ELO USA Singles

 

Electric Light Orchestra - The USA Singles


Comments and Observations

From May 1972 to April 1986, the Electric Light Orchestra released 31 standard singles on the US market. 26 of these charted on the Billboard Top 100 charts, yielding an amassed total of 341 weeks on the charts. Currently, ELO holds the record for having the most Billboard Top 40 hits of any band in US history, without ever hitting the #1 spot. Quite an accomplishment considering that all the songs, other than Roll Over Beethoven were written by bandleader Jeff Lynne. They have 20 Top 40 hits.

All standard ELO singles were only ever released in 7" format. By the time that CD singles and other formats had come on the market, ELO had disbanded. Several singles had promo only 12" vinyl releases as well and the 2001 singles (Alright and Moment In Paradise) were released as promo only CD singles, not having commercial releases at all.

A-sides and B-sides: All A-side songs were taken from the current-at-the-time LPs, including two issues of Showdown. The first 1973 issue of Showdown was taken from the On The Third Day LP and the second 1976 issue was taken from the Olé ELO LP. Many of the songs were uniquely edited, especially those issued before 1979. Most common of the edits were removed intros or early fades, but some had more interesting cuts including whole verses and choruses. This was done presumably to keep the songs short and interesting for radio broadcasts. The B-side songs were mostly taken from the album tracks of the current-at-the-time album or earlier. Two singles had tracks taken from the European only The Night The Light Went On In Long Beach LP. And six singles had unique B-sides. As with the A-sides, often the B-sides were uniquely edited. This was presumably done in case the records were flipped by radio stations (which happened in the case of Daybreaker) and to shorten the longer tracks for the 7" single format. It is known that ELO recorded several non-LP songs especially for the B-sides from the On The Third Day to Face The Music albums, with titles such as Give Me Fever and Like A Rat Up A Drain, but these songs were not used and have never been released. The 2001 singles, released as CD singles, technically have no B-side.

Labels: All singles from May 1972 to April 1975 (10538 Overture to Boy Blue) were issued on the United Artists label. Beginning with Evil Woman in October 1975, the Jet Records label was created and the first single under that label was released. From October 1975 to March 1978 (Evil Woman to Sweet Talkin' Woman), all singles were issued under the Jet Records label while still being distributed by United Artists. During this period, the infamous yellow and blue Jet Records label was first used on the Turn To Stone single. Interestingly, during the middle of the promotion for the Out Of The Blue album, Jet Records changed distributors from United Artists to CBS, which meant that the next single, Mr. Blue Sky issued in June of 1978, was the beginning of ELO's records being issued on the Jet Records label and distributed by CBS. (It also meant that all copies of the United Artists versions of Out Of The Blue had to be recalled and the record was redistributed by CBS.) All remaining singles were issued with this arrangement and featured the infamous Jet Records logo with the exception of the Xanadu songs (issued by MCA because of contract requirements) and the two singles taken from Balance Of Power (issued on the CBS Associated label because Jet Records was out of business). The two Zoom singles were issued long after Jet Records was out of business and were issued by Epic Records.

Zoom singles: Both Alright and Moment In Paradise from the 2001 Zoom album did not have official singles released for sale to the public. Only promo CD singles were made available. By this time, actual physical singles were becoming less important to single promotion and many record companies were not issuing them for songs they were promoting. This is probably the case with these songs, although they could probably be considered ELO's 32nd and 33rd singles. It's unclear if it they will actually go down in history as official ELO singles. In any case, they failed to crack the Billboard Top 100 at all.

Digital singles: Curiously, ELO has had very few digital/download singles in the US market. A digital single is a song (or collection of songs) that are marketed on download sites as a single, with unique artwork (sometimes), promotion, and sometimes bundled with bonus songs (an equivalent of B-sides). Certainly, with the growth of the digital single market in the early 2000s and the music industry embrace of the concept, download singles came a little after the last of the ELO new releases. Note: there were Surrender and Latitude 88 North download singles in the UK and possibly other markets, but these songs were never singles in the US despite the claims on some sites. The first digital single was When I Was A Boy, the lead single from Alone In The Universe in 2015.

Promos: All 31 original singles also had promotional singles released. These promotional singles (commonly known as "promos") are often referred to as white label promos because at least one side has a completely white background. These promos were designed for use by radio stations, thus many had slight variations in the edits or versions compared to the commercial single. All 7" promos have the same song on both sides of the single, but a few there are slight variations in the two versions. All promos up to Shine A Little Love with the exception of It's Over had a stereo version of the A-side on one side and a mono version of the A-side on the other. The mono side was used by AM stations because for most of the 1970s, AM radio could only broadcast in mono. Roll Over Beethoven had two promo singles, both with the same stock number. Of these two promos, the first contains the standard single version (both stereo and mono) and the other contains and even shorter version that is cut to only 3:45 (both mono and stereo). It's Over and Hold On Tight both had the regular stereo A-side on one side and a slightly edited intro of the same song (in stereo) on the other side. All promo singles from Don't Bring Me Down and later (including the MCA singles) have the same stereo song on both sides of the record with the exclusion of the aforementioned Hold On Tight promo.

12" singles: In addition to the standard 7" single promos, some songs also featured some interesting 12" promo singles. In 1977, Livin' Thing was released as a blue vinyl one-sided 12" promo that was packaged in a plain white sleeve with a blue stamp of "New ELO" only. 1978 saw a 12" promo of Mr. Blue Sky (with the full album version of the song). In 1980, a very rare 10" picture disc of Xanadu was released. Beginning in 1981 with Hold On Tight, most (although not all) ELO singles were also released as 12" promos.

Telephone Line label variationsLabel variations: Of interest to collectors are the various 7" label variations. In the 1970s and 1980s, the pressing of singles was farmed out to various record pressing plants across the country that serviced the record stores in the local areas. Often the artwork was provided as well as any label information, but often it was up to the plant themselves to put it all together. As a result of this and repressings, a lot of label variations resulted, with small bits of information included or excluded and arrangement of information in different locations or fonts on the label. An example of this is shown here with three known variations from the 1977 Telephone Line single (United Artists UA-XW 1000). The exact extent of all these variations is extremely difficult to identify and verify, therefore it is not fully examined on this page.

The One Summer Dream variations: In regards to the singles being pressed in different pressing plants, a strange curiousity resulted in the Mr. Blue Sky single's B-side, One Summer Dream. Typically, when a plant was hired to press a single, they were provided a master or a tape of the recordings so they could make their own masters. In this way, the versions of the songs were always the same, no matter who pressed the singles. However, One Summer Dream is known to have as many as six different fade-outs, depending on which plant pressed the single. It is unclear why this is, but it is a guess that the song was deemed too long for a single. Therefore when the tapes were provided to the plants, either each tape was individually faded on One Summer Dream before being shipped out or the plants were provided the full song and instructed to add their own fade. It is interesting to consider how this phenomena may be somehow related to Jet Records change of distribution from United Artists to CBS.

The Xanadu picture sleeves: There has been a great deal of confusion over the picture sleeves for the USA single. The known facts are that in the collectors market are three USA singles found in picture sleeves: one with a black and white image of Olivia from the film; another with a yellow background and black writing; and another with a yellow background and red writing. The true origins of these sleeves is rather mysterious, but it is now believed that they are actually from Belgium bootleggers and not the US. Although the vinyl records themselves are the standard USA release on MCA records (MCA-41285), the picture sleeves have no identifiable markings that indicate their origin. Some claim that they are USA issues (including OnlyOlivia.com) while others claim they are legitimate Belgium covers. By this time, as Europe opened up, many nation's singles were being pressed in increasingly one country, then being sold in other countries (e.g. pressing plants in Holland and Germany were pressing vinyl for most of Europe at this time). Perhaps to build their own sales, some retailers bought "foreign" singles and made their own covers, especially for hit singles, as a way to increase their sales. Thus, some retailers in (at least) Belgium imported the USA single and made professional-appearing record sleeves, and caused years of confusion. Although these sleevesa are an interesting, anachronistic collector's item, they are in fact, bootleg covers with USA singles inserted in them.

Releases

Issue Date
Singles
Comments
10538 Overture
1972 May
10538 Overture The Battle Of Marston Moor (July, 2nd 1644)
7" single -- United Artists 50914 (standard issue)
10538 Overture 10538 Overture (Mono)
7" single -- United Artists 50914 (promo issue)
10538 Overture Running Time: 3:56

This song (both mono and stereo) is edited from the No Answer album version and fades immediately following the last chorus.


The Battle Of Marston Moor (July, 2nd 1644) Running Time: 6:05

This song is the same as the No Answer version.

These edits of 10538 Overture, both stereo and mono, have never been issued on CD.
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Roll Over Beethoven
1973 February
Roll Over Beethoven Queen Of The Hours
7" single -- United Artists UA-XW 173-W (standard issue)
7" single -- United Artists UA-XW 173-W (first promo issue)
Roll Over Beethoven Roll Over Beethoven (Mono)
7" single -- United Artists UA-XW 173-W (second promo issue)
7" single -- United Artists UA-XW 173-W (third promo issue)
Roll Over Beethoven Running Time: 4:33

This song (both mono and stereo) is edited from the full 7:03 ELO 2 album version, where the mellotron intro and the second Beethoven's Fifth sequences are cut from the intro; one of the keyboard sequences, the guitar solo and the following keyboard/cello part are cut from the first instrumental bridge; the entire second chorus is cut; and the second instrumental bridge except the guitar solo is cut.


