury's would give her lots of different (Non-screaming) voices to analyze.

[@trubass75]

it ephod be cool to see he visit the wilburys.

[@AdamHarte]

Well... The Traveling Wilburys literally has Roy Orbison, Tom Petty, and a Beatle in it. So he didn't just do "a ton of stuff" with them. He formed a supergroup with them :)

[@Maxx1066]

The Wilburys rocked great time in music.

[@FalseOracle617]

I admire and honestly feed off of your passion for music! Its so refreshing. Authenticity sells. You're fantastic.

[@UncensoredScion]

even through the preview you seem to get the idea of this song right off the bat, its a happy song, meant to bring a smile to your face

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

I'm still humming it. It brings me SO MUCH JOY!

[@RZK1966]

That’s what ELO does, they make you smile.

[@alexzanderboo1]

I love how you are obviously a musician as well as a singer. It add so much when you can pick up on the musical nuances as well as voice. I love the transitions verbally and musically.

[@bélalugrisi]

The vocal processing is a Vocoder. Joyous and wonderful reaction and analysis, Elizabeth! Love the joy you show for varied musical styles!

[@JimMclaren-qp3iv]

This is seriously one of my favorite songs and has been since the first time I heard it. An absolute must for anyone's feel good playlist Elizabeth hit the nail right on the head that it is a song which makes you feel happier just by listening to it, it has never failed to bring a smile to my face anytime I hear it.

[@One_Proud_Papa]

E.L.O. is amazing. Jeff Lynne is a genius. As a classical music fan, my favorite piece is an instrumental called "Fire On High." It has a very cool backmasking vocal that says, "The music is reversible, but time is not! Turn back, turn back, turn back." LOVE IT!!

[@MK-vg1qj]

Love "Fire on High"! Yes, he absolutely is a genius.

[@rpdom]

For me this is the saddest song ever. I cannot listen to this one without crying. The reason is that we sung it at the funeral of a friend. About 50 of us stood around his grave, lead by acoustic guitar, all singing and accompanying on kazoos. The sky was cloudy, not blue, and it was raining slightly. We knew that was how he would have wanted it. Still missing you Gaz 😢

[@spl1x]

ELO always brings me joy, but watching YOU enjoying ELO brightens the day even more. Who appreciates excellent music more than you?

[@Pbmarron]

I love the joy you’re getting from this song. It’s such a happy and uplifting song that always puts a smile on my face.

[@laurenpatzer]

Mister Blue Sky is one of my all-time favorites. So great to hear your analysis of this wonderful composition.

[@faithismespeaks6848]

You make this channel mainly because it is so fun to watch your reactions to the music. I saw ELO twice in Denver when they were very popular, and they sounded this good live. They were very polished, professional, and quite the showmen. I bet you would have had a great time watching them live, I never forgot their concerts. Thank you for bringing back some very happy times.

[@bokononbokomaru8156]

The entire Out of the Blue double album is a masterpiece. Jeff was heavily Beatles influenced & played with George Harrison in the Traveling Wilburys

[@Robert-wn2cw]

Your joy and love of all music is clear to see. And it brings me hope to see that i am not alone in this.

[@thatpanda4811]

I love how bubbly and happy you were while listening to this song. It made me smile almost constantly through this video. All of your reactions to this are exactly how I feel when listening. Also, I love your perspective and commentary on this song!

[@peterkassner3552]

yes, they did have a flying saucer stage on one tour.... I was there when they had it at Wembley. Amazing lightshow, lazers and sound was perfect too. One of the best live shows. And the support band was really good... invited back on stage to do the Roll Over Beethoven encore with ELO. Amazing... 3 drummers, 4 guitarists, 2 bassists and all those singers and orchestra... it rocked

[@laurieemme1534]

Such a happy, uplifting song choice! Loved how you used "pop rocks" as a description -- you always come up with just the right words!

[@mitchellfinley7721]

Your reactions to something I listen to everyday, is wonderful!!! Yesterday TS, and then today. 😀

[@sbk4me]

Hi Elizabeth! OMG! Thank you so much for today's reaction/review. You've made my day with this track. You wouldn't believe how easy he makes this music seem. He is surrounded by many wonderful, talented artists in his band. I encourage you to find and watch his 2017 concert from Wembley stadium. You would be amazed how many great songs you may have heard throughout the years. Find it, enjoy it. Have a Great Day !!!

[@lesaber251]

So nice to see your honest almost immediate reactions to these songs. They are joyous in and of themselves. Don't ever change.

[@deanrolph6912]

That last minute always makes me think of a perfect sunset after a warm spring day.

[@festerburg87]

Thanks for doing this song. ELO was one of my dad's favorite bands, and when I listen to them now I'm transported back to my childhood riding around in the car with him listening to them. He's gone now, but ELO's music always makes me think of him.

