The One (1992)

Released in 1992, The One marks a pivotal moment in Elton John’s career, capturing a blend of mature songwriting and contemporary sensibilities. Coming off a series of experimental and often eclectic releases in the 80s, this album represents a progression to the more grounded and cohesive sound of Sleeping With The Past. It’s a record where Elton John balances his pop-rock roots with a polished adult contemporary approach, crafting songs that reflect both his evolution as an artist and the shifting musical landscape of the early 90s. With a blend of fresh collaborations and classic elements, The One offers a nuanced look at a veteran artist navigating new musical terrain.

The record kicks off with Simple Life. Ethereal synths gently usher you into the song, with the harmonica riff emerging as a standout feature. The song showcases mature songwriting with a touch less gloss compared to some of Elton's recent releases. It retains a hint of the R&B flavor from his earlier records, evolving into a highly palatable adult contemporary number. The “chicka chicka” rhythm guitars even evoke a bit of Duran Duran, giving the track a “pop-hypnotic” quality.

The One exemplifies mature melodrama without veering into Elton’s more over-the-top tendencies. It strikes a wonderfully balanced tone, offering a newer, sophisticated contemporary sound. As for Sweat It Out, the song keeps the 80s-style drums alive with a killer piano solo that’s absolutely irresistible. While it might not be the most commercial or pop-friendly track, it’s definitely one that will get your foot tapping and your face scrunching up in delight.

Oh, then there is Runaway Train … What a treat! Elton John and Eric Clapton teaming up was a collaboration long overdue. It is shocking that it took this long for them to join forces and create such an incredible track. Elton taps into his gospel-rock roots while Clapton delivers his signature guitar work. The scorching organs and uplifting backing vocals make this song an absolute firecracker. Try picking this song apart—it's pure brilliance.

From the moment the needle drops, Whitewash Country’s strings and fiddles make their presence felt. This track feels like a natural evolution from the Americana-Western influences of Tumbleweed Connection and/or Captain Fantastic. It’s fantastically catchy, with a great pace, energy, and dynamism. It competes with Runaway Train for the best track on the record, featuring beautiful melodies and classic Elton songwriting.

After such a strong start, The North ventures back into the realm of melodrama and contemporary styles. While it’s well-executed, it tends to blend into a sea of similar songs. The chord progressions in the pre-chorus are pleasant, but overall, this is a track you might not remember long after listening. It’s not one you'll skip, but it’s also not one that will linger in your memory. Similarly, When a Woman Doesn’t Want You resonates with a deep sense of familiarity, almost like an empathetic echo of The North. While it follows similar stereotypical patterns, it lacks the varied musical intrigue of its predecessor. This song may not stick around in your playlist, and you might find yourself skipping it from time to time. Emily feels very much like a rehash of the previous one. It follows the same lines, making it forgettable in the same way.

Once On Dark Street hits, we get a refreshing burst of energy. This song channels the feeling of Runaway Train but without Clapton’s power and grit. The melodies are catchy, the instrumentation intriguing, and the added horns provide a nice touch. It’s a welcome return to form for the record, showcasing a more mature, adult Elton.

Understanding Women immediately features an iconic synth riff that might be one of the most memorable of this era of Elton. It’s catchy, gritty, and unforgettable. You’ll be humming the tune in your head for days.

Wrapping up the record are Suit of Wolves, offering interesting chord progressions that are sonically pleasing, and Fat Boy and Ugly Girls, which has a classic Elton shuffle, combining catchiness with a poppy feel that makes it fairly memorable.

The One stands as a testament to Elton John’s enduring talent and adaptability. While the album features standout tracks that showcase his ability to blend mature melodrama with memorable melodies, it also highlights the challenges of maintaining a fresh sound in a changing musical climate. Despite some tracks feeling a bit forgettable, the record is rich with moments of brilliance, particularly in its collaborations and its embrace of classic Elton sensibilities. Overall, The One is a compelling snapshot of Elton John’s artistry in the early 90s, combining the familiar with the new in a way that both respects his legacy and pushes his musical boundaries.

——————————————-

Highlight Songs:

• Runaway Train

• Whitewash Country

• Sweat It Out

• Understanding Women

——————————————-

Own it, Stream it, Forget about it:

For an Elton John fan, I say own it. For the casual music listener, I say stream it. Too much quality on this record to leave it behind, but it understandably might not be everyones cup of tea.

——————————————-

Overall Rating:

3.5 Stars