Elton John album by album

Elton John is one of the world's most popular artists. He has had more than fifty Top 40 hits, and has sold over 300 million records. He works in partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin, and they churn out musically well crafted, melodic and popular middle of the road tunes with limited but ambitious and somehow fairly evocative lyrics. The songs don't break new ground, they don't summarise society, they tell us little about ourselves, they don't influence anyone; they are simply decent songs sung in a warm, pleasant voice where the lyrics can be plainly heard. With such undemanding, pleasant, melodic music, and 6th form, yet evocative lyrics, the pair have found a mass appeal. The lack of cleverness, ambition, artiness, obscurity, or difficulty in the songs, the occasional homely awkwardness of the lyrics, the familiarity of subject matter and tunes, and the timelessness of some of the melodies ("Candle In The Wind"), makes Elton John very approachable and likeable for a large and undemanding audience.

Elton was born Reginald Dwight in 1947, and raised in the Pinner area of London. He learned to play piano at an early age, and by 1962 had formed Bluesology. His first single, "Come Back Baby", was recorded as Reg Dwight with Bluesology in 1965. He wrote and sang it. The band's second single was "Mr Frantic" in 1966, also written and sung by Elton. The band joined with Long John Baldry, and released their last single (with Stu Brown on vocals), "Since I found You Baby", in 1967.  Elton met his songwriter partner, Bernie Taupin, in 1967, after they had both answered an advert for songwriters. For two years they wrote songs for other artists, including Roger Cook and Lulu, and John also worked as a session musician for artists such as the Hollies and the Scaffold. In 1969 the pair worked on and released Elton John's debut album, Empty Sky, which met little success. The following year, 1970, his second album  Elton John, also failed to impress, but a combination of the release of the fine Tumbleweed Connection album along with a single from the Elton John album, which contained "Your Song" on the B-side, brought him to the public's attention. A series of sometimes patchy, but generally likeable albums and singles kept him in the charts for many years. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, a double album released in 1973, and containing "Candle in the Wind", "Bennie and the Jets", "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" and "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting", is generally regarded as his best and most popular album.

Recordings

 

Regimental Sgt. Zippo (2021)

Released commercially in 2021, Regimental Sgt. Zippo is an album recorded 1967-1968 either to promote Elton and Bernie's songs, and never intended for full commercial release, or a genuine attempt at a debut album, which was shelved as not being good enough - the story depends on who you read. The confusion may result from demos of the songs being released on the Jewel Box set in 2020 - this release contains the full band versions. 

Released	12 June 2021
Recorded	November 1967–May 1968
Studio	Dick James Studios, London
Length	38:53
Label	Island/Mercury
Producer	Caleb Quaye

All songs are written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, except where noted.

Side one

1. "When I Was Tealby Abbey" – 2:35
2. "And the Clock Goes Around" – 3:06
3. "Sitting Doing Nothing" (John, Caleb Quaye) – 2:30
4. "Turn to Me" – 3:16
5. "Angel Tree" – 2:04
6. "Regimental Sgt. Zippo" – 4:44

Side two

1. "A Dandelion Dies in the Wind" – 3:14
2. "You'll Be Sorry to See Me Go" (John, Quaye) – 2:34
3. "Nina" – 3:50
4. "Tartan Coloured Lady" – 4:09
5. "Hourglass" – 2:44
6. "Watching the Planes Go By" – 4:07

• Elton John (as Reg Dwight) – piano, electric piano, organ, harpsichord, lead and backing vocals
• Caleb Quaye – acoustic and electric guitars, flute, percussion, backing vocals
• Dee Murray – bass, backing vocals
• Dave Hynes – drums, backing vocals

Wikipedia

AllMusic: 
Score:

Empty Sky (1969)

Recognisably Elton John, his debut album consists of pleasant music with competent lyrics, sung with his homely, comforting voice. Voice and lyrics aside, the album has much in common with the feel and sound of Randy Newman's first album. There is an awareness of folk and even a bit of country music in the style of the  album, and also of the singer/songwriter - notable mainstream albums released just before Empty Sky was recorded which have a similar feel, are Simon & Garfunkels'  Bookends, James Taylor's first album, and Harry Nilsson's Ariel Ballet. A stand-out track is  "Skyline Pigeon", which he would re-record  in 1972. Not included on the original vinyl, but on later CD releases, is "Lady Samantha", a single released six months earlier. This is a sadly overlooked album.

Released	6 June 1969 (UK) 13 January 1975 (US)
Recorded	November 1968 – April 1969
Studio	Dick James, London
Genre	Psychedelic rock, soft rock,[1] progressive pop, folk rock
Length	41:00 (original release) 54:56 (1995 reissue)
Label	DJM (UK)  MCA (US)
Producer	Steve Brown

Side one

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Empty Sky"	8:29
2.	"Val-Hala"	4:11
3.	"Western Ford Gateway"	3:15
4.	"Hymn 2000"	4:29

Side two

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Lady What's Tomorrow"	3:09
2.	"Sails"	3:45
3.	"The Scaffold"	3:18
4.	"Skyline Pigeon"	3:37
5.	"Gulliver / Hay Chewed / Reprise"	6:58

Bonus tracks (1995 Mercury and 1996 Rocket reissue)

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Lady Samantha"	3:02
2.	"All Across the Havens"	2:52
3.	"It's Me That You Need"	4:04
4.	"Just Like Strange Rain"	3:44

• Elton John – vocals, piano, organ, Hohner Pianet, harpsichord
• Caleb Quaye – electric guitar, acoustic guitar, congas

• Nigel Olsson – drums on "Lady What's Tomorrow"

• Tony Murray – bass guitar
• Roger Pope – drums, percussion
• Don Fay – saxophone, flute
• Graham Vickery – harmonica

Wikipedia
AllMusic: 4
Rating: 4

Elton John  (1970)

Elton's second album, Elton John, released in 1970, continues the style of the first, though contains "Your Song",  which was released as a single and reached number seven in the UK and number eight in the US, becoming John's first hit single, and launching him into public view and the path to his extraordinary commercial success.  Originally it was the B-side to Take Me To The Pilot, but DJs preferred Your Song. The success of the single drove sales of the album. It's a great song, sung well. It's one of my favourite songs, and for me Elton John's best. The album, though in the style of the first, has a little more confidence, and a more sympathetic production, and  a slightly more country feel - which suits Elton John's homely style, and there's more emphasis on melodramatic orchestration thanks to arrangements by Paul Buckmaster. The producer, Gus Dudgeon, would continue to work with Elton on his next albums. Other than "Your Song", the stand out track is "Border Song".

Released	10 April 1970
Studio	Trident, London
Genre	Soft rock,  art pop
Length	39:27
Label	DJM
Producer	Gus Dudgeon

All tracks are written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin.

Side one

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Your Song"	4:04
2.	"I Need You to Turn To"	2:32
3.	"Take Me to the Pilot"	3:46
4.	"No Shoe Strings on Louise"	3:31
5.	"First Episode at Hienton"	4:48

Side two

No.	Title	Length
6.	"Sixty Years On"	4:35
7.	"Border Song"	3:22
8.	"The Greatest Discovery"	4:12
9.	"The Cage"	3:28
10.	"The King Must Die"	5:21
Total length:		39:27

Bonus tracks (1995 Mercury and 1996 Rocket reissue)

No.	Title	Length
11.	"Bad Side of the Moon"	3:15
12.	"Grey Seal"	3:35
13.	"Rock and Roll Madonna"	4:18

• Elton John – piano, vocals (all tracks), harpsichord (2)
• Caleb Quaye – lead guitar (3, 4, 5), additional guitar (9)
• Brian Dee – organ (6, 7)

• Diana Lewis – Moog synthesizer (5, 9)

• Frank Clark – acoustic guitar (1), double bass (10)
• Colin Green – additional guitar (1, 7), Spanish guitar (6)
• Clive Hicks – twelve-string guitar (1), rhythm guitar (4), guitar (7, 8, 10), acoustic guitar (9)
• Roland Harker – guitar (2)
• Alan Parker – rhythm guitar (3)
• Dave Richmond – bass guitar (1, 7, 8)
• Alan Weighall – bass guitar (3, 4, 9)
• Les Hurdle – bass guitar (10)
• Barry Morgan – drums (1, 3, 4, 7, 9)
• Terry Cox – drums (8, 10)
• Dennis Lopez – percussion (3, 4)
• Tex Navarra – percussion (9)
• Skaila Kanga – harp (2, 8)
• Paul Buckmaster – cello solo (8), orchestral arrangements and conductor
• David Katz – orchestra contractor
• Madeline Bell – backing vocals (3, 4, 7, 9)
• Tony Burrows – backing vocals (3, 4, 7, 9)
• Roger Cook – backing vocals (3, 4, 7, 9)
• Lesley Duncan – backing vocals (3, 4, 7, 9)
• Kay Garner – backing vocals (3, 4, 7, 9)
• Tony Hazzard – backing vocals (3, 4, 7, 9)
• Barbara Moore – backing vocals, choir leader (7)

LinerNotes
Wikipedia
AllMusic: 9
Rating: 5

Tumbleweed Connection  (1970)

There's a pleasant, relaxed, and cohesive feel about Tumbleweed Connection - it feels like a proper unified album.  While the individual songs don't initially stand out (some do after a time, and for me are among EL's best), together they create a mood and ambience of easy-listening country and western music that is both relaxing and evocative. The gospel swing in some of the choruses works very well. The notion of a wild west album would be picked up two years later by The Eagles who would use a similar album cover styling of sepia photographs. Though Elton and Bernie had picked ideas themselves from CSN&Y's Déjà Vu album, and The Band's second album, The Band, who had themselves been influenced by Dylan's John Wesley Harding. Not all (or indeed most) of the songs are easily related to the Wild West, so thoughts of this as a concept album are probably misplaced, but it would be true to say that elements of America, American music, and the Wild West are present in the album, and influence it significantly. I find this the most attractive and complete of Elton's albums. It's my favourite. And it has Dusty Springfield involved as one of the backing singers. Interestingly, because the album doesn't yield any individually strong songs, the record company released "Take Me To The Pilot" / "Your Song" from Elton's previous album, as the promotional single. That worked, as people liked "Your Song," and when they came to this album, found they liked it as well. Together, "Your Song" and Tumbleweed Connection make up Elton's best work in my view. Best track - "Country Comfort", which was written for Rod Stewart for his Gasoline Alley album (Rod Stewart's version is arguably the better version).  "My Father's Gun" is possibly influenced by the Band's "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down", and has a similar theme to Neil Young's "Powderfinger". It's not on the same level as those two extraordinary pieces of art, but in a small way it deals with the same themes.  "Love Song" is a Lesley Duncan song, and she accompanies him on the song. When she later  recorded it herself, for her Sing Children Sing (1971) album, John played piano.  "Amoreena" was used during the opening credit sequence for Dog Day Afternoon.  John hardly ever plays songs from this album live, though for the past few years, especially on his never ending Goodbye tour, he has been playing "Burn Down The Mission" (during which people unused to John's deep cuts take a pee break!).  A very satisfying album, and an eye opener for those who think he and Taupin are just a trivial middle of the road pop act.  

