Electric Light Orchestra - 'Telephone Line' Reaction! I Just Want to Talk to My Baby!

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"Telephone Line" is a song by Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), released in 1976 on their album "A New World Record." Here are some key points about the song:
1. **Composition and Style**: Written by Jeff Lynne, the song features a lush orchestral arrangement combined with rock elements typical of ELO's style. It blends pop sensibilities with symphonic instrumentation, including strings and synthesizers.
2. **Lyrics**: The lyrics of "Telephone Line" tell the story of a man trying to call his lover on the telephone, but struggling to reach her due to various technical and emotional barriers. The song captures the frustration and longing of not being able to connect with someone important.
3. **Commercial Success**: "Telephone Line" was a commercial success, reaching number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It also performed well in other countries, solidifying ELO's popularity during the mid-1970s.
4. **Legacy**: The song is considered one of ELO's signature tunes and has been featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials over the years. Its catchy melody and emotional lyrics have made it a favorite among fans of classic rock and pop music.
5. **Cultural Impact**: Beyond its chart success, "Telephone Line" has endured as a classic example of ELO's ability to blend rock, pop, and orchestral elements into a cohesive and memorable song. It remains a staple of their live performances and continues to be enjoyed by new generations of listeners.
Overall, "Telephone Line" remains a standout track in Electric Light Orchestra's discography, showcasing their unique sound and Jeff Lynne's songwriting prowess.

[@kevinfriel6182]

I would nearly always recommend listening to the studio version of a song. However this live version is amazing, and the footage of the audience adds to the magic.

[@dimedraweriv258]

I'll take a good live version over a studio track any day. Everyone is different.

[@Steffe]

A living legend. Been a fan of ELO and Jeff Lynne since the mid 1970s

[@MoMoMyPup10]

@@dimedraweriv258 Yeah but which stone did you fall in love with first? Which one hooked you?

[@mikedobson8794]

I get ya. Especially when the producer is fire….But if a band can’t bring it live, I am not interested.

[@JohnDavidLove]

Studio ? Whenever y’all say that, I know you have not grown up with live concert experiences Too bad Live is number 1!!!!!

[@alexakl6445]

ELO is just as good in concert as in the studio, imo. And I liked that young people in the crowd knew the words as well as the older ones meaning their stuff is timeless. Great reaction!

[@terryquinn7765]

That’s such bs coming from you.

[@terryquinn7765]

Sorry I misread your comment. ✌️

[@sixslinger9951]

This song brings back my 70's memories big time.

[@Belluser-we1uc5cb2l]

Exactly, take me back to the 70's ❤

[@maureenwagg5305]

Yep, just got all the feels back again. That song is so emotional and live it's showing the crowd and how it's affecting them too. ELO is next level pop music.

[@chrismcdonagh688]

I never got to see the original ELO and thought my chance was gone, but when Jeff Lynne came back with this version of the band a few years ago, I wasn't going to miss the opportunity. I've been lucky enough to see this show 3 times now, and musically it's the best I've ever seen.

[@johnathanstruble1064]

You wanna know how songs can be a major part of one's life, look at the crowd, 40 years later. ❤

[@kathiek4239]

The crowd is giving me chills.

[@johnathanstruble1064]

@@kathiek4239 👍❤️

[@classic_sci_fi]

With voice mail people no longer know that feeling of listening to the phone ring for as long as you stay on the line.

[@christinewaide5249]

I love this song so much. Young people today don’t know the agony of a ringing phone..It was torture. And this song symbolized that for us back then.

[@MaryannTurton]

That’s so true. If you called the one you loved, and they didn’t pick up it made you wonder where they were and you missed them. You couldn’t text them. You could drive to their house or ride your bike, but there was no guarantee they would be home.

[@Belluser-we1uc5cb2l]

Especially when you used your last quarter at the phone booth. No answer😢

[@CuzKatieSaysSo]

We're seeing ELO in Chicago in September. I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas!!!!!

[@mick1583]

This was a great concert. Wembly 2017.

[@bumperu]

The Hyde Park concert was also great. I have the DVD.

[@oldmankell]

"Let it ring forevermore..." I've felt that in my life. Great song, great reaction!

[@beadybaby]

Telephone was our fastest communication. Next was in person, next was handwritten. That was pretty much it

[@penname5766]

OMG ELO!! 😍😍😍

[@suziQue]

This song reminds me of my brother that passed away several years ago. I still have his number in my phone. I call it ever so often (crazy ,I know) But I miss him so.

[@siemonebeach4083]

I was 10, when this song came out…one of my favorite songs from my childhood…I still have my collection of 45s, and still have this one.