Queen Of The Hours Running Time: 3:26

This song is the same as the No Answer version.


Roll Over Beethoven (Promo Edit) Running Time: 3:45

This song (both mono and stereo) is the same as the 4:33 single version, but with even more cuts. It cuts the fourth verse and second chorus as well as the guitar solo from the second instrumental bridge.

These mono single edit and both mono and stereo promo edits of Roll Over Beethoven, have never been issued on CD.

The promo edit was created for radio to make the song even shorter than the single edit.

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Showdown
1973 October
Showdown In Old England Town (Instrumental)
7" single -- United Artists UA-XW 337-W (standard issue)
Showdown Showdown (Mono)
7" single -- United Artists UA-XW 337-W (promo issue)
Showdown Running Time: 3:54

This song (both mono and stereo) is edited from the On The Third Day album version and fades about eighteen seconds earlier.


In Old England Town (Instrumental) Running Time: 2:44

This is an original B-side, adapted from the original Electric Light Orchestra II version of In Old England Town (Boogie No. 2).

The mono version of Showdown has never been issued on CD. The B-side misprints the title as In An Old England Town.
* Show/Hide release information for Showdown and In Old England Town (Instrumental)...
Ma-Ma-Ma Belle
1974 February
Ma-Ma-Ma Belle Daybreaker
7" single -- United Artists UA-XW 405-W (standard issue)
Ma-Ma-Ma Belle Ma-Ma-Ma Belle (Mono)
7" single -- United Artists UA-XW 405-W (promo issue)
Ma-Ma-Ma Belle Running Time: 3:25

This song (both mono and stereo) is edited from the On The Third Day album version and fades during the last half of the third chorus.


Daybreaker Running Time: 3:33

This song is the same as the On The Third Day version, excluding the 19 second On The Third Day interlude that is attached to the end of the album version.

This edit of Ma-Ma-Ma Belle, both mono and stereo, has never been issued on CD.
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Can't Get It Out Of My Head
1974 November
Can't Get It Out Of My Head Illusions In G Major
7" single -- United Artists UA-XW 573-W (standard issue)
Can't Get It Out Of My Head Can't Get It Out Of My Head (Mono)
7" single -- United Artists UA-XW 573-W (promo issue)
Can't Get It Out Of My Head Running Time: 3:11

This song (both mono and stereo) is edited from the Eldorado album version. It cuts the second verse, the second chorus and two parts of the moog synthesizer from the instrumental bridge.


Illusions In G Major Running Time: 3:38

This song is the same as the Eldorado version.

The mono edit of Can't Get It Out Of My Head has never been issued on CD.
* Show/Hide release information for Can't Get It Out Of My Head and Illusions In G Major...
Boy Blue
April 1975
Boy Blue Eldorado
7" single -- United Artists UA-XW 634-W (standard issue)
Boy Blue Boy Blue (Mono)
7" single -- United Artists UA-XW 634-W (promo issue)
Boy Blue Running Time: 2:54

This song (both mono and stereo) is edited from the Eldorado album version. The orchestra intro is completely cut, and begins with the second guitar intro riff. The first chorus and a piece of the bridge is cut leading into the string theme prior to the spoken part. Everything from the third verse to the sixth verse is cut, as well as the instrumentation between the sixth verse and the fourth chorus.


Eldorado Running Time: 4:50

This song is edited from the Eldorado album version and fades shortly following the final chorus thus cutting the instrumental ending.

These edits of Boy Blue (both mono and stereo) and Eldorado have never been issued on CD.
* Show/Hide release information for Boy Blue and Eldorado...
Evil Woman
October 1975
Evil Woman 10538 Overture (Live)
7" single -- United Artists UA-XW 729-Y (standard issue)
Evil Woman Evil Woman (Mono)
7" single -- United Artists UA-XW 729-Y (promo issue)
Evil Woman Running Time: 3:16

This song (both mono and stereo) is edited from the Face The Music album version. It cuts the orchestral intro, the "You made a fool of me..." intro, a small portion of the piano on the intro, two lines from the first verse, a very large portion of the instrumental bridge, and one line from the third verse. It also fades early.


10538 Overture (Live) Running Time: 5:23

This song is the same as the European The Night The Light Went On In Long Beach album version.

These edits of Evil Woman (both mono and stereo) and 10538 Overture (Live) have never been issued on CD.
* Show/Hide release information for Evil Woman and 10538 Overture (Live)...
Strange Magic
February 1976
Strange Magic New World Rising
7" single -- United Artists UA-XW 770-Y (standard issue)
Strange Magic Strange Magic (Mono)
7" single -- United Artists UA-XW 770-Y (promo issue)
Strange Magic Running Time: 3:25

This song (both mono and stereo) is edited from the Face The Music album version. It cuts the orchestral intro, a small portion of the guitar on the intro, and the next to last two choruses.


New World Rising Running Time: 4:07

This song is the same as the On The Third Day album version, including the Ocean Breakup Reprise part.

The mono edit of Strange Magic has never been issued on CD.
* Show/Hide release information for Strange Magic and New World Rising...
Showdown
July 1976
Showdown Daybreaker (Live)
7" single -- United Artists UA-XW 842-Y (standard issue)
Showdown Showdown (Mono)
7" single -- United Artists UA-XW 842-Y (promo issue)
Showdown Running Time: 3:54

This song (both mono and stereo) is edited from the On The Third Day album version and fades about eighteen seconds earlier.


Daybreaker (Live) Running Time: 3:33

This song is edited from the European The Night The Light Went On In Long Beach album version. It cuts the spoken intro and part of the instrumentation, beginning with the main melody. It also fades early, cutting the final keyboard notes and drums.

The edit of Showdown on this single is the same edit used for the 1973 single. This edit of Daybreaker has never been issued on CD. The mono version of Showdown has never been issued on CD.
* Show/Hide release information for Showdown and Daybreaker (Live)...
Livin' Thing
October 1976
Livin' Thing Ma-Ma-Ma Belle
7" single -- United Artists UA-XW 888-Y (standard issue)
Livin' Thing Livin' Thing (Mono)
7" single -- United Artists UA-XW 888-Y (promo issue)
Livin' Thing The B-side has no groove
12" single -- United Artists SP-137 (promo only)
Livin' Thing Running Time: 3:32

This song is the same as the A New World Record album version.


Ma-Ma-Ma Belle Running Time: 3:25

This song is edited from the On The Third Day album version and fades during the last half of the third chorus.

The edit of Ma-Ma-Ma Belle on this single is the same edit used for the 1974 single and has never been issued on CD. The mono version of Livin' Thing has never been issued on CD. The 12" promo single is a one-sided record on translucent blue vinyl. It is packaged in a plain white sleeve with "New ELO" rubber-stamped on the front cover and a completely blank back cover. The record itself is a one-sided record, with the A-side having the song and printed label and the B-side having no groove in the record and a blank label.
* Show/Hide release information for Livin' Thing and Ma-Ma-Ma Belle...
Do Ya
February 1977
Do Ya Nightrider
7" single -- United Artists UA-XW 939-Y (standard issue)
Do Ya Do Ya (Mono)
7" single -- United Artists UA-XW 939-Y (promo issue)
Do Ya Running Time: 3:46

This song (both mono and stereo) is the same as the A New World Record album version.


Nightrider Running Time: 4:26

This song is the same as the Face The Music album version.

The mono edit of Do Ya has never been issued on CD.
* Show/Hide release information for Do Ya and Nightrider...
Telephone Line
May 1977
Telephone Line Poor Boy (The Greenwood)
7" single -- United Artists UA-XW 1000 (standard green vinyl issue)
7" single -- United Artists UA-XW 1000 (standard black vinyl issue)
Telephone Line Telephone Line (Mono)
7" single -- United Artists UA-XW 1000 (promo green vinyl issue)
Telephone Line Running Time: 4:03

This song (both mono and stereo) is edited from the A New World Record album version. It cuts the dialing sound on the intro and it fades early, missing a portion of the second chorus.


Poor Boy (The Greenwood) Running Time: 2:58

This song is the same as the Eldorado album version.

The edits of Telephone Line (both mono and stereo) have never been issued on CD. The promo issue was only ever issued on green vinyl.
* Show/Hide release information for Telephone Line and Poor Boy (The Greenwood)...
Turn To Stone
November 1977
Turn To Stone Mister Kingdom
7" single -- Jet / United Artists JT-XW 1099 (standard issue)
Turn To Stone Turn To Stone (Mono)
7" single -- Jet / United Artists JT-XW 1099 (promo issue)
Turn To Stone Running Time: 3:48

This song (both mono and stereo) is the same as the Out Of The Blue album version.


Mister Kingdom Running Time: 5:03

This song is edited from the Eldorado album version, cutting the string intro and fading early.

