Empty Sky was followed by Elton John, a more focused and realized record that deservedly became his first hit. John and Bernie Taupin's songwriting had become more immediate and successful; in particular, John's music had become sharper and more diverse, rescuing Taupin's frequently nebulous lyrics. "Take Me to the Pilot" might not make much sense lyrically, but John had the good sense to ground its willfully cryptic words with a catchy lues-based melody. Next to the increased sense of songcraft, the most noticeable change on Elton John is the addition of Paul Buckmaster's grandiose string arrangements. Buckmaster's orchestrations are never subtle, but they never overwhelm the vocalist, nor do they make the songs schmaltzy. Instead, they fit the ambitions of John and Taupin, as the instant standard "Your Song" illustrates. Even with the strings and choirs that dominate the sound of the album, John manages to rock out on a fair share of the record. Though there are a couple of underdeveloped songs, Elton John remains one of his best records. [The CD reissue includes the bonus tracks "Bad Side of the Moon," "Grey Seal," and "Rock n Roll Madonna."]
I remember vividly when the album 11-17-70 was released, just a few months after that date. The album was recorded live in a NYC recording studio during a live radio broadcast. And today is its anniversary! Elton John had already dented the US charts and was on everyone's radar with his second and third albums, the eponymous one (Elton John) and with Tumbleweed Connection when the live album ...
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I remember vividly when the album 11-17-70 was released, just a few months after that date. The album was recorded live in a NYC recording studio during a live radio broadcast. And today is its anniversary! Elton John had already dented the US charts and was on everyone's radar with his second and third albums, the eponymous one (Elton John) and with Tumbleweed Connection when the live album ...
More >
| Title | Lyrics | Buy |
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| 1 Your Song |
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| 2 I Need You to Turn To |
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| 3 Take Me to the Pilot |
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| 4 No Shoe Strings on Louise |
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| 5 First Episode at Hienton |
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| 6 Sixty Years On |
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| 7 Border Song |
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| 8 The Greatest Discovery |
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| 9 The Cage |
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| 10 The King Must Die |
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| 11 Bad Side of the Moon [*] |
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| 12 Grey Seal [*] |
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| 13 Rock N Roll Madonna [*] |
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Click to purchase…
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 "Elton John")
