Elton John has been part of my life for a very long time. Around Christmas time 1974 my dad ordered Elton John's Greatest Hits from Columbia House on 8-track. That 8-track had all the greats on it. We especially liked "Honky Cat" and "Crocodile Rock," because those songs got the family groovin'. I especially enjoyed singing along to "Daniel," that one seemed especially easy for me to sing.
I grew up with Elton John. I was 14 when we got that 8-track and ever since I have been an EJ fan.
25. Little Jeannie (1980)
Parent Album: 21 at 33
"Little Jeannie" was Elton's first song to make it into the US Top 3 since 1976's 'Don't Go Breaking My Heart." But, this ended up not being a solid comeback, as it was another two years before Elton would have another sizeable hit, that being 1982's "Blue Eyes." Gary Osborne co-wrote both songs with Elton.
The most appealing aspects of the song are the nice mid-tempo rhythm which played well on the dance and a great horn section. But the song's highlight definitely has to be the jazz filled sax solo by Jim Horn.
24. Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting" (1973)
Parent Album: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Elton really hit the piano with this song. His aggressive rapid-fire style gave the song a rock and roll energy that stood out amongst his other hits of the time. I always felt "Crocodile Rock" and "Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting" complimented each other well.
23. Candle in the Wind 1997 (1997)
Parent Album: Non-Album Single
Though, I far prefer the original 1973 recording of this song, this version has a special place in my heart. The song a tribute to "England's Rose," Princess Diana, hit the heart and soul of the world.
Upon it's release the song shot to number one around the world remaining in the top spot for multiple weeks - in the US 14 weeks, in the UK 5 weeks, Australia 6 weeks. In Canada the song spent 46 non-consecutive werks at #1.
In the Guinness World Records book, the song is listed as the second best-selling single worldwide off all-time with 33 million copies sold.
22. Grey Seal (1973)
21. Mama Can't Buy You Love (1979)
Parent Album: The Thom Bell Sessions
If I would have been asked, before I made this list, if "Mama Can't Buy You Love," was one of my all-time favorite Elton John songs, I probably would have said no. But as I put this list together and listened to his songs, read the lyrics, studied the backstories and so forth, "Mama Can't Buy You Love," really stood out as one of Elton John's best.
"Mama Can't Buy You Love" was a big departure for Elton John. From the EP "The Thom Bell Sessions," his first work away from regular producer Gus Dudgeon. Thom Bell had previously worked with R&B artists such as The Stylistics and The Spinners. Bell brought an R&B flair to Elton's music and in the case of "Mama Can't Buy You Love" added a light disco rhythm to the mix. The song was a legitimate hit reaching #9 in the US and #10 in Canada. It also made it to #30 on the US Hot Soul singles charts. But this was not his first song on the soul charts, "Bennie and the Jets" (1973) and "Philadelphia Freedom" (1975) both made on the Hot Soul chart reaching #15 and #32 respectively. The Spinners singing the background singers helped the song move up the R&B/Soul charts.
20. Tiny Dancer (1971)
Parent Album: Madman Across The Water
"Tiny Dancer" is an early Elton John classic. It was his 5th song to appear on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles, it just missed the top 40 by a fraction of an onch reaching #41. Despite only reaching #41 in the U.S. the single has been certified triple Platinum by the RIAA. In the UK the song peaked at #70 in 2015 and has been certified Platinum by the BPI.
Interestingly Nigel Olsson appears on the song, but not as the drummer, he's credited as a background singer. It wasn't until the 1972 album, "Honky Chateau" that Nigel became Elton's official drummer.
Bernie Taupin states that he wrote the lyric of "Tiny Dancer" about Maxine Feibelmann, who was his girlfriend at the time. She was a ballerina and travelled with the band on their early tours.
19. Song For Guy (1978)
Parent Album: A Single Man
I would have to say of any Elton John single this is the one I played the most at the time of its release. I would play that little 7" single over and over listening in the headphones. Elton's piano was mesmerizing. The song is mostly an instrumental, but it was that haunting vocal at the end that really got me, "life isn't everything, isn't everything, isn't everything." I would sing that line over and over.
Elton wrote and recorded this song on Sunday afternoon, August 18, 1978. He had imagined himself floating in space and looking down on his own body. Elton was obsessed with these thoughts and wrote this song about death. The very next day he learned that Guy Burchett, a 17 year old messenger for Elton's label, Rocket Records, had been killed that very afternoon in a motorcycle accident. Guy died when Elton was writing this song.
18. Looking Up (2016)
Parent Album: Wonderful Crazy Night
Right away when I heard this song I loved it. I hadn't loved an Elton John song this much since "I Want Love" in 2001.
When recording the album, "Wonderful Crazy Night," Elton said, he wanted to record a joyous album. He even wanted the slow songs to be joyous. Elton succeeded in putting together a joyous album.
