ELO are renowned for having catchy records and Livin’ Thing is one shining example. It that has all the vocal and instrumental hooks to keep you listening. The song just radiates as it modulates upwards into a falsetto Jeff Lynne vocal and combined with the soulful backing vocals added and a powerful group string section. I think Record World nailed it when they described the song as having “a savoury rock sound“. The official video below shows the ensemble of instruments and how they individually prod the song to become this flourishing sound.
Been loving this tune since I was kid and certainly takes me back to when I sat around the turntable in front of the fireplace and put the needle down on this record. It still sends chills down my spine as Lynn launches into the chorus with Higher and higher, baby. ELO have definitely got their own sound and there won’t be another like them.
Livin’ Thing was written by Jeff Lynne and appears on ELO’s 1976 album A New World Record. The song reached No. 4 in the UK, No. 13 on the US Billboard and No. 2 in Australia. It’s the second song to be presented here from the record after Telephone Line. Jeff Lynne, of course has featured here multiple times not just with ELO but with his involvement in the 80’s super group The Traveling Wilburys.
Reflecting on the 1970s, Lynn told Rolling Stone magazine:
“I was reluctant to become a real rock star. I was shy and was always told to not get a big head. And my favourite thing in the world was to work 14 hours a day in the studio. Everything else was peripheral to me, like having the record out and promoting it. I did have a big house, but I didn’t do rock-star things. I never saw myself like that. I was a songwriter, singer and producer. Rock stars are different. They dress all flashy and hang out in nightclubs. That just wasn’t my priority. I liked to spend my spare moments at the pub.”
ELO are regarded by many as the best live Classical Rock Band and are still touring. In 2019, Jeff Lynne launched a new album, called From Out of Nowhere and it went to number 1 on the UK Albums Chart. Lynne was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2020 Birthday Honours for services to music
[Verse 1]
Sailin’ away on the crest of a wave
It’s like magic
Oh, rollin’ and ridin’ and slippin’ and slidin’
It’s magic
[Pre-Chorus]
And you, and your sweet desire
You took me, oh
Higher and higher, baby
[Chorus]
It’s a livin’ thing
It’s a terrible thing to lose
It’s a given thing
What a terrible thing to lose
[Post-Chorus]
(I’m takin’ a dive)
(Dive)
[Verse 2]
Making believe this is what you conceived
From your worst day (I’m takin’ a dive)
Oh, moving in line, then you look back in time
To the first day (I’m takin’, I’m takin’)
[Verse 3]
Takin’ a dive ’cause you can’t halt the slide
Floating downstream (I’m takin’ a dive)
Oh, so let her go, don’t start spoiling the show
It’s a bad dream (I’m takin’, I’m takin’)
References:
1. Livin’ Thing – Wikipedia
“The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”- Michel Legrand
Observation Blogger 
I couldn’t stand ELO back in the day, now I really like them.
I understand what you mean. At the end of the wiki reference, it’s stated “Livin’ Thing” was named by the UK’s Q as the number 1 “Guilty Pleasure” single of all time – a list designed to celebrate “uncool” but excellent record. Haha
Even though ELO productions oftentimes feel like Phil Spector on steroids, they just had a great ear for catchy melodies. I’ve always loved “Livin’ Thing” and many of their other songs.
I see what you mean about the production aspect. Cheers.