Elton John: A Retrospective, 1969-2002

Elton John A Retrospective: 1969-1996

Overview: Pop/rock singer/songwriter and pianist born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on 3/25/1947 in Pinner, Middlesex, England. At age 7, he started formal piano lessons. At 11, he won a junior scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music. He joined his first group, Bluesology, in 1962. He took his name from members Elton Dean and Long John Baldry. Teamed up with lyricist Bernie Taupin in 1967; they’ve since collaborated on more than 30 albums. Formed Rocket Records in 1973. Played the “Pinball Wizard” in the movie version of Tommy. Elton was the #1 pop artist of the ‘70s; in 2013, Billboard ranked him the third all-time Hot 100 artist behind The Beatles and Madonna. Links: DMDB encyclopedia entry for Elton John EltonJohn.com (official site) Wikipedia Facebook Dave’s Music Database: Elton John’s Top 100 Songs DMDB podcast: Elton John’s Top 20 Hits

Awards:

Studio Albums:

Compilations: YS Your Songs (1970-73, released 1985) G1 Greatest Hits (1970-74, released 1974) G2 Greatest Hits Volume II (1971-77, released 1977) G3 Greatest Hits Volume 3 (1979-87, released 1987) 86 Greatest Hits 1976-1986 (1976-86, released 1992) VB The Very Best of (1970-90, released 1990) TBC To Be Continued (box: 1965-90, released 1990) LS Love Songs (1970-1996, released 1996) 02 Greatest Hits 1970-2002 (1970-2002, released 2002) Under each album snapshot, songs featured on the anthologies are noted. If the song charted, the date of the song’s release or first chart appearance and its chart peaks are noted in parentheses. Click for codes to charts.

Empty Sky Elton John

Released: June 3, 1969 Peak: 6 US, -- UK, 30 CN, -- AU Sales (in millions): -- US, -- UK, 1.0 world (includes US + UK) Genre: pop/classic rock Rating: 1.816 out of 5.00 (average of 4 ratings)

Tracks: Empty Sky Val-Hala Western Ford Gateway Hymn 2000 Lady What’s Tomorrow Sails The Scaffold Skyline Pigeon (8/68, 36 CL) D Gulliver / Hay Chewed / Reprise Lady Samantha * (1/17/69, --) TBC It’s Me That You Need (5/16/69, --) * TBC * Added on 1995 reissue Total Running Time: 41:11 About the Album: Elton John’s debut album didn’t even chart in the UK, but it hit #6 in the U.S. – albeit it wasn’t until it was released by MCA in 1975, well after he’d become a superstar. The song Skyline Pigeon was released as a single and re-recorded in 1972 and released as a B-side to “Daniel.” The re-recorded version is featured on the Diamonds compilation.

Elton John Elton John

Released: April 10, 1970 Peak: 4 US, 5 UK, 4 CN, 2 AU Sales (in millions): 2.0 US, 2.5 UK, -- world (includes US + UK), 21.06 EAS Genre: pop/classic rock Rating: 3.832 out of 5.00 (average of 19 ratings)

Awards: (Click on award to learn more).

Tracks: Your Song (10/26/70, 8 BB, 8 CB, 5 GR, 6 HR, 9 AC, 1 CL, 7 UK, 3 CN, 11 AU) YS, G1, VB, TBC, LS, 02, RM, D I Need You to Turn To Take Me to the Pilot (10/26/70, 37 AC, 9 CL) YS, TBC No Shoe Strings on Louise First Episode at Hienton Sixty Years On TBC Border Song (4/3/70, 92 BB, 69 CB, 81 HR, 20 CL, 34 CN) G1, TBC, 02*** The Greatest Discovery The Cage The King Must Die Your Song (demo) * TBC Bad Side of the Moon (4/3/70, B-side of “Border Song”) * TBC Rock and Roll Madonna (6/19/70, --) * TBC * Added to reissues Total Running Time: 39:27 About the Album: Elton John’s self-titled album was a top-5 hit in the UK and U.S., largely thanks to Your Song, which was Elton’s breakthrough hit and has become one of, if not, the signature song of his career. AllMusic.com review by Stephen Thomas Erlewine: “Empty Sky was followed by Elton John, a more focused and realized record that deservedly became his first hit. John and Bernie Taupin’s songwriting had become more immediate and successful; in particular, John’s music had become sharper and more diverse, rescuing Taupin’s frequently nebulous lyrics. Take Me to the Pilot might not make much sense lyrically, but John had the good sense to ground its willfully cryptic words with a catchy blues-based melody.” “Next to the increased sense of songcraft, the most noticeable change on Elton John is the addition of Paul Buckmaster’s grandiose string arrangements. Buckmaster’s orchestrations are never subtle, but they never overwhelm the vocalist, nor do they make the songs schmaltzy. Instead, they fit the ambitions of John and Taupin, as the instant standard Your Song illustrates.” “Even with the strings and choirs that dominate the sound of the album, John manages to rock out on a fair share of the record. Though there are a couple of underdeveloped songs, Elton John remains one of his best records.”

Tumbleweed Connection Elton John

Released: October 30, 1971 Peak: 5 US, 3 UK, 4 CN, 4 AU Sales (in millions): 1.0 US, 0.1 UK, 3.0 world (includes US + UK) Genre: pop/classic rock Rating: 3.912 out of 5.00 (average of 27 ratings)

Awards: (Click on award to learn more).

Tracks: Ballad of a Well-Known Gun Come Down in Time Country Comfort (47 CL) YS, TBC Son of Your Father Where to Now St. Peter? (12 CL) Love Song (5/22/76, 18 AC, 41 CL, 85 CN) Amoreena Talking Old Soldiers Burn Down the Mission (9 CL) YS Total Running Time: 46:56 About the Album: Elton’s third album was another top-5 hit in the UK and U.S. It was his first platinum album. It featured the single “Country Comfort” and “Burn Down the Mission.” None of the album’s songs are featured on any of the compilations on this page. AllMusic.com review by Stephen Thomas Erlewine: “Instead of repeating the formula that made Elton John a success, John and Bernie Taupin attempted their most ambitious record to date for the follow-up to their breakthrough. A loose concept album about the American West, Tumbleweed Connection emphasized the pretensions that always lay beneath their songcraft. Half of the songs don’t follow conventional pop song structures; instead, they flow between verses and vague choruses. These experiments are remarkably successful, primarily because Taupin’s lyrics are evocative and John's melodic sense is at its best.” STE “As should be expected for a concept album about the Wild West, the music draws from country and blues in equal measures, ranging from the bluesy choruses of Ballad of a Well-Known Gun and the modified country of Country Comfort to the gospel-inflected Burn Down the Mission and the rolling, soulful Amoreena. Paul Buckmaster manages to write dramatic but appropriate string arrangements that accentuate the cinematic feel of the album.” STE

Madman Across the Water Elton John

Released: November 5, 1971 Peak: 8 US, 41 UK, 13 CN, 8 AU Sales (in millions): 2.0 US, 0.1 UK, 3.0 world (includes US + UK) Genre: pop/classic rock Rating: 3.713 out of 5.00 (average of 19 ratings)

Awards: (Click on award to learn more).

Tracks: Tiny Dancer (2/7/72, 41 BB, 29 CB, 30 GR, 32 HR, 35 AC, 1 CL, 19 CN, 13 AU) YS, G2, TBC, 02, RM, D Levon (11/29/71, 24 BB, 17 CB, 28 GR, 21 HR, 4 CL, 6 CN, 94 AU) G2, TBC, 02* Razor Face (47 CL) YS Madman Across the Water (6 CL) TBC Indian Sunset Holiday Inn Rotten Peaches All the Nasties Goodbye Total Running Time: 45:17 About the Album: This was another top-10 album in the U.S., but only peaked at #41 in the UK. Tiny Dancer wasn’t a big hit at the time, but has become an Elton John favorite. Amazon.com review by Steve Gdula: “Named for a cut that originally appeared on his Tumbleweed Connection album, Madman Across the Water yielded some of Elton John’s earliest AOR staples. Tiny Dancer, like the previous ‘Your Song,’ was introduced and carried by John’s masterful piano composition. The song’s sense of longing also employed the falsetto chorus that would become as much of a trademark as his costumes.” “Levon, another entry into the John/Taupin ‘ballad of’ category, is one of their finest pieces. The orchestration gives the song not only its sense of foreboding, but also its release of tension as the song ends.” “Rotten Peaches became a favorite, as did Holiday Inn. There's also a different interpretation of the title track than appeared on Tumbleweed Connection.”

