Empty Sky (1969)
Empty Sky introduces us to the legendary Elton John and lays the groundwork for the remarkable musical journey ahead of him. While it may not receive as much recognition as his later works, this album holds its own unique charm and displays Elton's signature sound. Choosing Empty Sky over the earlier recorded Regimental Sgt. Zippo was a wise move, as it allowed for more musical diversity. The album showcases Elton's musical uniqueness and experimentation as opposed to the psychedelic, baroque pop rock of Sgt. Zippo that didn’t seem to be the genre leading the charge going into the 1970s.
From the onset, it becomes evident that this record is not only a testament to his songwriting abilities but also a canvas for exploring diverse musical elements, revealing Elton John's maturity as a composer from the start. A standout feature of Empty Sky is Elton John's one-of-a-kind vocals, filled with emotion, power, and a unique timbre that instantly grabs your attention.
Songs like Skyline Pigeon showcase his ability to deliver heartfelt and emotionally resonant performances. The opening title track, Empty Sky, is an 8-minute scorcher, boasting a blend of bongos, harmonica, flutes, and piano, showing off Elton's vocal range, musicianship, and knack for creating unconventional song structures.
As the record unfolds, tracks like Gulliver/It’s Hay Chewed (Reprise) highlight Elton's experimental approach, combining multiple musical styles and pushing boundaries. It is one of my absolute favorites from this record, which is controversial to many online reviews. The track starts with your iconic Elton John signature pop sound and transitions into a pure jazz musical break, followed by a medley that recaps the entire album's first half. It’s fantastic. Much can also be said about the electrifying showcase of bluesy rock style that can be found in Sails and Lady Samantha.
Empty Sky is not without its faults. This record gives the harpsichord, a not so very favorite instrument of mine, quite a bit of time. That being said, I can’t slam its usage too hard as it remains a relic of its time and an essential part of this album's nostalgic charm.
The record may not have reached the commercial success of some of his later albums, but it should not be underestimated. It serves as an essential prologue to the genius that Elton John would become, laying the groundwork for his future masterpieces. Empty Sky is a great debut record that deserves more recognition for its musical innovation and Elton John's extraordinary talent. It's not nonessential listening by any means as it gives context and character to the legend himself and the unbelievable career that follows.
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Highlight Songs:
Empty Sky
Gulliver/It’s Hay Chewed (Reprise)
Sails
Lady Samantha
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Own It, Stream it, Forget about it
Some would argue this is nonessential listening and that it is entirely skippable. Those who say that are big losers. At the VERY least, you should stream this record and pick out what you like as I am certain there is something to love on it. And if you are super cool and not at all a loser, you should own this record. Everyone should have a big Elton John collection of records. He is King.
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Overall Rating:
3.5 Stars
