Electric Light Orchestra fans have called one of their classic tracks one of their “worst”.
The song from their second album, ELO 2, remains one of their earliest hits and while the cover of Chuck Berry, Roll Over Beethoven, made waves at time of release, perceptions on the song have soured. In a Reddit thread on r/ELO where users shared their hot takes and opinions on the Jeff Lynne-led band, one user suggested there was little need for Roll Over Beethoven. They wrote: “Conceptually, Roll Over Beethoven is the worst song on ELO2 and sonically derails an otherwise focused and heartfelt prog rock masterpiece.”
Another disagreed, adding: “But it was arguably necessary for them to have something catchy to play on AM radio.” A third wrote: “Genuinely curious here, how is it the worst song on the album and how does it derail the experience?” The user who called Roll Over Beethoven a derailment of the album confirmed that, while it still “sticks out”, the song is far from ideal.
They wrote: “On its own, the song is a rockin’ and rollin’ single that undoubtedly piqued the ears of new ELO listeners upon release. And there’s no denying that it rips at live performances. It mostly sticks out from a conceptual standpoint when compared to the lyrical content and overall sound of the other songs on ELO2.
“The more blatant themes in Roll Over Beethoven about an admiration for the energy and expression of the rhythm and blues musical genre differs in scope from the themes of war, loss, and industry in the more nuanced lyrics of the other four songs on ELO2. Sonically, the sprawling and progressive compositions of the other songs clash for me against the rip-roarin’ blues jam at the heart of Roll Over Beethoven.
“But it really is all personal preference – I just prefer the progressive rock genre over early rhythm and blues. It’s like throwing a Jailhouse Rock cover in the middle of a King Crimson or Camel album (lol not really, but the progheads know).”
But another user disagreed with their read on ELO’s Roll Over Beethoven. They wrote: “I would argue the complete opposite, that the song fits perfectly on the album. From a sonic standpoint, the song doesn’t differ all much from material that can be found in Old England Town and From The Sun To The World.
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“There is more of it and serves as the main focus, but it is not alien in nature. It also shares many progressive elements not unlike the other songs on the album. It may be a cover of Roll Over Beethoven, but the composition, form, and even some of the lyrics have been drastically altered in progressive ways.
“Additionally, the thematic elements of the song mesh excellently with the surrounding songs. Roll Over Beethoven isn’t just a song glorifying the rock n’ roll, it is, more importantly, a protest song.
An expression of desire to do away with people in power using ‘sophisticated artists’ (e.g. how pretentious people would get about Beethoven) as bludgeons against black artists. I am simplifying for the sake of brevity but in essence, the underlying tones of rebellion gel well with thematic image of ELO II. Admittedly I am biased as I do quite enjoy the older rock n’ sounds, but what can you do lol.”
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It does fit the album and it was a hit in both the UK and US. They had also just lost Roy Wood.
It’s better than the Beatles version