This mono edit of Turn To Stone and this edit of Mister Kingdom have never been issued on CD.
* Show/Hide release information for Turn To Stone and Mister Kingdom...
Sweet Talkin' Woman
March 1978
Sweet Talkin' Woman Fire On High
7" single -- Jet / United Artists JT-XW 1145 (standard purple vinyl issue)
7" single -- Jet / United Artists JT-XW 1145 (standard red vinyl issue)
7" single -- Jet / United Artists JT-XW 1145 (standard black vinyl issue)
Sweet Talkin' Woman Sweet Talkin' Woman (Mono)
7" single -- Jet / United Artists JT-XW 1145 (promo purple vinyl issue)
7" single -- Jet / United Artists JT-XW 1145 (promo black vinyl issue)
Sweet Talkin' Woman Running Time: 3:41

This song (both mono and stereo) is the basically the same as the Out Of The Blue album version except it actually runs at a slightly faster speed causing it to be ten seconds shorter than the album version.


Fire On High Running Time: 4:02

This song is edited from the Face The Music album version, cutting the intro.

These faster versions of Sweet Talkin' Woman (both mono and stereo) have never been issued on CD.

The red vinyl edition is extremely rare and it's origins are unclear.

* Show/Hide release information for Sweet Talkin' Woman and Fire On High...
Mr. Blue Sky
June 1978
Mr. Blue Sky One Summer Dream
7" single -- Jet / CBS ZS8 5050 (standard issue)
Mr. Blue Sky Mr. Blue Sky (Mono)
7" single -- Jet / CBS ZS8 5050 (advance promo issue)
7" single -- Jet / CBS ZS8 5050 (standard promo issue)
Mr. Blue Sky (Promo Version) Mr. Blue Sky (Promo Version)
12" single -- Jet/CBS AS 474 (promo only)
Mr. Blue Sky Running Time: 3:48

This song is edited from the Out Of The Blue album version. It cuts the rain and radio tuning at the song's beginning and cuts the entire Concerto coda part at the song’s end.


One Summer Dream Running Time: Variable

This song is edited from the Face The Music album version, fading early. It is also reverse stereo, with the right channel in the left and vice versa.


Mr. Blue Sky (Promo Version) Running Time: 5:05

This song is the same as the full Out Of The Blue album version.

The mono version of Mr. Blue Sky has never been issued on CD.

The actual point of fade on One Summer Dream varies. There appears to be at least six different fades on this single and it's unclear why there is such wide variation. Speculation is that the singles were pressed in different plants or at different times, thus each one had its own "at the plant" fade made. These edits of One Summer Dream have never been issued on CD.

The 12" promo single has the same song and the same version on both sides.

* Show/Hide release information for Mr. Blue Sky (all versions) and One Summer Dream...
It's Over
October 1978
It's Over The Whale
7" single -- Jet / CBS ZS8 5052 (standard issue)
It's Over (Long Version) It's Over (Short Version)
7" single -- Jet / CBS ZS8 5052 (promo issue)
It's Over / It's Over (Long Version) Running Time: 3:56

This song is edited from the Out Of The Blue album version, cutting the orchestral intro.


The Whale Running Time: 4:58

This song is edited from the Out Of The Blue album version, fading six seconds early.


It's Over (Short Version) Running Time: 3:36

This song is edited from the Out Of The Blue album version, cutting the orchestral intro and next to last chorus.

These edits of It's Over have never been issued on CD.

This is the first promo single for ELO that does not have a stereo and mono side. Instead, both sides are stereo, but they are slightly different edits with one side described on the label as the "Long Version" and the other described on the label as the "Short Version". The version described as the "Long Version" is the same version as the regular It's Over single A-side.

This slight edit of The Whale from the singles B-side was mistakenly put onto the first CD issues of Out Of The Blue and was on all subsequent releases until the 2007 remaster.

* Show/Hide release information for It's Over (all versions) and The Whale...
Shine A Little Love
May 1979
Shine A Little Love Jungle
7" single -- Jet / CBS ZS8 5057 (standard issue)
Shine A Little Love Shine A Little Love (Mono)
7" single -- Jet / CBS ZS8 5057 (promo issue)
Shine A Little Love Running Time: 4:10

This song (both mono and stereo) is edited from the Discovery album version, cutting the choral intro.


Jungle Running Time: 3:52

This song is the same as the Out Of The Blue album version.

This mono edit of Shine A Little Love has never been issued on CD.
* Show/Hide release information for Shine A Little Love and Jungle...
Don't Bring Me Down
July 1979
Don't Bring Me Down Dreaming Of 4000
7" single -- Jet / CBS ZS9 5060 (standard issue)
Don't Bring Me Down Don't Bring Me Down
7" single -- Jet / CBS ZS9 5060 (promo issue)
Don't Bring Me Down Running Time: 4:07

This song is the same as the Discovery album version.


Dreaming Of 4000 Running Time: 5:04

This song is the same as the On The Third Day album version.

The promo single has the exact same song on both sides.
* Show/Hide release information for Don't Bring Me Down and Dreaming Of 4000...
Confusion
October 1979
Confusion Poker
7" single -- Jet / CBS ZS9 5064 (standard issue)
Confusion Confusion
7" single -- Jet / CBS ZS9 5064 (promo issue)
Confusion Running Time: 3:43

This song is the same as the Discovery album version.


Poker Running Time: 3:29

This song is edited from the Face The Music album version, fading two seconds early.

The promo single has the exact same song on both sides.
* Show/Hide release information for Confusion and Poker...
Last Train To London
November 1979
Last Train To London Down Home Town
7" single -- Jet / CBS ZS9 5067 (standard issue)
Last Train To London Last Train To London
7" single -- Jet / CBS ZS9 5067 (promo issue)
Last Train To London Running Time: 4:32

This song is the same as the Discovery album version.


Down Home Town Running Time: 3:52

This song is edited from the Face The Music album version, with a fade in so that only about half of the backwards Waterfall intro is included.

The promo single has the exact same song on both sides.
* Show/Hide release information for Last Train To London and Down Home Town...
I'm Alive
May 1980
I'm Alive Drum Dreams
7" single -- MCA MCA-41246 (standard issue)
I'm Alive I'm Alive
7" single -- MCA MCA-41246 (promo issue)
I'm Alive Running Time: 3:45

This song is the same as the Xanadu album version.


Drum Dreams Running Time: 3:08

This is an original B-side.

Drum Dreams has never been issued on CD.

The promo single has the exact same song on both sides.

The promo single included a small, one-side paper insert advertising the film and instructing DJs and promoters on the proper pronunciation of "Xanadu."

* Show/Hide release information for I'm Alive and Drum Dreams...
Xanadu
with Olivia Newton-John
June 1980
Xanadu Whenever You're Away From Me
7" single -- MCA MCA-41285 (standard issue)
Xanadu Xanadu
7" single -- MCA MCA-41285 (promo issue)
10" picture disc single -- MCA MCA-10384
Xanadu Running Time: 3:29

This song is the same as the Xanadu album version.


Whenever You're Away From Me Running Time: 4:15

This song is performed by Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly and has no Jeff Lynne involvement.

The picture sleeves appearing with some USA singles are actually Belgian single picture sleeves, with the USA single imported to Belgium, rather than producing it themselves.

The 10" picture disc is an extremely rare promotional item.

The promo 7" single has the exact same song on both sides.

* Show/Hide release information for Xanadu and Drum Dreams...
All Over The World
July 1980
All Over The World Drum Dreams
7" single -- MCA MCA-41289 (standard issue)
All Over The World All Over The World
7" single -- MCA MCA-41289 (promo issue)
All Over The World Running Time: 4:03

This song is the same as the Xanadu album version.


Drum Dreams Running Time: 3:08

This is an original B-side.

Drum Dreams has never been issued on CD.

The promo single has the exact same song on both sides.

* Show/Hide release information for All Over The World and Drum Dreams...
Hold On Tight
July 1981
Hold On Tight When Time Stood Still
7" single -- Jet / CBS ZS5 02408 (standard issue)
Hold On Tight Hold On Tight (Short Version)
7" single -- Jet / CBS ZS5 02408 (promo issue)
Hold On Tight Time Pre-Release Montage
12" single -- CBS / Jet AS 1252 (promo only)
Hold On Tight Running Time: 3:07

This song is edited from the Time album, fading very quickly on the last note as it would lead into Epilogue.


When Time Stood Still Running Time: 3:35

This is an original B-side.


Hold On Tight (Short Version) Running Time: 3:00

This song is edited from the Time album, cutting the guitar intro (starting directly with the piano) and fading very quickly on the last note as it would lead into Epilogue.


Time Pre-Release Montage Running Time: 13:26

This is a montage of approximately a minute of each song from the Time album (excluding Prologue and Epilogue) in the order that they appear on the album. Each song is faded in and faded out, back to back to each other.

These versions of Hold On Tight and the Time Pre-Release Montage have never been issued on CD.

The A-side of all singles (regular, 7" promo and 12" promo) are all the same edit.

* Show/Hide release information for Hold On Tight (all versions), When Time Stood Still and Time Pre-Release Montage...
Twilight
November 1981
Twilight Julie Don't Live Here
7" single -- Jet / CBS ZS5 02559 (standard issue)
Twilight Twilight
7" single -- Jet / CBS ZS5 02559 (promo issue)
Twilight Julie Don't Live Here
12" single -- CBS / Jet AS 1319 (promo only)
Twilight Running Time: 3:28

This song is edited from the Time album, fading in and including a small part of Prologue. It also fades just as the song ends and does not include the between song part heard on the Time album.