Honky Château Elton John

Released: May 19, 1972 Peak: 15 US, 2 UK, 3 CN, 4 AU Sales (in millions): 2.0 US, 0.1 UK, 5.5 world (includes US + UK), 17.31 EAS Genre: pop/classic rock Rating: 4.127 out of 5.00 (average of 23 ratings)

Awards: (Click on award to learn more).

Tracks: Honky Cat (7/31/72, 8 BB, 18 CB, 6 GR, 7 HR, 6 AC, 3 CL, 31 UK, 10 CN, 78 AU) G1, VB, TBC, 02, D Mellow I Think I’m Going to Kill Myself Susie (Dramas) Rocket Man (I Think It’s Gonna Be a Long Time) (4/14/72, 6 BB, 11 CB, 5 GR, 6 HR, 39 AC, 1 CL, 3 UK, 8 CN, 13 AU) G1, VB, TBC, 02, RM, D Salvation Slave Amy Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters (8 CL) TBC Hercules (25 CL) Total Running Time: 45:12 About the Album: This was Elton John’s first of seven consecutive #1 albums in the U.S. It peaked at #2 in the UK. In addition to the album’s two top-10 hits, it also produced the album cut “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters.” AllMusic.com review by Stephen Thomas Erlewine: “Considerably lighter than Madman Across the Water, Honky Chateau is a rollicking collection of ballads, rockers, blues, country-rock, and soul songs. On paper, it reads like an eclectic mess, but it plays as the most focused and accomplished set of songs Elton John and Bernie Taupin ever wrote. The skittering boogie of Honky Cat and the light psychedelic pop of Rocket Man helped send Honky Chateau to the top of the charts.” “What is truly impressive about the album is the depth of its material. From the surprisingly cynical and nasty I Think I’m Gonna Kill Myself to the moving ballad Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters, John is at the top of his form, crafting immaculate pop songs with memorable melodies and powerful hooks. While Taupin’s lyrics aren’t much more comprehensible than before, John delivers them with skill and passion, making them feel more substantial than they are. But what makes Honky Chateau a classic is the songcraft, and the way John ties disparate strands of roots music into distinctive and idiosyncratic pop – it’s one of the finest collections of mainstream singer/songwriter pop of the early ‘70s.”

Don’t Shoot Me, I’m Only the Piano Player Elton John

Released: January 22, 1973 Peak: 12 US, 16 UK, 13 CN, 13 AU Sales (in millions): 4.0 US, 0.1 UK, 6.0 world (includes US + UK), 12.5 EAS Genre: pop/classic rock Rating: 3.799 out of 5.00 (average of 18 ratings)

Awards: (Click on award to learn more).

Tracks: Daniel (1/20/73, 2 BB, 2 CB, 2 GR, 2 HR, 1 AC, 1 CL, 4 UK, 1 CN, 7 AU) G1, VB, TBC, LS, 02, RM, D Teacher I Need You (26 CL) Elderberry Wine (10/27/72, 47 CL) YS Blues for My Baby and Me Midnight Creeper Have Mercy on the Criminal I’m Going to Be a Teenage Idol Texan Love Song Crocodile Rock (10/27/72, 1 BB, 1 CB, 1 GR, 1 HR, 11 AC, 1 CL, 5 UK, 1 CN, 2 AU) G1, VB, TBC, 02, RM, D High Flying Bird Whenever You’re Ready (We’ll Go Steady Again) * (7/16/73, B-side of “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting”) TBC Jack Rabbit * (7/16/73, B-side of “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting”) TBC Screw You (Young Man’s Blues) (9/17/73, B-side of “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”) * TBC * added to reissue Total Running Time: 43:05 About the Album: This was Elton’s first album to top the charts in both the U.S. and the UK. It also produced Crocodile Rock, his first U.S. #1. In addition to the two hit singles, the album produced the popular cut “Elderberry Wine.” Amazon.com review by Dan Epstein: “One of the best entries from Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s remarkably successful mid-'70s run, this album still holds up well over a quarter of a century after its release. Even casual fans will recognize Daniel, Elderberry Wine, and Crocodile Rock, but Teacher I Need You, Have Mercy on the Criminal and I’m Going to Be a Teenage Idol are equally good.” “Elton’s backing band at the time (guitarist Davey Johnstone, bassist Dee Murray, and drummer Nigel Olsson) was easily his best, and producer Gus Dudgeon and orchestral arranger Paul Buckmaster bathed the tracks in a warm and enticing glow. The only complaint is that, due to its size, the CD reissue doesn’t remotely do justice to the colorful packaging of the original album.”

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Elton John

Released: October 5, 1973 Peak: 18 US, 12 UK, 15 CN, 13 AU Sales (in millions): 8.0 US, 0.6 UK, 31.0 world (includes US + UK), 32.85 EAS Genre: pop/classic rock Rating: 4.495 out of 5.00 (average of 28 ratings)

Awards: (Click on award to learn more).

Tracks: Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding [11:08] (2 CL) TBC Candle in the Wind (2/4/74, 6 BB, 7 CB, 8 GR, 8 RR, 2 AC, 2 CL, 5 UK, 5 CN, 5 AU) YS, G1, VB, TBC, LS, 02, RM, D Bennie and the Jets (2/4/74, 1 BB, 1 CB, 1 GR, 1 HR, 1 RR, 37 UK, 15 RB, 1 CL, 37 UK, 1 CN, 5 AU) G1, VB, TBC, 02, RM, D Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (9/7/73, 2 BB, 1 CB, 1 GR, 1 HR, 1 RR, 7 AC, 1 CL, 6 UK, 1 CN, 4 AU) G1, VB, TBC, 02, RM, D This Song Has No Title Grey Seal (13 CL) TBC Jamaica Jerk Off I’ve Seen That Movie Too Sweet Painted Lady The Ballad of Danny Bailey (1909-34) Dirty Little Girl All the Girls Love Alice (9 CL) TBC Your Sister Can’t Twist But She Can Rock ‘N’ Roll Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting (7/7/73, 12 BB, 9 CB, 13 GR, 8 HR, 2 CL, 7 UK, 12, CN, 31 AU) G1, VB, TBC, 02, RM, D Roy Rogers Social Disease Harmony (2/4/74, 11 CL) YS, TBC Total Running Time: 76:20 About the Album: The best-selling studio album of Elton’s career is also widely considered his crowning achievement. It was a #1 hit in the U.S. and UK. It gave him his second U.S. #1 song with Bennie and the Jets and Candle in the Wind become one of the biggest hits of all time when Elton performed it with new lyrics in 1997 as a memorial to Princess Diana. Go to the DMDB page for more about this album.

Your Songs Elton John

Recorded: 1970-1973 Released: July 14, 1985 Peak: -- Sales (in millions): 0.5 US, -- UK Genre: pop/classic rock Rating: 3.506 out of 5.00 (average of 8 ratings)

Tracks: (1) Your Song (2) Country Comfort (3) Tiny Dancer (4) Burn Down the Mission (5) Friends (6) Take Me to the Pilot (7) Candle in the Wind (8) Elderberry Wine (9) Razor Face (10) Harmony Tracks Not on Previously Noted Albums: Friends (3/10/71, 34 BB, 17 CB, 26 GR, 23 HR, 17 AC, 24 CL, 13 CN, 96 AU) YS, TBC About the Album: While this collection does repeat a few songs (“Your Song,” “Tiny Dancer,” “Candle in the Wind”) which are featured on Greatest Hits and Greatest Hits Volume II, this still serves as a pretty necessary companion to those compilations because of its inclusion of vital album cuts from Elton’s early years, as well as the top-40 single “Friends.”

