The One

by

Elton John

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Elton John's popularity fizzled in the late 80's, but he came back as strong as ever in the 90's. His album, The One, reflected upon many challenges Elton found himself in at that time of his life. He was recovering from drugs and alcohol, and mourned the deaths of Queen's Freddy Mercury, and Ryan White.

The songs on The One are as dynamic and energetic as you could expect from Elton. Songs like The Last Song, Runaway Train (with Eric Clapton) and Simple Life, reflect on moving on from roads that have been harshly traveled, and the rebirth of life anew. The songs also reflected Bernie Taupin, Elton's longtime collaborator. At the time, he was going through a difficult divorce. Songs like When A Woman Doesn't Want You, On Dark Street, and Understanding Women, still shows feelings of that lost love.

Although The One was originally remastered in the U.K. in 1998, its presence in America remastered is just as strong as you could expect from Elton John. It still proves that Elton John will always be The One.

This is not quite 4 stars in my view, but its a better album than Elton had produced for a long time with stronger songs and arrangements than anything since "Two Low for Zero". It is still over-produced but there are hints here of the gradual return to his classic sound of the early 70's that would occur so dramatically on "Songs for the West Coast".

'Simple Life' and 'The One' are fine starters to the album. 'The One' in particular shows off Elton's melodic gift as well any track I can think of through his use of an extended chord sequence. Its sad that the track is over-produced, but this can't detract from a great melody. 'Emily' is classic Elton John. Starting with a verse that really doesn't seem to be going anywhere, but then he hooks with another of those amazing choruses. "On Dark Street" is a soulful track, which is one of the few tracks that benefits from its contemporary production. If you want a comparison with classic period its 'Philadelphia Freedom (ish)'. Eltons insistent electric Piano underpins the whole song, and a synthesised string arrangement adds to the soulful arrangement.

'The Last Song' is the last track of the album and is a great song both lyrically and melodically. Its a shame that Elton didn't do this with just Piano and Vocal as the track really doesn't need the other keyboards. However its a fine way to finsh the album.

Its really only the production and overall sound that separates this album from say 'Songs fron the West Coast'. Elton showed with this album that having recovered from the drugs and alcohol problems he could write good songs again and this is well worth getting.