[@shanedesselle2590]

Great that people are now appreciating this all-time great band.

[@wendyt7958]

This whole album from start to finish is incredible!

[@Cosmo-Kramer]

It is a perfect album. Every song is great. And the album's opening track, *"Tightrope",* features the greatest song Intro of all-time, and to bookend that, the album's closing track, *"Shangri-la",* features the greatest song Outro of all-time. Amazing.

[@stevehegner5805]

When albums first started being sold as CDs this was the first one that I bought. That's how highly I think of this album. One of my all-time favorites for sure.

[@bernadettekutch5240]

I was about 20 when this came out in the seventies, and have always loved ELO! They are also one of my daughter’s favorite bands, and she’s now 36. My husband, son, and I went with her and her husband to see them live in I believe 2019 (summer before the pandemic). It was a fantastic show, and George Harrison’s (of the Beatles) son Dhani and his band opened for them! They were great too! We have tickets to see ELO again in September, and can’t wait!!😃 Thanks for your reaction, and I’m glad that you are all fans too!🥰❤️

[@MelissaPalmer-zy5nh]

Jeff Lynne is a musical genius. Song writing, singing producing and the concert set ups. All his.

[@reneerocha1796]

Always great music from E.L.O. ! 😊❤

[@classicaustralianmusicandf7425]

Just beautiful people watching beautiful music. That's Life!

[@richardripberger2902]

Rosie on the violin is breathtaking, in looks and sound.

[@benjaminbrowardONEOG]

Original band members. Original audience members.

[@user-ns6op3ib9q]

Jeff Lynn sounds the same live! He has a wonderful voice very talented!

[@PatRyan-my8ep]

Guys great reaction what a performance jeff lynee was 70 doing this and puts so called artists half his age to shame gorgeous thanks again try shangri la next ❤

[@jtomlinson7855]

First band I ever saw when I was 16 - I was changed forever

[@Zeb-gb2uk]

Evil Woman 🔥

[@singluna888]

I saw them in concert in 1979. They were awesome! Great light show with some of the best music I've ever heard.

[@kevinmarshall854]

The lead singer and creator of the band ELO is Jeff Lynne and you really need to watch him play in the tribute to George Harrison as they play his famous song "AS MY GUITAR GENTLY WEEPS" a long with George Harrison's son Dhani, Tom Petty, Steve Winwood and the great Prince who had the most incredible guitar solo. You have to watch it!!!!

[@tomgeiger7058]

Thought for sure OllyWood would have rejected this one! He is evolving!!!

[@richteezer1]

Tightrope by ELO is a must!

[@ronaldmariano1888]

Most definitely!

[@Bassjohn1968]

I endorsed this, cracking song

[@MatthewC137]

ELO has so many good songs but it seems like my favorites are never on the menu for reactors. Great reaction as always.

[@willblood7082]

I’ve been lucky enough to see ELO live in concert, and I’ve seen many, many concerts in my life but, they sound exactly the same live as they do in the studio… one of my favorite songs by them! And, it’s like anything, it has to be played when the mood is right. If you’ve got a party going at full throttle you don’t put a song like this on but, if you’re alone with your girl… just sayin’ 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@RockinMamaT]

Ahh When concerts were concerts. I love the memories of being at a live show when they're were no cell phones..just pure enjoyment ❤Great reaction as usual my friends and Peace out 🙏 ✌️ ☮️

[@Cosmo-Kramer]

This was 2017, everyone had cellphones. None of the audience close-ups showed them, but the wide shots were filled with the lights of cellphones.

[@Tijuanabill]

One of the better live performances I have seen, by an aging band. Usually they are painful to watch and listen to.

[@spacefanatic]

Jeff Lynne (who comes from my home City of Birmingham, UK) is a great musician and producer. E.L.O. had loads of great songs and sounded better live than on the studio versions. My favourite is 'All Over The World' which is a happy song and there are flash mob videos on YT. E.L.O. with Jeff Lynne were still performing just before the pandemic and I believe he is doing his final tour this year. He is over 70 years of age.

[@tonyaristide2582]

Never failed every 70s high school break up this song shows up and just crushed your soul.

[@betacall9634]

This song could never be written today. Beyond Jeff Lynn’s musical genius, the nostalgic music and lyrics hit hard such as he says to the operator “can you just let it ring a little longer, longer”. In the 1970’s there was no answering machine or voicemail, cellphones. No social media to check the love of your life who just broke up with you is on vacation or just got back. If you weren’t home, your option was to run to a pay phone put some dimes and nickels in it and call where, if the person disconnected or changed their home phone number? No. When someone broke up with you back in the 70’s, they would get in a taxi and you would never see them again. No one to text 5 mins later I’m sorry. Within a week they could have moved to the other side of the world and you’d never know. That’s what makes this song and lyrics so heartbreaking back in the day!