Released	30 October 1970 January 1971 (US)
Recorded	March 1970
Studio	Trident, London
Genre	Roots rock   Americana
Length	46:56
Label	Uni (US) DJM (UK)
Producer	Gus Dudgeon

All tracks are written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, except where noted.

Side one

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Ballad of a Well-known Gun"	4:59
2.	"Come Down in Time"	3:25
3.	"Country Comfort"	5:06
4.	"Son of Your Father"	3:48
5.	"My Father's Gun"	6:20

Side two

No.	Title	Length
6.	"Where to Now St. Peter?"	4:11
7.	"Love Song" (Lesley Duncan)	3:41
8.	"Amoreena"	5:00
9.	"Talking Old Soldiers"	4:06
10.	"Burn Down the Mission"	6:21

• Elton John – lead vocals, acoustic piano (1, 3–6, 8–10), Hammond organ (8), backing vocals (10)
• Brian Dee – Hammond organ (10, 13)
• Dee Murray – backing vocals (3, 6), bass guitar (8)
• Caleb Quaye – lead guitar (1, 4, 6, 8), acoustic guitar (1, 3, 5, 6), electric guitar (5)
• Nigel Olsson – backing vocals (3, 6), drums (8)

• Les Thatcher – acoustic guitar (2, 10), 12-string acoustic guitar (3)
• Gordon Huntley – steel guitar (3)
• Lesley Duncan – backing vocals (1, 4, 5, 7), acoustic guitar (7)
• Mike Egan – acoustic guitar (10)
• Dave Glover – bass guitar (1, 4–6)
• Herbie Flowers – bass guitar (2, 3, 10)
• Chris Laurence – acoustic bass (2, 10)
• Roger Pope – drums (1, 4–6), percussion (1)
• Barry Morgan – drums (2, 3, 10)
• Robin Jones – congas (10), tambourine (10)
• Karl Jenkins – oboe (2)
• Skaila Kanga – harp (2)
• Ian Duck – harmonica (3, 4)
• Johnny Van Derek – violin (3)
• Paul Buckmaster – orchestral arrangements and conductor
• Madeline Bell – backing vocals (1, 4, 5)
• Tony Burrows – backing vocals (1, 5)
• Kay Garner – backing vocals (1, 4, 5)
• Tony Hazzard – backing vocals (1, 5)
• Dusty Springfield – backing vocals (1, 5)
• Tammi Hunt – backing vocals (4)
• Heather Wheatman – backing vocals (4)
• Yvonne Wheatman – backing vocals (4)

Liner Notes
Wikipedia
AllMusic: 10
Rating: 7

Friends (Soundtrack - 1971)

A soundtrack album. Three are instrumentals. Pleasant but inconsequential. 

Released	5 March 1971
Recorded	September 1970
Studio	Trident Studios, London
Genre	Film music, soft rock
Length	37:51
Label	Paramount
Producer	Gus Dudgeon

All tracks written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, except where noted.

Side One

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"Friends"		2:20
2.	"Honey Roll"		3:00
3.	"Variations on Friends Theme (The First Kiss)" (instrumental)	John, Paul Buckmaster	1:45
4.	"Seasons"		3:52
5.	"Variation on Michelle's Song (A Day in the Country)" (instrumental)	John, Buckmaster	2:44
6.	"Can I Put You On"		5:52

Side Two

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"Michelle's Song"		4:16
2.	"I Meant to Do My Work Today (A Day in the Country)"	John, Buckmaster, lyrics: Richard Le Gallienne	1:33
3.	"Four Moods" (instrumental)	Buckmaster	10:56
4.	"Seasons Reprise"		1:33

• Elton John – piano, vocals
• Caleb Quaye – guitar ("Can I Put You On", "Honey Roll")
• Dee Murray – bass guitar ("Can I Put You On", "Honey Roll")
• Nigel Olsson – drums ("Can I Put You On", "Honey Roll")

• Barry Morgan—drums ("Friends", "Michelle's Song")
• Paul Buckmaster – orchestral arrangement
• Rex Morris – saxophone ("Honey Roll")
• Madeline Bell – backing vocals
• Lesley Duncan – backing vocals
• Liza Strike - backing vocals

LinerNotes
Wikipedia
AllMusic: 6
Rating: 3 1/2 

17-11-70  (Live - 1971)

A pretty decent live album taken from a radio broadcast of a New York studio performance in November 1970. Good sound, and a solid performance. There are several versions available of the broadcast, including bootlegs of the full show. The album has six tracks, the later CD releases rearrange the order of the songs, and one has an extra song, "Amoreena". The song selection and arrangement doesn't quite work for me, and the album has a patchy feel; the rockers don't quite rock, and the ballads are sparse rather than warm and intimate, but it's a strong, professional performance, and it's listenable enough. 

Released	1 April 1971
Recorded	17 November 1970
Venue	A&R Recording Studios, New York, NY, for a live radio broadcast on WABC-FM (later WPLJ)
Genre	Rock
Length	48:25
Label	Uni (US) DJM (UK)
Producer	Gus Dudgeon

All songs by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, except where noted.

Side one

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Take Me to the Pilot"	6:43
2.	"Honky Tonk Women" (Mick Jagger/Keith Richards)	4:09
3.	"Sixty Years On"	8:05
4.	"Can I Put You On"	6:38

Side two

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Bad Side of the Moon"	4:30
2.	"Burn Down the Mission" (includes parts of "My Baby Left Me" and "Get Back")	18:20

• Elton John – piano, lead vocals
• Dee Murray – bass, backing vocals
• Nigel Olsson – drums, backing vocals

Wikipedia
AllMusic: 7
Rating: 4 1/2

Madman Across The Water  (1971)

Contains the single "Tiny Dancer". Initially I found this a fairly dull album of middle of the road pop songs. There's an earnestness about this which doesn't help, and the orchestration underlines the attempt to appeal to a broad, mature audience, however, after returning to it a few times, I'm getting into it. This fits quite well into John's early album-focused period. It isn't actually a pop album at all - it is country, it is early Seventies singer-songwriter material. There's a bit more going on here than I first gave it credit for.....

Released	5 November 1971[1]
Recorded	27 February; 9, 11, 14 August 1971[1]
Studio	Trident, London
Genre	Soft rock, pop
Length	45:17
Label	Uni, DJM
Producer	Gus Dudgeon

All tracks are written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin.

Side one

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Tiny Dancer"	6:17
2.	"Levon"	5:22
3.	"Razor Face"	4:42
4.	"Madman Across the Water"	5:57

Side two

No.	Title	Length
5.	"Indian Sunset"	6:47
6.	"Holiday Inn"	4:17
7.	"Rotten Peaches"	4:58
8.	"All the Nasties"	5:09
9.	"Goodbye"	1:49

• Elton John – acoustic piano, vocals 
• Davey Johnstone – acoustic guitar (1, 4, 7), mandolin (6), sitar (6)
• Dee Murray – backing vocals (1, 6, 7), bass guitar (8)
• Caleb Quaye – electric guitar (1, 2, 3), acoustic guitar (6)
• Nigel Olsson – backing vocals (1, 6, 7), drums (8)

• Brian Dee – harmonium (2)
• Rick Wakeman – Hammond organ (3, 4, 7)
• Jack Emblow – accordion (3)
• Diana Lewis – ARP synthesizer (4, 7)
• B. J. Cole – steel guitar (1)
• Chris Spedding – electric guitar (4), slide guitar (7)
• David Glover – bass guitar (1, 3, 6)
• Brian Odgers – bass guitar (2)
• Herbie Flowers – bass guitar (4, 5, 7)
• Chris Laurence – double bass (5)
• Roger Pope – drums (1, 3, 6)
• Barry Morgan – drums (2)
• Terry Cox – drums (4, 5, 7)
• Ray Cooper – percussion (4), tambourine (7, 8)
• Paul Buckmaster – orchestral arrangements and conductor (1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9)
• David Katz – orchestra contractor (1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9)
• Tony Burrows – backing vocals (1, 6, 7)
• Roger Cook – backing vocals (1, 6, 7)
• Lesley Duncan – backing vocals (1, 6, 7)
• Barry St. John – backing vocals (1, 6, 7)
• Terry Steele – backing vocals (1, 6, 7)
• Liza Strike – backing vocals (1, 6, 7)
• Sue and Sunny – backing vocals (1, 6, 7)
• Cantores em Ecclesia Choir – backing vocals (5, 8)
• Robert Kirby – choir director (5, 8)

Liner Notes
Wikipedia
AllMusic: 9
Rating: 4

Honky Chateau  (1972)

Contains the cute and throwaway boogie woogie song, "Honky Cat", very commercial, and nicely done. There is a wide variety of songs on the album - something for everyone, yet it holds together well. The songs are well written and warmly performed. There's a New Orleans feel about the album, giving it a warm richness. "Rocket Man" was a hit, and continues to be a radio favourite. This album exemplifies my dilemma with Elton John: it's well written and well performed, and a lot of the tracks are very listenable and attractive, but there's a superficiality about it all, and a commercial gloss, such that I find it hard to engage with the album as something meaningful or worthy (to use such portentous words). Elton is a very fine craftsman - he understands music, and can write very attractive tunes. In that regard he is like Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder. Taupin's  lyrics are interesting. You can see what he is about. That he rarely says anything profound or revealing doesn't seem to matter as much as being able to reach across to people. "I Think I'm Going to Kill Myself" gives us nothing new about teenage angst, provides no insights, gives us no great lines, it's simply a throwaway play with the theme; and Elton attaches the right playful tune to it. More telling songs on the same theme, which underline how lacking the song is, are "My Generation", "Smells Like Teen Spirit", and Eddie Cochran's "Summertime Blues". Elton and Bernie's song is good on its own terms - it's just that it doesn't have anything significant to say. But people like the simple, homely approach. It makes the subject matter more understandable. There's nothing clever or challenging about it. And there's a place for approachable songs. And that's a huge part of Elton's success. He is approachable. He is understandable. He makes attractive music - nothing new, nothing challenging - just good, well constructed, attractive music, with lyrics that are understandable and simple and even stumble here and there, adding to their charm and approachability. I like this album, but I don't think it's important musically, lyrically or socially. 