Right from the opening bass snd guitar chords "Looking Up" dances with a joyful rhythm that lights a spark even on a dark day. Elton's keyboard parts are bouncy and uplifting and his voice has a renewed energy and joy we haven't heard in a long time. This would be a fantastic song to motivate you while doing a cardio workout.
17. Your Song (1970)
Parent Album: Elton John
"Border Song" was Elton's debut appearance onto the US singles chart reaching #92 on Billboard's Hot 100, it was the classic "Your Song," that established Elton in the US and around the world. It was Elton's first song to make it onto the Adult Contemporary chart reaching #8.
It's interesting to know that "Your Song" was initially released as the b-side to "Take Me To The Pilot," but it was "Your Song" that disc jockeys preferred and the song began xlimbing the charts making it US #9. The song also made it to #3 in Canada, #3 in Netherland, #7 in the UK and charted well through out the world.
16. Harmony (1973)
Parent Album: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
"Harmony" was considered for release as a fourth single from "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road." It would have followed " Bennie and the Jets," but it would have been too close to release of the next album, "Caribou," so the record company nixed the idea. However the song was used as the B-Side of "Bennie & The Jets" in the US and in the UK as the B-Side of "Pinball Wizard."
I have always felt MCA should have taken the chance and they should have released "Harmony" between "Bennie & The Jets and "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me." Elton John's popularity was riding high at that moment and he could have had three Top 3 hits with in that four month span.
15. Honky Cat (1972)
Parent Album: Honky Château
In our household "Honky Cat" and "Crocodile Rock" went hand in hand. They were both fun upbeat songs and both songs had a name an animal in the title (though neither song was about an animal).
"Honky Cat" had a great boogie woogie rhythm with a great horn section. Davey Johnstone, generally the band's guitarist, played the banjo and he nailed it adding a dixieland verve to an already lively song. But best of all; Elton's saloon style acoustic piano blended with a modern sounding electric piano, an effect that gave the song a sound that glittered and rocked at the same time. Let's not forget those vocals, Elton knocked out the park with an energetic blues filled rock lead vocal that hoist him to the top of the charts and an incomparable respect from music critics.
14. Crocodile Rock (1972)
Parent Album: Don't Shoot Me I'm Only The Piano Player
This was the family favorite from that old 8-track tape. "Crocodile Rock" would come on and the entire family perked up and sang along.
This was one of Bernie Taupin's most clever lyrics, talking about a fictional dance called the Crocodile Rock. I like how Taupin referenced Bill Haley's "Rock Around The Clock," in the lyric; "While the other kids were rocking 'round the clock. We were hopping and bopping to the Crocodile Rock, well."
13. Island Girl (1975)
Parent Album: Rock of the Westies
"Island Girl" was one of my favorite songs of 1975. As a matter of fact it's easy to say that Elton John was my favorite male vocalist of the year. Now for the decade of the 70s, its a toss-up between Elton John, Paul McCartney, and Stevie Wonder.
"Island Girl" is one of my favorites due to its rhythm and catchy pop hooks. The song has such a natural perfect pop flow to it and Elton's dynamic lead vocal sets the song on fire.
12. I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues (1983)
Parent Album: Too Low For Zero
Elton John was pretty amazing. Here it was 1983, some would say seven years past his prime and he was still churning a consistent line of hits throughout the entire decade of the 1980s.
"I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues," is a classic love song of the highest grade. It was one of Elton's biggest hits of the decade reaching #1 in Zimbabwe, #4 in Australia, South Africa and the US, #5 in the UK, #9 in Canada and in the Top 20 in several other countries around the world. The song did especially well on the Adult Contemporary charts reach #1 AC in Canada and #2 AC in the US.
There's a lot to love about this song; the fine musicianship, the well crafted lyrics, Elton's superb vocals, and the highlight of highlights - Stevie Wonder's sublime harmonica - boy do I ever love Stevie Wonder.
9. Candle in the Wind (1973)
Parent Album: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
This song was a classic long before it became Princess Diana's song. Originally "Candle In The Wind" was written in tribute to Marilyn Monroe, the opening line, "Goodbye Norma Jean," refers to her birth name.
The original version of this melodic, soul-stirring ballad was never released as a single in the US, instead "Bennie and the Jets" was released. I have always been of the belief that "Candle in the Wind" would have soared to the top of the charts had it been released in the US. The song was a single in the UK where it reached #11.
8. I Feel Like A Bullet (In The Gun Of Robert Ford)(1975)
7. Rocket Man (1972)
Parent Album: Honky Château
Does Elton John have a signature song? It's hard to pinpoint it to one song, because he has so many classic tunes, any of which could be considered his signature. But, if we were to narrow it down to one "Rocket Man" would be it.
"Rocket Man" has been used in other media quie a bit over the years and most recently the title of the biopic on Elton John's life.