Caribou Elton John

Released: June 24, 1974 Peak: 14 US, 12 UK, 12 CN, 110 AU Sales (in millions): 4.0 US, 0.1 UK, 4.5 world (includes US + UK), 11.11 EAS Genre: pop/classic rock Rating: 3.299 out of 5.00 (average of 12 ratings)

Awards: (Click on award to learn more).

Tracks: The Bitch Is Back (9/7/74, 4 BB, 5 CB, 5 GR, 6 HR, 5 RR, 3 CL, 15 UK, 1 CN, 53 AU) G2, VB, TBC, 02, D Pinky Grimsby Dixie Lily Solar Prestige a Gammon You’re So Static I’ve Seen the Saucers Stinker Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (6/1/74, 2 BB, 1 CB, 2 GR, 1 HR, 3 AC, 1 CL, 16 UK, 1 CN, 13 AU) G1, TBC, 02, RM* Ticking Bonus Tracks: Pinball Wizard (3/20/76, 1 GR, 9 RR, 9 CL, 7 UK, 88 AU) G2, VB, TBC, 02***, D Sick City Cold Highway Step into Christmas (12/8/73, 56 CB, 90 HR, 20 CL, 8 UK, 44 AU) TBC, D Total Running Time: 45:15 About the Album: This was Elton’s third consecutive album to top the charts in both the U.S. and UK. The 1973 Christmas single Step into Christmas was not on the original album, but was featured as a bonus track on the 1995 reissue. CdUniverse.com review: “To follow up an album that pretty much couldn't be followed--the flashy and brilliant Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – Elton John hid away in the Caribou Ranch studio outside Denver, Colorado and recorded a certified pop mish-mash. Caribou contains bits of arena-rock corn (Stinker) alongside period-pop pieces that could have passed for showtunes (Dixie Lily), complete goofs (Solar Prestige A Gammon) and the usual magical ballads.” “It’s easy to overlook Caribou when reviewing John’s ‘70s catalog, but to do so is to miss a couple of his greatest singles. Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me, which features a chorus of two Beach Boys and Toni Tenille, is a gospelly ballad completely worthy of those contributions, and the strutting The Bitch Is Back is rock arrogance of the highest order – it became Tina Turner’s signature concert opener.” “Caribou also contains some compelling filler. Among the lesser-known tracks are the lovely ballad Pinky, which seems to be about some sort of secret liaison; I’ve Seen The Saucers, an odd little number about UFOs that happens to feature one of John’s most committed vocal performances; and Ticking, an epic ballad about a mass-murderer.”

Greatest Hits Elton John

Recorded: 1970-1974 Released: November 4, 1974 Peak: 110 US, 111 UK, 113 CN, 15 AU Sales (in millions): 17.0 US, 0.3 UK, 27.0 world (includes US and UK) Genre: pop/classic rock Rating: 4.548 out of 5.00 (average of 24 ratings)

Awards: (Click on award to learn more).

Tracks: (1) Your Song (2) Daniel (3) Honky Cat (4) Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (5) Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting (6) Rocket Man (7) Bennie and the Jets (8) Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (9) Border Song (10) Crocodile Rock Total Running Time: 44:12 About the Album: In 1974, there was no bigger music star than Elton John. His Greatest Hits collection came out at the peak of his career and not only topped the charts in the U.S. – a rarity for a compilation – but stayed there for 10 weeks. It captured many of the songs which still remain highlights today from Your Song to Rocket Man to Crocodile Rock to Bennie and the Jets . On the international version of the album, Candle in the Wind replaced “Bennie and the Jets.” The 1992 reissue on CD included both songs. It did skip over “a couple of lesser hits from this era, most notably ‘Levon’ and ‘Tiny Dancer,’” E1 but added them to Elton’s next greatest hits collection (depending on the version). Both songs are notable omissions from The Very Best of.

Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy Elton John

Released: May 19, 1975 Peak: 16 US, 2 UK, 114 CN, 15 AU Sales (in millions): 7.0 US, 0.1 UK, 7.1 world (includes US + UK), 8.68 EAS Genre: pop/classic rock Rating: 3.819 out of 5.00 (average of 17 ratings)

Awards: (Click on award to learn more).

Tracks: Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (17 CL) Tower of Babel Bitter Fingers Tell Me When the Whistle Blows Someone Saved My Life Tonight (6/23/75, 4 BB, 1 CB, 2 GR, 1 HR, 2 RR, 36 AC, 1 CL, 22 UK, 2 CN, 54 AU) G2, VB, TBC, LS, 02, D Gotta Get a Meal Ticket Better Off Dead Writing We All Fall in Love Sometimes Curtains Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds * (11/23/74, 1 BB, 1 CB, 1 GR, 1 HR, 1 RR, 1 CL, 10 UK, 1 CN, 3 AU) G2, VB, TBC, 02***, RM**, D One Day at a Time * (11/18/74, B-side of “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”) TBC Philadelphia Freedom * (3/7/75, 1 BB, 1 CB, 1 GR, 1 HR, 1 RR, 32 RB, 1 CL, 12 UK, 1 CN, 4 AU) G2, VB, TBC, 02, RM, D * added as bonus tracks on 1995 reissue Total Running Time: 46:32 About the Album: Elton John made history when this album debuted atop the Billboard album chart, the first ever to do so. It reportedly sold 1.4 million copies within the first four days of release. Someone Saved My Life Tonight was the only single featured from the album. AllMusic.com review by Stephen Thomas Erlewine: “Sitting atop the charts in 1975, Elton John and Bernie Taupin recalled their rise to power in Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy, their first explicitly conceptual effort since Tumbleweed Connection. It’s no coincidence that it's their best album since then, showcasing each at the peak of his power, as John crafts supple, elastic, versatile pop and Taupin’s inscrutable wordplay is evocative, even moving.” “What’s best about the record is that it works best of a piece – although it entered the charts at number one, this only had one huge hit in Someone Saved My Life Tonight, which sounds even better here, since it tidily fits into the musical and lyrical themes. And although the musical skill on display here is dazzling, as it bounces between country and hard rock within the same song, this is certainly a grower. The album needs time to reveal its treasures, but once it does, it rivals Tumbleweed in terms of sheer consistency and eclipses it in scope, capturing John and Taupin at a pinnacle. They collapsed in hubris and excess not long afterward – Rock of the Westies, which followed just months later is as scattered as this is focused – but this remains a testament to the strengths of their creative partnership.”

Rock of the Westies Elton John

Released: October 4, 1975 Peak: 14 US, 3 UK, 11 CN, 4 AU Sales (in millions): 4.0 US, 0.1 UK, 4.1 world (includes US + UK), 10.52 EAS Genre: pop/classic rock Rating: 3.368 out of 5.00 (average of 11 ratings)

Awards: (Click on award to learn more).