Released	19 May 1972
Recorded	January 1972
Studio	Château d'Hérouville, Hérouville, France; mixed at Trident, London
Genre	Rock, pop
Length	45:12
Label	Uni (US), DJM (UK)
Producer	Gus Dudgeon

All tracks are written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin.

Side one

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Honky Cat"	5:12
2.	"Mellow"	5:33
3.	"I Think I'm Going to Kill Myself"	3:35
4.	"Susie (Dramas)"	3:25
5.	"Rocket Man (I Think It’s Going To Be A Long, Long Time)"	4:40

Side two

No.	Title	Length
1 (6).	"Salvation"	3:59
2 (7).	"Slave"	4:22
3 (8).	"Amy"	4:03
4 (9).	"Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters"	5:01
5(10).	"Hercules"	5:21
Total length:		45:15

Bonus tracks (1995 Mercury and 1996 Rocket reissue)

No.	Title	Length
11.	"Slave" (Alternate version)	2:53

• Elton John – vocals, acoustic piano (1–6, 8–10), Fender Rhodes (1), Hammond organ (2, 4), harmonium (6)
• Davey Johnstone – banjo (1, 7); electric, acoustic and slide guitars (2–10); backing vocals (3, 5, 6, 8, 10), steel guitar (7), mandolin (9)
• Dee Murray – bass guitar, backing vocals (3, 5, 6, 8, 10)
• Nigel Olsson – drums (1–8, 10), tambourine (2, 4), backing vocals (3, 5, 6, 8, 10), congas (7)

• Ray Cooper – congas (8)
• Jean-Louis Chautemps – saxophone (1)
• Alain Hatot – saxophone (1)
• Jacques Bolognesi – trombone (1)
• Ivan Jullien – trumpet (1)
• Jean-Luc Ponty – electric violin (2, 8) 
• David Hentschel – ARP synthesizer (5, 10) (credited as "David Henschel" on sleeve)
• "Legs" Larry Smith – tap dance (3)
• Gus Dudgeon – brass arrangements (1), additional backing vocals (10), whistle (10)
• Madeline Bell – backing vocals (6)
• Tony Hazzard – backing vocals (6), additional backing vocals (10)
• Liza Strike – backing vocals (6)
• Larry Steel – backing vocals (6)

Liner Notes
Wikipedia
AllMusic: 10
Rating: 5

Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player
(1973)

A lot of filler in between "Daniel" and "Crocodile Rock", both of which are a little weak in themselves, but "Crocodile Rock" is a bit of harmless fun with some pop-style bubblegum rock n roll, and "Daniel" has some evocative melody lines that give some emotional weight to Taupin's suggestive lyrics.

Released	22 January 1973 (UK)
Recorded	June 1972
Studio	Château d'Hérouville, Hérouville, France; mixed at Trident, London
Genre	Pop rock
Length	43:05
Label	MCA (US), DJM (UK)
Producer	Gus Dudgeon

All tracks are written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin.

Side one

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Daniel"	3:55
2.	"Teacher I Need You"	4:10
3.	"Elderberry Wine"	3:34
4.	"Blues for Baby and Me"	5:39
5.	"Midnight Creeper"	3:52

Side two

No.	Title	Length
6.	"Have Mercy on the Criminal"	5:58
7.	"I'm Going to Be a Teenage Idol"	3:56
8.	"Texan Love Song"	3:33
9.	"Crocodile Rock"	3:55
10.	"High Flying Bird"	4:12
Total length:		42:45

Bonus tracks (1995 Mercury and 1996 Rocket reissue)

No.	Title	Length
11.	"Screw You (Young Man's Blues)"	4:43
12.	"Jack Rabbit"	1:50
13.	"Whenever You’re Ready (We’ll Go Steady Again)"	2:51
14.	"Skyline Pigeon" (Piano version)	3:56
Total length:		56:23

• Elton John – vocals, Fender Rhodes (1, 5), mellotron (1, 2), acoustic piano (2-4, 6, 7, 9, 10), Leslie piano (7) harmonium (8), Farfisa organ (9)
• Davey Johnstone – acoustic guitar, electric guitar and Leslie guitar (All tracks); banjo (1), backing vocals (2, 7, 10), sitar (4), mandolin (8)
• Dee Murray – bass (All tracks), backing vocals (2, 7, 10)
• Nigel Olsson – drums (All tracks), maracas (1), backing vocals (2, 7, 10) 

• Gus Dudgeon – brass arrangements (3, 5, 7)
• Paul Buckmaster – orchestral arrangements (4, 6)
• Jean-Louis Chautemps – saxophone (3, 5, 7)
• Alain Hatot – saxophone (3, 5, 7)
• Jacques Bolognesi – trombone (3, 5, 7)
• Ivan Jullien – trumpet (3, 5, 7)
• Ken Scott – ARP synthesizer (1)

Liner Notes
Wikipedia
AllMusic: 8
Rating: 3 1/2

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road  (Double - 1973)

Originally intended as a regular album, the team went to Jamaica to record, but found the atmosphere intimidating, and the studio too primitive, so moved back to the French studio where the previous two albums had been made. The frustrating delays and the contrast between the tense situation in Jamaica with the relaxed French château resulted in Elton writing extra songs which resulted in the album being expanded into a double. Widely regarded as Elton's best and most popular album, it's also seen as a being a little bit over-blown and self-indulgent, typified by the prog-rock intro. The album does feel somewhat ambitious for a rather straightforward tune-smith, but that's no bad thing. There's some good songs here, "Candle in the Wind", "Bennie and the Jets", "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" and "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting" were all hit singles, and while "Funeral for a Friend" is superficial, tedious and derivative, "Love Lies Bleeding" does work. Other songs, for me, are a little trivial and unimaginative, but it's a matter of opinion, and others regard the album as not only Elton's best, but also as something of a classic.

Released	5 October 1973
Recorded	May 1973
Studio	Château d'Hérouville, Hérouville, France; remixed and overdubbed at Trident, London
Genre	Pop rock
Length	76:20
Label	MCA (US), DJM (UK)
Producer	Gus Dudgeon

All music is composed by Elton John; all lyrics are written by Bernie Taupin.

Side one

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Funeral for a Friend / Love Lies Bleeding"	11:09
2.	"Candle in the Wind"	3:50
3.	"Bennie and the Jets"	5:23

Side two

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Goodbye Yellow Brick Road"	3:13
2.	"This Song Has No Title"	2:23
3.	"Grey Seal"	4:00
4.	"Jamaica Jerk-Off"	3:39
5.	"I've Seen That Movie Too"	5:59

Side three

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Sweet Painted Lady"	3:54
2.	"The Ballad of Danny Bailey (1909–34)"	4:23
3.	"Dirty Little Girl"	5:00
4.	"All the Girls Love Alice"	5:09

Side four

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Your Sister Can't Twist (But She Can Rock 'n Roll)"	2:42
2.	"Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting"	4:57
3.	"Roy Rogers"	4:07
4.	"Social Disease"	3:42
5.	"Harmony"	2:46
Total length:		76:20

• Elton John – vocals, acoustic piano (1–6, 8–10, 12–17), Fender Rhodes (5, 6), Farfisa organ (3, 5, 7, 13), mellotron (5, 6, 11)
• Davey Johnstone – acoustic guitar, electric guitar, Leslie guitar, slide guitar, steel guitar, banjo, backing vocals (1, 2, 4, 10, 13, 17)
• Dee Murray – bass guitar, backing vocals (1, 2, 4, 10, 13, 17)
• Nigel Olsson – drums, congas, tambourine, backing vocals (1, 2, 4, 10, 13, 17), car effects (12)

• David Hentschel – ARP synthesizer (1, 12)

• Ray Cooper – tambourine (12)
• Del Newman – orchestral arrangements (4, 8–10, 15, 17)
• David Katz – orchestra contractor (4, 8–10, 15, 17)
• Leroy Gómez – saxophone solo (16)
• Kiki Dee – backing vocals (12)

Liner Notes
Classic Albums
Wikipedia
AllMusic: 9
Rating: 5

Caribou  (1974)

The singles were "The Bitch Is Back" and "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me". Neither are great songs, but listenable enough. My preference is for the ballad. The rest of the album is fairly throwaway - probably one of Elton's weakest. Later CD releases include "Pinball Wizard" which was recorded around the same time for the Tommy film. This lifts the album somewhat, but not enough to save it.

Released	June 24, 1974
Recorded	January 1974
Studio	Caribou Ranch, Nederland, Colorado; Brother, Santa Monica, California; Trident, London[1]
Genre	Rock, pop
Length	45:15
Label	MCA (US), DJM (UK)
Producer	Gus Dudgeon

All tracks are written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, except where noted.