Julie Don't Live Here Running Time: 3:44

This is an original B-side.

The 7" promo single has the exact same song on both sides.
* Show/Hide release information for Twilight and Julie Don't Live Here...
Rain Is Falling
January 1982
Rain Is Falling Another Heart Breaks
7" single -- Jet / CBS ZS5 02693 (standard issue)
Rain Is Falling Rain Is Falling
7" single -- Jet / CBS ZS5 02693 (promo issue)
Rain Is Falling Running Time: 3:57

This song is edited from the Time album, fading shortly before the merge with From The End Of The World.


Another Heart Breaks Running Time: 3:50

This song is the same as the Time album version.

The 7" promo single has the exact same song on both sides.
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Rock 'N' Roll Is King
June 1983
Rock 'N' Roll Is King After All
7" single -- Jet / CBS ZS4 03964 (standard yellow label issue)
7" single -- Jet / CBS ZS4 03964 (standard blue label issue)
Rock 'N' Roll Is King Rock 'N' Roll Is King
7" single -- Jet / CBS ZS4 03964 (promo issue)
Rock 'N' Roll Is King Cum On Feel The Noize
12" single -- CBS / Jet AS 1724 (promo only)
Rock 'N' Roll Is King Running Time: 3:08

This song is Unique. It is basically the same as the Secret Messages album version but it cuts the between song segment attached to the beginning of the track. Unlike the album version, the final guitar note rings for about six seconds before the final fade and does not include the cross fade into the Secret Messages Outro. Presumably, this is how the song would have normally ended on side three of the original double Secret Messages LP.


After All Running Time: 2:26

This is an original B-side.


Cum On Feel The Noize Running Time: 4:49

This song is performed by Quiet Riot and has no Jeff Lynne involvement.

The 7" promo single has the exact same song on both sides.

The 12" promo single an interesting cross-promotion, with ELO and Quiet Riot (both CBS artists) on the same promo record.

This version of After All is an extended version of the version that was supposed to appear on the original double Secret Messages album.

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Four Little Diamonds
September 1983
Four Little Diamonds Letter From Spain
7" single -- Jet / CBS ZS4 04130 (standard issue)
Four Little Diamonds Four Little Diamonds
7" single -- Jet / CBS ZS4 04130 (promo issue)
Four Little Diamonds (Album Version) Secret Messages Intro / Secret Messages
12" single -- CBS / Jet AS 1736 (promo only)
Four Little Diamonds Running Time: 3:58

This song is edited from the Secret Messages album, cutting the count in intro.


Letter From Spain Running Time: 2:52

This song is the same as on the Secret Messages album.


Four Little Diamonds (Album Version) Running Time: 4:05

This song is the same as on the Secret Messages album.


Secret Messages Intro / Secret Messages Running Time: 4:43

These songs are edited from the Secret Messages album, fading very quickly on the closing vocals and cutting the morse code ending.

This edit of Four Little Diamonds has never been issued on CD.

The 7" promo single has the exact same song on both sides.

The 12" single is a promo only item. It's interesting to note that this contains the full album version of Four Little Diamonds rather than the single version and both the Secret Messages Intro and Secret Messages. The Secret Messages Intro is not credited on the single.

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Stranger
October 1983
Stranger Train Of Gold
7" single -- Jet / CBS ZS4 04208 (standard issue)
Stranger Stranger
7" single -- Jet / CBS ZS4 04208 (promo issue)
Stranger Running Time: 4:18

This song is edited from the Secret Messages album, cutting the keyboard and laughter effects from the song's intro.


Train Of Gold Running Time: 4:06

This song is edited from the Secret Messages album, cutting most of the "cheep, cheep" intro, fading in so that only three seconds worth is heard before the guitar part begins the song.

These edits of Stranger and Train Of Gold have never been issued on CD.

The 7" promo single has the exact same song on both sides.

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Calling America
February 1986
Calling America Caught In A Trap
7" single -- CBS Associated ZS4 05766 (standard issue)
Calling America Calling America
7" single -- CBS Associated ZS4 05766 (promo issue)
Calling America Calling America
12" single -- CBS Associated ZAS 2254 (promo only)
Calling America Running Time: 3:27

This song is the same as on the Balance Of Power album.


Caught In A Trap Running Time: 3:45

This is an original B-side.

The 7" and 12" promo singles have the exact same song on both sides.

The 12" single is a promo only item.

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So Serious
April 1986
So Serious Endless Lies
7" single -- CBS Associated ZS4 05892 (standard issue)
So Serious So Serious
7" single -- CBS Associated ZS4 05892 (promo issue)
So Serious So Serious
12" single -- CBS Associated ZAS 2321 (promo only)
So Serious Running Time: 2:44

This song is the same as on the Balance Of Power album.


Endless Lies Running Time: 3:00

This song is the same as on the Balance Of Power album.

The picture sleeve for the 7" single is actually quite rare, only known to have been distributed in limited quantities on the eastern coast. Most commercial singles were issued in the plain white sleeve only.

The 7" and 12" promo singles have the exact same song on both sides.

The 12" single is a promo only item.

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Alright
April 2001
Alright
CD single -- Epic ESK 16520 (promo issue)
Alright Running Time: 3:12

This song is different from the Zoom album in that it is missing Richard Tandy's backing keyboard.

No standard release of this single was done. Only the CD single promo, featuring the title song only, was released. The CD single is in a standard jewel case and the front insert is single sided, being blank on the back side.
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Moment In Paradise
Summer 2001
Moment In Paradise
Alright (PBS 2001 Version)
Mr. Blue Sky (PBS 2001 Version)
Livin' Thing (PBS 2001 Version)
CD single -- Epic ESK 54838 (promo issue)
Alright Running Time: 3:35

This song the same as the Zoom album version.


Alright (PBS 2001 Version) Running Time: 3:19

This song the same as the Zoom Tour Live DVD.


Mr. Blue Sky (PBS 2001 Version) Running Time: 3:39

This song the same as the Zoom Tour Live DVD.


Livin' Thing (PBS 2001 Version) Running Time: 4:12

This song the same as the Zoom Tour Live DVD.

No standard release of this single was done. Only the CD single promo, featuring the same tracks as one of the standard European CD singles, was released. The CD single is in a standard jewel case with no front insert.
* Show/Hide release information for Moment In Paraside, Mr. Blue Sky (PBS 2001 Version), Alright (PBS 2001 Version) and Livin' Thing (PBS 2001 Version)...
When I Was A Boy
2015 September 25
When I Was A Boy
Digital single -- Columbia ISRC USSM11506458
CD single -- Columbia ? (promo issue only)
When I Was A Boy Running Time: 3:13

This song the same as the Alone In The Universe album version.

This single was only commercially released as a digital single, available nearly three weeks before the Alone In The Universe album from which it was taken.
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From Out Of Nowhere
2016 September 26
From Out Of Nowhere
Digital single -- Columbia ISRC USSM11904866
From Out Of Nowhere Running Time: 3:14

This song the same as the From Out Of Nowhere album version.

This song was released commercially only as a digital single.
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Reissues

There were 14 single reissues for the oldies music market. The first series, issued under the Silver Spotlight label for United Artists, included six singles. The last four in this series were issued in 1978, just before the distribution deal changed from United Artists to CBS. It's uncertain if these singles had very limited pressings or were recalled, but they are very rare and difficult to obtain in the current collector market. Starting in 1980, CBS issued the second series of five more singles under the Golden Oldies label. In 1991, CBS issued the third series of three (not five) singles under the Collectibles label. Interestingly, the Collectibles singles and the Golden Oldies singles had the same songs and stock numbers with only the label and sleeve changing. For unknown reasons, the Collectibles reissues of Turn To Stone/Sweet Talkin' Woman and Roll Over Beethoven/Showdown were never pressed or released. This was probably because there were plenty of the 1980s era Golden Oldies stock still available at the time. Note also that there are faked images of these singles on some discography sites, but they are not real singles.

The UK Singles Volume One 1972-1978 front The UK Singles Volume One 1972-1978 back The UK Singles Volume One 1972-1978 open The UK Singles Volume One 1972-1978 sticker Then, when singles seemed to be a thing of the past (especially reissue singles), a collectable box set called The UK Singles Volume One 1972-1978 was released in September 2018 that reissued the first fifteeen UK 7" singles as well as the first and only EP record, in reproduction sleeves and labels. This set was sold worldwide and was not just a UK exclusive (although marketed in the UK and USA only). All sleeves, although reproductions, were a thicker cardboard material rather than the original thin paper material. All single labels were descreetly marked as copyright 2018 and by Epic Records.

The producers of the set did a remarkable job in reproducing all the unique edits from the original singles. By careful listening, it is clear that in many instances, they used actual recordings of the original singles, cleaned them and remastered them; this was noticable on the live B-side tracks from the Polydor singles and the unique version of One Summer Dream. In other instances, they reproduced the original edits from digital album material, with this likely being done for songs such as Nightrider and Mister Kingdom. The one exception is 10538 Overture, which was a reproduced edit (just an early fade), that is very close to the original UK single edit, but it still not quite right.

