Few things in life are certain but the qualities of Electric Light Orchestra between On the Third Day and Secret Messages are guaranteed. Bookends to a brilliant period which features all those songs Jeff Lynne is still and will forever be defined by. Despite this vapid feeling to them after a fiftieth listen, there is a quality to these songs which keeps us heading back to them. Do Ya is one such example, a song which in the hands of any other creative would feel like fodder. But for Lynne and the shy style of his writing, the coy understanding of his world and the frequent utilisation of prog-rock progression and string brilliance, it makes for a legendary track. One of many in the ELO discography, but this A New World Record single stands out with remarkable, continuous fury.
Cheesy radio pop made genuine thanks to Lynne and his dedication to upbeat tempo and this ever-present desire for poptimism. That penultimate A New World Record track is light but has the rocking sense of transitional moments in the band’s trajectory. Confident in its ridiculous lyrics, which are absurdly fun because of the conviction from Lynne. Most of the songs in his discography are based on how well he can carry the song, on the dedication he has to lyrics of a relatively silly variety. But these moments are great fun, Do Ya maintains this with some instrumental excess which keeps pushing for some new sound. Lynne achieves it here with some exceptional guitar work backed by neat percussion additions and the inevitably strong string sections. A song initially written for The Move is retrofitted into ELO cannon and now thrives. An inevitable live selection, more because it brings on an instrumental change for the band than anything else. From: https://cultfollowing.co.uk/2025/02/03/electric-light-orchestra-do-ya-review/
