A song from veteran rock band Electric Light Orchestra has been called “one of the greatest songs of all time.”
The Jeff Lynne-fronted group is responsible for some all-time greats like Evil Woman, Don’t Bring Me Down, and Hold On Tight, but an obvious hit from the group remains their best, according to fans. A post to the r/ELO subreddit had listeners share their memories of listening to Mr. Blue Sky for the first time, with many claiming it remains the greatest song ever written. A post asking fans to discuss their thoughts on the song was posted to the subreddit, and reads: “Musically, it’s bursting with upbeat energy: crisp piano, choral harmonies, playful strings, and stacked vocals that echo The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper era.
“Despite its cheerfulness, there’s a precise, almost mechanical structure beneath the euphoria, showcasing Lynne’s meticulous production style. “Mr. Blue Sky” captures the moment when gloom lifts and life feels full of possibility, a perfect, euphoric climax to the stormy journey of the suite.”
Some fans were left describing it as one of the greatest songs of all time, while others were left saying it was second only to one song. The fan wrote: “This is one of the greatest songs of all time, closing off one of the greatest sides of all time, on one of the greatest albums of all time.
“I adore everything about this song, and it’s the song that made me investigate ELO’s discography, finding albums and songs that I absolutely love. I know some people are gonna say it’s overplayed, but it deserves every bit of playtime it gets.”
Another added: “Pays tribute to both The Beatles and The Beach Boys (if you listen carefully) while still managing to be quintessential ELO.
“People inevitably will say it’s overplayed, but there’s a reason it’s played so much. And, if I’m perfectly honest, I’ve heard Hold on Tight and Evil Woman on the radio more times recently.”
A third fan shared: “Best ELO song. Maybe my favourite. You know, it’s hard to pick just one. I frequently use this song for my morning alarm, and I still can’t make myself hate it. That has to say something.”
One listener has suggested Mr. Blue Sky is matched only by The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album closer. They wrote: “This and A Day in the Life. Greatest songs ever made.”
Some listeners, while appreciating the influence of the song, did suggest it was an “overplayed” part of the band’s discography. One user wrote: “Even if it’s overplayed, it’s the song that got me and many many others interested in ELO. It’s Jeff’s biggest hit, and it lives up to the hype.”
Another added: “While I do agree that it’s so overplayed, it’s a crafted masterpiece, both musically and lyrically. You can’t deny the genius of Jeff Lynne, as he puts the pieces on what seems to be one of the happiest songs of all time, and I agree to the fullest.”
Message From the Country and Do Ya are better Lynne songs IMHO
Can’t Get it Out of My Head, Livin’ Thing, Showdown, Shangra La, Strange Magic…so many more fab ELO songs.
Don’t forget Telephone line
Became a fan of ELO in December 1976 when Livin’ Thing was no. 4 in the charts. A New World Record is the best album ever, Rockaria! my favourite song of all time. Best not-a-single track Tightrope. Brilliant charity concert at Wembley Arena.
Eldorado from Eldorado is amazing
Last Train to London is huge in the UK, but i love Eldorado and Nobody’s Child Livin Thing was just an excellent song all around…..im takin a dive!
My wife and I had the DJ at our wedding play Mr Blue Sky right after we were pronounced husband and wife. Everyone loved it. I will say though that Last Train to London, Do Ya, and Turn to Stone are my favorite ELO songs.
Whisper in the night. Roy wood. Dear Elaine. Totally different .
Mr blue sky.
Strange Magic is better.
All great songs but the mix is crap. The drums and bass are buried beneath layers and layers of echoes and Phil Spector’s ridiculous “wall of sound”. The songs are melodic but lack punch and sound lame.
Best ELO song is telephone line and turned to stone!!
Love Kiauma and From the Sun to the World from ELO II
My favorite is Xanadu (2000 version)
What does being overplayed got to do with it? The first day the song was ever released is the day it enters the conversation, it is what was recorded and released that matters,not how many times it was played. It is a great song or else it would not be played to death, but that does not change the qualiy.
All good things must come to an end but Jeff’s exit and the nature in which it’s happened has left us all very sad. Never mind Jeff your music will continue to be appreciated and loved forever, thanks from us all.
I need her love from Discovery
Missed your last show was in Manchester waiting, got cancelled at last minute hope you can return at some point, get well soon Jeff.
Sorry but I think the song sucks. Horace Wimp & other ELO songs are much better !!!
Gotta say big fan of a new world record album first album i ever bought for myself but favourite song is fire on high
Rockaria was always one of my favourites
Can’t beievethis! One of their WORST songs, maybe, but BEST? What a joke. Been a fan from day one, and I wouldn’t even put it in their top 10! Better than Can’t Get it out of my head? Do Ya? Showdown? Evil Woman? Hold On Tight? Illusions in G ? Last Train? Xanadu? Get Real!!!
Any song from ELO gets you on a high. Every lyric has a special meaning to it. Long may you play on Jeff.
One song that’s never overplayed is Twilight which is superb piece of art.
Big wheels for me.
It goes without saying ELO are unique. I’ve been a fan of them since their early days. Whichever song of theirs I hear always gives me a lift.