One connection, to this song, I've always found interesting is that producer Gus Dudgeon also produced David Bowie's " Space Oddity." In "Rocket Man," Bernie Taupin wrote the lyrics, "I miss the Earth so much I miss my wife." In "Space Oddity," Bowie sings, "Tell my wife I love her very much she knows." Finally while performing "Space Oddity" live, Bowie would sometimes call out, “Oh, Rocket Man!"
6. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973)
Parent Album: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
"Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" is a classic amongst classics on so many levels including Bernie Taupin's lyrics, Del Newman's orchestral arrangement, and Elton John's lead vocals.
"Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" is one of Bernie Taupin's most symbolic lyrics. He it uses the symbolism of "the yellow brick road," which conjurs images of Dorothy and Toto leaving their small farm in Kansas and landing on this wonderful, magical yellow brick road which, when you reach the end, promises that your every wish will come true. Yet, Bernie Taupin's "yellow brick road" ends up in a darker place. In this song Bernie realizes the road to fame and fortune (as a rock star) is not as glamorous as he thought. There are record execs, charting out every move you make - you become their rock and roll slave. They buy you a penthouse apartment in every big city and they think they own you. Taupin likens the "big-wig" execs to worthless moungrels (dogs) who are waiting for the tidbits - the scraps that fall off his table so they can get rich off his talent. Taupin learned from the school od hard knocks that maybe that simple life ploughing the fields on the farm wasn't so bad afterall.
The sweeping strings arrangement, created by Del Newman, encapsulates both an orchestral sound bringing forth a deep beauty which sweeps over the listener and enough swirling movement which brings out a psychedelia aspect of the music.
Than there's Elton John's vocals. Arguably, this is one of Elton's best vocal performances of his career. His voice blends beautifully with the orchestration and he sings with comfort and ease. He sings these lyrics as if he wrote them himself - he lives the words with his voice. I'm not certain how their songwriting process went, but it seems Bernie often kept Elton in mind while writing the lyrics.
5. Pinball Wizard (1974)
Parent Album: Tommy (Soundtrack)
Elton John does not do many covers but when he does he doesn't just cover a song, he turns it into an event of brilliance and makes the song his own. This is exactly what Elton and his troop did with The Who's "Pinball Wizard."
"Pinball Wizard," was written by Pete Townshend for The Who's rock opera "Tommy." Elton John's recording of the song appeared in the 1975 film adaptation. Elton had been approached by the films producer to play the part of the pinball champion of the workd in seven foot high boots known as The Pinball Wizard, but he turned down the offer. But the film's producers, Robert Stigwood and Ken Russell held out for Elton. Eventually Ken Russell persuaded Elton to play the part. Part of the deal was that Elton could keep the gigantic Doc Martens he wore in the film. The role of The Pinball Wizard seemed tailor made for Elton - all the way from the funky sunglasses to the flamboyant costume - this was not a far stretch from what we were used to seeing from Elton.
While the other songs on the Tommy soundtrack featured members from The Who, Elton John brought his own team in order to create his own unique version of the song. He brought in his producer Gus Dudgeon and his band featuring Davey Johnstone, Dee Murray, Ray Cooper and Nigel Olsson and they put together a masterpiece in four hours. Elton put his easily recognizable piano style in place of Pete Townshend's original lead acoustic guitar lines, while Johnstone contributed electrifying lead guitar. Elton put more energy and life into this vocal than on his own songs. He may have been over-compensating because the bar was set high by The Who's original masterwork. The over-compensation paid off as Elton and band made the song a classic all over again and then some.
4. Bennie and the Jets (1973)
Parent Album: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
For a while I ran around calling this one my favorite Elton John song. I don't know if it was the mention of "mohair boots" or Elton John big sounding keyboard parts - whatever it was - I fell in love with this song and have kept on loving it ever since.
The interesting thing about this song is that black radio stations latched on to the song and began playing it fairly heavily. The song even made to #15 on the US R&B chart.
3. Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds (1974)
Parent Album: Non-Album Single
I love The Beatles and I love Elton John and I love this song. I could say that I love both versions of this song evenly. But if I were to be honest about it - it is Elton John's version that has my heart. Sacrilege... I know!!! It's a Beatles song, but I like Elton John's cover better.
There's plenty here to love. But let's dig a little into the song's history. The song was written by John Lennon for The Beatles' classic album "Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," which was released in 1967. Lennon’s son Julian (Too Late For Goodbye) brought home a drawing of his classmate Lucy O'Donnell, Lennon saw that it was titled “Lucy – in the sky with diamonds.” Lennon thought that was beautiful and quickly wrote a song based on it. Lennon stated he used a lot of imagery from Alice in Wonderland for the lyrics. So, wait is John Lennon trying to tell us he wrote a children's song?
Anyhow, eight short years later Elton John covers the song and takes it to #1. Elton called on John Lennon to help with the song. You can hear Lennon's backing and harmony vocals and his trippy guitar work. Lennon was credited on the album as Dr. Winston O'Boogie. Putting all this star power aside let's not forget the players in Elton's band. Davey Johnstone puts in a stellar performance with his electric guitar and Nigel Olsson give us some big booming drum patterns. One of the most unusual or maybe unique aspects of the song is Elton's star-gazed harpsichord. Oh and did I mention there's even a brief reggae break in the song?
2. Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me (1974)
Parent Album: Caribou
One of the main things that attracts me to Elton John's music is Bernie Taupin's lyrics. Taupin finds unique ways to craft his phrases. Instead of simply saying "I love you," Taupin makes a statement like "don't discard me," one of the songs best lyrics.
Del Newman, who composed the orchestral arrangement for "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," is back again. This time Newman provides a hot and thick horn arrangement which comes to life toward the end with the Tower of Power horn section lending an understated funk and jazz offering.
Now let's touch on those vocals. Elton John has long been a fan of The Beach Boys' free flowing vocal harmonies. The Beach Boys happened to be recording at Caribou Ranch Studios in Colorado providing harmony vocals for Chicago's "Wishin' You Were There" amongst other projects. At this point Elton was recording his album "Caribou," cleverly named after the studio. Elton invited Carl Wilson and Bruce Johnston (of The Beach Boys) record backing vocals on "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me." Toni Tennille (The Captain & Tennille) can also be heard in the backing vocals. Bruce Johnston was also employeed to construct the vocal arrangement with which Daryl Dragon (the Captain of Captain & Tenille) gave an assist. Daryl Dragon had been a keyboard player with The Beach Boys from 1967 to 1972.
As always Elton delivered one of his finest vocals with an effortless ease powerful range of dynamic.
1. Philadelphia Freedom (1975)
Parent Album: Non-Album Single
Elton John admitted that "Philadelphia Freedom" was one of the few songs he wrote specifically to be a hit. And what a hit it was. The song raced to #1 in the US and stayed there for two weeks and remained on the chart for 21 weeks (near five months). It was also #1 in Canada, and a huge hit in Australia and New Zealand. The song broke musical barriers by making it to #34 on the US R&B chart. This was Elton's second of 4 hits on that particular chart.
Elton's inspiration for the song was tennis champ Billie Jean King. She and Elton became friends in the 1970s. During that time King had a World Tennis Team named Philadelphia Freedoms.
Elton gave the title "Philadelphia Freedom" to lyricist Bernie Taupin and asked him to write a song around it. Taupin, who was not obliged to write a lyric about Billie Jean King, instead wrote about a dedication to the City of Botherly/Sisterly Love and living easy.
With lyrics such as "shine the light," the uplifting musical arrangement and Elton's energetic and enthusiastic lead vocal, "Philadelphia Freedom" gives a feeling of excitement and inspiration. This was one of the most bouyant and confident songs of 1975. Definitely fits into the feel-good category.
Parent Album: 21 at 33
"Little Jeannie" was Elton's first song to make it into the US Top 3 since 1976's 'Don't Go Breaking My Heart." But, this ended up not being a solid comeback, as it was another two years before Elton would have another sizeable hit, that being 1982's "Blue Eyes." Gary Osborne co-wrote both songs with Elton.
The most appealing aspects of the song are the nice mid-tempo rhythm which played well on the dance and a great horn section. But the song's highlight definitely has to be the jazz filled sax solo by Jim Horn.
Little Jeannie (1980)
24. Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting" (1973)
Parent Album: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Elton really hit the piano with this song. His aggressive rapid-fire style gave the song a rock and roll energy that stood out amongst his other hits of the time. I always felt "Crocodile Rock" and "Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting" complimented each other well.
Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting (1973)
23. Candle in the Wind 1997 (1997)
Parent Album: Non-Album Single
Though, I far prefer the original 1973 recording of this song, this version has a special place in my heart. The song a tribute to "England's Rose," Princess Diana, hit the heart and soul of the world.
Upon it's release the song shot to number one around the world remaining in the top spot for multiple weeks - in the US 14 weeks, in the UK 5 weeks, Australia 6 weeks. In Canada the song spent 46 non-consecutive werks at #1.
In the Guinness World Records book, the song is listed as the second best-selling single worldwide off all-time with 33 million copies sold.
Candle In The Wind (1997)
22. Grey Seal (1973)
Parent Album: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
From Elton's biggest selling album "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," this is one of six songs from the album appearing on this list.
"Grey Seal" was not released as a single, but it definitely had enough commercial appeal to become a hit.
"Grey Seal" was originally recorded and released in 1970 as the b-side to the non-album single "Rock and Roll Madonna." Elton re-recorded the song in 1973 for inclusion on his album "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road." The 1973 recording has full orchestration and a more aggressive sound.
From Elton's biggest selling album "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," this is one of six songs from the album appearing on this list.
"Grey Seal" was not released as a single, but it definitely had enough commercial appeal to become a hit.
"Grey Seal" was originally recorded and released in 1970 as the b-side to the non-album single "Rock and Roll Madonna." Elton re-recorded the song in 1973 for inclusion on his album "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road." The 1973 recording has full orchestration and a more aggressive sound.
