May 16, 2025      —–     Chart #298

Hello Music Friends,

Hey folks, welcome to another edition of Chart of the Week. If you’ve ever wanted to hear what it would sound like if a string section got struck by lightning mid-flight and turned into a rock band, look no further than Electric Light Orchestra. This week’s chart is a gem from 1976 — “Livin’ Thing”, a soaring, symphonic, toe-tappin’ masterclass in how to blend classical arrangements with pop-rock punch. Strap in.

Written by Jeff Lynne (ELO’s mad-genius frontman, producer, and perennial sunglasses-wearer), “Livin’ Thing” was released as a single from their sixth studio album, A New World Record. If that album title doesn’t give you a hint, ELO wasn’t aiming small. They were aiming for epic — and this tune delivers.

From the opening orchestral stabs that sound like they were lifted straight out of a James Bond film, to the punchy acoustic guitar rhythm and soaring falsetto chorus, this song is a rollercoaster. But instead of fear, it’s joy and heartbreak wrapped up in three and a half minutes of melodic mayhem. Lynne himself has said the lyrics are about the loss of love and realizing what a gift it was. Some folks even hear spiritual undertones in it — not preachy, but reflective.

The lineup on this track features some serious musical horsepower:

• Jeff Lynne on vocals, guitars, production, and genius
• Bev Bevan on drums (pounding out that signature ELO beat)
• Richard Tandy on keys and synth wizardry
• Kelly Groucutt on bass and high harmonies
• Plus a full string section conducted by Louis Clark — because why not?

“Livin’ Thing” peaked at #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and went top 10 in the UK. More than just a chart hit, it became one of ELO’s signature tracks, finding its way into movie soundtracks (Boogie Nights, anyone?) and even a Volkswagen commercial, introducing a new generation to that unmistakable orchestral rock sound.

Fun fact: The intro was so dramatic that some DJs thought it was from a movie score and talked over the opening. Criminal behavior.

From a guitarist’s perspective, this one’s a fun acoustic strummer. The verse grooves along with a steady Am to G movement, and that string part — well, unless you’ve got a violinist in the living room, just sing it with gusto and hope your audience has imagination. Bonus points if you attempt the falsetto chorus without alarming the neighbors.

If you haven’t played this one in a while (or ever), I highly recommend dusting it off. It’s joyful, dramatic, and it rocks. In short, it’s a “Livin’ Thing.”

Give it a listen:

And of course — grab the chart, fire up your acoustic, and get to strummin’.

Keep rockin’ my friends,

Stan Bradshaw