They incorporated the sounds of string ensembles, vocoders and dub echos into rock songs, thereby creating a very sophisticated studio version of rock. The musical content of ELO songs often went far beyond usual chord structures, mixing pop songwriting with classical romanticism and synthesized sounds. The band claim that their music "picks up where The Beatles' 1967 song I Am the Walrus left off."
Formed in 1970 by Roy Wood, Jeff Lynne and Bev Bevan (the remaining members of the 1960s rock group The Move). The band used cellos, violin, horns and woodwinds to give their music a classical sound. This was an idea Roy Wood initially had while with The Move, to take rock music in a new direction. In 1970 when Carl Wayne left the The Move, Jeff Lynne, front man with fellow Brum band Idle Race, responded to Wood's second invitation to join the line-up, with the lure of starting the new band. To help finance the fledgling project, two more Move albums were released during the recording of their eponymous first album in 1971 which produced the UK hit 10538 Overture. In the US this album was released with the mistaken title of No Answer, due to a mix-up with an uncompleted telephone call to the American label and subsequent secretarial message.
However, tensions soon surfaced between Roy Wood and Jeff Lynne. With most of the media attention focused on Roy Wood, differences in musical direction, and a disastrous first live outing, it was no surprise when the band went through the first of its many line-up changes as Wood took Hugh McDowell and Bill Hunt with him to form Wizzard. Despite the music press's predictions that the band would fold without Wood, Jeff Lynne stepped up to lead the band, with Bevan remaining on drums, bassist Richard Tandy switching to moog synthesizer, Michael d'Albuquerque on bass, Mike Edwards, Colin Walker (cello) and Wilfred Gibson replacing Steve Woolam on violin. They released ELO 2 in 1973, from which came their first U.S. chart hit, a hugely elaborate version of the Chuck Berry classic Roll Over Beethoven. After their second album, violinist Gibson was dismissed and replaced by Mik Kaminski. They also released On The Third Day in 1973, with Mike Edwards playing all the cello parts due to Colin Walker leaving the band. Later that same year saw the return of Hugh McDowell, who had jumped ship the year previous, to replace cellist Colin Walker.
In 1974 Lynne hired a thirty-piece orchestra, choir and Louis Clark, then began work on the next LP Eldorado, A Symphony, a concept album about dreams, scoring their first U.S. Top Ten hit with Can't Get It Out Of My Head in 1975. Eldorado would become ELO's first gold album.
After the release of Eldorado, bassist and vocalist Kelly Groucutt and cellist Melvyn Gale joined, replacing de Albuquerque and Edwards respectively.
The band split in 1983. In 1985, Lynne, Tandy and Bevan reunited and recorded the album "Balance of Power". This reunion was short lived and the band split once more in 1986. Bev Bevan and Louis Clark, with the consent of Lynne, toured and recorded as ELO Part II from 1988 until Bevan's retirement in 1999. In 2000, Lynne and Tandy reformed Electric Light Orchestra and released a new record, "Zoom". "Zoom" proved to be a commercial failure, and the duo split once more in 2001.
In 2014, following support from BBC Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans, Lynne and Tandy reunited as a part of BBC Radio 2's "Festival in a Day" to perform under the new billing, "Jeff Lynne's ELO", a name Lynne devised as a response to ELO tributes, imitation bands, and offshoots who used ELO to promote their own tours.
In February 2015, Jeff Lynne's ELO performed at the Grammy Awards with Ed Sheeran, and in September of that year they announced a new album would be released under Columbia Records. Jeff Lynne's ELO - Alone in the Universe was released on November 13, 2015, and was ELO’s first album of new material in almost 15 years.
The second album under Jeff Lynne’s ELO, Jeff Lynne's ELO - From Out of Nowhere, was released on November 1, 2019.
There is more than one artist with the name "ELO". The vast majority of scrobbles to "Electric Light Orchestra" are for the rock band from England.
ELO, is a South Korean singer, who debuted with the album, 8 Femmes, on August 26, 2016.
Is It Alright
Electric Light Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't know where to begin so I'll just hello
Dear Jo:
Is it so much better now you're on your own?
(Is it alright?) you never believed in yourself
(Is it alright?) but now that you're free, does it help?