There has been no digital release of songs from the The UK Singles Volume One 1972-1978 box set, leaving many of these very rare and unique edits still unavailable digitally in any form.

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Issue Date
Singles
Comments
Roll Over Beethoven / Showdown
August 1974
Roll Over Beethoven Showdown
7" single -- Silver Spotlight Series, United Artists XW-513-W
Roll Over Beethoven Running Time: 4:32

This song is edited from the full 7:03 ELO 2 album version, where the mellotron intro and the second Beethoven's Fifth sequences are cut from the intro; one of the keyboard sequences, the guitar solo and the following keyboard/cello part are cut from the first instrumental bridge; the entire second chorus is cut; and the second instrumental bridge except the guitar solo is cut.


Showdown Running Time: 3:47

This song is edited from the On The Third Day album version and fades about eighteen seconds earlier.

These songs are the same edits as the original issues of Roll Over Beethoven (United Artists UA-XW 173-W) and Showdown (United Artists UA-XW 337-W).
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Can't Get It Out Of My Head / Strange Magic
1978
Can't Get It Out Of My Head Strange Magic
7" single -- Silver Spotlight Series, United Artists US X 1176-Y
Can't Get It Out Of My Head Running Time: 3:07

This version differs from the Eldorado version is that it's missing the whole first chorus, the second verse and a large portion of the intstrumental bridge.


Strange Magic Running Time: 3:20

This version differs from the Face The Music in that it's missing the orchestral, instrumental intro and a shortened guitar intro. The next to last two choruses are also cut.

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Livin' Thing / Evil Woman
1978
Livin' Thing Evil Woman
7" single -- Silver Spotlight Series, United Artists US X 1177-Y
Livin' Thing Running Time: 3:32

This song is the same as the A New World Record album version.


Evil Woman Running Time: 3:16

This song is edited from the Face The Music album version. It cuts the orchestral intro, the "You made a fool of me..." intro, a small portion of the piano on the intro, two lines from the first verse, a very large portion of the instrumental bridge, and one line from the third verse. It also fades early.

These songs are the same edits as the original issues of Livin' Thing (United Artists UA-XW 888-Y) and Evil Woman (United Artists UA-XW 729-Y).
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Do Ya / Nightrider
1978
Do Ya Nightrider
7" single -- Silver Spotlight Series, United Artists US X 1178-Y
Do Ya Running Time: 3:46

This song is the same as the A New World Record album version.


Nightrider Running Time: 4:26

This song is the same as the Face The Music album version.

These songs are the same edits as the original issue of Do Ya (United Artists UA-XW 939-Y).
* Show/Hide release information for Do Ya and Nightrider...
Telephone Line / Boy Blue
1978
Telephone Line Boy Blue
7" single -- Silver Spotlight Series, United Artists US X 1179-Y
Telephone Line Running Time: 4:03

This song is edited from the A New World Record album version. It cuts the dialing sound on the intro and it fades early, missing a portion of the second chorus.


Boy Blue Running Time: 2:54

This song is edited from the Eldorado album version. The orchestra intro is completely cut, and begins with the second guitar intro riff. The first chorus and a piece of the bridge is cut leading into the string theme prior to the spoken part. Everything from the third verse to the sixth verse is cut, as well as the instrumentation between the sixth verse and the fourth chorus.

These songs are the same edits as the original issues of Telephone Line (United Artists UA-XW 1000) and Boy Blue (United Artists UA-XW 634-W).
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Ma-Ma-Ma Belle / 10538 Overture
1978
Ma-Ma-Ma Belle 10538 Overture
7" single -- Silver Spotlight Series, United Artists US X 1180-Y
Ma-Ma-Ma Belle Running Time: 3:21

This song is edited from the On The Third Day album version and fades during the last half of the third chorus.


10538 Overture Running Time: 5:22

This song is edited from the No Answer album version, fading about 15 seconds early.

Ma-Ma-Ma Belle is the same edit as the original issue of Ma-Ma-Ma Belle (United Artists UA-XW 405-W). 10538 Overture does not use the original single edit.
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Turn To Stone / Sweet Talkin' Woman
December 1980
Turn To Stone Sweet Talkin' Woman
7" single -- Golden Oldies Jet / CBS ZS8 5150
Turn To Stone Running Time: 3:48

This song is the same as the Out Of The Blue album version.


Sweet Talkin' Woman Running Time: 3:50

This song is the same as the Out Of The Blue album version.

Sweet Talkin' Woman does not use the fast single version.
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Telephone Line / Evil Woman
December 1980
Telephone Line Evil Woman
7" single -- Golden Oldies Jet / CBS ZS8 5151
7" single -- Golden Oldies Jet / CBS ZS8 5151 (alternate label)
Telephone Line Running Time: 4:38

This song is the same as the A New World Record album version.


Evil Woman Running Time: 4:15

This song is edited from the Face The Music album version, cutting the intro and fading about six seconds early.

The edits of these songs are not the same edits as the original issues on the United Artists label. The edit of Evil Woman is unique for a USA issued single, however this edit is the same as the UK single and is common on many ELO compilations.

There exists an alternate label with the stock number and copyright information in a white rectangle. The meaning of this is uncertain, but it is presumed that this is a repressing of the single and the white rectangle was designed for a barcode label (as seen on later singles), but for whatever reason the barcode was not used.

* Show/Hide release information for Telephone Line and Evil Woman...
Roll Over Beethoven / Showdown
December 1980
Roll Over Beethoven Showdown
7" single -- Golden Oldies Jet / CBS ZS8 5152
7" single -- Golden Oldies Jet / CBS ZS8 5152 (alternate label)
Roll Over Beethoven Running Time: 4:32

This song is edited from the full 7:03 ELO 2 album version, where the mellotron intro and the second Beethoven's Fifth sequences are cut from the intro; one of the keyboard sequences, the guitar solo and the following keyboard/cello part are cut from the first instrumental bridge; the entire second chorus is cut; and the second instrumental bridge except the guitar solo is cut.


Showdown Running Time: 4:11

This song is the same as the On The Third Day album version.

The edit of Roll Over Beethoven is the same as the original single (United Artists UA-XW 173-W), however the version of Showdown is not an edit and is not the same as the original single.

There exists an alternate label with the stock number and copyright information in a white rectangle. The meaning of this is uncertain, but it is presumed that this is a repressing of the single and the white rectangle was designed for a barcode label (as seen on later singles), but for whatever reason the barcode was not used.

* Show/Hide release information for Roll Over Beethoven and Showdown...
Don't Bring Me Down / Shine A Little Love
December 1980
Don't Bring Me Down Shine A Little Love
7" single -- Golden Oldies Jet / CBS ZS8 5153
7" single -- Golden Oldies Jet / CBS ZS8 5153 (alternate label)
Don't Bring Me Down Running Time: 4:06

This song is the same as the Discovery album version.


Shine A Little Love Running Time: 4:11

This song is edited from the Discovery album version, cutting the choral intro.

Shine A Little Love is the same edit as the original issue (Jet / CBS ZS8 5057).

There exists an alternate label with the stock number and copyright information in a white rectangle. The meaning of this is uncertain, but it is presumed that this is a repressing of the single and the white rectangle was designed for a barcode label (as seen on later singles), but for whatever reason the barcode was not used.

* Show/Hide release information for Don't Bring Me Down and Shine A Little Love...
Hold On Tight / Mr. Blue Sky
August 1982
Hold On Tight Mr. Blue Sky
7" single -- Golden Oldies Jet / CBS ZS8 03086
Hold On Tight Running Time: 3:07

This song is edited from the Time album, fading very quickly on the last note as it would lead into Epilogue.


Mr. Blue Sky Running Time: 3:47

This song is edited from the Out Of The Blue album version. It cuts the rain and radio tuning at the song's beginning and cuts the entire Concerto part at the song’s end.

These songs are the same edits as the original issues of Hold On Tight (Jet / CBS ZS5 02408) and Mr. Blue Sky (Jet / CBS ZS8 5050).
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Telephone Line / Evil Woman
1991
Telephone Line Evil Woman
7" single -- Collectables Jet / CBS ZS8 5151
Telephone Line Running Time: 4:38

This song is the same as the A New World Record album version.


Evil Woman Running Time: 4:15

This song is edited from the Face The Music album version, cutting the intro and fading about six seconds early.

The edits of these songs are not the same edits as the original issues on the United Artists label, however, they are the same as the Golden Oldies reissue single.
* Show/Hide release information for Telephone Line and Evil Woman...
Don't Bring Me Down / Shine A Little Love
1991
Don't Bring Me Down Shine A Little Love
7" single -- Collectables Jet / CBS ZS8 5153
Don't Bring Me Down Running Time: 4:06

This song is the same as the Discovery album version.


Shine A Little Love Running Time: 4:11

This song is edited from the Discovery album version, cutting the choral intro.

These edits are the same as the Golden Oldies reissue single.
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Hold On Tight / Mr. Blue Sky
1991
Hold On Tight Mr. Blue Sky
7" single -- Collectables Jet / CBS ZS8 03086
Hold On Tight Running Time: 3:07

This song is edited from the Time album, fading very quickly on the last note as it would lead into Epilogue.