Tracks: Medley (Yell Help – Wednesday Night – Ugly) Dan Dare (Pilot of the Future) Island Girl (9/29/75, 1 BB, 1 CB, 1 GR, 1 HR, 1 RR, 27 AC, 1 CL, 14 UK, 4 CN, 12 AU) G2, TBC, 02, RM**, D Grow Some Funk of Your Own (1/12/76, 14 BB, 9 CB, 17 HR, 16 RR, 8 CL, 8 CN) G2 I Feel Like a Bullet in the Gun of Robert Ford (1/12/76, B-side of “Grow Some Funk of Your Own,” 14 BB, 18 CB, 17 GR, 17 HR, 16 RR, 23 CL) G2, TBC Street Kids Hard Luck Story Feed Me Billy Bones and the White Bird Don’t Go Breaking My Heart * (with Kiki Dee, 6/21/76, 1 BB, 1 CB, 1 GR, 1 HR, 1 RR, 1 AC, 1 CL, 1 UK, 1 CN, 1 AU) G2, 86, VB, TBC, 02, RM**, D * Bonus track on 1995 reissue Total Running Time: 43:39 About the Album: This was the last of Elton’s #1 U.S. albums. Like its predecessor, it debuted atop the Billboard album chart. It also gave Elton another #1 song in the U.S. with Island Girl. Amazon.com review by Bill Holdship: “Although it was viewed as one of Elton John’s more lightweight efforts upon its 1975 release – possibly because it followed only half a year after the acclaimed Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (and partially because many thought the album was released to fulfill a contractual obligation) – Rock of the Westies appears in retrospect to be his last great rock album. It certainly does rock consistently harder than any other John album, with guitarist Davey Johnstone even getting cowriting credits (with John and Bernie Taupin) on the opening Medley… and Grow Some Funk of Your Own.” “Lyricist Taupin seems to be going off the deep end here at times with titles like Dan Dare (Pilot of the Future) and Billy Bone & the White Bird, but Island Girl was another huge hit for the pair.”

Blue Moves Elton John

Released: October 22, 1976 Peak: 3 US, 3 UK, 5 CN, 8 AU Sales (in millions): 1.0 US, 0.1 UK, 3.0 world (includes US + UK) Genre: pop/classic rock Rating: 2.791 out of 5.00 (average of 6 ratings)

Awards: (Click on award to learn more).

Tracks: Your Started For… Tonight (37 CL) One Horse Town Chameleon Boogie Pilgrim Cage the Songbird Crazy Water (2/4/77, 44 CL, 27 UK) Shoulder Holster Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word (11/1/76, 6 BB, 7 CB, 5 GR, 8 HR, 5 RR, 1 AC, 2 CL, 11 UK, 3 CN, 19 AU) G2, 86, VB, TBC, LS, 02, RM, D Out of the Blue Between Seventeen and Twenty The Wide Eyed and Laughing Someone’s Final Song Where’s the Shoorah? If There’s a God in Heaven What’s He Waiting For? Idol Theme from a Non-Existent TV Series Bite Your Lip (Get Up and Dance) (1/31/77, 28 BB, 42 CB, 29 GR, 41 HR, 27 CL, 28 UK, 51 CN, 72 AU) Total Running Time: 84:49 About the Album: It peaked at #3 in both the U.S. and UK and was a platinum-seller in the U.S., but this was the first “slip” in Elton’s poularity considering it was his first studio album since 1971’s Madman Across the Water to not reach #1. Only Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word is featured on any of the compilations on this page, but “Bite Your Lip (Get Up and Dance!)” and “Crazy Water” were also released as singles. The former reached #28 in the U.S. and UK.

Greatest Hits Volume II Elton John

Recorded: 1971-1977 Released: October 8, 1977 Peak: 21 US, 6 UK, 6 CN, 46 AU Sales (in millions): 5.0 US, -- UK, 7.0 world (includes US and UK) Genre: pop/classic rock Rating: 4.295 out of 5.00 (average of 18 ratings)

Tracks: (1) The Bitch Is Back (2) Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds (3) Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word (4) Don’t Go Breaking My Heart (with Kiki Dee) (5) Someone Saved My Life Tonight (6) Philadelphia Freedom (7) Island Girl (8) Grow Some Funk of Your Own (9) Levon (10) Pinball Wizard Total Running Time: 48:20 About the Album: While it wasn’t nearly as successful as the first volume, this is as chock-full of hits, including non-album #1 singles Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, Philadelphia Freedom, and Don’t Go Breaking My Heart . “Also included is John’s version of Pinball Wizard, taken from the soundtrack to Tommy. In short, it’s an excellent continuation of the first collection, and taken together, they function as an ideal singles retrospective of the most successful singles artist of the early ‘70s.” E2 The track listing above is for the North American edition of the album. The original international version replaced Levon with Bennie and the Jets . The 1992 reissue bumped Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word and “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” in favor of Tiny Dancer and I Feel Like a Bullet in the Gun of Robert Ford.

A Single Man Elton John

Released: October 10, 1978 Peak: 15 US, 8 UK, 12 CN, 8 AU Sales (in millions): 1.0 US, 0.1 UK, 3.0 world (includes US + UK) Genre: pop Rating: 2.566 out of 5.00 (average of 11 ratings)

Tracks: Shine on Through Return to Paradise I Don’t Care Big Dipper I Ain’t Gonna Be Easy Part-Time Love (10/4/78, 22 BB, 13 CB, 21 GR, 23 HR, 25 RR, 40 AC, 22 CL, 15 UK, 13 CN, 12 AU) VB, D Georgia Shooting Star Madness Reverie Song for Guy (11/28/78, 37 AC, 23 CL, 4 UK, 14 AU) VB, TBC, LS, 02**, D Ego * (3/21/78, 34 BB, 22 CB, 35 GR, 32 HR, 25 CL, 34 UK, 21 CN, 40 AU) TBC * bonus track on 1998 reissue Total Running Time: 48:46 About the Album: This was Elton’s first album without lyricist Bernie Taupin. It represented a low point commercially, as it was Elton’s first album to not reach the top 10 in the U.S.

The Thom Bell Sessions Elton John

Released: June 1979 Peak: 51 US, -- UK, -- CN, -- AU Sales (in millions): -- Genre: pop Rating: 3.545 out of 5.00 (average of 6 ratings)

Tracks: Nice and Slow Country Love Song Shine on Through Mama Can’t Buy You Love (6/8/79, 9 BB, 10 CB, 4 GR, 7 HR, 4 RR, 1 AC, 36 RB, 19 CL, 10 CN, 82 AU) G3, 86, TBC, D Are You Ready for Love? (5/31/79, 42 UK, 63 AU; remix: 8/25/03, 1 UK, 31 CN) RM*, D Three Way Love Affair Total Running Time: 34:57 About the Album: Elton chose to work with songwriter and producer Thom Bell for this EP which was recorded in 1977 but not released until 1979. Like his other late ‘70s output, it was not well received, peaking at a mere #51. A remix of Are You Ready for Love? became a #1 hit in the UK in 2003. The original three-song EP consisted of that song, “Three Way Love Affair,” and “Mama Can’t Buy You Love.” In February 1989, it was expanded to the track listing shown above.

Victim of Love Elton John

Released: October 1979 Peak: 35 US, 41 UK, 28 CN, 20 AU Sales (in millions): -- Genre: pop Rating: 2.182 out of 5.00 (average of 6 ratings)

Tracks: Johnny B. Goode (12/79, 41 CL) Warm Love in a Cold World Born Bad Thunder in the Night Spotlight Street Boogie Victim of Love (9/29/79, 31 BB, 38 CB, 34 GR, 57 HR, 55 RB, 29 CL, 46 CN, 38 AU) D Total Running Time: 35:45 About the Album: Once again, Elton John was flying without Bernie Taupin as lyricist – and once again, the American public replied with less enthusiasm. It failed to reach gold status in the U.S. and peaked at a lowly #35.

21 at 33 Elton John

Released: May 13, 1980 Peak: 13 US, 12 UK, 10 CN, 7 AU Sales (in millions): 0.5 US, -- UK, 2.0 world (includes US + UK) Genre: pop Rating: 2.662 out of 5.00 (average of 12 ratings)

Tracks: Chasing the Crown Little Jeannie (5/1/80, 3 BB, 3 CB, 2 GR, 4 HR, 2 RR, 1 AC, 15 CL, 33 UK, 1 CN, 9 AU) G3, 86, TBC, 02*, D Don’t Ya Wanna Play This Game No More? (Sartorial Eloquence) (8/5/80, 39 BB, 58 CB, 33 GR, 58 HR, 45 AC, 28 CL, 44 UK, 57 CN, 91 AU) Two Rooms at the End of the World White Lady White Powder Dear God (11/14/80, 82 AU) Never Gonna Fall in Love Again Take Me Back Give Me the Love Total Running Time: 42:53 About the Album: Elton reunited with Bernie Taupin for some of the tracks on his 21st album at age 33 (hence the name of the album). The album was somewhat a return to form, giving Elton a top-20, gold-selling album propelled by a top 3 hit with Little Jeannie. The album also produced a top-40 hit with “Sartorial Eloquence (Don’t Ya Wanna Play This Game No More)?”