Side one

No.	Title	Length
1.	"The Bitch Is Back"	3:44
2.	"Pinky"	3:54
3.	"Grimsby"	3:46
4.	"Dixie Lily"	2:55
5.	"Solar Prestige a Gammon"	2:52
6.	"You're So Static"	4:53

Side two

No.	Title	Length
7.	"I've Seen the Saucers"	4:48
8.	"Stinker"	5:20
9.	"Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me"	5:36
10.	"Ticking"	7:34
Total length:		45:15

Bonus tracks (1995 Mercury and 2001 Rocket reissue)

No.	Title	Length
11.	"Pinball Wizard" (Pete Townshend)	5:09
12.	"Sick City"	5:23
13.	"Cold Highway"	3:25
14.	"Step into Christmas"	4:32

• Elton John – lead vocals, acoustic piano, Hammond organ (9)
• Davey Johnstone – acoustic guitar, electric guitar, mandolin, backing vocals
• Dee Murray – bass guitar, backing vocals
• Nigel Olsson – drums, backing vocals

• Ray Cooper – tambourine, congas, whistle, vibraphone, snare, castanets, tubular bells, maracas
• David Hentschel – ARP synthesizer (2, 5, 10), mellotron (9)
• Chester D. Thompson – Hammond organ (8)
• Lenny Pickett – tenor saxophone solo (1), soprano saxophone solo (4, 5), clarinet (5)
• Tower of Power – horn section (1, 6, 8, 9)
  • Emilio Castillo – tenor saxophone
  • Steve Kupka – baritone saxophone
  • Lenny Pickett – tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone, clarinet
  • Mic Gillette – trombone, trumpet
  • Greg Adams – trumpet, horn arrangements (1, 6, 8)
• Del Newman – horn arrangements (9)
• Clydie King – backing vocals (1, 6)
• Sherlie Matthews – backing vocals (1)
• Jessie Mae Smith – backing vocals (1)
• Dusty Springfield – backing vocals (1)
• Billy Hinsche – backing vocals (9)
• Bruce Johnston – backing vocals (9)
• Toni Tennille – backing vocals (9)
• Carl Wilson – backing vocals (9), vocal arrangements (9)
• Daryl Dragon – vocal arrangements (9)

Wikipedia
AllMusic: 7
Rating: 2 1/2

Elton John Greatest Hits  (Compilation - 1974)

A very decent summary of Elton's most popular songs up to 1974. Three of his studio albums are not represented, including Tumbleweed Connection, but his best singles are. At this point, anyone having Tumbleweed Connection and this compilation would have pretty much the best of Elton to date. Except that in America the album replaced "Candle In The Wind" with "Bennie And The Jets" - not a good switch!

All songs written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin.

Side one

No.	Title	Album	Length
1.	"Your Song"	Elton John (1970)	4:00
2.	"Daniel"	Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player (1973)	3:53
3.	"Honky Cat"	Honky Château (1972)	5:12
4.	"Goodbye Yellow Brick Road"	Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973)	3:14
5.	"Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting"	Goodbye Yellow Brick Road	4:55

Side two

No.	Title	Album	Length
1.	"Rocket Man (I Think It's Going to Be a Long, Long Time)"	Honky Château	4:40
2.	"Candle in the Wind"  / "Bennie and the Jets" (US)	Goodbye Yellow Brick Road	3:41/5:10
3.	"Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me"	Caribou (1974)	5:33
4.	"Border Song"	Elton John	3:19
5.	"Crocodile Rock"	Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player	3:56

Wikipedia
AllMusic: 10 
Rating: 5 1/2

Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy 
(1975)

Elton John fans like this one because the songs are about Elton and Bernie. But the music is dull, the weakest that Elton has done in his career. Just average tunes. The best melody is in "Somebody Saved My Life Tonight", but the lyrics are cringey and unpleasant. I don't like this album. 

Released	19 May 1975
Recorded	August 1974[1]
Studio	Caribou Ranch, Nederland, Colorado
Genre	Rock, pop
Length	46:32
Label	MCA Records (US) DJM Records (UK)
Producer	Gus Dudgeon

All songs written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, except where noted.

Side one

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy"	5:46
2.	"Tower of Babel"	4:28
3.	"Bitter Fingers"	4:35
4.	"Tell Me When the Whistle Blows"	4:20
5.	"Someone Saved My Life Tonight"	6:45

Side two

No.	Title	Length
6.	"(Gotta Get a) Meal Ticket"	4:01
7.	"Better Off Dead"	2:37
8.	"Writing"	3:40
9.	"We All Fall in Love Sometimes"	4:15
10.	"Curtains"	6:15

Bonus tracks (1995 Mercury and 1996 Rocket reissue)

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
11.	"Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds"	John Lennon	6:18
12.	"One Day at a Time"	John Lennon	3:49
13.	"Philadelphia Freedom"		5:22
Total length:			62:01

• Elton John – lead vocals, acoustic piano (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10), Fender Rhodes (1, 4, 5, 8), clavinet (4, 6), ARP String Ensemble (5), harmony vocals (7, 8), harpsichord (9, 10), mellotron (9, 10)
• Davey Johnstone – acoustic guitar (1, 5-10), electric guitar (1-4, 6, 9, 10), mandolin (1), backing vocals (3, 5-10), Leslie guitar (5), acoustic piano (8)
• Dee Murray – bass guitar, backing vocals (3, 5-10)
• Nigel Olsson – drums, backing vocals (3, 5-10)
• Ray Cooper – shaker (1, 5, 8), congas (1, 3, 4, 9, 10), gong (1), jawbone (1), tambourine (1-6, 9, 10), bells (3, 9, 10), cymbals (5), triangle (7, 8), bongos (8) 
• David Hentschel – ARP synthesizer (9, 10)
• Gene Page – orchestral arrangements (4)

Wikipedia 
AllMusic: 10
Rating: 2

Rock of the Westies  (1975)

Plods along pleasantly and unremarkably. Listenable, but it's musical wallpaper.

Released	4 October 1975
Recorded	June–July 1975
Studio	Caribou Ranch, Nederland, Colorado; remixed at Trident, London
Genre	Rock
Length	43:39
Label	MCA (US), DJM (UK)
Producer	Gus Dudgeon

All tracks are written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, except where noted. "Ann Orson & Carte Blanche" is a pseudonym used by John and Taupin.

Side one

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Medley: Yell Help / Wednesday Night / Ugly" (John, Davey Johnstone, Taupin)	6:15
2.	"Dan Dare (Pilot of the Future)"	3:29
3.	"Island Girl"	3:42
4.	"Grow Some Funk of Your Own" (John, Johnstone, Taupin)	4:47
5.	"I Feel Like a Bullet (In the Gun of Robert Ford)"	5:27

Side two

No.	Title	Length
1 (6).	"Street Kids"	6:25
2 (7).	"Hard Luck Story" (Ann Orson & Carte Blanche)	5:16
3 (8).	"Feed Me"	4:00
4 (9).	"Billy Bones and the White Bird"	4:25

Bonus tracks (1995 Mercury Records reissue)

No.	Title	Length
10.	"Don't Go Breaking My Heart" (featuring Kiki Dee) (Ann Orson & Carte Blanche)	4:35

• Elton John – lead vocals, acoustic piano (all except 8)
• James Newton Howard – harpsichord (1), ELKA Rhapsody string synthesizer (1), ARP synthesizer (1, 3), Hohner clavinet (1, 2), mellotron (3), electric piano (4, 5, 7, 8, 9), synthesizers (4, 5, 9)
• Davey Johnstone – electric guitar (1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9), backing vocals (2, 3, 4, 6, 8), rhythm guitar (2, 6), voice bag (2), Ovation guitar (3), banjo (3), slide guitar (3, 6), acoustic guitar (4, 5), guitar solo (5)
• Caleb Quaye – electric guitar (1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9), backing vocals (2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8), acoustic guitar (3, 4, 5), rhythm guitar (6), lead guitar solo (6)
• Kenny Passarelli – bass guitar, backing vocals (2, 3, 4, 6, 7)
• Roger Pope – drums (1-5, 7–9)
• Ray Cooper – tambourine (1, 3, 5, 6, 9), cowbell (1, 9), congas (1, 3, 6, 7, 8), jawbone (1), marimba (3), castanets (4), bell tree (4), vibraphone (4, 5, 8), shaker (8), wind chimes (8), maracas (9), kettle drums (9)
• Labelle – backing vocals (1)
• Ann Orson – backing vocals (1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9)
• Kiki Dee – backing vocals (2, 3, 4, 6–9)

Wikipedia
AllMusic: 7
Rating: 2 1/2

Here and There  (Live - 1976)

Live album recorded to fulfil contractual obligations to Elton's British record company before he could form his own record company, Rocket Records. The choice of songs is interesting, especially on the fuller CD releases. The album is split into an intimate acoustic "Here" at the Royal Festival Hall in London, which mainly contains ballads, particularly from the early part of his career, and a grand electric "There"  at New York City's Madison Square Garden, which contains rockier songs, and includes three songs with John Lennon (only included on the CD releases). This is a likeable album.

Released	30 April 1976
Recorded	Here The Royal Festival Hall, London, 18 May 1974 There Madison Square Garden, New York City, Thanksgiving Night - 28 November 1974
Genre	Rock
Length	53:08 (LP) 139:31 (CD)
Label	MCA (US) DJM (UK)
Producer	Gus Dudgeon

All tracks are written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, except where noted.

