Elton John Albums: A Comprehensive Review and Favorite Picks

Elton John, the legendary British singer-songwriter, has crafted an impressive and extensive discography. Choosing a favorite album can be a daunting task given the sheer volume and quality of his work. From his early works to recent releases, each album tells a unique story and showcases his evolution as both a songwriter and performer. In this article, we will explore various albums by Elton John and discuss the hardships in narrowing down to just one favorite. Additionally, we will highlight a few personal favorites and provide insights on why they stand out.

Early Years and 1970s: The Foundation

Elton and his longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin began crafting songs that would define a generation. Here are some standout albums from this period:

Early Years/1970s

Sleeping With The Past: While not necessarily the most well-known album, it includes my all-time favorite song, "Club At The End Of The Street." This album demonstrates an evolution in Elton's musical style and shows the potential for innovative layers of melody and emotion. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road: Perhaps the most iconic of Elton's albums, this double disc set is a veritable feast of classic tracks, from the raunchy rockers of "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting" to the tender ballads of "Harmony." It is a testament to their perfect honing of their writing and recording craft. Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy: This album marks a significant milestone, blending narrative storytelling with exceptional musical production. Songs like "New Song Suggestion (For a Stranger, Dressed in Rust)" showcase the duo's unique creativity and poetic flair. Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player: The pop sound of this album was further refined, with tracks like "The Bitch Is Back" and the title track demonstrating their mastery of the genre. This album shows a seamless integration of pop tunes and complex narratives. Tumbleweed Connection: A deeply quirky and interesting album, this showcases Elton and Bernie's fascination with the Old West and the Civil War era. The fact that they wrote the music for this album before even stepping foot in America is remarkable.

The 1980s: Experimentation and Mastery

Elton continued to evolve and experiment with different genres, resulting in some of his most underrated yet beloved albums. Here are a few favorites:

The 1980s

21 at 33: This album is often underrated but contains some great tunes, such as "Too Low for Zeus" and "Fantastic Brown DIRT Cowboy." The title track, "21 at 33," is a reflection on one's age and the passage of time. Breaking Hearts: Another underrated album, "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and "The Blog Master" stand out. This album is a great listen for fans of his work in the 1980s. Sleeping With The Past (again): While mentioned earlier, this album deserves a second mention due to its underrated brilliance. Tracks like "Planned Obsolescence" and "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" continue to captivate listeners.

The 1990s and Beyond: Reflection and Nostalgia

As the decade progressed, Elton's music became more introspective and reflective. Here are some notable albums from this period:

The 1990s

Made in England: This album offers a strong collection of ballads but could have benefited from better production. The songs are mostly fine, but the production quality holds it back. The Big Picture: This album features strong ballads and some interesting chord progressions and tonal color. Better production could have elevated it to an even higher status.

The 2000s and 2010s: Continuity and Evolution

Through these decades, Elton continued to explore and refine his musical style. Here are some standout albums:

The 2000s and 2010s

Songs from the West Coast: An improvement over 1990s albums in terms of production, showing a renewed focus. However, the songs are mostly ballads. Peachtree Road: This album is subtle with no risks taken, but it is well-produced and a good listen now and then. Captain and the Kid: A delightful album that feels like the old days of John/Taupin songwriting, with chronological autobiographical elements. Wonderful Crazy Night: An excellent album with fast-paced songs, slower ballads, and everything in between.

My Top 4 Favorite Elton John Albums

From a list of countless favorites, I have selected four albums that truly stand out:

4. Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player: This album marks the realization of their pop sound and songwriting formula, showcasing their growth and refinement. 3. Captain and the Kid: A chronological autobiographical retrospective, this album further cements their status as great songwriters and reflects their personal and professional journeys. 2. Tumbleweed Connection: A quirky and quirky album that highlights Elton and Bernie's fascination with the Old West and their incredible foresight in writing music for this era. 1. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road: This double album is a masterpiece, containing everything from rockers to ballads, and each song is a gem in itself. It is considered Elton's and Bernie's best work.

What is your favorite Elton John album? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Happy listening!