The Fox Elton John

Released: May 20, 1981 Peak: 21 US, 12 UK, 43 CN, 2 AU Sales (in millions): -- US, 0.6 UK Genre: pop Rating: 3.215 out of 5.00 (average of 6 ratings)

Tracks: Breaking Down the Barriers (6/20/81, 36 AR) Heart in the Right Place Just Like Belgium (7/81, --) Nobody Wins (5/8/81, 21 BB, 24 CB, 12 GR, 32 HR, 20 RR, 23 AC, 22 CL, 42 UK, 23 CN, 46 AU) Fascist Faces Carla/Etude TBC Fanfare TBC Chloe (7/25/81, 34 BB, 31 CB, 21 GR, 36 HR, 25 RR, 16 AC, 25 CL, 34 CN) TBC Heels of the Wind Elton’s Song The Fox Total Running Time: 45:48 About the Album: The album reached #12 in the UK and #21 in the U.S. and failed to reach gold status. Three singles were released from the album – “Nobody Wins,” “Just Like Belgium,” and “Chloe” – but none are featured on any of the compilations on this page.

Jump Up! Elton John

Released: April 9, 1982 Peak: 17 US, 13 UK, 19 CN, 3 AU Sales (in millions): 0.5 US, 0.06 UK, 1.5 world (includes US + UK) Genre: pop Rating: 3.149 out of 5.00 (average of 12 ratings)

Tracks: Dear John Spiteful Child Ball & Chain (5/22/82, 14 AR) Legal Boys I Am Your Robot Blue Eyes (3/27/82, 12 BB, 10 CB, 8 GR, 11 RR, 1 AC, 8 UK, 5 CN, 4 AU) G3, 86, VB, TBC, LS, 02**, D Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny) (3/12/82, 13 BB, 12 CB, 6 GR, 48 HR, 9 RR, 18 AC, 51 UK, 8 CN, 63 AU) G3, 86, TBC, D Princess Where Have All the Good Times Gone? All Quiet on the Western Front Total Running Time: 42:31 About the Album: The album reached the top 20 in the U.S. and UK and was a gold-seller, thanks to two top-20 hits in the U.S.

Too Low for Zero Elton John

Released: May 23, 1983 Peak: 25 US, 7 UK, 17 CN, 2 AU Sales (in millions): 1.0 US, 0.3 UK, 4.0 world (includes US + UK), 12.26 EAS Genre: pop Rating: 3.614 out of 5.00 (average of 17 ratings)

Tracks: Cold As Christmas (In the Middle of the Year) (12/10/83, 22 UK) I’m Still Standing (5/7/83, 12 BB, 18 CB, 5 GR, 4 RR, 28 AC, 34 AR, 4 UK, 1 CN, 3 AU) G3, 86, VB, TBC, 02, RM*, D Too Low for Zero (10/83, 52 AU) G3 Religion I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues (4/30/83, 4 BB, 5 CB, 4 GR, 4 RR, 2 AC, 22 AR, 5 UK, 9 CN, 4 AU) G3, 86, VB, TBC, LS, 02, RM*, D Crystal (12/10/83, 33 UK, 12 AU) Kiss the Bride (8/6/83, 25 BB, 31 CB, 13 GR, 13 RR, 20 UK, 37 CN, 25 AU) G3, 86, VB, 02**, D Whipping Boy Saint One More Arrow The Retreat * TBC * bonus track on 1998 reissue Total Running Time: 44:23 About the Album: This was an uptick in Elton’s commercial success, reaching platinum status in the U.S. Surprisingly, it only peaked at #25, but it reached #7 in the UK. Elton was back in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 with I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues and had two more top-40 hits from the album.

Breaking Hearts Elton John

Released: June 18, 1984 Peak: 20 US, 2 UK, 10 CN, 13 AU Sales (in millions): 1.0 US, 0.1 UK, 3.0 world (includes US + UK) Genre: pop Rating: 3.107 out of 5.00 (average of 17 ratings)

Tracks: Restless (7/28/84, 16 AR) Slow Down Georgie (She’s Poison) Who Wears These Shoes? (9/7/84, 16 BB, 23 CB, 9 GR, 10 RR, 11 AC, 18 AR, 50 UK, 36 CN, 76 AU) 86 Breaking Hearts (Ain’t What It Used to Be) (3/2/85, 59 UK) Li’l ‘Frigerator Passengers (8/11/84, 5 UK, 9 AU) VB In Neon (11/30/84, 38 BB, 34 CB, 21 GR, 31 RR, 11 AC, 92 CN) Burning Buildings Did He Shoot Her? Sad Songs Say So Much (5/26/84, 5 BB, 10 CB, 3 GR, 4 RR, 2 AC, 24 AR, 7 UK, 4 CN, 4 AU) G3, 86, VB, TBC, 02, D Total Running Time: 40:43 About the Album: This one met with a similar reception to its predecessor. It reached #20 in the U.S. (where it went platinum) and #2 in the UK. It gave Elton another top-5 hit with Sad Songs Say So Much.

Ice on Fire Elton John

Released: November 4, 1985 Peak: 48 US, 3 UK, 49 CN, 6 AU Sales (in millions): 0.5 US, 0.3 UK, 2.5 world (includes US + UK) Genre: pop Rating: 2.634 out of 5.00 (average of 12 ratings)

Tracks: This Town Cry to Heaven (3/1/86, 47 UK, 86 AU) Soul Glove Nikita (10/12/85, 7 BB, 9 CB, 6 GR, 7 RR, 3 AC, 3 UK, 2 CN, 3 AU) G3, 86, VB, LS, TBC, 02, D Too Young Wrap Her Up (10/26/85, 20 BB, 14 CB, 13 GR, 14 RR, 12 UK, 26 CN, 22 AU) G3, 86 Satellite Tell Me What the Papers Say Candy by the Pound Shoot Down the Moon Total Running Time: 45:41 About the Album: While it gave Elton another top-10 hit in the U.S. with Nikita and a top-20 hit with Wrap Her Up, this album didn’t measure up to its two predecessors. It peaked at #48 in the U.S. and went gold.

Leather Jackets Elton John

Released: October 27, 1986 Peak: 91 US, 24 UK, 38 CN, 4 AU Sales (in millions): -- US, 0.1 UK Genre: pop Rating: 2.263 out of 5.00 (average of 6 ratings)

Tracks: Leather Jackets Hoop of Fire Don’t Trust That Woman Go It Alone Gypsy Heart Slow Rivers (with Cliff Richard) (11/29/86, 44 UK, 82 AU) Heartache All Over the World (10/4/86, 55 BB, 48 CB, 28 GR, 45 UK, 58 CN, 7 AU) G3 Angeline (2/87, --) Memory of Love Paris (3/87, --) I Fall Apart Total Running Time: 45:11 About the Album: This was the lowest charting album of Elton’s career, reaching a measly #91 in the U.S. In the UK, the single “Slow Rivers” paired Elton with England’s superstar Cliff Richard, although the song petered out at #44.

