Too Low For Zero (1983)
Too Low For Zero is dubbed by many to be Elton John’s “comeback” album. Many online say this is far from this case, but I feel they don’t give this record enough credit. Perhaps they weigh the weaker songs too heavily. There is undoubtedly a slight dip in quality and the record has varying degrees of cohesiveness, but this is honestly a great record with a lot to love.
Cold as Christmas grows on me and gets better and better with each and every listen. I cannot point out where this song could possibly improve. Elton is vocally strong, and the backing harmonies are as amazing as they have ever been. The chord progressions scratch every itch in my brain and again … those backing harmonies are top tier. Forget what people say, it really is a song that is as close to perfection as one can get. You can practically say that about the second track as well.
I’m Still Standing is the total Elton comeback anthem. After all the musical rollercoasters, he's still the same legend he has always been. It’s my go-to karaoke banger. The energy, the vocals, it's Elton at his poppiest best.
Too Low for Zero is packed with electronic drums and dramatic piano playing – it's got that softer feel with a high-paced punch. Elton and the band's vocals are again just so strong. Religion feels like classic Elton but with that subtle '80s influence. It's got country twang flirting with it reminding me of the Don’t Shoot Me… or Captain Fantastic era. It fits right in. Such a strong, nostalgic vibe.
I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues is an all-time great Elton track. Iconic and as strong as anything Elton has ever put out. The lyrics hit hard, with classic Elton song structure, and those backing vocals? They are on a divine level. When I saw him during his final tour, this one deeply. deeply moved me.
Crystal feels like the sonic sibling to Too Low for Zero with electronic drums and synthesizers. The acoustic strumming in the pre-chorus really elevates this song. Stylistically different than the last track and perhaps a cohesive outlier, but man, I love the different energy this one brings.
Kiss The Bride I always thought was a straightforward love song, but I was a bit wrong. It is a man wanting to object at a wedding and steal the bride for himself. Still, it's poppy, catchy, and one of my favorites from the record. Perfect for video montages too!
Whipping Boy is where it gets real. The weakest track on the record. It's not bad. It’s just not as flashy as the rest. It has good pace and good harmonies, but it’s lacking that extra flair. It just feels like a slightly lame 80s rockabilly rock song falling flat with its simplicity.
Saint opens with synth horns on this melodramatic ballad. Elton belts it out with some strong vocals, but it feels a bit subdued. Some redeeming qualities, but not enough to save to my library. One More Arrow is a falsetto number that walks the line of a beautiful ballad and a wimpy one. Not an instant replay, but it does crescendo into a gorgeous climax at the end that is worth listening to.
Earn While You Learn is instrumental excellence. Funky, quick-paced – it's Elton showing off, and I’m here for it. Lord Choc Ice was either an alternate title for the song or Elton’s alter ego while performing it. Either way, it's ridiculously fun. Dreamboat is that classic Elton styled gospel pop rock making its comeback. Young Elton vibes for sure. It’s a bit twangy, and maybe it goes on a tad bit too long, but its dreamy and R&B-esque qualities are very agreeable.
The Retreat feels a tad too middle-of-the-road for Elton. It ends the album on a overall mellow note, but the finale to the song is grand and is a very pleasant way to finish things off. Is Too Low For Zero a perfect five out of five stars comeback album? No it’s not, but it’s the first record from Elton in awhile to have so many hits and so many incredible moments. The back half of the record takes a dip in quality, but I remain of the opinion that there is much more to love on this record than not.
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Highlight Songs:
I’m Still Standing
Cold As Christmas
I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues
Kiss The Bride
Crystal
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Own It, Stream it, Forget about it
It is for sure worth owning. The pros of this record FAR weigh out the cons. Stream the hell out of it until you get a hard copy. It’s got a great minimalistic cover truly has some of Elton’s greatest masterpieces on it. You can’t go wrong with it.
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Overall Rating:
4 Stars
