Elton John

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Elton John

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Because EMPTY SKY didn't see an American release, Elton John's self-titled second album was what first caused people to take notice of England's newest music sensation. This was probably not a bad idea because after the ambitious-as-hell EMPTY SKY, the follow-up gave us the bare essence of what Elton & lyricist Bernie Taupin were all about: insanely-catchy melodies & intelligent lyrics pop music hadn't seen the like of since the arrival of Bob Dylan (a huge influence on the duo, for sure). So if ELTON JOHN (1970) must be the beginning of Elton's legacy (although an inaccurate one), so be it.

Of course, this is the destination for "Your Song", which is probably still the #1 favorite song for Elton fans around the world (even non-fans, like my mom). Elton & Bernie's love songs were still rather direct around this time, so "Your Song" was a perfect choice for a first major hit single as any. Even as the duo's explorations into love songs became more complex (the coming-of-age "First Episode At Hienton" already shows the transformation starting), "Your Song" still dazzles with its heartfelt simplicity (not to mention its guaranteed appearance in any concert playlist).

While EMPTY SKY tried to jam too many genres onto one album (or often on one song), ELTON JOHN kind of continues that ethic, but it coalesces more this time around. The harpsichord that beautifully adorned "Skyline Pigeon" makes another appearance on "I Need You To Turn To", while "Sixty Years On" (both songs looking at the ravages of age from men who were still in their early 20s!), "The Greatest Discovery" (about the birth of Bernie's younger brother) & "The King Must Die" show the emerging influence of conductor Paul Buckmaster. The lyrics show Bernie making that leap into songwriting master, unlike on EMPTY SKY where he seemed too eager to impress. But "Border Song" is another song that amazes with its simple-but-valid call for peace & tolerance & was therefore a natural cover for Aretha Franklin, who took Elton into the American top 40 for the first time.

Those who know Elton as a slick purveyor of Adult Contemporary pop nowadays might be surprised to know he did a fair share of rocking early in his career & ELTON JOHN shows him not afraid to tear it up. "Take Me To The Pilot" is another surefire concert rouser (even with its indecipherable lyrics); "No Shoe Strings On Louise" is Elton's hats-off to the Stones with a country-rocker that might have been at home on STICKY FINGERS (which would come out the next year); "The Cage" is almost funky with its Santana-inspired congas & lyrics about wanting to break free from the conformity the outside world imposes upon us.

The inclusion of bonus tracks is indeed a pleasure this time around, but like those of EMPTY SKY, they're hit & miss at best. "Bad Side Of The Moon" is another one of those "what-the-heck-is-it-about" tunes that Bernie found coming from his pen back in the early days (but could Pink Floyd have found their inspiration for DARK SIDE OF THE MOON here?). "Grey Seal" would later be remade for GOODBYE YELLOW BRICK ROAD (1973) & it's a song that's still very much in demo form at this stage. Interesting only to hear how much better it would soon get. "Rock & Roll Madonna" on the other hand is a song that definitely should have made the album! Again, it's a tune that will quiet all carps that Elton couldn't really rock & he contributes some of his best piano playing ever (saying a whole lot), proving his debt to Jerry Lee Lewis & other piano pounders. The lyrics seem to be about a fast-living groupie, which in retrospect are a bit more ironic than they may have sounded at the time.

ELTON JOHN sure enough introduced America to the young man from Middlesex, England who would change the face of pop music. It was so successful, that Elton would soon be called on to produce two albums a year & also tour behind them (if that's not a busy schedule, tell me what is). Both albums of that year would go platinum virtually on release & help make Elton probably the most successful musician of the 1970s (exactly who that is is open to debate). It would be wrong to overlook EMPTY SKY, but still, ELTON JOHN was where his legend really began.

Several of these songs got a lot of airplay in 1970: "Your Song" (the big hit from this album), "Take Me To The Pilot," "Sixty Years On" (very pretty nylon string guitar with strings intro), "Border Song" (typical Elton John piano intro). This early version of "Grey Seal" lacks the dazzling piano arpeggios that made it sound so great on the "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" album, it's a tiny bit slower, and the ending chords aren't as rockish as that later version, but it still sounds good, especially with the strings. All the songs sound decent on this album, though it's too much on the soft side for my personal taste, and none of the songs really grabbed me--"Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" & "Tumbleweed Connection" & his other 1971-1974 era albums are much better in songwriting, playing, instrumentation, and lyrics, in my opinion.