Mr. Blue Sky Running Time: 3:47

This song is edited from the Out Of The Blue album version. It cuts the rain and radio tuning at the song's beginning and cuts the entire Concerto part at the song’s end.

These edits are the same as the Golden Oldies reissue single.
* Show/Hide release information for Hold On Tight and Mr. Blue Sky...
10538 Overture
2018 September 21
10538 Overture First Movement (Jumping Biz)
7" single -- Harvest HAR 5053
10538 Overture Running Time: 4:04

This song is edited from the Electric Light Orchestra album version and fades about 10 seconds after the last chorus with the fade starting immediately after the final lyric.


First Movement (Jumping Biz) Running Time: 3:03

This song is the same as the Electric Light Orchestra version.

* Show/Hide release information for 10538 Overture and First Movement (Jumping Biz)...
Roll Over Beethoven
2018 September 21
Roll Over Beethoven Queen Of The Hours
7" single -- Harvest HAR 5063
Roll Over Beethoven Running Time: 4:33

This song is edited from the full 7:03 ELO 2 album version, where the mellotron intro and the second Beethoven's Fifth sequences are cut from the intro; one of the keyboard sequences, the guitar solo and the following keyboard/cello part are cut from the first instrumental bridge; the entire second chorus is cut; and the second instrumental bridge except the guitar solo is cut.


Queen Of The Hours Running Time: 3:26

This song is the same as the Electric Light Orchestra version.

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Showdown
2018 September 21
Showdown In Old England Town (Instrumental)
7" single -- Harvest HAR 5077
Showdown Running Time: 4:11

This is an original A-side in England, although it appeared in many other countries on the On The Third Day album using the same version.


In Old England Town (Instrumental) Running Time: 2:44

This is an original B-side, adapted from the original ELO 2 version of In Old England Town (Boogie No. 2).

* Show/Hide release information for Showdown and In Old England Town (Instrumental)...
Ma-Ma-Ma Belle
2018 September 21
Ma-Ma-Ma Belle Oh No Not Susan
7" single -- Warner Brothers K 16349
Ma-Ma-Ma Belle Running Time: 3:21

This song is a unique mix of the song. It is similar to the On The Third Day album version except it cuts half the guitar/cello riff following the first chorus and two lines from the second and third choruses. In addition, it adds a distinctive phased string interlude following the second chorus and fades a few seconds early.


Oh No Not Susan Running Time: 2:50

This song is edited from the On The Third Day album version, fading in past the intro and fading out early.

* Show/Hide release information for Ma-Ma-Ma Belle and Daybreaker...
Can't Get It Out Of My Head
2018 September 21
Can't Get It Out Of My Head Illusions In G Major
7" single -- Warner Brothers K 16510
Can't Get It Out Of My Head Running Time: 3:11

This song is edited from the Eldorado album version. It cuts the second verse, the second chorus and two parts of the moog synthesizer from the instrumental bridge.


Illusions In G Major Running Time: 2:38

This song is the same as the Eldorado version.

* Show/Hide release information for Can't Get It Out Of My Head and Illusions In G Major...
Evil Woman
2018 September 21
Evil Woman 10538 Overture (Live)
7" single -- Jet JET 764
Evil Woman Running Time: 4:15

This song is edited from the Face The Music album version. It cuts the orchestral intro and fades early.


10538 Overture (Live) Running Time: 5:23

This song is the same as the European The Night The Light Went On In Long Beach album version. It includes a portion of the Do Ya guitar riff midway through the song.

* Show/Hide release information for Evil Woman and 10538 Overture (Live)...
Nightrider
2018 September 21
Nightrider Daybreaker (Live)
7" single -- Jet JET 769
Nightrider Running Time: 3:44

This song is edited from the Face The Music album version. It cuts part of the instrumental intro and fades early.


Daybreaker (Live) Running Time: 5:03

This song is edited from the European The Night The Light Went On In Long Beach album version. It fades in at the start of the spooky, discordant keyboard, string and drum intro, then plays the full song. It fades on the audience cheering after the end of the song.

* Show/Hide release information for Nightrider and Daybreaker (Live)...
Strange Magic
2018 September 21
Strange Magic Showdown (Live)
7" single -- Jet JET 779
Strange Magic Running Time: 3:25

This song is edited from the Face The Music album version. It cuts the orchestral intro, a small portion of the guitar on the intro, and the next to last two choruses.


Showdown (Live) Running Time: 5:01

This song edited from the The Night The Light Went On In Long Beach album, fading early.

* Show/Hide release information for Strange Magic and Showdown (Live)...
Livin' Thing
2018 September 21
Livin' Thing Fire On High
7" single -- United Artists JET UP 36184
Livin' Thing Running Time: 3:32

This song is the same as the A New World Record album version.


Fire On High Running Time: 5:30

This song is the same as the Face The Music album version, including the long intro.

This was issued on blue vinyl only.
* Show/Hide release information for Livin' Thing and Fire On High...
2018 September 21
Rockaria! Poker
7" single -- Jet JET UP 36209
Rockaria! Running Time: 3:10

This song is edited from the A New World Record album version, cutting the misstart by opera singer Mary Thomas at the song's beginning.


Poker Running Time: 3:31

This song is the same as the Face The Music album version.

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Telephone Line
2018 September 21
Telephone Line Poor Boy (The Greenwood)
King Of The Universe
7" single -- Jet JET UP 36254
Telephone Line Running Time: 4:38

This song is the same as the A New World Record album version.


Poor Boy (The Greenwood) Running Time: 2:57

This song is the same as the Eldorado album version.


King Of The Universe Running Time: 2:51

This song is edited from the On The Third Day album version, cutting the Ocean Breakup part of the song from the song's beginning.

* Show/Hide release information for Telephone Line, Poor Boy (The Greenwood), and King Of The Universe...
Turn To Stone
2018 September 21
Turn To Stone Mister Kingdom
7" single -- Jet JET UP 36313
Turn To Stone Running Time: 3:48

This song is the same as the Out Of The Blue album version.


Mister Kingdom Running Time: 5:32

This song is edited from the Eldorado album version, adding a slow fade to the song's end, so that it doesn't have the abrupt end as on the album.

* Show/Hide release information for Turn To Stone and Mister Kingdom...
Mr. Blue Sky
2018 September 21
Mr. Blue Sky One Summer Dream
7" single -- Jet JET UP 36342
Mr. Blue Sky Running Time: 5:01

This song is edited from the Out Of The Blue album version, cutting the rain and radio tuning at the song's beginning.


One Summer Dream Running Time: 4:25

This song is a unique mix of the song. It is basically the same as the Face The Music album version, however all the female backing vocals are missing from the mix. Also it cuts half the orchestra intro that contains the vocal part and also fades early.

This was issued on blue vinyl only.
* Show/Hide release information for Mr. Blue Sky and One Summer Dream...
Wild West Hero
2018 September 21
Wild West Hero Eldorado
7" single -- Jet JET 109
Wild West Hero Running Time: 4:41

This song is the same as the Out Of The Blue album version.


Eldorado Running Time: 5:13

This song is edited from the Eldorado album version, fading at the song's end, just before the start of Eldorado Finale.

* Show/Hide release information for Wild West Hero and Eldorado...
Sweet Talkin' Woman
2018 September 21
Sweet Talkin' Woman Bluebird Is Dead
7" single -- Jet JET 121
Sweet Talkin' Woman Running Time: 3:50

This song is the same as the Out Of The Blue album version.


Bluebird Is Dead Running Time: 4:22

This song is the same as the On The Third Day album version.

* Show/Hide release information for Sweet Talkin' Woman and Bluebird Is Dead...
The ELO EP
2018 September 21
Can't Get It Out Of My Head
Strange Magic
Ma-Ma-Ma Belle
Evil Woman
7" EP -- Jet JET ELO 1
Can't Get It Out Of My Head Running Time: 4:21

This song the same as the Eldorado album version.


Strange Magic Running Time: 4:02

This song edited from the Face The Music album version, cutting the orchestral intro.


Ma-Ma-Ma Belle Running Time: 3:52

This song edited from the On The Third Day album version, fading during the merge with Dreaming Of 4000.


Evil Woman Running Time: 4:21

This song is edited from the Face The Music album version, cutting the orchestral intro.

* Show/Hide release information for Can't Get It Out Of My Head, Strange Magic, Ma-Ma-Ma Belle and Evil Woman...

Premium Releases

In late November of 2018, Genesis Publications released the lavish Wembley Or Bust book. The book included a bonus 7" picture disc single, containing songs from the June 24, 2017 concert at Wembley Stadium (as well as a specially designed ELO spaceship cutout only available in the deluxe edition). This was a worldwide release and not exclusive to the USA.

No other such premium edition singles were released in the USA.

Issue Date
Singles
Comments
Xanadu/Don't Bring Me Down
2018 November
Xanadu Don't Bring Me Down
7" picture disc single -- USSM11708573/USSM11708584
Released with Wembley Or Bust
book set -- Genesis Publications ISBN 9781905662524
Xanadu
(Jeff Lynne)

Running Time: 3:22
This is the same version as the Wembley Or Bust audio album releases, including the fade-in and fade-out.


