"Time" is the ninth studio album by the English rock band Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), released in July 1981 on Jet Records. This concept album tells the story of a man from the 1980s who is transported to the year 2095, where he experiences a contrast between technological advancements and a nostalgia for past romances.
The album topped the UK Albums Chart for two weeks but received mixed reviews due to its heavy reliance on synthesizers and a noticeable shift from the orchestral rock sound of previous ELO albums. Despite the mixed critical reception, Time has developed a cult following, particularly among enthusiasts of retrofuturism.
Time is characterized by its synth-pop style, incorporating influences from 1950s music, new wave, reggae, rockabilly, and the works of the Beatles, Phil Spector, and the Shadows. This release marked a significant departure from ELO's earlier orchestral sound, focusing more on electronic elements. It is the band's second concept album, the first being Eldorado in 1974.
The music video for the lead single "Hold On Tight" was notably the most expensive ever made at that time, with a budget of approximately £40,000. Following its release, four additional singles were issued: "Twilight," "Ticket to the Moon" (with "Here Is the News" as the B-side), "Rain Is Falling," and "The Way Life's Meant to Be."
Time is often recognized as the first major concept album centered on time travel and is considered one of ELO's most influential works. The tracks "Prologue" and "Twilight" were used in the opening animation of the 1983 anime Daicon IV. In 2001, a CD reissue of Time included three additional tracks that were not part of the original LP.