Grey Seal (1973)
21. Mama Can't Buy You Love (1979)
Parent Album: The Thom Bell Sessions
If I would have been asked, before I made this list, if "Mama Can't Buy You Love," was one of my all-time favorite Elton John songs, I probably would have said no. But as I put this list together and listened to his songs, read the lyrics, studied the backstories and so forth, "Mama Can't Buy You Love," really stood out as one of Elton John's best.
"Mama Can't Buy You Love" was a big departure for Elton John. From the EP "The Thom Bell Sessions," his first work away from regular producer Gus Dudgeon. Thom Bell had previously worked with R&B artists such as The Stylistics and The Spinners. Bell brought an R&B flair to Elton's music and in the case of "Mama Can't Buy You Love" added a light disco rhythm to the mix. The song was a legitimate hit reaching #9 in the US and #10 in Canada. It also made it to #30 on the US Hot Soul singles charts. But this was not his first song on the soul charts, "Bennie and the Jets" (1973) and "Philadelphia Freedom" (1975) both made on the Hot Soul chart reaching #15 and #32 respectively. The Spinners singing the background singers helped the song move up the R&B/Soul charts.
End result: Pleasant blue-eyed soul.
Mama Can't Buy You Love (1979)
Parent Album: Madman Across The Water
"Tiny Dancer" is an early Elton John classic. It was his 5th song to appear on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles, it just missed the top 40 by a fraction of an onch reaching #41. Despite only reaching #41 in the U.S. the single has been certified triple Platinum by the RIAA. In the UK the song peaked at #70 in 2015 and has been certified Platinum by the BPI.
Interestingly Nigel Olsson appears on the song, but not as the drummer, he's credited as a background singer. It wasn't until the 1972 album, "Honky Chateau" that Nigel became Elton's official drummer.
Bernie Taupin states that he wrote the lyric of "Tiny Dancer" about Maxine Feibelmann, who was his girlfriend at the time. She was a ballerina and travelled with the band on their early tours.
Tiny Dancer (1971)
19. Song For Guy (1978)
Parent Album: A Single Man
I would have to say of any Elton John single this is the one I played the most at the time of its release. I would play that little 7" single over and over listening in the headphones. Elton's piano was mesmerizing. The song is mostly an instrumental, but it was that haunting vocal at the end that really got me, "life isn't everything, isn't everything, isn't everything." I would sing that line over and over.
Elton wrote and recorded this song on Sunday afternoon, August 18, 1978. He had imagined himself floating in space and looking down on his own body. Elton was obsessed with these thoughts and wrote this song about death. The very next day he learned that Guy Burchett, a 17 year old messenger for Elton's label, Rocket Records, had been killed that very afternoon in a motorcycle accident. Guy died when Elton was writing this song.
Song For Guy (1978)
18. Looking Up (2016)
Parent Album: Wonderful Crazy Night
Right away when I heard this song I loved it. I hadn't loved an Elton John song this much since "I Want Love" in 2001.
When recording the album, "Wonderful Crazy Night," Elton said, he wanted to record a joyous album. He even wanted the slow songs to be joyous. Elton succeeded in putting together a joyous album.
Right from the opening bass snd guitar chords "Looking Up" dances with a joyful rhythm that lights a spark even on a dark day. Elton's keyboard parts are bouncy and uplifting and his voice has a renewed energy and joy we haven't heard in a long time. This would be a fantastic song to motivate you while doing a cardio workout.
Looking Up (2016)
17. Your Song (1970)
Parent Album: Elton John
"Border Song" was Elton's debut appearance onto the US singles chart reaching #92 on Billboard's Hot 100, it was the classic "Your Song," that established Elton in the US and around the world. It was Elton's first song to make it onto the Adult Contemporary chart reaching #8.
It's interesting to know that "Your Song" was initially released as the b-side to "Take Me To The Pilot," but it was "Your Song" that disc jockeys preferred and the song began xlimbing the charts making it US #9. The song also made it to #3 in Canada, #3 in Netherland, #7 in the UK and charted well through out the world.
Your Song (1970)
16. Harmony (1973)
Parent Album: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
"Harmony" was considered for release as a fourth single from "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road." It would have followed " Bennie and the Jets," but it would have been too close to release of the next album, "Caribou," so the record company nixed the idea. However the song was used as the B-Side of "Bennie & The Jets" in the US and in the UK as the B-Side of "Pinball Wizard."
I have always felt MCA should have taken the chance and they should have released "Harmony" between "Bennie & The Jets and "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me." Elton John's popularity was riding high at that moment and he could have had three Top 3 hits with in that four month span.
Harmony (1973)
15. Honky Cat (1972)
Parent Album: Honky Château
In our household "Honky Cat" and "Crocodile Rock" went hand in hand. They were both fun upbeat songs and both songs had a name an animal in the title (though neither song was about an animal).
