Not Rock music (that didn't happen until he engaged Toto to play on his recordings, much to the detriment of his music, imo), Randy Newman's first album features fantastic orchestration. It's production, by Lenny Waronker and Van Dyke Parks, is excellent as well.
My problem with Groups/Bands with string sections (ELO, for example) is that the Group/Band is then obligated to find something for them to do on every damn song, whether the songs need strings or not. I prefer it when the song is allowed to dictate whether or not it needs them (according to the tastes of the Artist and Producer, of course). Same thing with "Horn Bands". Chicago sounds like their horn parts are just tacked onto the songs.
My problem with Groups/Bands with string sections (ELO, for example) is that the Group/Band is then obligated to find something for them to do on every damn song, whether the songs need strings or not. I prefer it when the song is allowed to dictate whether or not it needs them (according to the tastes of the Artist and Producer, of course). Same thing with "Horn Bands". Chicago sounds like their horn parts are just tacked onto the songs.