“A New World Record” is studio album number 6 for Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), released in 1976.
Like The Doobie Brothers, this album acts as a bridge between the progressive side of the band and the radio-friendly side of the band.
The Electric Light Orchestra of 1976 is made up of Jeff Lynne on Lead Vocals and Lead Guitars, Bev Bevan on Percussion/Drums, Richard Tandy on Keyboards and Guitar, Kelly Groucutt on Bass and Backing Vocals.
Mik Kaminski is on Violin, Hugh McDowell on Cello and Melvyn Gale on Cello.
All songs are written by Jeff Lynne. At 28 years of age, he was at the peak of his songwriting powers.
Tightrope
How good is the symphonic 80 second Intro?
And then it moves into a Beatles like cut.
Telephone Line
It starts off as a telephone call, with the call going to message and the message being left is the song. At first it sounds like a cassette recording and eventually the sound cleans up.
It’s a perfect 60s (especially when the do-wop section kicks in) like song that wouldn’t be out of place on the Grease movie.
Rockaria
Bar room 12 bar blues with symphonic elements and operatic like vocals.
What a mix?
Mission (A World Record)
A piano, violins and a vocal melody that Freddie Mercury would be proud off.
From a modern view point, Muse comes to mind.
So Fine
There was a period in the70s when artists would write a song and have”Groove” or “Shuffle” in the title.
This song is in that area of Funk blues rock.
Livin’ Thing
A great track.
It almost feels like a soundtrack with the Spanish like violin Intro before an acoustic rhythm kicks.
Press play just for the Chorus.
Above the Clouds
Next.
Do Ya
Its a remake of the 1972 single by The Move, of which Lynne was a member between 1970 and 1972.
And it’s my favorite track.
Just press play to hear the Intro riff.
Shangri-La
It moves between an aria and a rock power ballad. Very Queen-like.
In Australian it went to Number 1 and it deserved to be there.
In 1977, four of the album’s songs were featured on the soundtrack of the film “Joyride” which always help getting the awareness out there.
destroyerofharmony 
Lynne sure had a knack for writing catchy power pop rock tracks.
I have this one on vinyl. One of the few ELO albums I do have. I agree with pretty much everything you said on this one.
One of the top four albums from one of my favourite bands. My ultimate ELO album is Time though.
Oh wow interesting choice. It doesn’t get the love it deserves. I’m always up for a concept album.
For me it depends. The music has to come before the story or it won’t work for me.