Is it alright?
And is it alright?
Now that you're back where you belong?
Dear Jo:
Are you living it up every place you go?
Dear Jo:
If you're having a hard time it sure don't show
(Is it alright?) you couldn't hold on in your mind.
(Is it alright?) now is it okay, is it fine?
Is it alright?
Now that you've got what you want?
And is it alright?
Now that you're back where you belong?
Dear Jo:
Can you believe that it's been so long?
Dear Jo:
Just thought I'd write and let you know
(Is it alright?) you never believed in yourself
(Is it alright?) but now that you're free, does it help?
Is it alright?
Now that you've got what you want?
And is it alright?
Now that you're back where you belong?
Is it alright?
Is it alright with you?
Is it alright?
Is it alright with you?
Is it alright?
Now that you've got what you want?
And is it alright?
Now that you're back where you belong?
Is it alright?
Now that you've got what you want?
And is it alright?
Now that you're back where you belong?
The lyrics to Electric Light Orchestra's "Is It Alright" are addressed to a woman named Jo who is now living on her own. The singer asks if it is "so much better" for her now that she is free from whatever situation she was in before. The singer also acknowledges that Jo "never believed in yourself" and asks if now that she is no longer held down, does it help her to believe in herself more?
As the song progresses, the singer continues to ask Jo questions about her life now that she is no longer with whoever she was with before. He asks if she is living it up wherever she goes and if it is hard for her, but she doesn't show it. In the end, the singer asks if it is alright with Jo now that she has what she wants and if coming back home has given her a sense of belonging.
The overall message of the song is one of concern and care for Jo. The singer is showing interest in Jo's life and wants to know how she is doing now that she is on her own. The lyrics also touch on the idea of self-doubt and how it can hold someone back, but once they are free from it, they can begin to believe in themselves and find their place in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Dear Jo:
I don't know where to begin so I'll just hello
The singer is writing to their friend Jo and struggles with where to start so they open with a greeting.
Dear Jo:
Is it so much better now you're on your own?
The singer asks Jo if they are happier now that they are single.
(Is it alright?) you never believed in yourself
The singer asks Jo if they feel better about themselves now that they have gained their freedom.
(Is it alright?) but now that you're free, does it help?
The singer inquires if Jo is free from the relationship and if it has brought positive change.
Is it alright?
Now that you've got what you want?
The singer questions if Jo is satisfied with what they have achieved now that they are on their own.
And is it alright?
Now that you're back where you belong?
The singer wonders if Jo is content after returning to a familiar environment.
Dear Jo:
Are you living it up every place you go?
The singer asks Jo if they are enjoying life to the fullest, everywhere they visit.
Dear Jo:
If you're having a hard time it sure don't show
The singer wonders if Jo is struggling, as they do not appear to be showing any signs of hardship.
(Is it alright?) you couldn't hold on in your mind.
The singer observes how Jo may have struggled to keep their thoughts and emotions together.
(Is it alright?) now is it okay, is it fine?
The singer wants to know if Jo is now feeling better mentally and emotionally.
Dear Jo:
Can you believe that it's been so long?
The singer is amazed at how much time has passed since they last saw Jo.
Dear Jo:
Just thought I'd write and let you know
The singer explains that they just wanted to reach out and connect with Jo.
(Is it alright?) you never believed in yourself
The singer questions if Jo has more confidence now that they are not held back by a relationship.
(Is it alright?) but now that you're free, does it help?
The singer wonders if Jo's newfound freedom has resulted in better self-esteem.
Is it alright?
Now that you've got what you want?
The singer wants Jo to confirm if they feel satisfied now that they have what they previously wanted.
And is it alright?
Now that you're back where you belong?
The singer wants to know if Jo is comfortable being back in a familiar setting.
Is it alright?
Is it alright with you?
The singer asks Jo if everything is alright and if they are content with their newfound circumstances.
Is it alright?
Now that you've got what you want?
The singer emphasizes the importance of Jo's satisfaction with what they have achieved.
And is it alright?
Now that you're back where you belong?
The singer repeats the question to ensure that Jo is in a comfortable environment.
Is it alright?
Now that you've got what you want?
The singer reiterates the importance of Jo's happiness with their new life.
And is it alright?
