Elton John (1970)
The stars align in all the right ways for Elton John on his self-titled record. The magic of Elton’s sophomore release cannot be understated. The music scene was in a whirlwind of change, and amidst this maelstrom emerged the enigmatic Elton John, with his second studio attempt that not only solidified his reputation but also catapulted him to stratospheric fame with one of the most important and most influential records in rock n’ roll history.
The opening track, Your Song, is the melodic equivalent of a love potion and will undoubtedly be played at my wedding. Elton's piano playing is nothing short of beautiful, while Bernie Taupin's poetic lyrics capture the essence of love with aching sincerity. You'd have to be made of stone not to be moved by this timeless ballad, and if you find yourself untouched .. well then you have no soul .. I don’t make the rules.
As the record continues, we encounter the irresistible anthem that is Take Me to the Pilot. It's a pulsating rocker, fueled by Elton's boundless energy and piano virtuosity. The song's fusion of rock, blues, and gospel makes it a dynamic and genre-defying rock n’ roll hit.
Sixty Years On slows down the pace, enveloping listeners in a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere. Elton's voice guides you through vivid images of time's passing. It’s a dramatic power ballad that showcases Elton’s ability to convey raw and vulnerable emotions. Similar things can be said about The King Must Die with its larger-than-life dramatic atmosphere. There are few songs out there where Elton sounds more powerful than on these two tracks and this is only emphasized when heard and performed live.
And how can we overlook the showmanship of Border Song? A triumphant symphony of soul and gospel, showcasing Elton's divine vocal prowess, backed by a gospel choir. The song's captivating build-up culminates in an explosion of grandeur, leaving you uplifted. The song was later covered by the incomparable Aretha Franklin in a way that is just as iconic.
The party doesn't stop there! Bad Side of the Moon and The Cage take us on a rocking joyride, with Elton's piano leading the way. Much like Take Me To The Pilot, these tracks have a driving anthemic feel to it that dare you to not sing along.
Now, this 1970 version of Grey Seal, is a song that has experienced a metamorphosis over the years. This original iteration, a precursor to the iconic version released later, still captivates with its youthful and infectious energy. While the 1973 version found fame on Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, this earlier rendition remains a cherished glimpse into the evolution of a timeless classic. And then, there’s the pulsating Rock and Roll Madonna. A delightful fusion of old school rock ‘n’ roll and gospel, this track embodies the electrifying spirit of the ‘70s music scene. With its catchy hooks and irresistible rhythm, Rock and Roll Madonna radiates with the essence of Elton’s larger-than-life persona.
Now the weaker songs on the record are still pretty great songs. I Need You To Turn To brings back the harpsichord, but it isn’t over the top and the song is quite beautiful. No Shoe Strings On Louise has a slight country twang to it and it honestly works well on this record with its gospel-like backing vocals. The Greatest Discovery has mesmerizing orchestration and gorgeous melodies. Lastly, First Episode At Hienton is the least memorable of the album, musically. It is a straightforward ballad on the piano with very sweet, loving lyrics. It won’t get many replays from me, but in the context of the record as a whole, this song fits well and belongs.
Elton John showcases his undeniable talent as a singer-songwriter and solidifies his presence in the music scene. While it may not be as groundbreaking, cohesive or “innovative” as some of his later works, the album's strong melodies, heartfelt performances, and growing artistry offer a glimpse of the musical genius that Elton would become. With a blend of catchy tunes and emotional ballads, this album remains a proper display of his early brilliance and marks the beginning of a remarkable career that would shape the world of music for years to come.
———————————————————
Highlight Songs:
Your Song
Take Me To The Pilot
Border Song
The King Must Die
The Cage
Bad Side of The Moon
Rock and Roll Madonna
———————————————————
Own It, Stream it, Forget about it
This is so close to being a No Skip Album, and any NSA deserves to be owned. Same goes for this one. This is an absolute classic with boundless hits and can be played from start to finish without too much worry. I stand by this being one of Elton’s best records to date and one of the most important records in the history of music.
———————————————————
Overall Rating:
4.5 Stars
