Rocket Man: The Definitive Hits

by

Elton John

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Elton John always does things big; and this CD/DVD set is no exception. This latest release covers most if not all of his biggest hits during his 35 year career. Although it claims to be comprehensive, Elton had so much success that many people will still wish this had included even more stellar songs than it already has! Indeed, there's simply not a loser in this bunch. Both the CD and the DVD give you nothing but a treasure trail of hit after hit after hit. Elton's recordings leave you excited and stunned at their beauty; and I dare you to be able to listen to the CD only once and then just put it away for good!

The CD starts off with eighteen massive Elton John hits; and the track set begins with the classic "Bennie and The Jets." The sound is excellent, as it remains throughout the entire CD. "Philadelphia Freedom" follows with an incredible beat; Elton's voice remains in excellent form here. The touching ballad "Daniel" continues the track set as Elton wishes his friend Daniel had not left him.

Other timeless hits--and truthfully, that would probably mean the whole album--include "Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting);" this tune rocks hard as Elton sings a timeless classic about youthful rebellion that any generation can appreciate. "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" features Elton singing about a love going bad; and "Tinderbox" touches me with stunning arrangements that prove Elton is still going strong!

But there's more. We get the beautiful ballad "Your Song" with its lush and very moving musical arrangement; and "Candle In The Wind" possesses equal sensitivity. "Rocket Man (I Think It's Going To Be A Long, Long Time)" allows Elton the chance to sing about a love that goes wrong; and the CD also gives us the beautiful "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" which lets Elton sing of a romance with a wealthy woman that he can't value based on his principles.

There's still more; the DVD gives us a generous portion of Elton's 2005 "Red Piano Show" in Las Vegas; and you also get five bonus videos made at various times during Elton's career. The "Red Piano Show" video lasts about 25 minutes; you get terrific clarity as you watch Elton at a red piano with his band knocking out such hits as "Bennie & The Jets;" "Candle In The Wind" and "Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)" all with great videos playing on a giant screen behind Elton and the other performers. The bonus videos include an awesome "I'm Still Standing;" "Your Song" and "Tinderbox." "Tinderbox" boasts great special effects, too.

The liner notes include great art work and you get the full lyrics to each and every song on the CD. There is a retrospective essay about Elton and his career as well.

Elton John is a living legend. Long after most "celebrities" have been buried and forgotten, people will still remember Elton John. Elton John possesses a singular talent for making people happy and letting them feel their sorrow through his songs. When Elton sings, you listen--and you listen closely, too, because Elton makes every syllable count as he emphasizes the exact sounds he wishes to emphasize for the right effect. We are immensely better off for Elton's sharing his genius with us; and I believe that his career will continue well into the future.

Yes, perhaps Elton's fans will consider the Australian version of the CD/DVD set as one reviewer suggests they do. Regardless of which version you choose, however, you're going to have a fantastic show! Diehard Elton John fans may even want to get both editions.

Elton's fans will consider this a "must-have" for their collections; and people who enjoy great rock and pop will appreciate this CD/DVD package, too.

Rock on, rocket man!

Yet another Elton John Greatest Hits release. Let's face it, Elton has too many hits to fill a single CD. What's sad is, some of the lesser known but equally good singles never get included in any of his compilations. I am thinking of tracks such as "Empty Garden", "Mama Can't buy you love" and the brilliant "Chloe".

Now back to this new release to mark Elton's 60th birthday:

A search of different websites around the world shows different track listings. I think the UK listing is close to Australia's but UK contains some tracks which were minor hits. Fortunately Australia has removed those and added key tracks like "Blue Eyes" and "Don't go breaking my heart". The US edition isn't bad either but I'll put my money on the Australian version, see below:

Australian tracklisting:

1. Bennie And The Jets

2. Philadelphia Freedom

3. Daniel Gus Dudgeon

4. Rocket Man

5. I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues

6. Tiny Dancer Gus Dudgeon

7. Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me

8. Don't Go Breaking My Heart

9. Candle In The Wind

10. Crocodile Rock

11. I'm Still Standing

12. Saturday Night's Alright

13. Your Song

14. Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word

15. Sacrifice

16. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

17. Tinderbox

18. Blue Eyes