At the moment, what this reviewer can't get out of his head, are the Eldorado Overture and Finale tracks (not to mention "All Over", from Out of the Blue).
To listen to all these ELO tracks, ranging from classical string arrangements to slow and often romantic tunes (such as, "Can't Get it out of my Head"), even to the infectious pop so gorgeously arranged by maestro Lynne across the map of Electric Light Orchestra albums, I can't understand how so many are able to so unquestioningly dismiss the work of the Electric Light Orchestra, and to heap distain and criticism--practically hate sometimes--on the band's leader, Mr. Jeff Lynne. I have come to believe that we the fans of the Electric Light Orchestra (small in number was we seem to be) must take a stand and defend Jeff Lynne and his work against the public of critics and of course those destined to complain about the production on anything he worked on (from the Traveling Wilburys albums to The Concert for George). It may be an acquired taste, but this does not justify the vitriolic venting against Lynne I have often read on these and other pages. As a human being and, in my opinion, as a skilled composer, musican, and producer, Jeff Lynne needs, DESERVES, more respect than he is getting. I am not suggesting that everyone should be forced to love ELO (though I do think it should be regarded as compulsory listening for true music lovers, even if just due to Jeff Lynne's production wizardy and the uniqueness of the sound in blending classical with pop), I just think people should give Jeff Lynne more respect as a human being and as an independent artist- and also perhaps give him a fair chance, leaving behind the preconcieved notion that seems to permeate modern music criticism that ELO was a patently inferior act. If you can't respect a human being's unique style and out-put, what business do you have in experiencing art anyway? If you can't stop shouting abuse at Jeff Lynne for supposedly ruining the Beatles reunion tracks and Harrison's Brainwashed (while also missing out on such fab tracks as, 'Real Love', 'Any Road', 'Looking for my Life', 'Rising Sun', 'Brainwashed' and more), what when wrong in your upbringing? Why must you insult, deride, and abuse the man to get a point across? And, isn't something wrong if you feel the urge to? We are all entitled to our own opinions, but this does not give us the right to express objection without at least some degree of civility. OK; that aside, I am a BIG fan of ELO and have the utmost respect for Jeff Lynne. About Eldorado...
A concept album about dreams and their influence upon man, this brilliant album, is bookended by the Eldorado Overture and the Eldorado Finale; both infectious tracks, they create the great possible (if most frustratingly short) intro and epilogue for the album In between, some of the highlights include: "Can't Get it out of my Head", a gorgeous love ballad (and musically catchy) that proves Jeff Lynne's lyrical capabilities for yours truly. Also: "Boy Blue" which, philosophically, seems to me to represent those dreams that are indescribably joyous, better than life itself; "Lorado Tornado", describing the low of awaking from a good dream. 'Mr. Kingdom' includes some interesting lyrics and the usual great music and arrangments, while 'Nobody's Child' is a haunting tune (perhaps about the fulfilment of strong desires, wishful thinking, through dreams?), 'Illusions in G-Minor' is catchy and lyrically, here, there and everywhere. The title track is a soaring one, and emotionally delivered as well. "I will be freeeeeee" is one of those lines that will likely stay with me for the rest of my life (Jeff Lynne really CAN sing,too!). The track also joyfully asserts the superiority of imagination and fantasy to reality, perhaps a fitting epitaph for the band itself and a position I can certainly identify with. I would argue that, 'Poor Boy' is a cut below the others, definetly lyrically (though there are some fun lines in there) but is indescribly redeemable thanks to its melody and, as ever, arrangement. All in all, what a listen! It may take a few times for the full, surprisingly deep concept to set in ( to a point, I'm still working through it honestly).

All in all, a great listening experience, highlighted by the blending of the classical and pop, and by the philosphical and varient nature of the lyrics... and by that plain old rock 'n' roll fun so prominent within the work. 5/5

I just barely love ELO's "Time" album more that "Eldorado". This album is a very, very close second-best ELO album for me. This album establishes the credentials for ELO as being special. Previous albums are great in their own right and for their own reasons, but after Eldorado, fans knew that Jeff could paint picture of other-worldliness using music. The fan was taken to another world via music-- a theme Jeff returns to in following albums.

I loved the MOVE and glided gracefully into ELO. This album in 1974 became "the" album of the seventies for me. I listened to it so often I own three vinyl copies. The first one I wore out, the second one I bought to take it's place and a third one I have is still sealed (Saw it on sale in the 80's at a cut rate price and bought it for a time when copy #2 got too noisey). If you ever liked even one ELO song you must own this CD. It is Jeff Lynn's ultimate work. His lyrics take this character from the real world back and forth to the dream world he would rather live in. I always thought that the character dies or commits suicide by the last song as he sings about not coming back to the real world. This is my interpetation not Jeff's.

This is a great one- possibly my favorite from ELO, even though I love "Face The Music", "Out Of The Blue" and "A New World Record". The title track is breathtaking and delightfully well-written - but then again, so are all the other tracks! Listen for The Beatles in "Mister Kingdom" - Jeff Lynne mentioned that this was his "Lennon track" - it sounds compellingly like "Across The Universe". The extra tracks are great and very revelatory. I wish "Dark City" were longer! A fantastic album from fantastic band, headed by a underrated and fantastic musician!

This is such a nice album to listen to. It' sort of like a fantasy and Jeff Lynne wrote some wonderful music, but if you're expecting some "jump out of your seat" great-hook songs ( with the exception of "CAN'T GET IT OUT OF MY HEAD") that most people are used to hearing from ELO, you won't find it here. While this album is a good work of art by Lynne and the gang, just like it says on the title A SYMPHONY BY ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA, that pretty much sums it up and Lynne does a good job here. If you really like some orchestral music, in the realm of scores (which I do) then I highly recommend this, but if you the more cemented ELO sound, then I suggest FACE THE MUSIC as a good start.
Highlights: "ELDORADO OVERTURE","CAN'T GET IT OUT OF MY HEAD","POOR BOY GREENWOOD","ELDORADO" and "ELDORADO FINALE & INSTRUMENTAL MEDLEY"