"Honky Cat" had a great boogie woogie rhythm with a great horn section. Davey Johnstone, generally the band's guitarist, played the banjo and he nailed it adding a dixieland verve to an already lively song. But best of all; Elton's saloon style acoustic piano blended with a modern sounding electric piano, an effect that gave the song a sound that glittered and rocked at the same time. Let's not forget those vocals, Elton knocked out the park with an energetic blues filled rock lead vocal that hoist him to the top of the charts and an incomparable respect from music critics.
Honky Cat (1972)
14. Crocodile Rock (1972)
Parent Album: Don't Shoot Me I'm Only The Piano Player
This was the family favorite from that old 8-track tape. "Crocodile Rock" would come on and the entire family perked up and sang along.
This was one of Bernie Taupin's most clever lyrics, talking about a fictional dance called the Crocodile Rock. I like how Taupin referenced Bill Haley's "Rock Around The Clock," in the lyric; "While the other kids were rocking 'round the clock. We were hopping and bopping to the Crocodile Rock, well."
Crocodile Rock (1972)
13. Island Girl (1975)
Parent Album: Rock of the Westies
"Island Girl" was one of my favorite songs of 1975. As a matter of fact it's easy to say that Elton John was my favorite male vocalist of the year. Now for the decade of the 70s, its a toss-up between Elton John, Paul McCartney, and Stevie Wonder.
"Island Girl" is one of my favorites due to its rhythm and catchy pop hooks. The song has such a natural perfect pop flow to it and Elton's dynamic lead vocal sets the song on fire.
Island Girl (1975)
12. I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues (1983)
Parent Album: Too Low For Zero
Elton John was pretty amazing. Here it was 1983, some would say seven years past his prime and he was still churning a consistent line of hits throughout the entire decade of the 1980s.
"I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues," is a classic love song of the highest grade. It was one of Elton's biggest hits of the decade reaching #1 in Zimbabwe, #4 in Australia, South Africa and the US, #5 in the UK, #9 in Canada and in the Top 20 in several other countries around the world. The song did especially well on the Adult Contemporary charts reach #1 AC in Canada and #2 AC in the US.
There's a lot to love about this song; the fine musicianship, the well crafted lyrics, Elton's superb vocals, and the highlight of highlights - Stevie Wonder's sublime harmonica - boy do I ever love Stevie Wonder.
I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues (1983)
11. Daniel (1973)
Parent Album: Don't Shoot Me I'm Only The Piano Player
"Daniel" is one of the best songs written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, the lyrics are poignant and meaninful and the melody is memorable.
Bernie Taupin wrote the lyrics about a Vietnam War veteran who had been wounded, and wanted to get away from the attention he was receiving when he went back home. He just wanted to get back to normal life.
Parent Album: Don't Shoot Me I'm Only The Piano Player
"Daniel" is one of the best songs written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, the lyrics are poignant and meaninful and the melody is memorable.
Bernie Taupin wrote the lyrics about a Vietnam War veteran who had been wounded, and wanted to get away from the attention he was receiving when he went back home. He just wanted to get back to normal life.
Daniel (1973)
10. I Want Love (2001)
Parent Album: Songs From the West Coast
Late one night in the fall of 2001, I was channel surfing and came upon a music video that caught my interest. It had me somewhat confused. It was Robert Downey, Jr. singing. I'm like, "No way, Robert Downey, Jr. sings that good. So, I thought maybe it's somone that looks like him. I watched the video to the end hoping they would have the name of the artist, but they didn't and the next video started which was "Last Good Day of the Year" by a band named Cousteau. I became a big Cousteau fan that night - but that's a story for another day. The next evening the same channel played the video again and this time I saw it from the beginning to see that it was "I Want Love" by Elton John. The music video seemed to be fairly popular on MTV and VH1 but for some reason the song did not fare well in the United States.
Despite its poor showing on the US charts, "I Want Love," was nominated for a Grammy Award. James Taylor won thecaward that year. The song was a Top 10 hit in both the UK and Canada.
Parent Album: Songs From the West Coast
Late one night in the fall of 2001, I was channel surfing and came upon a music video that caught my interest. It had me somewhat confused. It was Robert Downey, Jr. singing. I'm like, "No way, Robert Downey, Jr. sings that good. So, I thought maybe it's somone that looks like him. I watched the video to the end hoping they would have the name of the artist, but they didn't and the next video started which was "Last Good Day of the Year" by a band named Cousteau. I became a big Cousteau fan that night - but that's a story for another day. The next evening the same channel played the video again and this time I saw it from the beginning to see that it was "I Want Love" by Elton John. The music video seemed to be fairly popular on MTV and VH1 but for some reason the song did not fare well in the United States.
Despite its poor showing on the US charts, "I Want Love," was nominated for a Grammy Award. James Taylor won thecaward that year. The song was a Top 10 hit in both the UK and Canada.