Greatest Hits Volume III Elton John

Recorded: 1979-1986 Released: October 3, 1987 Peak: 84 US, -- UK, 33 CN, -- AU Sales (in millions): 2.0 US, -- UK, 2.5 world (includes US and UK) Genre: classic pop rock Rating: 4.250 out of 5.00 (average of 10 ratings)

Tracks: (1) I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues (2) Mama Can’t Buy You Love (3) Little Jeannie (4) Sad Songs Say So Much (5) I’m Still Standing (6) Empty Garden (7) Heartache All Over the World (8) Too Low for Zero (9) Kiss the Bride (10) Blue Eyes (11) Nikita (12) Wrap Her Up Total Running Time: 56:50 About the Album: The third compilation picked up where Volume II left off. Elton’s hit-making days weren’t behind him, but this showed an artist who was no longer the king of the hill. He didn’t land any songs at #1 during this era, although this collection does still feature five top-10 U.S. hits Little Jeannie, I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues, Sad Songs (Say So Much), and Nikita. III was deleted after MCA purchased Geffen and replaced with Greatest Hits 1976-1986.

Greatest Hits 1976-1986 Elton John

Recorded: 1976-1986 Released: November 3, 1992 Peak: -- US, -- UK, -- CN, -- AU Sales (in millions): 2.0 US, -- UK, 2.0 world (includes US and UK) Genre: classic pop rock Rating: 4.095 out of 5.00 (average of 14 ratings)

Tracks: (1) I’m Still Standing (2) Mama Can’t Buy You Love (3) Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word (4) Little Jeannie (5) Blue Eyes (6) Don’t Go Breaking My Heart (with Kiki Dee) (7) Empty Garden (8) Kiss the Bride (9) I Guess That’s Why They Call it the Blues (10) Who Wears These Shoes? (11) Sad Songs Say So Much (12) Wrap Her Up (with George Michael) (13) Nikita Total Running Time: 58:21 About the Album: Greatest Hits Volume III was deleted after MCA purchased Geffen and replaced with this collection. “Too Low for Zero” and “Heartache All Over the World” were bumped in favor of Who Wears These Shoes?, Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word and Don’t Go Breaking My Heart . The latter two were originally on Greatest Hits Volume II, but omitted from the 1992 reissue.

Reg Strikes Back Elton John

Released: June 20, 1988 Peak: 16 US, 18 UK, 6 CN, 13 AU Sales (in millions): 0.5 US, 0.06 UK, 2.0 world (includes US + UK) Genre: pop Rating: 2.586 out of 5.00 (average of 12 ratings)

Tracks: Town of Plenty (9/3/88, 74 UK, 95 AU) A Word in Spanish (9/17/88, 19 BB, 18 CB, 21 GR, 24 RR, 4 AC, 42 AR, 10 CN) Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters (Part Two) (11/88) I Don’t Wanna Go on with You Like That (6/4/88, 2 BB, 2 CB, 3 GR, 2 RR, 1 AC, 13 AR, 30 UK, 1 CN, 24 AU) VB, TBC, 02*, D Japanese Hands Goodbye Marlon Brando (8/20/88, 22 AR) The Camera Never Lies Heavy Traffic Poor Cow Since God Invented Girls Total Running Time: 42:06 About the Album: Elton was back in the top 20 of the U.S. and UK album charts with this gold-selling album. I Don’t Wanna Go on with You Like That was Elton’s biggest hit since 1976’s “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.” “A Word in Spanish” was also a top 20 hit.

Sleeping with the Past Elton John

Released: August 29, 1989 Peak: 23 US, 15 UK, 23 CN, 2 AU Sales (in millions): 1.0 US, 0.9 UK, 6.0 world (includes US + UK), 9.41 EAS Genre: pop Rating: 2.863 out of 5.00 (average of 17 ratings)

Tracks: Durban Deep Healing Hands (8/26/89, 13 BB, 11 CB, 16 GR, 16 RR, 1 AC, 23 AR, 1 UK, 8 CN, 14 AU) Whispers (10/90, --) Club at the End of the Street (4/21/90, 28 BB, 24 CB, 30 GR, 33 RR, 2 AC, 47 UK, 12 CN, 19 AU) Sleeping with the Past Stone’s Throw from Hurtin’ Sacrifice (11/4/89, 18 BB, 19 CB, 25 GR, 25 RR, 3 AC, 1 UK, 19 CN, 7 AU) VB, TBC, LS, 02, RM, D I Never Knew Her Name Amazes Me Blue Avenue Total Running Time: 47:43 About the Album: This took Elton to the top of the album chart in the UK. It was a platinum seller in the US., but peaked at #23. “Healing Hands” was a #13 hit, but isn’t featured on any of the compilations on this page.

The Very Best of Elton John

Recorded: 1970-1990 Released: November 3, 1990 Peak: -- US, 12 UK, -- CN, 1 AU Sales (in millions): -- US, 2.7 UK, 18.0 world (includes US and UK) Genre: classic pop rock Rating: 4.542 out of 5.00 (average of 14 ratings)

Awards: (Click on award to learn more).

Tracks, Disc 1: (1) Your Song (2) Rocket Man (3) Honky Cat (4) Crocodile Rock (5) Daniel (6) Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (7) Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting (8) Candle in the Wind (9) Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (10) Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds (11) Philadelphia Freedom (12) Someone Saved My Life Tonight (13) Pinball Wizard (14) The Bitch Is Back Tracks, Disc 2: (1) Don’t Go Breaking My Heart (with Kiki Dee) (2) Bennie and the Jets (3) Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word (4) Song for Guy (5) Part-Time Love (6) Blue Eyes (7) I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues (8) I’m Still Standing (9) Kiss the Bride (10) Sad Songs Say So Much (11) Passengers (12) Nikita (13) I Don’t Want to Go on with You Like That (14) Sacrifice (15) Easier to Walk Away (16) You Gotta Love Someone Total Running Time: 2:17:56 Tracks Not on Previously Noted Albums: You Gotta Love Someone (8/31/90, 43 BB, 37 CB, 37 GR, 1 AC, 33 UK, 1 CN, 32 AU) VB, TBC Easier to Walk Away (12/15/90, 63 UK, 59 CN, 57 AU) VB, TBC About the Album: The Very Best of Elton John was a double-CD anthology released in the U.K. that essentially consolidated three previous single disc compilations into one collection. Most represented is Greatest Hits. “Rarely has a greatest-hits collection been as effective,” E1 “Greatest Hits is a nearly flawless collection, offering a perfect introduction to Elton John and providing casual fans with almost all the hits they need.” E1

To Be Continued Elton John

Recorded: 1965-1990 Released: November 8, 1990 Peak: 82 US, -- UK, 21 CN, -- AU Sales (in millions): 2.0 US, -- UK Genre: pop/classic rock Rating: 4.395 out of 5.00 (average of 14 ratings)

Awards: (Click on award to learn more).

Tracks, Disc 1: (1) Come Back Baby (2) Lady Samantha (3) It’s Me That You Need (4) Your Song (demo) (5) Rock and Roll Madonna (6) Bad Side of the Moon (7) Your Song (8) Take Me to the Pilot (9) Border Song (10) Sixty Years On (11) Country Comfort (12) Grey Seal (13) Friends (14) Levon (15) Tiny Dancer (16) Madman Across the Water (17) Honky Cat (18) Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters Tracks, Disc 2: (1) Rocket Man (2) Daniel (3) Crocodile Rock (4) Bennie and the Jets (5) Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (6) All the Girls Love Alice (7) Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding (8) Whenever You’re Ready (We’ll Go Steady Again) (9) Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting (10) Jack Rabbit (11) Harmony (12) Screw You (Young Man’s Blues) (13) Step into Christmas (14) The Bitch Is Back (15) Pinball Wizard (16) Someone Saved My Life Tonight Tracks, Disc 3: (1) Philadelphia Freedom (2) One Day at a Time (3) Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds (4) I Saw Her Standing There (live with John Lennon) (5) Island Girl (6) Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word (7) Don’t Go Breaking My Heart (with Kiki Dee) (8) I Feel Like a Bullet in the Gun of Robert Ford (live) (9) Ego (10) Song for Guy (11) Mama Can’t Buy You Love (12) Cartier (13) Little Jeannie (14) Donner Pour Donner (with France Gall) (15) Fanfare/Chloe (16) The Retreat (17) Blue Eyes Tracks, Disc 4: (1) Empty Garden (2) I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues (3) I’m Still Standing (4) Sad Songs Say So Much (5) Act of War (with Millie Jackson) (6) Nikita (7) Candle in the Wind (live) (8) Carla/Etude (live) (9) Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (live) (10) I Don’t Want to Go on with You Like That (11) Give Peace a Chance (12) Sacrifice (13) Made for Me (14) You Gotta Love Someone (15) I Swear I Heard the Night Talkin’ (16) Easier to Walk Away Total Running Time: 5:01:20 Tracks Not on Previously Noted Albums: Come Back Baby (7/23/65, --) TBC I Saw Her Standing There (live with John Lennon) (recorded live 11/28/74, released 2/24/75 as B-side of “Philadelphia Freedom”) TBC Cartier (8/5/80, B-side of “Sartorial Eloquence”) TBC Donner Pour Donner (with France Gall) (1980 single) TBC Act of War (with Millie Jackson) (6/15/85, 32 UK, 94 CN, 50 AU) TBC Give Peace a Chance (4/21/90, B-side of “Club at the End of the Street”) TBC Made for Me (11/8/90 album cut) TBC I Swear I Heard the Night Talkin’ (11/8/90 album cut) TBC About the Album: In the UK, the two-disc, career-spanning retrospective The Very Best of was released instead of this four-disc box set. It was eventually released in the UK in November 1991 with “You Gotta Love Someone” and “I Swear I Heard the Night Talkin’” replaced by “Suit of Wolves” (later the B-side for “The One”) and “Understanding Women” (later featured on the 1992 album The One.