Side one - "Here"

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Skyline Pigeon"	4:34
2.	"Border Song"	3:18
3.	"Honky Cat"	7:15
4.	"Love Song" (with Lesley Duncan) (Duncan)	5:25
5.	"Crocodile Rock"	4:15

Side two - "There"

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding"	11:11
2.	"Rocket Man (I Think It's Going to Be a Long, Long Time)"	5:12
3.	"Bennie and the Jets"	6:09
4.	"Take Me to the Pilot"	5:48

CD reissue 1995

Disc one - "Here"

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Skyline Pigeon"	5:41
2.	"Border Song"	3:27
3.	"Take Me to the Pilot"	4:33
4.	"Country Comfort"	6:44
5.	"Love Song" (with Lesley Duncan) (Duncan)	5:03
6.	"Bad Side of the Moon"	7:54
7.	"Burn Down the Mission"	8:25
8.	"Honky Cat"	7:04
9.	"Crocodile Rock"	4:08
10.	"Candle in the Wind"	3:57
11.	"Your Song"	3:56
12.	"Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting"	7:09
Total length:		68:01

Disc two - "There"

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding"	11:53
2.	"Rocket Man (I Think It's Going to Be a Long, Long Time)"	5:03
3.	"Take Me to the Pilot"	6:00
4.	"Bennie and the Jets"	5:59
5.	"Grey Seal"	5:27
6.	"Daniel"	4:06
7.	"You're So Static"	4:32
8.	"Whatever Gets You thru the Night" (with John Lennon) (Lennon)	4:40
9.	"Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" (with John Lennon) (Lennon, Paul McCartney)	6:15
10.	"I Saw Her Standing There" (with John Lennon) (Lennon, McCartney)	3:17
11.	"Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me"	5:57
12.	"Your Song"	3:58
13.	"The Bitch Is Back"	4:23
Total length:		71:30

• Elton John – Piano, Vocals
• Ray Cooper – Percussion
• Lesley Duncan – Vocals ("Love Song" only)
• Davey Johnstone – Guitars 
• John Lennon – Guitar, Vocals (CD No. 2, tracks 8–10 only)
• Dee Murray – Bass 
• Nigel Olsson – Drums 

Wikipedia
AllMusic: 7 
Rating: 4

Blue Moves  (Double - 1976)

A fairly solemn and serious middle of the road album. This album, more than the predecessors, shows Elton John as more at home with stage musical material and middle of the road songs than with rock or blues or folk or country, though there is still a country flavour present. It's a very competent album, and Taupin's lyrics are quite mature. "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word" is a very decent song indeed - probably Taupin's most accomplished lyrics. But on the whole the album never really lifts above the mediocrity of its' middle of the road material. A serious album, but without sufficient depth or interest to hold attention, and not poppy enough for entertainment. 

Released	22 October 1976
Recorded	March 1976
Studio	Eastern Sound, Toronto; Abbey Road, London; Sunset Sound, Los Angeles; Brother, Santa Monica; remixed at Marquee, London[1]
Genre	Rock, pop rock, soft rock, progressive rock
Length	84:40
Label	MCA / Rocket (US) Rocket (UK)
Producer	Gus Dudgeon

All tracks are written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, except where noted.

Side one

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"Your Starter For..."	Caleb Quaye	1:23
2.	"Tonight"		7:52
3.	"One Horse Town"	John, James Newton Howard, Taupin	5:56
4.	"Chameleon"		5:27

Side two

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
5.	"Boogie Pilgrim"	John, Davey Johnstone, Quaye, Taupin	6:05
6.	"Cage the Songbird"	John, Johnstone, Taupin	3:52
7.	"Crazy Water"		5:42
8.	"Shoulder Holster"		5:10

Side three

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
9.	"Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word"		3:48
10.	"Out of the Blue"		6:14
11.	"Between Seventeen and Twenty"		5:17
12.	"The Wide Eyed and Laughing"	John, Johnstone, Howard, Quaye, Taupin	3:27
13.	"Someone's Final Song"		4:10

Side four

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
14.	"Where's the Shoorah?"		4:09
15.	"If There's a God in Heaven (What's He Waiting For?)"	John, Johnstone, Taupin	4:25
16.	"Idol"		4:08
17.	"Theme From a Non-Existent TV Series"		1:19
18.	"Bite Your Lip (Get Up and Dance!)"		6:43
Total length:			84:40

• Elton John – vocals and piano
• Davey Johnstone – guitars
• Ray Cooper – percussion
• James Newton Howard – electric keyboards
• Kenny Passarelli – bass guitar 
• Roger Pope – drums 
• Caleb Quaye – guitars
• David Crosby and  Graham Nash – backing vocals (6, 12)
• The Martyn Ford Orchestra – strings (3, 7, 15), brass (7)
• Bruce Johnston (occasional member of the Beach Boys in the late 60s) – backing vocals 
• The London Symphony Orchestra – strings (2, 9)

Liner Notes
Wikipedia
AllMusic: 6
Rating: 3

Greatest Hits Vol 11  (Compilation - 1977)

An interesting collection of  his singles from around 1974 to 1976, not all of which would be considered his greatest either commercially or critically, and not all of which were singles. There are four songs which were not on any Elton John album:  There are different versions of the album. It's quirky and interesting, but doesn't really hold together. 

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Album	Length
1.	"The Bitch Is Back" (fades out early)	John/Taupin	Caribou	3:39
2.	"Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds"	Lennon/McCartney	Non-album single	5:58
3.	"Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word"	John/Taupin	Blue Moves	3:43
4.	"Don't Go Breaking My Heart" (duet with Kiki Dee)	John/Taupin as Orson/Blanche	Non-album single	4:23
5.	"Someone Saved My Life Tonight"	John/Taupin	Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy	6:45
6.	"Philadelphia Freedom"	John/Taupin	Non-album single	5:20
7.	"Island Girl"	John/Taupin	Rock of the Westies	3:43
8.	"Grow Some Funk of Your Own"	John/Taupin/Johnstone	Rock of the Westies	4:16
9.	"Bennie and the Jets"	John/Taupin	Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973)	5:10
10.	"Pinball Wizard"	Townshend	Tommy	5:10

Wikipedia
AllMusic:
Rating: 2

A Single Man  (1978)

Elton's first official album without Bernie, and the first since the debut Empty Sky in 1969, without Gus Dudgeon producing. However, the year before, in 1977, Elton had recorded several tracks with Philadelphia soul singer and producer Thom Bell, in which he was produced by Bell and sang Bell's songs. Only track had a contribution by Bernie; while one track had a contribution by Gary Osbourne, Elton's co-writer on this album, indicating the split occurred during the work for that album, which was not completed due to friction between Elton and Bell. It was two years before a single of some of the material was released ("Are You Ready For Love?"), and twelve years before the complete recordings were released as an album (The Complete Thom Bell Sessions). 

When I first rated this A Single Man album I wasn't impressed, but listening again now, and it's listenable music with OK tunes, such as the New Orleans "Big Dipper".  If you like Elton John you're going to like this, and even if you don't, it's quite acceptable and jolly enough. Proper professional music by an exceptionable craftsman.  

Released	16 October 1978
Recorded	January – September 1978
Studio	The Mill, Cookham, Berks
Genre	Rock, pop, disco
Length	48:46
Label	MCA (US) Rocket (UK)
Producer	Clive Franks, Elton John

All tracks are written by Elton John and Gary Osborne, except where noted.

Side one

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Shine on Through"	3:45
2.	"Return to Paradise"	4:15
3.	"I Don't Care"	4:23
4.	"Big Dipper"	4:04
5.	"It Ain't Gonna Be Easy"	8:27

Side two

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Part-Time Love"	3:16
2.	"Georgia"	4:50
3.	"Shooting Star"	2:44
4.	"Madness"	5:53
5.	"Reverie" (John)	0:53
6.	"Song for Guy" (John)	6:35
Total length:		48:46

Bonus tracks (1998 Mercury reissue)

No.	Title	Length
12.	"Ego" (John, Bernie Taupin)	4:00
13.	"Flinstone Boy" (John)	4:13
14.	"I Cry at Night" (John, Taupin)	3:16
15.	"Lovesick" (John, Taupin)	3:59
16.	"Strangers"	4:46
Total length:		69:00

• Elton John – lead vocals, pianos
• Tim Renwick – guitars
• Davey Johnstone – lead guitar (6), backing vocals (6)
• B.J. Cole – pedal steel guitar (7)
• Clive Franks – bass 
• Herbie Flowers – bass (8)
• Steve Holley – drums 
• Ray Cooper – percussion
• Paul Buckmaster – orchestra arrangements 

Wikipedia
AllMusic: 4 
Rating: 3

Victim of Love  (1979)

John worked with disco pioneer Pete Bellotte who had worked with Giorgio Moroder on songs such as the awesome "I Feel Love" and the cute and catchy "Son of My Father".  There is a basic but compelling disco beat on these songs, but nothing worthwhile, and it is generally regarded by public, fans, and critics as one of his worse albums.  My initial response to the album was simply: "Good grief", but - to be fair - it's not much worse than some of his pop hits such as "I'm Still Standing". 

Released	13 October 1979
Recorded	August 1979
Studio	Musicland, Munich; Rusk, Hollywood
Genre	Disco
Length	35:45
Label	MCA (US) Rocket (UK)
Producer	Pete Bellotte

Side one[edit]

1. "Johnny B. Goode" (Chuck Berry) – 8:06
2. "Warm Love in a Cold World" (Pete Bellotte, Stefan Wisnet, Gunther Moll) – 4:30 (3:22 on older pressings)
3. "Born Bad" (Bellotte, Geoff Bastow) – 5:16 (6:20 on older pressings)

Side two[edit]

1. "Thunder in the Night" (Bellotte, Michael Hofmann) – 4:40
2. "Spotlight" (Bellotte, Wisnet, Moll) – 4:24
3. "Street Boogie" (Bellotte, Wisnet, Moll) – 3:56
4. "Victim of Love" (Bellotte, Sylvester Levay, Jerry Rix) – 4:52 (5:02 on older pressings)

• Elton John – lead and backing vocals
• Thor Baldursson – keyboards, arrangements
• Roy Davies – keyboards
• Craig Snyder – lead guitar
• Tim Cansfield – rhythm guitar
• Steve Lukather – guitar solo on "Warm Love in a Cold World" and "Born Bad"
• Marcus Miller – bass guitar
• Keith Forsey – drums
• Paulinho da Costa – percussion

Wikipedia
AllMusic: 3
Rating: 2

21 at 33 (1980)

Counting double albums as two, this is the 21st album to be released under the Elton John name from a label to which he was under contract. It's a moderately pleasant album, but fairly uninteresting. Feels like someone just going through the motions. Elton worked with Bernie on some songs, with Gary Osborne on others, and Tom Robinson (of Tom Robinson Band) on others.   Most likeable song is "Little Jeannie", which had some moderate success as a single. 