I Want Love (2001)
9. Candle in the Wind (1973)
Parent Album: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
This song was a classic long before it became Princess Diana's song. Originally "Candle In The Wind" was written in tribute to Marilyn Monroe, the opening line, "Goodbye Norma Jean," refers to her birth name.
The original version of this melodic, soul-stirring ballad was never released as a single in the US, instead "Bennie and the Jets" was released. I have always been of the belief that "Candle in the Wind" would have soared to the top of the charts had it been released in the US. The song was a single in the UK where it reached #11.
Candle In The Wind (1973)
8. I Feel Like A Bullet (In The Gun Of Robert Ford)(1975)
Parent Album: Rock of the Westies
"I Feel Like A Bullet" has always been one of my favorite songs mostly because of Elton's vocal performance. He puts a lot of heart into this song and hits those higher notes with a soulful perfection.
"I Feel Like A Bullet" has always been one of my favorite songs mostly because of Elton's vocal performance. He puts a lot of heart into this song and hits those higher notes with a soulful perfection.
The song was released as a double A-Side single with "Grow Some Funk Of Your Own." From what I recall "Grow Some Funk..." was the side that was being pushed, but it was "I Feel Like A Bullet" that received a sizable amount of airplay.
I Feel Like A Bullet (In The Gun of Robert Ford)(1975)
7. Rocket Man (1972)
Parent Album: Honky Château
Does Elton John have a signature song? It's hard to pinpoint it to one song, because he has so many classic tunes, any of which could be considered his signature. But, if we were to narrow it down to one "Rocket Man" would be it.
"Rocket Man" has been used in other media quie a bit over the years and most recently the title of the biopic on Elton John's life.
One connection, to this song, I've always found interesting is that producer Gus Dudgeon also produced David Bowie's " Space Oddity." In "Rocket Man," Bernie Taupin wrote the lyrics, "I miss the Earth so much I miss my wife." In "Space Oddity," Bowie sings, "Tell my wife I love her very much she knows." Finally while performing "Space Oddity" live, Bowie would sometimes call out, “Oh, Rocket Man!"
Rocket Man (1972)
6. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973)
Parent Album: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
"Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" is a classic amongst classics on so many levels including Bernie Taupin's lyrics, Del Newman's orchestral arrangement, and Elton John's lead vocals.
"Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" is one of Bernie Taupin's most symbolic lyrics. He it uses the symbolism of "the yellow brick road," which conjurs images of Dorothy and Toto leaving their small farm in Kansas and landing on this wonderful, magical yellow brick road which, when you reach the end, promises that your every wish will come true. Yet, Bernie Taupin's "yellow brick road" ends up in a darker place. In this song Bernie realizes the road to fame and fortune (as a rock star) is not as glamorous as he thought. There are record execs, charting out every move you make - you become their rock and roll slave. They buy you a penthouse apartment in every big city and they think they own you. Taupin likens the "big-wig" execs to worthless moungrels (dogs) who are waiting for the tidbits - the scraps that fall off his table so they can get rich off his talent. Taupin learned from the school od hard knocks that maybe that simple life ploughing the fields on the farm wasn't so bad afterall.
The sweeping strings arrangement, created by Del Newman, encapsulates both an orchestral sound bringing forth a deep beauty which sweeps over the listener and enough swirling movement which brings out a psychedelia aspect of the music.
Than there's Elton John's vocals. Arguably, this is one of Elton's best vocal performances of his career. His voice blends beautifully with the orchestration and he sings with comfort and ease. He sings these lyrics as if he wrote them himself - he lives the words with his voice. I'm not certain how their songwriting process went, but it seems Bernie often kept Elton in mind while writing the lyrics.
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973)
5. Pinball Wizard (1974)
Parent Album: Tommy (Soundtrack)
Elton John does not do many covers but when he does he doesn't just cover a song, he turns it into an event of brilliance and makes the song his own. This is exactly what Elton and his troop did with The Who's "Pinball Wizard."
"Pinball Wizard," was written by Pete Townshend for The Who's rock opera "Tommy." Elton John's recording of the song appeared in the 1975 film adaptation. Elton had been approached by the films producer to play the part of the pinball champion of the workd in seven foot high boots known as The Pinball Wizard, but he turned down the offer. But the film's producers, Robert Stigwood and Ken Russell held out for Elton. Eventually Ken Russell persuaded Elton to play the part. Part of the deal was that Elton could keep the gigantic Doc Martens he wore in the film. The role of The Pinball Wizard seemed tailor made for Elton - all the way from the funky sunglasses to the flamboyant costume - this was not a far stretch from what we were used to seeing from Elton.
While the other songs on the Tommy soundtrack featured members from The Who, Elton John brought his own team in order to create his own unique version of the song. He brought in his producer Gus Dudgeon and his band featuring Davey Johnstone, Dee Murray, Ray Cooper and Nigel Olsson and they put together a masterpiece in four hours. Elton put his easily recognizable piano style in place of Pete Townshend's original lead acoustic guitar lines, while Johnstone contributed electrifying lead guitar. Elton put more energy and life into this vocal than on his own songs. He may have been over-compensating because the bar was set high by The Who's original masterwork. The over-compensation paid off as Elton and band made the song a classic all over again and then some.