[@kathiek4239]

This album is a warm summer night in my ears. I remember when it came out and my friend and I would lie on the floor in her parents living room (cause that’s where the stereo was) and just listen to it over & over. Thanks for the memories. 🫶

[@Kimberly-ns7kt]

Jeff Lynne has produced the Beatles and Tom Petty. he was also part of the Traveling Wilburies. While my guitar gently weeps with various artists including Prince (RIP) who plays awesome guitar solo

[@tonidarcy5515]

Just about every other day you all react to my early and late teens! Best time of my life I am 62 right now! But the best is there all about 70,s music! The best era of music, we will never have that again! I just appreciate and love your true reactions!! Keep them coming ❤🎸🎵🎶🔥🎤🎷

[@kenwilmarth68]

Saw them at the Hollywood bowl in 2016 for my 50th birthday

[@stewpot6998]

Such a great melody and vocal. The orchestration and composition are simply amazing.

[@labratamber]

Oooh yall need to jump down more of the ELO rabbithole!!!! Evil woman is fantastick and more upbeat

[@bumperu]

Rockaria!!!! is great.

[@ronaldmariano1888]

Most definitely, especially if you don't mind a little bit of opera meshed in with Rock!

[@ian8241]

Wow, this live version is amazing!

[@eggy1962]

Wembley 2017

[@TheRetroManRandySavage]

He was In the supergroup, travelling wilburys. Definitely worth checking out.

[@jimwillride]

what a great way to say that Fenom202: I didn't realize how much a part of my life ELO was already! Love it. I feel the same way, and I've been listening to them for a long time. For real.

[@rosemarywatson1231]

This band is fire!

[@GinMae]

Thanks, guys... Jeff was and is genius... this was the first song I heard by them as a teenager .. late 70's.. and the way they still carried it is amazing! appreciate your reactions... (p.s. if I were there.. I'd be one of those "middle-aged" audience geeks... lol)

[@franksullivan1873]

Wish ,I could have been there! Great concert.

[@roevega9902]

I saw the US leg of this tour at Radio City Music Hall. It was absolutely fantastic!

[@Giggirl]

I’ve always loved this song & ELO, but hearing it in an arena is special ❤🎶

[@user-el4vl7ms2p]

ELO is a fantastic group! Unique sound. Jeff Lynne was also a member of The Traveling Wilbury's (I don't think you have reacted to this group yet). The WIlbury's consisted of Jeff and his friends Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Roy Orbison, and George Harrison. Yes - those 5 major musicians formed a group. You've reacted to these artists before, you'd enjoy them as a group!

[@hog7203]

Nice choice of song and performance. ELO does have some great music. I don't have a favorite song by this group. Every time I think I do I'll remember another one I forgot about. Keep on checking out more of their music.

[@geoff6942]

The video, and the sound, I think, is from the 2017 UK Wembley concert. Jeff Lynne reformed ELO in 2014, with only Richard Tandy (Keyboards), as an original member from the '70s. However what fantastic musicians the new group proved to be, with keyboardist recreating the original telephone sound on RT's synthesiser. Superb string section. Jeff Lynnes history as a musician goes back to the 1960s UK. Jeff had a a high opinion of The Beatles. The Beatles had a high opinion of Jeff and his groups. Idle Race to The Move to Electric Light Orchestra. Richard Tandy R.I.P.

[@tm2bee]

Listen, the old folks of today are the original "get wild" crew. LOL

[@Bassjohn1968]

Hello gentlemen, so glad you’ve discovered this fantastic band, please do tightrope next, typically ELO vibe. 🇬🇧🇺🇸🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@elliotthyde5623]

What a belter of a song.

[@sylvialopez5928]

Agree the studio version is great ❤ I have this on my playlist. Awesome tune.

[@cindipossidento5688]

Great song !!!!!!! ELO 😘

[@jenniferbabros1985]

Good Choice gentlemen😊 I'm waiting for Kid Charlemagne by The Dan

[@saintsataniko2116]

I guess Olli is talking about the two Asian women at the start who seemed really emotional about the song, and there is also a beautiful violinist as well. But he also likes seeing bands playing in front of huge crowds. This is another song I haven't heard since I was a kid. I always thought it was a novelty song because of the telephone sounds (which surprisingly don't sound too dated) but it is sung with a lot more heart than I remember (and probably the studio version is a little colder than the live version).

