Tumbleweed Connection (1970)
Embodying the spirit of the American Wild West, Elton gives us not just one of his most cohesive albums thematically, he gives us one of the best albums of his career. Tumbleweed Connection is a masterclass of a record that paints a vivid landscape of dusty trails, cowboys, and wooden towns. For the first time, Elton earns a No Skip Album award with Tumbleweed Connection.
The record opens with the emphatic Ballad of a Well-Known Gun, setting the stage for an immersive experience that seamlessly blends folk, country, gospel, and rock influences. The song demands you to sing-along. This is one of two versions of this song, with the second being on the Deluxe Album. The alternate version called There Goes a Well-Known Gun really picks up the tempo. With a much faster pace to the song and a little more twang, it has a much more rockabilly feel to it.
As the album moves into just its second track, Come Down in Time slows the tempo, luring us into a dreamlike state with its piano melodies and emotive vocals. This is one of Elton’s greatest ever written songs and it has been covered countless times, most notably and favorably by Sting. There is even a 7+ minute jazz version of this song that was released a couple of years ago that is mesmerizing.
The opening atmosphere returns as Country Comfort provides us with its warm embrace of nostalgia and a twangy brilliance that only Elton and Bernie Taupin could bring. Again, with that seamless blend of country, gospel, and rock, Country Comfort is that Western sing-along we all love. The energy doesn't stop there; Son of Your Father is a real rocker that surprises us with its bluesy undertones, showing Elton's musical versatility. The album's diversity is further showcased with tracks like My Father's Gun, resonating with energetic guitars and spirited instrumentation that build up an enthralling climax. While maintaining that gospel and rock blend, My Father's Gun has mesmerizing harmonies and musical accompaniment.
One standout piece, that once again is one of Elton’s greatest ever songs, is Where to Now St. Peter? A soul-stirring upbeat ballad where Elton's heartfelt vocal delivery shines through, capturing the essence of the song's spiritual reflection. Vocally, this is one of his most challenging and impressive songs. This peak of musical brilliance maintains itself as we move towards the end of the album.
Amoreena, once again one of Elton’s best, has one of the most amazing and beautiful upbeat piano displays ever. A timeless song that could, without argument, make it on to anyone’s desert island mix. The highs you are taken too with Amoreena get gently carried down the mountain with the poignant Talking Old Soldiers. This ballad tells the story of an old, lonely soldier drinking at a bar alone reminiscing about the days back with his war buddies that are now gone. It is heart wrenching, and the powerful vocals of Elton are turned up to 11 on this one.
Finally, the album ends with the epic Burn Down the Mission. A song that really needs no introduction or explanation, but there is a reason it is a favorite of millions of fans and is almost always played at every Elton John show. Half the time this song is a ballad, and the other half of the time it is an anthemic rocker with the most mind boggling piano playing you will ever hear. As the song that truly SOLD me on Elton John, Burn Down the Mission will forever be a paradigm shifting song for me and for my personal development.
While Tumbleweed Connection showcases Elton John at the height of his creative prowess, it hasn't been without its critics. Some argue that the album's heavy reliance on its Wild West theme can be occasionally overbearing, possibly overshadowing the individual brilliance of some tracks. So either your album can be too loose with its themes and cohesiveness or it can stick to close to its theme. There seems to be no win. So, let’s put that nonsense aside and declare this album for what it rightfully is. A masterpiece.
In essence, Elton John's Tumbleweed Connection is a stunning tribute to the spirit of the Wild West, an exploration of human emotions, and a remarkable showcase of artistic excellence. From start to finish, it's a record that transports you to a bygone era while touching the deepest corners of your heart. So saddle up, Cowboys and Cowgirls, and play the hell out of this album.
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Highlight Songs:
Burn Down The Mission
Amoreena
Come Down In Time
Where To Now St. Peter?
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Own It, Stream it, Forget about it
Unless during my many re-listens through all of Elton’s albums reveals that I enjoy a record more than this one, this is his best. It ticks every box. It has a strong cohesive theme, amazing musicianship, killer vocals, and is a roller coaster of emotion. This album has no skips. A prime NSA. Don’t even think about not owning it.
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Overall Rating:
5 Stars
