5 albums by Elton John that should be in your collection

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Elton John has mastered the art of record sales, much like the British equivalent of Billy Joel (just a light-hearted joke since both are exceptional). In fact, he’s sold around 300 million records worldwide, and his reworked version of “Candle in the Wind 1997” was an astounding success, selling a staggering 33 million copies on its own.

What this passage implies is that the popularity of Princess Diana was evident from the large crowd (single), and it’s understandable that the event felt familiar, given the enchantment surrounding the original occasion. Essentially, creating something captivating is simpler when you build upon an already mesmerizing foundation. In more straightforward terms: The huge turnout for Princess Diana demonstrated her wide fanbase, and since the event reminded us of the magic from before, it was easy to create further enchantment because the original was so magical.

One aspect about Elton John that often goes unnoticed is the power in his studio albums, particularly those released early in his career. Sometimes, people focus too much on the catchy singles and overlook the substance behind them. A true musical genius is defined by the depth of their work, and these five albums showcase that:

1. “Tumbleweed Connection” (1970)
2. “Madman Across the Water” (1971)
3. “Honky Château” (1972)
4. “Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player” (1973)
5. “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” (1973)

5 albums by Elton John that are worthy of multiple listens

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973)

Without a doubt, one could argue that Elton John’s most outstanding album displays his transformation from a pianist and vocalist into a full-fledged rock star. However, it’s important to note that he wasn’t a traditional singer-songwriter as he didn’t play the guitar. Instead, he was more reminiscent of a 1950s balladeer, contrasting greatly with artists like James Taylor who are known for their guitar skills.

Apart from the bothersome hum of “Bennie and the Jets,” a song that seemed unlikely to garner as much popularity as it did, this double-LP album is simply outstanding. It’s difficult not to appreciate the title track, “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting,” and the grandiose “Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding.”

Despite the annoying tune of “Bennie and the Jets,” which didn’t seem destined to be so famous, this double-LP is fantastic. It’s hard not to enjoy the title song, “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting,” and the impressive track, “Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding.

Madman Across the Water (1971)

The power of this album lies in its aesthetic appeal. Although the strings might seem a bit outdated from the ’70s era, they are still effective in enhancing the content. It’s no secret that, like every exceptional John composition, the material shines due to the pianist’s talent for composing captivating melodies.

An album containing “Tiny Dancer” and “Levon” tends to be quite decent. Moreover, many of the tracks on this album are worthwhile listens, with “Indian Sunset,” a track that often goes unnoticed, being among them.

The Diving Board (2013)

After the early ’70s, John’s finest work became evident, as the album mirrors the essence of his songs. In this minimalistic approach, he employs only piano, bass, and drums. The melodies are primarily carried by his voice and the piano throughout each track. Few pieces incorporate guitar or a brass section, but most songs remain captivating in their simplicity.

Although Elton John can create fantastic songs with a complete band, it’s worth noting that his most impressive albums stem from the understanding that at the core, all we truly require is him singing Bernie Taupin’s words and playing the piano.

Tumbleweed Connection (1970)

This album is arguably the most outstanding demonstration of Elton John’s artistic prowess. It was crafted without traditional singles in mind. Instead, it offers an abundance of tracks that any dedicated music enthusiast should find appealing, although some popular audiences might not embrace every song or two.

In John’s collection, there are several gems that for some reason seem overlooked. “My Father’s Gun” is poignant and heart-wrenching, while “Burn Down the Mission” deserves a place on everyone’s playlist. It’s peculiar that this was Elton John’s first album to sell over a million copies, given that it doesn’t include the chart-topping singles found in other albums.

Honky Chateau (1972)

As a dedicated fan, I must admit that while the singles on this record are enjoyable, they don’t fully capture the exceptional quality of the entire body of work. Of course, “Rocket Man” is a fantastic song, but it’s overshadowed by gems like “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters,” which is truly remarkable. Despite my disappointment with “Honky Cat,” I find myself captivated by the beauty of “Susie (Dramas).

The album serves as a strong demonstration that although John may successfully sell individual tracks, he’s well aware that his devoted followers will delve thoroughly into whole albums.

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2025-06-15 13:00