[@gailsmythe8476]

i just got tickets to see there farewell concert in Portland at the end of august.

[@gtplumbing2004]

God bless you guys. Great review.

[@doriwiljt]

I say live first then studio. Jeff Lynn was also part of the supergroup The Traveling Wilburys.

[@Renkk17]

Also have to check out ELO - Sweet Talking Woman - Turn to Stone - Living Thing

[@nickozzy]

they started a very experimental band..they found a more commercial sound for many people..jeff lynn was nicknamed the fifth beatle , because of his friendship with members of the Beatles 😊

[@kkampy4052]

Going to see them at Madison Square Gardens in Sept.

[@jeffreyallen-uw9uh]

Since you dig Jeff Lynne you should check out 'The Traveling Wilburys'-Jeff, Tom Petty. George Harrison, Roy Orbison, and Bob Dylan made some good music. Thanks for your reaction to this tune...memories:) TC Gents!

[@garyjohnson7133]

Pure genius!

[@LoganPEade]

Don't know your names yet but your oldest guy and I are about the same age, I'm not surprised at all he's jammin!👍😁

[@tedclimie502]

Saw them @ Pine Knob live

[@terryhollis1787]

I seen ELO live in concert in my home state in Nashville many years ago and they put on a hell of a concert, great memories.

[@YT-tv2rx]

Gorgeous song!

[@jeff_r517]

Love this and Jim Croce's Operator. Best "telephone" songs I know.

[@Cosmo-Kramer]

Corey, Fenom & Olli: I've got your next two ELO songs to react to: 1) The Official Video of their 1979 hit, *"Last Train To London".* The video has 152M views. You guys will totally dig the track, it's the band's only true Disco song, and they did it right, ELO-style! 2) Live at Wembley 2017, performing their '75 hit song, *"Evil Woman".* (Same concert as the reactions you did to, "Livin' Thing", and, "Telephone Line".) It has 20M views.

[@Mike-pi2bo]

You guys are very cool! Love your channel. "Showdown" another banger.

[@edwardmeradith2419]

Perfect retro pop song - my favorite ELO tune 😻

[@lisahumphries3898]

This is a good techno doo-wop song.

[@jackmason4374]

I was having a drink one night with Jeff and he told the story of the, I think , it was 14 pianos 😂

[@FrankWirth-ij4rq]

The "5th Beatle. He worked with them on different projects. "The Traveling Willbourys" etc.

[@kajabrill2404]

❤❤❤

[@anthonywilson7681]

Takes me back to Friday nights at the skating rink.

[@frankdunn6653]

Take the time to watch that whole concert.

[@henryevenson8152]

Excellent dudes.

[@quintondees4501]

This one is a classssic🔥🔥🔥 live performances aren't this good anymore

[@fredshred5194]

Old Jeff is a top draw musician, been around a block or two. Great live show.

[@terryking8984]

Early aerosmith stuff from the 70s are the best tunes!! Like - toys in the attic, no more no more, sweet emotion, back in the saddle!! I’m telling you if you want funky rock genre you gotta do those songs - get ready to funk out!!

[@Kim-xk4sx]

He was in the Traveling Wilbury with other superstar Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, George Harrison and Roy Obersion

[@randlnickel9196]

Travelling Wilburys

[@deegomez2089]

I was waiting for Olli to not like this song and I was comin' for him 😉 💚🎶🎵 Check out Last Train to London, if you haven't already.

[@terryking8984]

Aerosmith- sweet emotion- one of their best songs funky-

[@annephillips8494]

The Wembly Concert was a joy and was kicking myself I wasn't there I loved watching all the generations having a good time.And the music was just as good as ever Thank you.💌

[@davidnorth9390]

Chuck Berry's "Memphis" may be the best 'telephone' song, --followed by "Hangin on the Telephone" by the Nerves (and Blondie). Thanks for the great ELO reaction!

[@workingman6681]

I will be watching them this coming winter at The Kia (Forum). I played this album over and over and over again!

[@IZZY_EDIBLE]

Do DO YA!

[@davidbanachek7966]

Live is good, but I like the studio version much better on this particular song.

[@terryking8984]

Allman brothers - best vocals out there - “ whipping post” live early 70s version- two drummers, Greg allman on keyboards singing!! It’s the best

[@badllama8090]

In the U.K. One of the 1st groups I was exposed to at the tender age of 8 yrs old with the 'out of the blue' album of my mothers, one of the best, original bands there was, such beutiful melodies and harmonies! 👏👍👌🤘✌🖖🤙🍻