[@adamo-7]

The "robot singing" effect is made using a "vocoder". At the end it says "Please turn me over" (prompting the listener to move on from side 3 to side 4 of the double album)

[@jasonremy1627]

I've always felt this song takes a strong inspiration from the Beatles "A Day In The Life", especially Paul's middle section, the staccato chord hits and the little "breaths" part are obvious allusions to it.

[@gettingkilt]

If you're looking for Beatles homage, look no further than the unusual first four chords of Mr. Blue Sky. | F | Em7 A7 | Dm | Remind you of anything? Try Yesterday. I assure you it's no coincidence.

[@deanroddey2881]

Yeh, he was a huge Beatles fan clearly. And of course he was pushing the production envelope, as they were in their day as well. Sometimes he was on the edge of over-produced, IMO. But still amazing sonics. I always find it interesting that that Beatles genetics always kept popping up, at least up into the 2000's anyway. Not sure if anyone is really carrying that torch these days, at least anywhere near the mainstream. But the whole uber-catchy power-pop thing was always so appealing. Jellyfish in the 90s were very much in that vein, though they were unlucky in their timing. Of course Oasis were totally Beatles fans. Or something like The Verve's Bittersweet Sympathy. In the 2000s, a tune like Aqualung's Brighter than Sunshine could have totally been on a Beatles album, and I think they would have been proud to have written it. @@gettingkilt

[@sgtbigballs666]

The bell hits are certainly "maxwell's silver hammer" 🤔

[@MLawrence2008]

Probably your best reaction that I have watched Elizabeth. As soon as I saw you had chosen this song I knew you were going to absolutely love it! Also it was great to see you analyze a studio version for a change. Please keep on doing what you do

[@Meenie66]

These guys did tons of great music but this is one of my all time favourite songs! Growing up hearing this, my parents are the best!!!

[@chip1pan]

Omg I stumbled across your channel, what a beautiful person you are you filled my heart with joy watching your smile and facial expressions light up the song of my favourite band ever. ELO. From my home town Birmingham UK. I love this band, jeff richard bev and the others rip that have passed sadly. There songs have brought ne through some of the most happiest and saddest times in my life. X

[@HaleysTusk]

Jeff Lynne was heavily influenced by the Beatles, eventually being friends w/ the Beatles, then producing the super star group the Traveling Willburies who included George Harrison, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan and Roy Orbison. I believe he's had a hand in many of the more recent Beatles projects... I think he even helped the Beatles release "Free as a Birdr" released decades after Lennon had passed.

[@lorimiller8297]

Absolutely love ELO. Jeff Lynne is a genius. So glad you finally got to experience his mastery. ❤

[@TaleMendon]

Your bopping up and down in the beginning is my exact reaction every time I hear this song.

[@philrobichaud3063]

This is the song I have set on my phone as my alarm to wake up in the morning... the look of sheer joy on your face as you're listening to it is priceless :)

[@bobbabai]

"Telephone Line" must be the next ELO you do - such heartache. I was just talking with my 36-year-old daughter at Thanksgiving. There was a guy there about my age who plays in an ELO cover band ("E-L-No") in Minneapolis. My daughter told us both how "Telephone Line" is her go-to karaoke tune. That cover band plays New Year's Eve at some bar somewhere every year and we're going. And I need to sneak a listen to my daughter singing that song.

[@VincentEngler]

That moment when you discover the deceptive cadence is one of the best things I have ever watched. Thanks!

[@davidkillens8143]

In 1968, Roy Wood (founder of ELO)- guitarist, vocalist and songwriter of the Move - had an idea to form a new band that would use violins, cellos, string basses, horns and woodwinds to give their music a classical sound, taking rock music in the direction to "pick up where the Beatles left off". Thank you. Listening to this song and witnessing the pure unfiltered joy on your face made my day and the sun now shines brighter.

[@holman26]

Roy wood even had a Christmas song I wish it could be Christmas every day by his band wizard

[@Perktube1]

So when did Jeff Lynne come in?

[@davidkillens8143]

@@Perktube1 In 1968 Wood formed ELO. In 1970 Lynn accepted Wood's second invite to join the band.

[@petedavies74]

Jeff Lynne joined The Move in 1970. Roy Wood felt with Jeff in the band he could realise his dream of a 'rock group with strings'...The Move became ELO in 1971 with their self titled debut album released that year. Roy Wood left the band half way through the second album ELO2 . The rest is history..

[@peachesnscream]

From a bass player, this song is an absolute gem

[@davidperrott4502]

you are like a kid in a candy shop. listening to your take on all the music I grew up listening to makes me feel like you missed out. Seeing ELO live way back in the 80s there show was not only musicaly spectacular, but their stage show and light show was awesome.