For ELO's fourth record, Lynne made an important innovation. "Eldorado" is the first album for which Jeff Lynne engaged an orchestra; on previous albums Lynne had supplemented the strings with overdubs. Lynne hired a string arranger, Louis Clark, and used a full orchestra for the group's recordings. This approach paid immediate dividends with Eldorado, the ambitious September 1974 release that increased the group's popularity worldwide and refined an approach that would bear fruit in the years to come. The artistic breakthrough that established Electric Light Orchestra as a pioneering band (and confirmed Lynne as a leading practicing Beatles disciple) remains notable for featuring a full orchestra and choir, whose range is captured on this album with exquisite results It differs from the band's first two works not only in Lynne's sharpened songwriting, but also in the engagement of an orchestra that complemented the group's three string players. The symphonic movements, co-arranged by Lynne and conductor Louis Clark, support the infectious music without ever drowning it. The accents also serve as a means of transportation into the various narrative worlds. "Eldorado," completed as a story before Lynne put his notes to paper, ironically owes its inspiration to Lynne's father. In response to his father's criticism of the band, Lynne crafted a melodic tour de force that, like the Wizard of Oz that dominates the cover art, emphasizes the power of everyday dreams and the heroism of each individual. It is no coincidence that the sonic journey begins with an overture punctuated by the words of a cynic who condemns "the dreamer, the unawakened fool." This work is beautiful and entertaining, sophisticated and consistent, and celebrates such romantics and escapists. A technicolor escapade of lush melodies, flowing crescendos, and a heady mix of energetic rock and sweeping orchestral elements, the album combines rich imagery and sweeping sounds in a way that makes the two inseparable. In the hands of Lynne and company, reality and fantasy collide, dissolving any dividing lines. The proof is not only in the epic production, but also in the timeless (and catchy) nature of songs like the balladic "Boy Blue," the power-pop-heavy "Illusions in G Major" and, of course, the aptly titled hit "Can't Get It Out of My Head." Decades later, Eldorado is the equivalent of an out-of-body experience, an invitation to break out of monotony, whether you listen to your Mobile Fidelity re-release on a big stereo or with an excellent pair of headphones. Jeff Lynne, singer and founding member of the Electric Light Orchestra, reached for the stars on "Eldorado". The visionary composer and musician dared to be bold and created imaginative worlds that invite the listener to escape from everyday life. In doing so, he created a milestone of prog rock. Almost 50 years after its first release, this brilliant concept album can now be sonically rediscovered.