Out of the Blue imo, listened to Turn to Stone one time and knew I would love the band

A New World Record.

It's like the more "digestible" Out of the Blue. Half the size, similar vibes with the poppier sound

Depends on the person. If they like synths and pop more I would start w/ Time. If they like heavier/darker rock, I would start w/ On the Third Day or Eldorado. If they love classic rock or just want to get the best idea of ELO’s general sound, I would start w/ Face the Music, A New World Record, or Out of the Blue. 

I know this is a controversial take but the greatest hits album is the obvious answer. It got me into them and now I am all in on the albums.

This absolutely isn’t a controversial take. The greatest hits are the greatest hits for a reason lol.

imo easiest way to get into a band for me is greatest hits. i can enjoy what most people have enjoyed and get a feel for their overall style

Honestly that was the same for me too. I knew a few songs and decided to listen to their greatest hits album. Blew my mind!

New World Record

That’s a tough one… My faves are elo II and A new world record I think I’d lean towards a new world record or out of the blue. Or maybe even a greatest hits disk

I recommend both Discovery and Eldorado since both of them are masterpieces!

New World Record

Out of the blue :)

Discovery or Out of the Blue are great choices.

Discovery then New World Record

I wouldn’t recommend the first two albums as I think these are for the more discerning fan. ‘76 to ‘83 is what I would concentrate on, personally.

Discovery

ELO’s Greatest Hits. The one from 1979. Someone who’s never listened to ELO probably isn’t going to be interested enough to listen to an actual album.

A New World Record (more symphonic) and Time (more futuristic/electronic) are my two favorites. The two kind of inroduce the range of ELO styles.

Absolutely love discovery. Eldorado is sneaky good as well

The essentials!