Pinball Wizard (1975)
4. Bennie and the Jets (1973)
Parent Album: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
For a while I ran around calling this one my favorite Elton John song. I don't know if it was the mention of "mohair boots" or Elton John big sounding keyboard parts - whatever it was - I fell in love with this song and have kept on loving it ever since.
The interesting thing about this song is that black radio stations latched on to the song and began playing it fairly heavily. The song even made to #15 on the US R&B chart.
Bennie and the Jets (1973)
3. Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds (1974)
Parent Album: Non-Album Single
I love The Beatles and I love Elton John and I love this song. I could say that I love both versions of this song evenly. But if I were to be honest about it - it is Elton John's version that has my heart. Sacrilege... I know!!! It's a Beatles song, but I like Elton John's cover better.
There's plenty here to love. But let's dig a little into the song's history. The song was written by John Lennon for The Beatles' classic album "Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," which was released in 1967. Lennon’s son Julian (Too Late For Goodbye) brought home a drawing of his classmate Lucy O'Donnell, Lennon saw that it was titled “Lucy – in the sky with diamonds.” Lennon thought that was beautiful and quickly wrote a song based on it. Lennon stated he used a lot of imagery from Alice in Wonderland for the lyrics. So, wait is John Lennon trying to tell us he wrote a children's song?
Anyhow, eight short years later Elton John covers the song and takes it to #1. Elton called on John Lennon to help with the song. You can hear Lennon's backing and harmony vocals and his trippy guitar work. Lennon was credited on the album as Dr. Winston O'Boogie. Putting all this star power aside let's not forget the players in Elton's band. Davey Johnstone puts in a stellar performance with his electric guitar and Nigel Olsson give us some big booming drum patterns. One of the most unusual or maybe unique aspects of the song is Elton's star-gazed harpsichord. Oh and did I mention there's even a brief reggae break in the song?
Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds (1974)
2. Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me (1974)
Parent Album: Caribou
One of the main things that attracts me to Elton John's music is Bernie Taupin's lyrics. Taupin finds unique ways to craft his phrases. Instead of simply saying "I love you," Taupin makes a statement like "don't discard me," one of the songs best lyrics.
Del Newman, who composed the orchestral arrangement for "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," is back again. This time Newman provides a hot and thick horn arrangement which comes to life toward the end with the Tower of Power horn section lending an understated funk and jazz offering.
Now let's touch on those vocals. Elton John has long been a fan of The Beach Boys' free flowing vocal harmonies. The Beach Boys happened to be recording at Caribou Ranch Studios in Colorado providing harmony vocals for Chicago's "Wishin' You Were There" amongst other projects. At this point Elton was recording his album "Caribou," cleverly named after the studio. Elton invited Carl Wilson and Bruce Johnston (of The Beach Boys) record backing vocals on "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me." Toni Tennille (The Captain & Tennille) can also be heard in the backing vocals. Bruce Johnston was also employeed to construct the vocal arrangement with which Daryl Dragon (the Captain of Captain & Tenille) gave an assist. Daryl Dragon had been a keyboard player with The Beach Boys from 1967 to 1972.
As always Elton delivered one of his finest vocals with an effortless ease powerful range of dynamic.
Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me (1974)
1. Philadelphia Freedom (1975)
Parent Album: Non-Album Single
Elton John admitted that "Philadelphia Freedom" was one of the few songs he wrote specifically to be a hit. And what a hit it was. The song raced to #1 in the US and stayed there for two weeks and remained on the chart for 21 weeks (near five months). It was also #1 in Canada, and a huge hit in Australia and New Zealand. The song broke musical barriers by making it to #34 on the US R&B chart. This was Elton's second of 4 hits on that particular chart.
Elton's inspiration for the song was tennis champ Billie Jean King. She and Elton became friends in the 1970s. During that time King had a World Tennis Team named Philadelphia Freedoms.
Elton gave the title "Philadelphia Freedom" to lyricist Bernie Taupin and asked him to write a song around it. Taupin, who was not obliged to write a lyric about Billie Jean King, instead wrote about a dedication to the City of Botherly/Sisterly Love and living easy.
With lyrics such as "shine the light," the uplifting musical arrangement and Elton's energetic and enthusiastic lead vocal, "Philadelphia Freedom" gives a feeling of excitement and inspiration. This was one of the most bouyant and confident songs of 1975. Definitely fits into the feel-good category.
Philadelphia Freedom (1975)
Thank you for visiting!!!
Super-fantastic blog, Rick!!! I loved hearing all of the familiar songs and your associations with each of them made it even more interesting. A couple of songs in particular brought back great memories for me, too:"Daniel" and "Philadelphia Freedom."
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