The One Elton John

Released: June 22, 1992 Peak: 8 US, 2 UK, 7 CN, 2 AU Sales (in millions): 2.0 US, 0.1 UK, 6.0 world (includes US + UK) Genre: pop/adult contemporary Rating: 2.986 out of 5.00 (average of 18 ratings)

Tracks: Simple Life (2/6/93, 30 BB, 18 CB, 3 GR, 11 RR, 1 AC, 44 UK, 3 CN) The One (5/25/92, 9 BB, 7 CB, 1 GR, 3 RR, 1 AC, 10 UK, 1 CN, 15 AU) LS, 02, D Sweat It Out Runaway Train (with Eric Clapton) (7/20/92, 10 AR, 31 UK, 53 AU) Whitewash County The North When a Woman Doesn’t Want You Emily On Dark Street Understanding Women The Last Song (10/26/92, 23 BB, 20 CB, 10 GR, 18 RR, 2 AC, 21 UK, 7 CN, 32 AU) Total Running Time: 58:05 About the Album: This was Elton’s first top-10 U.S. album since 1976’s Blue Moves. The title cut also reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was followed by two more top-30 hits with “The Last Song” and “Simple Life.”

Duets Elton John with various artists

Released: November 23, 1993 Peak: 25 US, 5 UK, 14 CN, 12 AU Sales (in millions): 1.0 US, 0.3 UK, 4.0 world (includes US + UK) Genre: pop/adult contemporary Rating: 2.722 out of 5.00 (average of 16 ratings)

Tracks: Teardrops (with k.d. lang) When I Think About Love I Think About You (with P.M. Dawn) The Power (with Little Richard) Shakey Ground (with Don Henley) True Love (with Kiki Dee, 11/8/93, 56 BB, 58 CB, 28 GR, 32 RR, 21 AC, 2 UK, 12 CN, 34 AU) LS, 02***, D If You Were Me (with Chris Rea) A Woman’s Needs (with Tammy Wynette) Old Friend (with Nik Kershaw) Go On and On (with Gladys Knight) Don’t Go Breaking My Heart (with RuPaul) (2/14/94, 92 BB, 7 UK, 45 AU) Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing (with Marcella Detroit) (5/2/94, 24 UK) I’m Your Puppet (with Paul Young) Love Letters (with Bonnie Raitt) Born to Lose (with Leonard Cohen) Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (live with George Michael, 11/30/91, 1 BB, 1 CB, 1 GR, 2 RR, 1 AC, 1 UK, 1 CN, 3 AU) LS, 02***, RM**, D Duets for One Total Running Time: 74:39 About the Album: This album paired Elton with multiple guest artists including Leonard Cohen, Don Henley, Little Richard, George Michael, Bonnie Raitt, and Tammy Wynette. It was a platinum seller in the U.S. and reached #5 in the UK.

The Lion King (soundtrack) Elton John/Tim Rice (composers)

Released: May 30, 1994 Peak: 110 US, 4 UK, 15 CN, 3 AU Sales (in millions): 11.0 US, 0.3 UK, 17.4 world (includes US + UK) Genre: pop/adult contemporary Rating: 3.803 out of 5.00 (average of 15 ratings)

Awards: (Click on award to learn more).

Tracks: The Circle of Life (CARMEN TWILLIE) I Just Can’t Wait to Be King (JASON WEAVER) Be Prepared (JEREMY IRONS) Hakuna Matata (NATHAN LANE/ ERNIE SABELLA/ JOSEPH WILLIAMS) Can You Feel the Love Tonight? (JOSEPH WILLIAMS/ SALLY DWORSKY) This Land (HANS ZIMMER) To Die For (HANS ZIMMER) Under the Stars (HANS ZIMMER) King of Pride Rock (HANS ZIMMER) The Circle of Life (ELTON JOHN) (8/9/94, 18 BB, 15 BA, 25 CB, 10 GR, 16 RR, 2 AC, 11 UK, 3 CN, 60 AU) LS, 02, D I Just Can’t Wait to Be King (ELTON JOHN) Can You Feel the Love Tonight? (ELTON JOHN) (5/2/94, 4 BB, 2 BA, 4 CB, 1 GR, 3 RR, 1 AC, 14 UK, 1 CN 9 AU) LS, 02, RM**, D Total Running Time: 46:40 About the Album: Elton John teamed up with Tim Rice to write the songs for Disney’s Lion King movie. It became the best-selling soundtrack to an animated film in the U.S., reaching diamond status. Go to the DMDB page for more about this album.

Made in England Elton John

Released: March 20, 1995 Peak: 13 US, 3 UK, 3 CN, 6 AU Sales (in millions): 1.0 US, 0.1 UK, 4.0 world (includes US + UK) Genre: pop/adult contemporary Rating: 2.828 out of 5.00 (average of 12 ratings)

Tracks: Believe (2/20/95, 13 BB, 11 CB, 7 GR, 12 RR, 1 AC, 15 UK, 1 CN, 23 AU) LS, 02, D Made in England (5/8/95, 52 BB, 58 CB, 20 GR, 33 RR, 12 AC, 18 UK, 5 CN, 48 AU) 02** House Cold Pain Belfast Latitude Please (1/22/96, 33 UK, 27 CN) LS Man Lies Blessed (10/21/95, 34 BB, 46 CB, 46 RR, 2 AC, 6 A40, 34 UK, 3 CN, 86 AU) LS, 02* Total Running Time: 52:34 About the Album: This was another platinum seller in the U.S., where it reached #13. It hit #3 in the UK.

Love Songs Elton John

Recorded: 1970-1996 Released: September 24, 1996 Peak: 24 US, 4 UK, 12 CN, 7 AU Sales (in millions): 3.0 US, 0.9 UK, 12.1 world (includes US and UK) Genre: pop/adult contemporary Rating: 4.259 out of 5.00 (average of 15 ratings)

Tracks (European version): (1) Sacrifice (2) Candle in the Wind (3) I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues * (4) Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (live with George Michael) (5) Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word (6) Blue Eyes (7) Daniel (8) Nikita * (9) Your Song (10) The One (11) Someone Saved My Life Tonight (12) True Love (with Kiki Dee) * (13) Can You Feel the Love Tonight (14) Circle of Life (15) Blessed (16) Please * (17) Song for Guy * * unique to European version Tracks (North American version): (1) Can You Feel the Love Tonight (2) The One (3) Sacrifice (4) Daniel (5) Someone Saved My Life Tonight (6) Your Song (7) Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (live with George Michael) (8) Believe ** (9) Blue Eyes (10) Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word (11) Blessed (12) Candle in the Wind (live) (13) You Can Make History Young Again ** (14) No Valentines ** (15) Circle of Life ** unique to North American version Total Running Time: 70:50 (European version), 70:51 (North American version) Tracks Not on Previously Noted Albums: You Can Make History Young Again (9/28/96, 70 BB, 4 AC, 33 A40, 19 CN) LS No Valentines LS About the Album: The European and North American versions of this album shared a dozen tracks. The North American version featured two new songs (“You Can Make History Young Again” and “No Valentines”) and a live version of “Candle in the Wind.”