Released	13 May 1980
Recorded	September 1979 – March 1980[1]
Studio	Super Bear (Nice, France) Sunset Sound (Los Angeles) Rumbo (Los Angeles)
Genre	Pop[1]
Length	43:07
Label	MCA, Rocket
Producer	Elton John, Clive Franks

Side one

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"Chasing the Crown"	Elton John, Bernie Taupin	5:36
2.	"Little Jeannie"	John, Gary Osborne	5:14
3.	"Sartorial Eloquence"	John, Tom Robinson	4:45
4.	"Two Rooms at the End of the World"	John, Taupin	5:40

Side two

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"White Lady White Powder"	John, Taupin	4:34
2.	"Dear God"	John, Osborne	3:47
3.	"Never Gonna Fall in Love Again"	John, Robinson	4:09
4.	"Take Me Back"	John, Osborne	3:52
5.	"Give Me the Love"	John, Judie Tzuke	5:30

• Elton John – lead vocals, pianos
• James Newton Howard – keyboards 
• Steve Lukather – electric guitar
• Richie Zito – guitars
• Reggie McBride – bass 
• Dee Murray – backing vocals (2), bass (5)
• Alvin Taylor – drums 
• Nigel Olsson – drums (2, 5)
• Glenn Frey and Don Henley  – backing vocals (5)

Wikipedia
AllMusic: 6
Rating: 3 

The Fox  (1981)

More moderately pleasant, trivial and dull stuff. You can listen to it, or ignore it, makes no real difference. It's not offensive - it's like wallpaper music. 

Released	20 May 1981
Recorded	August 1979 – March 1980 January 1981[1]
Studio	Super Bear (Nice, France); Sunset Sound Recorders, The Village Recorder and Davlen Sound Studios (Los Angeles, California); EMI Studios Abbey Road (Abbey Road, London, UK)
Genre	Rock, soft rock, pop rock, new wave
Length	45:48
Label	Geffen (US), Rocket (UK)
Producer	Chris Thomas, Elton John, Clive Franks

Side one

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"Breaking Down Barriers"	John, Gary Osborne	4:42
2.	"Heart in the Right Place"	John, Osborne	5:15
3.	"Just Like Belgium"	John, Bernie Taupin	4:10
4.	"Nobody Wins"	Jean-Paul Dreau, Osborne	3:40
5.	"Fascist Faces"	John, Taupin	5:12

Side two

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"Carla/Etude"	John	4:46
2.	"Fanfare"	John, James Newton Howard	1:26
3.	"Chloe"	John, Osborne	4:40
4.	"Heels of the Wind"	John, Taupin	3:35
5.	"Elton's Song"	John, Tom Robinson	3:02
6.	"The Fox"	John, Taupin	5:20
Total length:			45:48

• Elton John – lead vocals, pianos
• Richie Zito – guitars (1, 3, 5, 9, 11)
• Steve Lukather – guitar solo (9)
• Dee Murray – bass (1, 3, 5, 9, 11), backing vocals (8)
• Reggie McBride – bass (2, 8)
• Nigel Olsson – drums (1, 3, 5, 9, 11)
• Alvin Taylor – drums (2, 8)

Wikipedia 
AllMusic: 5
Rating: 2

Jump Up!  (1982)

More of the same. "Blue Eyes" is nice, and was a reasonably successful single. 

Released	9 April 1982
Recorded	September–October 1981
Studio	AIR Studios, Montserrat Pathé Marconi, Paris
Genre	Rock, soft rock, pop rock
Length	42:31
Label	Geffen (US), Rocket (UK)
Producer	Chris Thomas

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"Dear John"	John, Gary Osborne	3:31
2.	"Spiteful Child"	John, Taupin	4:15
3.	"Ball & Chain"	John, Osborne	3:27
4.	"Legal Boys"	John, Tim Rice	3:05
5.	"I Am Your Robot"	John, Taupin	4:43
6.	"Blue Eyes"	John, Osborne	3:25
7.	"Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny)"	John, Taupin	5:09
8.	"Princess"	John, Osborne	4:56
9.	"Where Have All the Good Times Gone?"	John, Taupin	4:00
10.	"All Quiet on the Western Front"	John, Taupin	6:03

• Elton John – lead vocals, pianos
• James Newton Howard – Fender Rhodes, synthesizers, brass and string arrangements, conductor
• Richie Zito – guitars
• Pete Townshend – acoustic guitar on "Ball and Chain"
• Dee Murray – bass, backing vocals
• Jeff Porcaro – drums, percussion

Wikipedia 
AllMusic: 6

Rating: 2

Too Low for Zero  (1983)

There is a different feel about this album straight from the opening song. This feels like classic Elton John - there's a warmth about the music and the production and the playing. After years of going through the motions, he goes back to the energy, feel, and compassion of his early 70s period. It's the best he's done since Yellow Brick Road. It's middle of the road pop, but well crafted and appealing. Includes bigs hits such as "I'm Still Standing" as well as classics like "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues". 

Released	30 May 1983
Recorded	September 1982 – January 1983
Studio	AIR (Montserrat) and Sunset Sound Recorders (Hollywood, CA).
Genre	Rock, pop rock
Length	44:23
Label	Geffen (US) Rocket (UK)
Producer	Chris Thomas

All tracks are written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, except where noted.

Side one

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Cold as Christmas (In the Middle of the Year)"	4:19
2.	"I'm Still Standing"	3:02
3.	"Too Low for Zero"	5:46
4.	"Religion"	4:05
5.	"I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues" (John, Davey Johnstone; lyrics: Taupin)	4:41

Side two

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Crystal"	5:05
2.	"Kiss the Bride"	4:22
3.	"Whipping Boy"	3:43
4.	"Saint"	5:17
5.	"One More Arrow"	3:34
Total length:		44:23

• Sides one and two were combined as tracks 1–10 on CD reissues.

Bonus tracks (1998 Mercury reissue)

No.	Title	Length
11.	"Earn While You Learn" (Lord Choc Ice (John))	6:46
12.	"Dreamboat" (Music: John, Tim Renwick; Lyrics: Gary Osborne)	7:34
13.	"The Retreat"	4:46
Total length:		63:31

• Elton John – lead vocals, pianos
• Davey Johnstone – acoustic guitar (Tracks 1, 4, 5, 6, 9), electric guitar (Tracks 2-10), backing vocals
• Dee Murray – bass guitar, backing vocals
• Nigel Olsson – drums, tambourine on "Whipping Boy", backing vocals
• Ray Cooper – percussion on "Cold as Christmas (In the Middle of the Year)"
• Skaila Kanga – harp on "Cold as Christmas (In the Middle of the Year)"
• Kiki Dee – backing vocals on "Cold as Christmas (In the Middle of the Year)"
• Stevie Wonder – harmonica on "I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues"

Wikipedia
AllMusic: 9
Rating: 5 1/2 

Breaking Hearts  (1984)

With the same team as Too Low for Zero, this should have the same feel, but it doesn't. It mostly just repeats the moderately pleasant, trivial and dull stuff of the bulk of Elton's output during the late 70s and 80s. However, "Sad Songs" and "Passengers" are decent songs, especially "Passengers". 

Released	18 June 1984
Recorded	December 1983 – April 1984
Studio	AIR, Montserrat
Genre	Soft rock, pop rock
Length	40:43
Label	Geffen (US), Rocket (UK)
Producer	Chris Thomas

All tracks are written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, except where noted.

Side one

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Restless"	5:17
2.	"Slow Down Georgie (She's Poison)"	4:10
3.	"Who Wears These Shoes?"	4:04
4.	"Breaking Hearts (Ain't What It Used to Be)"	3:34
5.	"Li'l 'Frigerator"	3:37

Side two

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Passengers" (John, Taupin, Davey Johnstone, Phineas Mkhize)	3:24
2.	"In Neon"	4:19
3.	"Burning Buildings"	4:02
4.	"Did He Shoot Her?"	3:21
5.	"Sad Songs (Say So Much)"	4:55
Total length:		40:43

LinerNotes
Wikipedia
AllMusic: 6
Rating: 2

Ice on Fire  (1985)

I honestly didn't know when I started looking into Elton John just how much dull music he has made. I knew the early albums and the hits over the years, and found his music enjoyable, and so while I hoped to perhaps discover an interesting album that I didn't know about, I also expected to find some music I liked along the way. So far there's only been Too Low for Zero which has contained likeable music, and there's - so far - been no interesting albums I didn't know about. This is another dull album. Contains the plodding but attractive single "Nikita", and the moderately workable "Too Young" that in a different time and place Elton could have made more of. 

This album marks the return of Gus Dudgeon. 

Released	4 November 1985
Recorded	January – June 1985
Studio	Sol Studios (Cookham, Berkshire, UK) and CTS Studios (Wembley, London, UK).
Genre	Soft rock, pop rock, new wave
Length	45:41
Label	Geffen (US), Rocket (UK)
Producer	Gus Dudgeon

All tracks are written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, except where noted.

Side one

No.	Title	Length
1.	"This Town"	3:56
2.	"Cry to Heaven"	4:16
3.	"Soul Glove"	3:31
4.	"Nikita"	5:43
5.	"Too Young"	5:12

Side two

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Wrap Her Up" (John, Taupin, Davey Johnstone, Fred Mandel, Charlie Morgan, Paul Westwood)	6:21
2.	"Satellite" (4:37 in length on CD reissue)	3:57
3.	"Tell Me What the Papers Say"	3:40
4.	"Candy by the Pound"	3:56
5.	"Shoot Down the Moon"	5:09

Bonus tracks (1999 Mercury reissue)

No.	Title	Length
11.	"The Man Who Never Died" (John)	5:12
12.	"Restless" (Live 1984)	4:25
13.	"Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word" (Live 1977 (Erroneously listed as "Live 1984"))	3:23
14.	"I'm Still Standing" (Live 1984)	4:52

• Elton John – lead vocals, pianos
• Fred Mandel – keyboards
• Davey Johnstone – guitars

Assorted bass players, drummers, and backing singers. 

Wikipedia
AllMusic: 5
Rating: 2

Leather Jackets  (1986)

And so it goes on. John regards this as his worse album. It's listenable, but unremarkable. 

