Fans of Electric Light Orchestra believe there is one song by the band that is better than the “greatest song of all time”.
The Jeff Lynne-fronted group has released more than a few all-time great songs, including Evil Woman, Hold on Tight, and Telephone Line. But listeners sharing their thoughts on the band’s true “greatest song of all time” were at odds with the obvious choice. 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.”
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