Now that you're back where you belong?
The singer reaffirms that Jo's satisfaction with their environment is important.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JEFF LYNNE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Donald's trump
Dear Jo
Don't know where to begin, so I'll just hello
Dear Jo
Is it so much better now you're on your own?
(Is it alright) you never believed in yourself
(Is it alright) now that you're free, does it help?
Is it alright
Now that you've got what you want?
And is it alright
Now that you're back where you belong?
Dear Jo
Are you living it up every place you go?
Dear Jo
If you're having a hard time, it sure don't show
(Is it alright) you couldn't hold on in your mind
(Is it alright) now is it okay, is it fine?
Is it alright
Now that you've got what you want?
And is it alright
Now that you're back where you belong?
Dear Jo
Can you believe that it's been so long?
Dear Jo
Just thought I'd write and let you know
(Is it alright) you never believed in yourself
(Is it alright) but now that you're free, does it help?
Is it alright
Now that you've got what you want?
And is it alright
Now that you're back where you belong?
Is it alright?
Is it alright with you?
Is it alright?
Is it alright with you?
Is it alright
Now that you've got what you want?
And is it alright
Now that you're back where you belong?
Is it alright
Now that you've got what you want?
And is it alright
Now that you're back where you belong?
Is it alright
Now that you've got what you want?
And is it alright
Now that you're back where you belong?
Gallina de Yeso
Querida Jo:
No sé por dónde empezar, así que me limitaré a saludar
Querida Jo:
¿Es mucho mejor ahora que estás por tu cuenta?
(¿Estás bien?) Nunca creíste en ti misma.
(¿Estás bien?) Pero ahora que eres libre, ¿sirve de algo?
¿Estás bien?
¿Ahora que tienes lo que quieres?
¿Y está bien?
¿Ahora que estás de vuelta donde perteneces?
Querida Jo:
¿Estás disfrutando de todos los lugares a los que vas?
Querida Jo:
Si lo estás pasando mal seguro que no se nota
(¿Estás bien?) No pudiste retenerlo en tu mente.
(¿Estás bien?) ¿Ahora está todo bien, está genial?
¿Estás bien?
¿Ahora que tienes lo que quieres?
¿Y está bien?
¿Ahora que estás de vuelta donde perteneces?
Querida Jo:
¿Puedes creer que haya pasado tanto tiempo?
Querida Jo:
Sólo pensé en escribirte para hacerte saber
(¿Estás bien?) Nunca creíste en ti misma.
(¿Estás bien?) Pero ahora que eres libre, ¿sirve de algo?
¿Estás bien?
¿Ahora que tienes lo que quieres?
¿Y está bien?
¿Ahora que estás de vuelta donde perteneces?
¿Estás bien?
¿Está bien para ti?
¿Estás bien?
¿Está bien para ti?
¿Estás bien?
¿Ahora que tienes lo que quieres?
¿Y está bien?
¿Ahora que estás de vuelta donde perteneces?
¿Estás bien?
¿Ahora que tienes lo que quieres?
¿Y está bien?
¿Ahora que estás de vuelta donde perteneces?
jeguiluz08
Most underrated song in history
Nathaniel Ball
Couldn't agree more! The mix in this song is so far ahead of it's time!! And just perfect for it's time as well!DAMN CATCHY TUNE TOO!!🤩 THANK YOU JEFF FOR THE INCREDIBLE MUSIC YOU HAVE GIVEN THE WORLD OVER THE YEARS!
Phantom Penguin [TGL]
People say that about every song in this album
Don Elliot
One of the truest things I've ever heard.
Livinlifetothefullest
are some lines really about Jeff's then current mood about where to go next i kinda think so
Kevin Harrell
Very under rated album.... They were at the end of the road, but still had IT!
Darryl Mansir / Olivet
I absolutely agree. The more I listen to it the more I like it.
The Only Nolan
80’s Jeff Lynne is so damn good
kenneth agree
Very under rated song. There music will go on for future generations. Grew up with ELO in my high school days. Thanks ELO!!!
DisneyMusicVideos
Probably my favorite ELO song! The rest of the album is great as well! This album was released the year I was born! Very underrated compared to their 70's music! 80's ELO is just as great as 70's ELO!