Released	15 October 1986
Recorded	January 1985, January – February, May – September 1986
Studio	Wisseloord, Hilversum; CTS, London; The SOL, Cookham
Genre	Soft rock, pop rock
Length	45:11
Label	Geffen (US), Rocket (UK)
Producer	Gus Dudgeon

All tracks are written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, except where noted.

Side one

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Leather Jackets"	4:10
2.	"Hoop of Fire"	4:14
3.	"Don't Trust That Woman" (Cher, Lady Choc Ice [John][8])	4:58
4.	"Go It Alone"	4:26
5.	"Gypsy Heart"	4:46

Side two

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Slow Rivers" (duet with Cliff Richard)	3:13
2.	"Heartache All Over the World"	4:01
3.	"Angeline" (John, Taupin, Alan Carvell[9])	3:56
4.	"Memory of Love" (John, Gary Osborne)	4:08
5.	"Paris"	4:01
6.	"I Fall Apart"	4:00

• Elton John – lead vocals, pianos
• Fred Mandel – keyboards
• Davey Johnstone – guitars
• David Paton – bass 

Wikipedia 
AllMusic: 3
Rating: 2

Live In Australia  (1987)

The song selection from Elton's early period, exploring lessor known songs, and the use of a symphony orchestra, suggests this should be an attractive album - sadly his voice is so damaged it makes for painful listening. Shortly after recording this he had surgery on his throat, and it was unknown if he would be able to sing again afterwards. If the surgery had failed, this would have been his last recording.

Released	13 June 1987
Recorded	14 December 1986 in Sydney, Australia
Genre	Rock, symphonic rock
Length	73:46
Label	Rocket (UK) MCA (US) Festival/ABC/Warner Bros. (Australasia)
Producer	Gus Dudgeon

Wikipedia
AllMusic: 6
Rating: 2

Reg Strikes Back  (1988)

New throat and new contract. Same dull songs.

Wikipedia
AllMusic: 4
Rating: 2

The Complete Thom Bell Sessions  (1989)

Originally recorded in 1977 but only three remixed versions of the six tracks were released in 1979 due to disagreements over use of the vocals. In 1989 the full session was released, using the original 1977 recordings. It's more attractive than much of Elton's 80s output, but not really the great lost album that Radio 4 try to make it out to be. Elton's vocals are not as sweet as they need to be for such songs. This really shows him up as a warm, homely pub performer than a subtle, sweet soul singer.

Released	February 1989
Recorded	1977
Genre	Philadelphia soul, disco
Length	34:57
Label	MCA Records
Producer	Thom Bell

1. "Nice and Slow" (Elton John, Bernie Taupin, T. Bell) – 4:43
2. "Country Love Song" (Joseph Jefferson) – 5:05
3. "Shine on Through" (John, Gary Osborne) – 7:46
4. "Mama Can't Buy You Love" (L. Bell, James) – 4:09
5. "Are You Ready for Love" (L. Bell, T. Bell, James) – 8:16
6. "Three Way Love Affair" (L. Bell, James) – 5:00 

LinerNotes
BBC Radio 4 Documentary
Wikipedia
AllMusic: 8
Rating: 3

Sleeping With The Past  (1989)

Supposedly in the style of 60s and 70s soul music, but it's really more of the same. The biggest soul influence seems to come from George Michael, and some Drifters feel on "Club At The Of The Street". "Sacrifice" was released as a single and became his first proper number one in the UK (he previously had a number one as part of Elton John & Kiki Dee, but "Sacrifice" was his first under his own name only).

Wikipedia
AllMusic: 4
Rating: 2

The One  (1992)

I think I'm losing the will to live. It's not that the songs are bad or unlistenable, it's just that they are so unimaginative, and simply plod along. This one is interesting because you can hear the emergence of the melodies that Elton will use on The Lion King.

LinerNotes
Wikipedia
AllMusic: 6
Rating: 2

Rare Masters (Oct 1992)

Compilation of material (some unreleased) not previously available on CD.  "Lady Samantha" is a good song, the rest is fairly weak stuff - pleasant wallpaper music, but nothing really asks for attention.

Wikipedia
AllMusic: 8
Rating: 4

Duets  (1993)

From the late 80s onwards it was popular for artists to release albums in which they duet with a range of other singers. This was Elton's attempt. Interesting selection of singers, including  k.d. lang, PM Dawn, Little Richard, and Leonard Cohen.
This is likeable and listenable, and a blessed relief from listening to the same old same old same old same old plodding songs that Elton churned out over the years. What is really brought home on this album is that Elton isn't really a good singer, his voice is pleasant, homely and warm, and that's what works on the ballads, and he is able to raise his voice to do competent pub rockers.

Wikipedia
AllMusic: 4
Rating: 4 1/2

The Lion King  (Soundtrack - 1994)

Elton only supplied four songs, the bulk of the soundtrack was done by Hans Zimmer, but two of those songs are "Circle of Life", and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight", which have very evocative melodies. The lyrics are more polished than Bernie's, though pretty much in the same area - superficial, but effective. This is not my style of music, and at times I find the songs cringe-worthy, but also, at times, I find them very moving and effective.

Wikipedia
AllMusic: 4
Rating: 5

Made in England  (1995)

Elton kept trying to resurrect his early 1970s sound by returning to musicians he had used back then. Though the end result here is essentially more of the same 80s and 90s empty melodies. It is pleasant enough, and there is a feeling of genuine warmth, but its little better than average.

Wikipedia
AllMusic: 6
Rating: 3

Love Songs (Nov 1995) 

Wikipedia
AllMusic:
Rating:

The Big Picture  (1997)

Slips back to the same old stuff. "Something About The Way You Look Tonight" is the best offering, and it's full of the same musical lines he's done before. And the lyrics are trite. And, as with much of their stuff, it's a little less than whatever they're copying. - in this case one of the sources is likely to be "Wonderful Tonight" by Clapton.

Wikipedia
AllMusic: 6
Rating: 2

"Candle In The Wind"   (1997)

Wikipedia
AllMusic:
Elton's finest moment.
Rating: 8

Elton John and Tim Rice's "Aida" 
(Musical - 1999)

With or without the big name stars this is still same old same old.

Wikipedia
AllMusic: 5
Rating: 2

The Muse  (Soundtrack - 1999)

It's a light and pleasant soundtrack, and works quite well - but it is a soundtrack, not something you would sit down and listen to at home. There are samples in the AllMusic review.

Wikipedia
AllMusic: 6
Rating: 2

The Road to El Dorado  (Soundtrack - 2000)

A trait of Elton John is his attempts to redo something that worked rather than moving on and trying something new. Through much of the 80s he was trying to recapture his early 70s work. Through the 90s he was trying to recapture the Lion King. Here's another attempt, and another failure. It's competent, but uninspired and dull.

Wikipedia
AllMusic: 8
Rating: 2

Elton John One Night Only – The Greatest Hits 
(Live - 2000)

A great selection of his hits, all sung live. Sounds like a good idea.. But no - the performance is dreadful. The way he ruins the old favourites makes you wince. You're seriously better off not listening to this. Credit for them being catchy songs and all, but that's it. No credit for anything else.

Wikipedia
AllMusic: 6
Rating: 1 1/2

Songs From The West Coast  (2001)

The warm country feel of the opening song grabs you. This is another attempt by Elton to recapture his critically acclaimed early 70s sound. For all his money, fame, and commercial success, you feel that he really wants to be accepted as a real artist. Commercial success is fickle and often temporary, but great art lives on. This is not great art, but there's a genuine warmth here that is very attractive, and very reminiscent of Tumbleweed Connection - for me, Elton's best album.

LinerNotes
Wikipedia
AllMusic: 8
Rating: 3 1/2

Greatest Hits 1970–2002 (2002)

Not all his best songs (nothing from Tumbleweed Connection for example), nor even all the big hits (no "Candle In The Wind 1997" or "Pinball Wizard"), but a useful chronological collection on two CD discs of popular Elton John songs.

Wikipedia
AllMusic:
Rating: 5

Peachtree Road  (2004)

As with Songs From The West Coast, there is a warm, mature feel about this. It harks back to Tumbleweed and Elton John, but is informed by Elton's achievements since. It lacks the enthusiasm, charm, and magic of those early recordings, but is still a very attractive listen, and while there's nothing great here, and the ambition is very limited, it does suggest that there may have been an alternative path for Elton, in which instead of being the world's most popular camp middle of the road performer, he may have been the world's most popular singer-songwriter.

BBC review
Wikipedia
AllMusic: 8
Rating: 4

Captain and The Kid  (2006)

Competent but unexciting. On the whole better than the majority of Elton's output, but still fairly weak.

LinerNotes
Wikipedia
AllMusic: 7
Rating: 3

The Union  (2010)

A collaboration with the wonderful and underrated Leon Russell.  I like this.  And the more I listen the more I like it. There's also appearances by Neil Young and Brian Wilson.  Most tracks are written by John and Taupin, but Russell also contributes a few.

LinerNotes
Wikipedia
AllMusic: 7
Rating: 6 1/2

The Diving Board  (2013)

My original intention was to survey all Elton's releases, but from some point in the late 90s I have been skipping compilations, live albums and soundtracks such as Gnomeo & Juliet, and oddities such as the Pnau remix album. Which brings us quickly to Elton's final proper album. I love the cover photo, which was shot by Tim Barber at a remote and secret diving location that he claims to have forgotten. The album is, as usual for Elton, pleasant and competent enough, but the songs don't really stick out as anything special.

