4 Fantastic and Unforgettable Album-Closers by Electric Light Orchestra

4 Fantastic and Unforgettable Album-Closers by Electric Light Orchestra

Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) created one of the most remarkable catalogs in classic rock history, featuring some unforgettable album-ending songs. The band stood out in the 70s and 80s thanks to Jeff Lynne's unique blend of rock and classical elements, alongside his impressive production and songwriting talents. Across 15 studio albums, ELO delivered numerous memorable closing tracks. Here are four that deserve special recognition.

Out Of The Blue: Closing with "Wild West Hero"

Jeff Lynne and his band pushed creative boundaries with Out Of The Blue, a diverse double album that emerged from a short but intense period of inspiration after Lynne overcame a major writer’s block. The album closes powerfully with "Wild West Hero," a song that explores the fantasy of an ordinary person dreaming of a more exciting life. This theme, important to Lynne, also shaped ELO’s acclaimed 1974 album Eldorado.

The track features a distinct saloon-style piano performed by Melvyn Gale, usually the band's cellist. It gradually intensifies from soft verses to dynamic choruses, with Lynne delivering vocals amid a swirling musical tempest.

“Wild West Hero” centers on a theme that resonated with Lynne, that of the everyday Joe who imagines himself in a more vibrant life.

Meanwhile, a popular joke at the time was that the title of their album Discovery should have been written as “Disco-Very.”

Author's summary: Electric Light Orchestra’s album closers exemplify Jeff Lynne's masterful fusion of rock and classical music, making their final tracks as memorable as their hit singles.

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American Songwriter American Songwriter — 2025-11-07

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