The Big Picture Elton John

Released: September 22, 1997 Peak: 9 US, 3 UK, 14 CN, 5 AU Sales (in millions): 1.0 US, 0.3 UK, 4.0 world (includes US + UK) Genre: pop/adult contemporary Rating: 2.890 out of 5.00 (average of 12 ratings)

Tracks: Long Way from Happiness Live Like Horses (with Luciano Pavarotti, 12/2/96, 9 UK) 02***, D The End Will Come If the River Can Bend (6/11/98, 32 UK) Love’s Got a Lot to Answer For Something About the Way You Look Tonight (9/6/97, 1 AC, 12 A40, 1 UK, 14 CN, 32 AU) 02, D The Big Picture Recover Your Soul (2/2/98, 5 AC, 16 UK, 39 CN, 92 AU) January I Can’t Steer My Heart Clear of You Wicked Dreams Total Running Time: 52:08 About the Album: While not featured on the album, Elton’s reworked version of “Candle in the Wind” had much to do with his success in 1997. His tribute to Lady Diana became one of the biggest singles of all-time, which aided Something About the Way You Look Tonight since it was the flip side. The album was a top ten hit in the UK and U.S., where it went platinum.

Aida (cast album) Elton John/Tim Rice (composers)

Released: March 23, 1999 Peak: 41 US, 29 UK, -- CN, -- AU Sales (in millions): 0.5 US, -- UK, 0.75 world (includes US + UK) Genre: show tunes Rating: 3.230 out of 5.00 (average of 10 ratings)

Awards: (Click on award to learn more).

Tracks: Another Pyramid (with Sting) Written in the Stars (with LeAnn Rimes, 1/16/99, 29 BB, 2 AC, 36 A40, 10 UK, 35 CN, 85 AU) 02, D Easy as Life (with Tina Turner & Angelique Kidjo) My Strongest Suit (with Spice Girls) I Know the Truth (with Janet Jackson) Not Me (with Boyz II Men) Amneris’ Letter (with Shania Twain) A Step Too Far (with Heather Headley & Sherie Scott) (6/12/99, 15 AC) Like Father Like Son (with Lenny Kravitz) Elaborate Lives (with Heather Headley) How I Know You (with James Taylor) The Messenger (with Lulu) The Gods Love Nubia (with Kelly Price) Enchantment Passing Through (with Dru Hill) Orchestral Finale Total Running Time: 65:16 About the Album: Elton teamed again with Tim Rice to write the Broadway show Aida. This album preceded the show, pairing Elton with a variety of stars, including Boyz II Men, Janet Jackson, Lenny Kravitz, Spice Girls, Sting, James Taylor, Tina Turner, and Shania Twain.

The Road to El Dorado (soundtrack) Elton John/Tim Rice (composers)

Released: March 31, 2000 Peak: 63 US, -- UK, -- CN, -- AU Sales (in millions): -- Genre: pop/adult contemporary Rating: 2.503 out of 5.00 (average of 9 ratings)

Tracks: El Dorado Someday Out of the Blue (3/4/00, 49 BB, 5 AC, 36 A40) Without Question Friends Never Say Goodbye (9/9/00, 21 AC) The Trail We Blaze 16th Century Man The Panic in Me It’s Tough to Be a God (with Randy Newman) Trust Me My Heart Dances Queen of Cities Cheldorado (instrumental) The Brig (instrumental) Wonders of the New World (instrumental) Total Running Time: -- About the Album: This was another soundtrack for an animated film. Once again, Elton John collaborated with Tim Rice, although some tracks also included lyricist Patrick Leonard and composer Hans Zimmer. With the exception of the instrumentals, the songs were performed by Elton.

Songs from the West Coast Elton John

Released: October 2, 2001 Peak: 15 US, 2 UK, 9 CN, 7 AU Sales (in millions): 0.5 US, 0.6 UK, 2.5 world (includes US + UK) Genre: pop/adult contemporary Rating: 3.129 out of 5.00 (average of 15 ratings)

Tracks: The Emperor’s New Clothes Dark Diamond Look Ma, No Hands American Triangle Original Sin (4/1/02, 18 AC, 39 UK, 54 AU) Birds I Want Love (10/1/01, 6 AC, 28 A40, 9 UK, 7 CN, 63 AU) 02, RM*, D The Wasteland Ballad of the Boy in the Red Shoes Love Her Like Me Mansfield This Train Don’t Stop There Anymore (1/1/02, 24 UK, 10 AC) 02, D Your Song * (with Alessandro Safina, 7/1/02, 4 UK, 8 CN) 02*** bonus track added to 2002 reissue Total Running Time: 54:06 About the Album: After three projects for film or stage (The Muse, Aida, and The Road to El Dorado) this was a return to a conventional studio album. It was a gold-selling, top-20 album in the U.S. It peaked at #2 in the UK.

Greatest Hits 1970-2002 Elton John

Recorded: 1970-2002 Released: November 12, 2002 Peak: 12 US, 3 UK, 18 CN, 19 AU Sales (in millions): 5.0 US, 1.2 UK, 8.2 world (includes US and UK) Genre: classic pop rock Rating: 4.577 out of 5.00 (average of 17 ratings)

Awards: (Click on award to learn more).

Tracks, Disc 1: (1) Your Song (2) Tiny Dancer (3) Honky Cat (4) Rocket Man (5) Crocodile Rock (6) Daniel (7) Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting (8) Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (9) Candle in the Wind (10) Bennie and the Jets (11) Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (12) The Bitch Is Back (13) Philadelphia Freedom (14) Someone Saved My Life Tonight (15) Island Girl (16) Don’t Go Breaking My Heart (with Kiki Dee) (17) Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word Tracks, Disc 2: (1) Blue Eyes (2) I’m Still Standing (3) I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues (4) Sad Songs Say So Much (5) Nikita (6) Sacrifice (7) The One (8) Kiss the Bride (9) Can You Feel the Love Tonight (10) Circle of Life (11) Believe (12) Made in England (13) Something About the Way You Look Tonight (14) Written in the Stars (with LeAnn Rimes) (15) I Want Love (16) This Train Don’t Stop There Anymore (17) Song for Guy Tracks, Disc 3: (1) Levon (2) Border Song (3) Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds (4) Pinball Wizard (5) True Love (with Kiki Dee) (6) Live Like Horses (with Luciano Pavarotti) (7) I Don’t Want to Go on with You Like That (8) Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (live with George Michael) (9) Your Song (with Alessandro Safina) Total Running Time: 2:36:46 About the Album: The collection was released in various reiterations. The above track listing is for the European release. Songs marked with an * were not included on the 2-disc European version of this album, which substituted those marked with **. Songs marked with *** were included on a third bonus disc, as well as “Levon” and “I Don’t Want to Go on with You Like That,” which were on the original 2-disc American version.

Resources and Related Links: DMDB Encyclopedia entry for Elton John Dave’s Music Database: Acts’ Profile Pages and Best-of Lists E1 All Music Guide review by Stephen Thomas Erlewine of Greatest Hits E2 All Music Guide review by Stephen Thomas Erlewine of Greatest Hits Vol. 2 E3 All Music Guide review by Stephen Thomas Erlewine of Greatest Hits Vol. 3 First posted 2/1/2011; last updated 9/23/2024.