Don't Bring Me Down
(Jeff Lynne)

Running Time: 4:13
This is the same version as the Wembley Or Bust audio album releases, including the fade-in and fade-out.

The single was available in a special pocket in the back page of the book.

The single is actually misprinted, with the label stating Xanadu is on the A-side and Don't Bring Me Down on the B-side. However, the songs that play are reversed with Don't Bring Me Down on the A-side.

The images on the disc show the band performing Roll Over Beethoven at Wembley

* Show/Hide release information for Xanadu and Don't Bring Me Down...

Sales Figures

The RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) has certified three ELO singles as gold singles, having sold at least half a million each. These singles are Telephone Line (certified on September 23, 1977), Don't Bring Me Down (certified on November 20, 1979) and I'm Alive (certified on July 15, 1980). This certification is based upon the number of singles shipped to retailers, not necessarily how many customers bought the single.

Music Charts

The primary measure of the success of a single is by the music chart rating. In turn, these ratings are based upon a combination of sales and radio airplay. The exact formula used to calculate these ratings (using sales and airplay) will vary from year to year and from chart company to chart company.

In the US, the music industry trade magazine Billboard has dominated with the most popular and widely used chart statistics. During ELO's run in the 1970s and 1980s, Billboard rivals Cash Box and Record World did experience some success and dominance in some markets. Cash Box ceased publication in the mid-1990s (and returned in the early 2000s). Record World ceased publication in 1982, thus there are no record charts for them after 1982. Today, when speaking of the Top 100 singles charts, the Billboard music charts is the chart of reference.

ELO spent a total of 341 weeks in the Billboard Top 100 charts and holds the record for having the most Top 40 hits without ever hitting the #1 spot.

Billboard Hot 100
Week
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
10538 Overture
Billboard Hot 100 Chart Entry Date: Did not chart
Roll Over Beethoven
Billboard Hot 100 Chart Entry Date: April 28, 1973
90
85
78
74
66
65
100
79
59
54
52
50
44
42
(July 28, 1973)
57
65
Showdown
Billboard Hot 100 Chart Entry Date: December 1, 1973
90
87
84
76
67
61
57
56
55
53
(February 2, 1974)
65
Ma-Ma-Ma Belle
Billboard Hot 100 Chart Entry Date: Did not chart
Daybreaker
Billboard Hot 100 Chart Entry Date: May 4, 1974
95
93
91
87
(May 25, 1974)
89
Can't Get It Out Of My Head
Billboard Hot 100 Chart Entry Date: December 21, 1974
87
76
65
52
41
33
29
23
19
15
11
10
9
(March 15, 1975)
18
36
57
Boy Blue
Billboard Hot 100 Chart Entry Date: Did not chart
Evil Woman
Billboard Hot 100 Chart Entry Date: November 15, 1975
87
77
60
49
40
28
24
20
18
16
15
14
13
10
(February 14, 1976)
10
(February 21, 1976)
26
44
Strange Magic
Billboard Hot 100 Chart Entry Date: March 13, 1976
71
55
46
41
35
27
22
19
16
15
14
(May 22, 1976)
18
25
44
Showdown
Billboard Hot 100 Chart Entry Date: August 7, 1976
84
74
63
59
(August 28, 1976)
68
99
96
Livin' Thing
Billboard Hot 100 Chart Entry Date: October 23, 1976
88
60
46
40
32
28
26
21
19
15
Chart not published
13
(January 8, 1977)
13
(January 15, 1977)
17
28
34
38
53
Do Ya
Billboard Hot 100 Chart Entry Date: February 5, 1977
84
72
57
46
38
33
28
25
24
(April 2, 1977)
29
57
100
Telephone Line
Billboard Hot 100 Chart Entry Date: June 11, 1977
81
65
54
45
39
33
29
26
22
20
16
13
10
9
8
7
(September 24, 1977)
7
(October 1, 1977)
14
18
31
63
63
97
Turn To Stone
Billboard Hot 100 Chart Entry Date: November 19, 1977
81
63
46
36
32
27
27
20
18
16
14
13
(February 4, 1978)
23
45
69
Sweet Talkin' Woman
Billboard Hot 100 Chart Entry Date: February 17, 1978
78
61
46
32
29
25
23
22
20
19
17
(April 28, 1978)
17
(May 5, 1978)
25
29
34
91
Mr. Blue Sky
Billboard Hot 100 Chart Entry Date: June 24, 1978
79
69
59
49
44
39
36
35
(August 12, 1978)
59
97
95
95
It's Over
Billboard Hot 100 Chart Entry Date: October 28, 1978
90
80
76
75
(November 18, 1978)
Shine A Little Love
Billboard Hot 100 Chart Entry Date: May 19, 1979
57
41
32
25
20
17
15
13
9
8
(July 21, 1979)
8
(July 28, 1979)
15
17
45
93
Don't Bring Me Down
Billboard Hot 100 Chart Entry Date: August 4, 1979
41
18
14
6
5
4
(September 8, 1979)
4
(September 15, 1979)
10
10
11
13
39
41
73
97
Confusion
Billboard Hot 100 Chart Entry Date: October 20, 1979
75
55
47
42
37
(November 17, 1979)
37
(November 24, 1979)
57
78
Last Train To London
Billboard Hot 100 Chart Entry Date: December 8, 1979
83
72
63
63
53
50
44
40
39
(February 2, 1980)
66
98
I'm Alive
Billboard Hot 100 Chart Entry Date: May 25, 1980
71
62
49
40
28
21
18
16
(July 12, 1980)
16
(July 20, 1980)
29
37
44
58
91
97
Xanadu
Billboard Hot 100 Chart Entry Date: August 10, 1980
79
63
43
31
26
17
12
11
10
8
(October 12, 1980)
8
(October 19, 1980)
17
27
51
58
73
94
All Over The World
Billboard Hot 100 Chart Entry Date: August 3, 1980
61
43
34
27
23
21
18
16
15
13
(October 5, 1980)
13
(October 12, 1980)
45
57
74
91
100
Hold On Tight
Billboard Hot 100 Chart Entry Date: July 25, 1981
67
46
39
33
28
21
18
14
12
11
10
(October 3, 1981)
10
(October 10, 1981)
13
28
33
52
58
73
88
Twilight
Billboard Hot 100 Chart Entry Date: October 24, 1981
79
67
55
48
43
38
(November 28, 1981)
38
(December 5, 1981)
69
89
99
Rain Is Falling
Billboard Hot 100 Chart Entry Date: Did not chart
Rock 'N' Roll Is King
Billboard Hot 100 Chart Entry Date: June 25, 1983
57
44
39
30
26
24
24
21
19
(August 20, 1983)
19
(August 27, 1983)
31
57
78
Four Little Diamonds
Billboard Hot 100 Chart Entry Date: October 1, 1983
89
86
(October 8, 1983)
Stranger
Billboard Hot 100 Chart Entry Date: Did not chart
Calling America
Billboard Hot 100 Chart Entry Date: February 1, 1986
91
69
55
50
40
36
33
24
21
18
(April 5, 1986)
25
45
58
80
99
So Serious
Billboard Hot 100 Chart Entry Date: Did not chart
Alright
Billboard Hot 100 Chart Entry Date: Did not chart
When I Was A Boy
Billboard Hot 100 Chart Entry Date: Did not chart
From Out Of Nowhere
Billboard Hot 100 Chart Entry Date: Did not chart

Below is a chart that shows the Billboard Hot 100 chart position of each song versus its week on the chart. It's obvious from the chart that Don't Bring Me Down was ELO's fastest growing and highest charting song. But what's interesting is that due to chart peak and longevity, other songs were actually bigger hits, garnering more sales and airplay. In this scenario, it appears that in reality, Telephone Line is ELO's biggest hit with Evil Woman and Hold On Tight not far behind.

Let's assign points to each chart placing, with chart position #1 = 100 points, #2 = 99 points, #3 = 98 points, etc. down to #100 = 1 point. Then accumulating these points for each song, the highest charting song, Don't Bring Me Down garners 1129 points, while Evil Woman gets 1166 points, Livin' Thing gets 1146 points, Hold On Tight gets 1265 points, and Telephone Line gets the maximum at 1553 points. Given this, it's clear that Telephone Line is ELO's biggest USA hit of all time. The chart below illustrates this point system by ranking all ELO charted songs.

1553 - Telephone Line 1265 - Hold On Tight 1166 - Evil Woman 1146 - Livin' Thing 1129 - Don't Bring Me Down 1100 - Shine A Little Love
1089 - Xanadu 1048 - Sweet Talkin' Woman 1035 - Can't Get It Out Of My Head 985 - Turn To Stone 966 - Strange Magic 965 - All Over The World
844 - Rock 'N' Roll Is King 838 - I'm Alive 771 - Calling America 619 - Do Ya 556 - Roll Over Beethoven 524 - Showdown
456 - Mr. Blue Sky 440 - Last Train To London 385 - Twilight 380 - Confusion 83 - It's Over 50 - Daybreaker

It's somewhat surprising that I'm Alive doesn't rank higher, considering that it's one of only three RIAA certified gold singles. However, keep in mind that the RIAA certification is based upon record sales whereas the Billboard charts are based upon sales and airplay.

