Definitive Collection cover

Definitive Collection

Electric Light Orchestra · 1999

110 min · 27 tracks · pop rock · progressive rock · rock & roll

A kaleidoscopic blend of orchestral rock and catchy pop melodies that captures ELO's sonic grandeur.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey with peaks
  • for nostalgic sing-alongs
  • catchy melodies for road trips
  • wave-like pacing for engagement
  • orchestral flourishes that captivate

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • dislike lengthy listening experiences

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1999, 'Definitive Collection' comes during a period when Electric Light Orchestra was reflecting on its legacy after years of fluctuating popularity. This compilation encapsulates their most successful tracks, solidifying their status as pioneers of symphonic rock since their formation in the early 1970s. The album serves both as a retrospective and an introduction for new listeners to their expansive catalog.
Stylistic neighbors
Yes· The Moody Blues· Genesis

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Show Down 4:11
  • 2 Eldorado Overture 2:12
  • 3 Can't Get It Out of My Head 4:24
  • 4 Evil Woman 4:17
  • 5 Strange Magic 4:29
  • 6 Livin' Thing 5:50
  • 7 So Fine 3:55
  • 8 Rockaria 3:14
  • 9 Sweet Talking Woman 3:47
  • 10 Turn to Stone 3:47
  • 11 Mr. Blue Sky 5:04
  • 12 Don't Bring Me Down 4:02
  • 13 Shine a Little Love 4:40
  • 14 The Diary of Horace Wimp 4:17
  • 15 All Over the World (from Xanadu) 4:03
  • 16 Twilight 3:47
  • 17 Rock 'n' Roll Is King 3:37
  • 18 Hold On Tight 3:04
  • 19 Secret Messages 4:32

Disc 2

  • 1 10538 Overture 5:30
  • 2 Roll Over Beethoven 4:34
  • 3 Poor Boy (The Greenwood) 3:00
  • 4 Telephone Line 4:42
  • 5 Last Train to London 4:34
  • 6 I'm Alive 3:46
  • 7 Here Is the News 3:49
  • 8 Calling America 3:28

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata