Electric Light Orchestra was formed at the tail-end of the 1960s and was, according to one John Lennon, the band that The Beatles would’ve become had they not split up. That’s mighty great praise. But it’s warranted. ELO is one of the greatest bands of all time.

ELO created a great body of work by blending Beatlesque melodies, tight production techniques, and an interest in combining classical and rock elements.

I’m in awe of the band’s ability to write complex hit singles. Here’s a look and listen to Electric Light Orchestra’s 10 greatest songs.

Top 10 Greatest Songs by Electric Light Orchestra

10. “Roll Over Beethoven”

Chuck Berry wrote it. The Beatles played it live whenever they could. And Electric Light Orchestra took “Roll Over Beethoven” and used it as proof of concept. What were the prog-rock innovators trying to show? That classical music and rock n’ roll weren’t that far removed.

It worked. The public bought it. And it increased the world’s appetite for ELO’s mix of highly conceptual but mighty fun brand of pop.

9. “10538 Overture”

“10538 Overture” was the first Electric Light Orchestra single. As such, it needed to tell all brand-new listeners what the group was proposing.

As it turns out, what Roy Wood and Jeff Lynne had in mind was to take the art-rock of The Beatles and extend it to its natural limits. “10538 Overture” mixes styles, introduces off-time signatures, and utilizes the cello and the French horn. Critics heard it and were ecstatic.

8. “Bluebird is Dead”

ELO didn’t just match The Beatles in terms of daring musical adventurousness. Most of the time, Jeff Lynne just tried to find the kind of melodies and moods that The Fab Four might enjoy after a hard day’s night.

“Bluebird is Dead” is a bit of an underrated gem in my book. But it captures the band at its best. It’s a song that, even after having heard it a million times, the transition from verse to chorus is still surprising.

7. “Last Train to London”

Very few experimental rock acts ever became as popular as Electric Light Orchestra. In time, this meant that the pressure on Lynne to produce hits was large. 1979’s “Discovery” was an attempt at pleasing the radio playlist creators without sacrificing the edge.

This means that the result is a little saccharine. But Lynne’s production ability doesn’t betray him on the disco groove nostalgia trip of “Last Train to London.” I am surprised, but it’s become one of ELO’s most enduring songs.

6. “Showdown”

Remember the earlier praise by John Lennon that I mentioned? Well, it’s likely that the excellent “Showdown” is what triggered it. The other Beatles were also fans. In fact, all three of them worked with Lynne as producers, both solo and as the reunited Fab Four.

“Showdown” is a masterfully well-put-together sound. Brilliantly sung, dramatic, and driven by a danceable beat, no musical element here is in excess, I have come ti think.

5. “Livin’ Thing”

ELO didn’t do anything small. Even when delivering an acoustic guitar-based song, the band throws everything but the kitchen sink at the recording.

In other, less competent, but pretentious hands, “Livin’ Thing” would be a folk-rock singalong. However, it takes violins, gigantic choruses, and something resembling a rock orchestra to make this version come to life.

4. “Can’t Get It Out Of My Head”

Jeff Lynne made studio music. This was rock n’ roll, whose magic could only be created behind a glass wall. It could only be created with the help of numerous highly competent musicians.

For “Can’t Get It Out Of My Head,” Lynne hired a small orchestra. He also refined his production strategies. The result was the biggest hit of “El Dorado” and a mighty pleasing piece of pop-rock music. I wonder what Lynne charges for production duties these days? Probably a fortune if he’s still willing to do it.

3. “Telephone Line”

Being such an in-demand producer and a daring prog-pop innovator can make you forget what, arguably, Jeff Lynne did best -sing. That’s because, like his hero, Paul McCartney, Lynne’s acrobatic vocals are made to sound effortless.

“Telephone Line” is a tearjerker of a breakup song. It’s a monologue where nothing else will be allowed. Each part is marvellously hooky and reveals Lynne’s comfortable tenor range.

And while I do prefer the original, I would be remiss if I didn’t point you toward Psychotica’s version.

2. “Don’t Bring Me Down”

Is there a better hook than that of “Don’t Bring Me Down?” Is there anything else to the song? Well, yes, and yes.

But the point is that “Don’t Bring Me Down” is the ultimate radio rocker. It’s grandiose, fun, and nonsensical. (The Hives, sort of, covered it, or rather the hook.) And, most importantly, it’s undeniably catchy. This, I think, is the result of pop-hit alchemy.

1. “Mr. Blue Sky”

What would the world be without “Mr. Blue Sky?” Well, I don’t want to ever have to live in such a world. With this song, Electric Light Orchestra completely fulfilled its mission. The hippiesque concept and classical-meets-up songwriting combine to create a song that millions of people still listen to weekly. Many of them aren’t even much concerned with who performs the song.

“Mr. Blue Sky” is an extraordinary achievement. It is Electric Light Orchestra’s best song. And it makes one feel mighty excited about having access to great music. I certainly feel that way.