Cash Box
Week
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
10538 Overture
Cash Box Top 100 Chart Entry Date: Did not chart
Roll Over Beethoven
Cash Box Top 100 Chart Entry Date: May 19, 1973
87
82
73
68
64
61
58
54
50
48
(July 21, 1973)
52
49
48
(August 11, 1973)
50
Showdown
Cash Box Top 100 Chart Entry Date: December 8, 1973
94
83
76
73
67
64
59
53
52
51
(February 9, 1974)
68
Ma-Ma-Ma Belle
Cash Box Top 100 Chart Entry Date: Did not chart
Daybreaker
Cash Box Top 100 Chart Entry Date: April 20, 1974
99
89
79
73
68
64
61
(June 1, 1974)
62
Can't Get It Out Of My Head
Cash Box Top 100 Chart Entry Date: December 14, 1974
85
72
60
51
46
41
35
30
28
24
21
18
16
15
14
(March 22, 1975)
50
79
Evil Woman
Cash Box Top 100 Chart Entry Date: November 15, 1975
95
79
51
37
32
23
18
16
15
15
13
12
10
9
(February 14, 1976)
9
(February 21, 1976)
13
28
38
48
Strange Magic
Cash Box Top 100 Chart Entry Date: March 6, 1976
77
66
54
44
37
32
25
18
15
14
15
(May 15, 1976)
20
21
29
38
43
66
Showdown
Cash Box Top 100 Chart Entry Date: August 21, 1976
87
82
78
75
(September 11, 1976)>
Livin' Thing
Cash Box Top 100 Chart Entry Date: October 30, 1976
72
54
37
26
20
17
13
11
10
(December 25, 1976)
12
13
25
26
34
34
38
43
56
60
56
Do Ya
Cash Box Top 100 Chart Entry Date: February 5, 1977
80
59
41
32
23
20
18
17
16
(April 2, 1977)
24
26
31
39
96
Telephone Line
Cash Box Top 100 Chart Entry Date: June 18, 1977
86
74
68
56
38
31
26
22
18
16
11
9
6
5
4
(September 24, 1977)
6
10
21
30
37
54
Turn To Stone
Cash Box Top 100 Chart Entry Date: November 19, 1977
72
53
39
32
29
25
20
20
15
11
(January 21, 1978)
12
17
20
45
76
Sweet Talkin' Woman
Cash Box Top 100 Chart Entry Date: February 18, 1978
81
72
59
42
33
28
26
23
20
18
(April 22, 1978)
18
(April 28, 1978)
29
40
45
49
95
Mr. Blue Sky
Cash Box Top 100 Chart Entry Date: June 24, 1978
77
63
54
46
35
31
29
28
27
(August 19, 1978)
39
53
92
It's Over
Cash Box Top 100 Chart Entry Date: Did not chart
Shine A Little Love
Cash Box Top 100 Chart Entry Date: May 19, 1979
49
33
27
21
16
12
10
8
8
7
(July 21, 1979)
17
39
56
93
Don't Bring Me Down
Cash Box Top 100 Chart Entry Date: July 28, 1979
48
36
28
15
12
10
8
6
4
(September 22, 1979)
4
(September 29, 1979)
9
11
21
27
42
61
96
Confusion
Cash Box Top 100 Chart Entry Date: October 13, 1979
82
73
63
55
50
48
47
(November 24, 1979)
61
91
Last Train To London
Cash Box Top 100 Chart Entry Date: December 22, 1979
84
74
62
55
47
Chart not published
42
38
36
(February 16, 1980)
47
59
81
I'm Alive
Cash Box Top 100 Chart Entry Date: May 24, 1980
62
45
36
30
26
22
18
16
14
(July 19, 1980)
14
(July 26, 1980)
32
47
56
72
93
Xanadu
Cash Box Top 100 Chart Entry Date: August 9, 1980
80
61
44
31
24
19
14
12
10
9
(October 11, 1980)
9
(October 18, 1980)
10
20
32
47
50
61
68
93
97
All Over The World
Cash Box Top 100 Chart Entry Date: August 2, 1980
53
43
38
34
28
26
21
17
16
14
(October 4, 1980)
14
(October 11, 1980)
33
40
59
73
85
Hold On Tight
Cash Box Top 100 Chart Entry Date: July 25, 1981
62
47
36
32
22
17
14
12
10
9
8
(October 3, 1981)
8
(October 10, 1981)
10
21
45
70
96
Twilight
Cash Box Top 100 Chart Entry Date: October 24, 1981
82
71
58
52
44
40
38
(December 5, 1981)
44
53
61
Chart not published
Chart not published
97
Rain Is Falling
Cash Box Top 100 Chart Entry Date: Did not chart
Rock 'N' Roll Is King
Cash Box Top 100 Chart Entry Date: June 25, 1983
64
48
41
33
30
28
26
24
23
22
(August 27, 1983)
34
46
74
Four Little Diamonds
Cash Box Top 100 Chart Entry Date: Did not chart
Stranger
Cash Box Top 100 Chart Entry Date: Did not chart
Calling America
Cash Box Top 100 Chart Entry Date: February 1, 1986
85
64
47
41
36
33
30
26
(March 22, 1986)
26
(March 29, 1986)
32
33
48
56
64
75
98
So Serious
Cash Box Top 100 Chart Entry Date: Did not chart
Alright
Cash Box Top 100 Chart Entry Date: Did not chart

The Record World chart listings below come from multiple sources and are incomplete and occasionally incorrect. Any assistance in filling in the gaps is greatly appreciated.

Record World
Week
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Roll Over Beethoven
Record World Top 40 Chart Entry Date: [UNKNOWN]
Peak of 31
during a run of an unknown number of weeks on the chart
Can't Get It Out Of My Head
Record World Top 40 Chart Entry Date: [UNKNOWN]
Peak of 23
during a run of an unknown number of weeks on the chart
Evil Woman
Record World Top 40 Chart Entry Date: [UNKNOWN]
Peak of 9
during a run of an unknown number of weeks on the chart
Strange Magic
Record World Top 40 Chart Entry Date: [UNKNOWN]
Peak of 20
during a run of an unknown number of weeks on the chart
Livin' Thing
Record World Top 40 Chart Entry Date: [UNKNOWN]
Peak of 10
during a run of an unknown number of weeks on the chart
Do Ya
Record World Top 100 Chart Entry Date: November 4, 1972
?
?
?
?
?
Peak of 88
during a run of 6 weeks on the chart
Telephone Line
Record World Top 40 Chart Entry Date: [UNKNOWN]
Peak of 7
during a run of an unknown number of weeks on the chart
Turn To Stone
Record World Top 40 Chart Entry Date: [UNKNOWN]
Peak of 9
during a run of an unknown number of weeks on the chart
Sweet Talkin' Woman
Record World Top 100 Chart Entry Date: February 18, 1978
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
Peak of 23
during a run of 14 weeks on the chart
Mr. Blue Sky
Record World Top 40 Chart Entry Date: [UNKNOWN]
Peak of 33
during a run of an unknown number of weeks on the chart
Shine A Little Love
Record World Top 40 Chart Entry Date: [UNKNOWN]
Peak of 8
during a run of an unknown number of weeks on the chart
Don't Bring Me Down
Record World Top 40 Chart Entry Date: August 4, 1979
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
Peak of 3
during a run of 18 weeks on the chart
I'm Alive
Record World Top 40 Chart Entry Date: [UNKNOWN]
Peak of 14
during a run of an unknown number of weeks on the chart
Xanadu
Record World Top 40 Chart Entry Date: [UNKNOWN]
Peak of 4
during a run of an unknown number of weeks on the chart
All Over The World
Record World Top 40 Chart Entry Date: [UNKNOWN]
Peak of 8
during a run of an unknown number of weeks on the chart
Hold On Tight
Record World Top 40 Chart Entry Date: [UNKNOWN]
Peak of 10
during a run of an unknown number of weeks on the chart
Twilight
Record World Top 40 Chart Entry Date: [UNKNOWN]
Peak of 39
during a run of an unknown number of weeks on the chart

Billboard Adult Contemporary
Week
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Xanadu
Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart Entry Date: August 23, 1980
30
22
16
6
3
3
2
(October 11, 1980)
2
(October 18, 1980)
3
4
11
17
26
29
29

Billboard Rock Digital Song Sales
Week
1 2
Evil Woman
Billboard Rock Digital Song Sales (Top 25) Chart Entry Date: February 21, 2015
47
(February 21, 2015)
Mr. Blue Sky
Billboard Rock Digital Song Sales (Top 25) Chart Entry Date: May 27, 2017
11
(May 27, 2017)
20
Livin' Thing
Billboard Rock Digital Song Sales (Top 25) Chart Entry Date: September 23, 2017
22
(September 23, 2017)

Billboard Rock Streaming Songs
Week
1
Mr. Blue Sky
Billboard Rock Digital Song Sales (Top 25) Chart Entry Date: May 26, 2018
22
(May 26, 2018)


This page is intended to be a complete record of Electric Light Orchestra's USA single releases. If you notice any errors or omissions, please contact me at jefflynnesongs@gmail.com and let me know. I strive for accuracy.

Robert Porter
February 2024

Special thanks to Patrik Guttenbacher of Face The Music Germany for his assistance in putting this page together. Patrik-- you ROCK!