Zoom

Zoom is the twelfth and final studio album by Electric Light Orchestra, released on June 12, 2001 on Epic Records. The album was the band's first release of new material since Balance of Power, released in 1986. Upon release, the album charted at #34 in the UK Albums Chart and at #94 in the US Billboard 200. The album also peaked at #14 on Billboard Top Internet Albums chart. This recording is primarily a Jeff Lynne solo album (albeit with some guest musicians, most notably former Beatles George Harrison and Ringo Starr; it was one of Harrison's last recordings before his death). The only other past ELO member appearing on the album, Richard Tandy, appears on one track and performed live in promotional concerts. This is the only album to feature the ELO name on which Bev Bevan does not play. This album featured a more organic feel with less reliance on electronic effects and a return of strings in the form of cellos. Although billed as a return to the classic ELO sound the album sales were relatively poor and a planned North American concert tour was cancelled.