A New World Record aside, this is a singles band, which makes their compilation the European Tradition's answer to Bubble Gum Music Is the Naked Truth. I love that "Mr. Blue Sky," almost my favorite is "Turn to Stone," and how 'bout "Telephone Line"? B+

- Robert Christgau, Christgau's Record Guide, 1981.

Bonus Reviews!

Most of ELO's biggest and best hits -- "Evil Woman," "Rockaria," "Telephone Line" -- are included on this solid but slightly skimpy collection. * * * *

- Stephen Thomas Erlewine, The All-Music Guide to Rock, 1995.

To avoid the moribund filler that often hampers even the best ELO records, seek out its second greatest hits complation, ELO's Greatest Hits, which collects classics such as "Telephone Line," "Rockaria!" and "Evil Woman" on a single album. * * *

- Eric Deggans, Musichound Rock: The Essential Album Guide, 1996.

You can't live without a little ELO or this time capsule that captures their essence. Endlessly entertaining, it includes songs from the ether, ranging from orchestral tracks to pithy pop tunes that soared them into the charts and fueled many a starlit idyll. With Jeff Lynne at the helm, they combined craftsmanship and innovative arrangements and bestowed this oeuvre of lasting songs. * * * *

- Zagat Survey Music Guide - 1,000 Top Albums of All Time, 2003.

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