Pearl Jam and Tupac Shakur have been nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility as the organization selects yet another class of obvious choices and head-scratchers. In their 20th year of eligibility, Electric Light Orchestra secured its first-ever nomination alongside fellow first-timers Joan Baez, Bad Brains, Jane’s Addiction, Depeche Mode, Steppenwolf and Journey.

There are plenty of familiar names from past ballots, among them Chic, which makes it onto the ballot for the 11th time. A win would make them the act with the most ballot listings prior to election, surpassing Solomon Burke, who went in on his 10th nomination. The increased profile in recent years of co-leader Nile Rodgers should boost their chances this year.

Returning from last year’s ballot are The Cars, Janet Jackson, Kraftwerk with their fourth nomination, Chaka Khan and Yes.

The previously nominated Joe Tex (four times, most recently 2011), The Zombies (2013) J. Geils Band (2005, '06, '11) and MC5 (2003) return to the ballot; last year’s nominees Los Lobos, The J.B.’s, Nine Inch Nails, The Smiths and The Spinners were not re-nominated. Such long-overlooked acts as Harry Nilsson, Todd Rundgren and Warren Zevon remain so.

A new album and well-received performances at Glastonbury, the Hollywood Bowl and Radio City Music Hall certainly helped Jeff Lynne and ELO secure a nom, as did The Zombies’ 50th anniversary tour of Odessey and Oracle, which will have its final U.S. leg next year. Other long-overlooked acts are a bit of a mystery as is the lack of nominations for Harry Nilsson, Warren Zevon and two members of last year’s class, Los Lobos and The Smiths.

To be eligible for nomination, an individual artist or band must have released its first single or album at least 25 years prior to the year of nomination. The 2017 nominees had to release their first recording no later than 1991.

Ballots will be sent to 800 voters and fans will again be able to vote between 10/18 and 12/5 at rockhall.com. The induction ceremony will again be held at Barclays Center in Brooklyn in April.