LinerNotes
Wikipedia
AllMusic:
Rating: 2 1/2

Discography

• Empty Sky (1969)
• Elton John (1970)
• Tumbleweed Connection (1970)
• Friends (Soundtrack - 1971) 
• 17-11-70 (Live - 1971)
• Madman Across the Water (1971)
• Honky Château (1972)
• Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player (1973)
• Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973)
• Caribou (1974)
• Elton John Greatest Hits (Compilation - 1974)
• Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (1975)
• Rock of the Westies (1975)
• Blue Moves (1976)
• A Single Man (1978)
• Victim of Love (1979)
• 21 at 33 (1980)
• The Fox (1981)
• Jump Up! (1982)
• Too Low for Zero (1983)
• Breaking Hearts (1984)
• Ice on Fire (1985)
• Leather Jackets (1986)
• Reg Strikes Back (1988)
• Sleeping with the Past (1989)
• The One (1992)
• Made in England (1995)
• The Big Picture (1997)
• Songs from the West Coast (2001)
• Peachtree Road (2004)
• The Captain & the Kid (2006)
• The Diving Board (2013)

Conclusion

Elton John isn't a great musician. He plods at his piano, knocking out the melody in a brute percussive manner. He's a pub pianist rather than a concert pianist. He hits the piano keys too sharply and strongly to get any subtly or beauty out of the instrument. His voice has a homely feel which is a large part of his charm. He isn't a great singer, and conveys the words rather than the emotions, doing little with his voice, but that limitation and simplicity is part of the charm and appeal. It's like he's your best friend singing - there's a down to earth familiarity and lack of artifice about him. He can churn out pleasant tunes, and sometimes finds an evocative melody. Bernie's lyrics are part of the appeal, because, like Elton himself, they are a little clumsy. Elton isn't a great pianist or singer, but he is workmanlike, and has an honest appeal. Just as Elton's thick fingers are a little too percussive on the keys and don't fly, so Bernie's lyrics don't always fly - being limited in grace and language and in depth. It's a good marriage though - the sum being greater than the parts. In essence, Elton is a phenomenally  popular middle of the road pop musician largely due to his homely style. I suspect his appeal will be transient as there are few of his songs with the depth to sustain popularity over time, and there's little there of interest for music historians to write about. But he has had some great moments. I love "Your Song", I like Tumbleweed Connection. I think the two songs for the Lion King are very effective, if not my style. And regardless of anyone's opinion of Elton, choosing to sing a revised version of "Candle In The Wind" for Princess Diana's funeral, was intensely moving and iconic.

Voice
I think Elton's voice is key to his success and popularity. It's a warm, homely voice. It's friendly and endearing and honest. It makes the songs familiar to the point of intimacy. It's not a great voice, nor is it flexible. He makes it work on rockers by belting it out, though it's on ballads that it displays its real strengths with a delivery that is clear, and feels genuine. It's not particularly expressive or emotional, so he cannot add depth or bring out significance, but put the right lyric with the voice, and it can be warmly eloquent, as on "Daniel", "Candle In The Wind", and "Your Song".
7/10

Image
Elton doesn't have a good look, or good style, but he is endearing. He's the boy next door. He's your cousin, nephew, your best friend's mate that everyone likes. He's like a Labrador puppy. We warm to him, and want him to succeed. He seems honest and genuine and up front. He's non-threatening - he's not arrogant, not intellectual, not clever, not aggressive, not good looking, nor stylish (much as he'd like to be). He's a lad who makes good-time rocking pub music and everyday ballads that are simple but endearing. We liked it when he was flamboyant in the Seventies, and we warmed to his concerns with his hair, and his struggles with coming to terms with his homosexuality. These aspects made him more colourful than just the boy next door, yet also kept him vulnerable and real.
5/10

Lyrics
Elton doesn't write his own lyrics, but he does choose them. They are not strong, but their simple earnestness can at times, when combined with Elton's warm voice, be elevated into something that seems almost profound.
5/10

Music
Good, professional, unambitious music; mostly tin pan alley. Nothing wrong with the music. But nothing special either. It works. It's good. That's enough.
5/10

Impact/Influence
He's part of the furniture. No impact or influence as such. Just someone who has seemingly always been there since the early 70s.
3/10

Importance
None, Just a popular, pleasant, and likeable pop star.
2/10

Popularity
He is one of the best selling artists of all time - he's in the top 5 or 7. He's had a string of number 1 albums and singles in America (where he is particularly popular). He has been continuously successful since "Your Song" in 1970.
10/10

Legacy
I don't think he has a legacy - he is a competent and popular musician, but there appears to be little sustainable or memorable about what he has done - apart from "Your Song" and "Candle In The Wind". Hugely popular though he has been, it is possible that he will gradually fade with time.
1/10

Star quality
With his homely boy-next-door feel he doesn't strike one initially as someone with star quality, but he has a comfortable confidence on stage, demonstrated magnificently when he sang "Candle In The Wind" live for the funeral of Princess Diana, and his flamboyant dress sense in the Seventies drew attention, as did his extravagant parties and spending, so it balances slightly in favour of the star quality.
6/10

Emotional appeal
His ballads are warm and appealing, but most of his output is superficial pop.
4/10

Total: 48/100

Best of Elton John

Best album: Tumbleweed Connection
Best song: "Your Song"
Best performance: "Candle In The Wind 1997"

Most voted for songs

  1)   Tiny Dancer  31
=2)   Rocket Man 25
        Your Song  (Elton John 1970) 25
=4)   Goodbye Yellow Brick Road 16
        Bennie And The Jets  16
 6)    Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting 11
 7)    Levon 10
 8)    Someone Saved My Life Tonight 9
 9)    Skyline Pigeon 7
=10) Empty Sky 6
         Ballad of a Well-Known Gun 6
         Daniel  6

=13)  Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding 5

         I'm  Still Standing  5
         Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters 5
         Take Me To The Pilot  (Elton John 1970)  5
        Candle In The Wind 5
        Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me 5

=19) Burn Down The Mission 4

         I Guess That's Why They Call it the Blues 4

         Susie 4
=22) Sacrifice ***
         Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny) ***

         Holiday Inn ***

         Come Down In Time ***

         Razor Face ***
         Amoreena ***
=28) Song For Guy **
         Please **
         This Train Don’t Stop There Anymore **
         I Think I'm Going to Kill Myself **
         Crocodile Rock  **

=33)  Lady Samantha * 

         Border Song *
         Country Comfort *

         Grey Seal * 

         Pinky * 

         Bitter Fingers *
         Nice And Slow *
         Ball & Chain *
         Born To Lose *
         I Should Have Sent Roses *
         Crazy Water * 

         High Flying Bird * 

         My Father's Gun * 

         Mellow *
         Have Mercy on the Criminal * 

        Ticking *
        I Feel Like A Bullet *
        Tonight *
        Part Time Love *
        Victim Of Love *
        Two Rooms at the End of the World * 

        Carla/Etude * 

        Burning Buildings  *

        Nikita * 

        Hoop Of Fire *
        I Don’t Wanna Go on With You Like That *
        Healing Hands * 

        The One * 

        A Woman's Needs * 

        Love's Got A lot To Answer For * 

        Answer In The Sky * 

        Postcards From Richard Nixon * 

        Gone To Shiloh * 

        My Quicksand * 

        Blue Wonderful *
         Madman Across the Water *

         Captain Fantastic *
         The Bitch is Back *

         Don’t Go Breaking My Heart 

=72) Sorry Seems To Be the Hardest Word

        I Want Love
        Something About the Way You Look Tonight 

        Son Of Your Father
        Honky Cat
        Elderberry Wine

Sources: 

CRH 
Guardian
Rolling Stone
UDM
Louder
Billboard
Smooth
UCR
Esquire
Standard
Spin (good article)
Independent
UTR
Ranker
UCR (every album)

The ultimate Best of Elton John compilation

The tracks will fit on two 80 minute CDs.

CD1

Amoreena (Tumbleweed 1970)
Ballad Of A Well Known Gun (Tumbleweed 1970)
Bennie And The Jets  (Goodbye Yellow Brick Road  1973  Greatest Hits 2002)
Burn Down The Mission  (Tumbleweed 1970)
Country Comfort  (Tumbleweed 1970)
Empty Sky (Empty Sky 1969)
Gone To Shiloh (The Union 2010)
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road  (Goodbye Yellow Brick Road  1973  Greatest Hits 2002)
Hey Ahab (The Union 2010)
Holiday Inn (Madman Across The Water 1971)
I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues  (Too Low for Zero 1983 Greatest Hits 2002)
Lady Samantha (Empty Sky 1969)
Love Song  (Tumbleweed 1970)
Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters (Honky Chateau 1972)
Sacrifice   (Sleeping with the Past 1989  Greatest Hits 2002)
Your Song (Elton John 1970  Greatest Hits 2002)


CD2

Border Song (Elton John 1970)
Can You Feel The Love Tonight  (The Lion King  1994  Greatest Hits 2002)

Candle In The Wind/Goodbye England's Rose  (live from Diana's funeral,  1997)
Circle Of Life (The Lion King  1994  Greatest Hits 2002)
Crocodile Rock  (Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player 1973   Greatest Hits 2002)
Daniel  (Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player 1973  Greatest Hits 2002)
Honky Cat (Honky Chateau 1972   Greatest Hits 2002) 
I Think I'm Gonna Kill Myself  (Honky Chateau 1972)
My Father's Gun  (Tumbleweed 1970)
Pinball Wizard (Tommy Soundtrack 1975)
Rocket Man (Honky Chateau 1972   Greatest Hits 2002) 
Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting   (Goodbye Yellow Brick Road  1973  Greatest Hits 2002)
Skyline Pigeon  (Empty Sky 1969)

Someone Saved My Life Tonight  (Captain Fantastic 1975  Greatest Hits 2002) 

Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word  (Blue Moves 1976  Greatest Hits 2002) 

Tiny Dancer (Madman Across The Water 1971  Greatest Hits 2002)
When Love Is Dying (The Union 2010) 

Best albums

Rolling Stone: 10 Best Albums
UCR: All Albums Ranked
BestEverAlbums


Tumbleweed Connection  (1970)  7
The Union  (2010)  6  1/2
Elton John Greatest Hits  (1974)  5 1/2 
Too Low for Zero  (1983)  5  
Elton John  (1970)  4 1/2 
Duets  (1993)  4 1/2 
Peachtree Road  (2004)   4 
Empty Sky (1969)   4 

Links

* EltonJohn.com
* EltonDaily fan site
* EltonFan fan site
* EltonJohnWorld fan site
* AllMusic
* Wikipedia
* RockOnTheNet

Kitchen Table Music Blogs

Best Of The Best