Elton John has no shortage of classic albums that can be seen as both revolutionary and standing the test of time, but this self-titled second album sees John return to the studio with an even more polished production than was heard on his debut Empty Sky.
Released in 1970, Elton John marked the beginning of a legendary career that would not only change John’s life but would have a profound influence on the popular music landscape for decades to come. With his masterful piano playing, gorgeous lyrics, and melodic style, Elton John remains an album experience through and through. While popular songs such as Your Song and Border Song are worthy singles in their own right, the sequencing of Elton John is utterly perfect.
Interestingly, Elton John was never intended to be a career-launching album for it was merely supposed to present a polished overview of the music from John and (Bernie) Taupin for other musicians to select from and record for themselves. I think I can speak for all of us when I say that I’m glad that intent failed for it is unimaginable to consider the musical landscape sans Elton John’s contributions.
While John and Taupin, along with the band are to be revered for the music that comprises the Elton John album, Gus Dudgeon, the album’s producer, was arguably a visionary creative and was so influential in that role that he would go on to produce many of John’s most respected classic era albums including Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.
Visually striking, this self-titled debut is a perfect accompaniment for the larger vinyl canvas. What has always confused me, however, is the fact that the rear album artwork presents the names and standing photographs of the contributing musicians to this master recording. Yet, there isn’t a single song from the album listed on the rear sleeve. Instead, you’ve got to venture into the gatefold for such information, along with lyrics and additional liner notes. It’s a bit of an oddity as one naturally turns the album cover over when perusing them to see if a song stands out from the list thereby compelling the purchasing or playing of the album. The CD counterparts don’t replicate this aspect, thankfully, but the 2017 vinyl reissue that I’m fortunate to own, replicates the original artwork. Regardless of that aspect, it’s a beautiful reproduction with a slightly textured cover that ensures damage will be minimal for Elton John is one of those albums that you can’t help but to continually play.
While some vinyl collectors don't play their records, or will place the album artwork on a Now Playing stand, I prefer to hold the artwork and when I drop the needle on the record, I’m blown away. The musical reproduction of this release is said to have been remastered from the original analogue tapes and based merely on the sonic presentation that emanates from my speakers, I don’t doubt it. The only problem is the inconvenience of the format, for when the digital counterparts sound as good as they do. In the modern convenience era, it certainly takes a determined mind to commit to a vinyl playback ritual.
Recorded, mixed, and mastered with kid gloves best describes the sonic wonder that you’ll experience when listening to this album, regardless of format or delivery method. While the vinyl reissue is thoroughly engaging, so too are the Apple Digital Master stereo and Dolby Atmos streams from Apple Music. While I prefer the stereo mix, that is likely due to hearing this album in that way for decades. Nevertheless, the Atmos mix is additive in that it has been delicately crafted and offers a fuller, and more immersive, presentation than the stereo mix permits. Some instrumental elements are more noticeable, having been freed from the refines of two-channel audio, but the only downside I’ve noticed is that the width of the soundstage is a little shallower than the stereo mix. That may sound strange given the surrounding nature of the Dolby Atmos format, but the stereo panning in the two-channel original mix seems to have a greater distance to the left and right than the Atmos stream does. Regardless, both are thoroughly enjoyable I will say that the Atmos stream is one of the best implementations of this technology that I’ve had the pleasure of hearing.
While most of the digital reissues for Elton John, post-1995, have included three bonus tracks, they’re superfluous to the flow of the album. I have subsequently chosen to omit them from this review and as such you’ll find a shared Apple Music playlist below that presents the album with its original 10-song structure. Of course, while I may be less than enamoured with the bonus material, you may appreciate it. Hence, you can check out the 13-track edition by clicking here. If you’re interested in delving even further into this release and the Elton John era, the 2008 Deluxe Edition features additional demos as well as BBC session recordings.
Your Song is one of John’s most enduring tunes. The love song theme will pull at the heartstrings while the musical aspects of the song continue to progressively build, eventually culminating in one of the most beautiful songs ever written and recorded.
I Need You To Turn To is an incredible pop ballad. When I hear music this pure, I can’t help but wonder if John, Taupin, the musicians, and the production team were aware of just how incredible the music was at the time when they were creating it.
Take Me To The Pilot is an upbeat, piano-driven tune that complements John’s vocal styling. With its infectious hooks and melodies, Take Me To The Pilot is a standout even if its only claim to fame is as a solid album tune for this is one song that is not easily forgotten.
No Strings On Louise takes a bluesy Rolling Stones’ meets country music twist. One could be forgiven for thinking that The Rolling Stones made an impromptu appearance on this song but as a fan of The Stones, I think it’s wonderful and it’s one of my favourite songs from Elton John; despite its stylistic shift.
First Episode At Hienton is a sonically beautiful tune. Its haunting composition will envelop you in the immersive soundstage throughout, thereby making it one of the most captivating songs from the album.
Sixty Years On has a unique and somewhat pointless introduction. I class it as the sonic equivalent of 2001: A Space Odyssey in that it gets your attention due to the progression of sonic elements rather than the song itself. Nevertheless, once the song starts and the senses start to settle, Sixty Years On becomes a masterstroke in its own right.
Border Song is a gospel-inspired gem. John’s piano, lyrical delivery, and the symphonic backing elements all build to the moment when the choir comes into the mix. It’s a sonic experience that has to be heard firsthand for Border Song will touch your soul in a way that simply cannot be adequately described.
The Greatest Discovery is one of John’s greatest recordings and as with many of his tunes, it should be heard firsthand for any commentary is going to do nothing more than butcher what can only be considered a musical masterpiece.
The Cage is New Orleans Jazz meets Rock and Roll with a killer rhythm and groove.
The King Must Die is grandiose and aligns with John’s persona. As the song builds in intensity, featuring dynamic shifts in tempo, the orchestral arrangements add further majesty, thereby resulting in it being a quintessential closer; one that permits reflection, as well as compelling the listener to play the album again.
Elton John is a remarkable release that is up there as one of the greatest albums in music history. It laid the foundation for John’s illustrious career and remains a testament to his enduring musical legacy. Most importantly, however, it deserves greater recognition than it often receives. We frequently point to Goodbye Yellow Brick Road as John’s magnum opus, but this self-titled release is equally its peer. If you’ve never heard it, nor given it a chance, you’ll be shocked with regards to just how impressive this release is for it is Elton John to the core and is thoroughly captivating from the very first note to the last.