70 Years On

I was born the year Reginald Kenneth Dwight’s first album Empty Sky was released in the U.K. I was singing to “Crocodile Rock” as a youngster as I watched him on the Muppet Show, covered in feathers and backed by singing reptiles amongst an assortment of Jim Henson’s creatures — all wearing oversized sunglasses. I realized I was bisexual as I watched the music video for “I’m Still Standing” at age 13. My junior year of high school I went from being a quiet backward nerd to an overnight socialite as I belted out “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting” in the school musical — decked out in full sequined garb, platform shoes and sunglasses, which I decorated with hair from one of my grandmother’s wigs and rhinestones from her sewing kit. I got married to “The One” and sung “Skyline Pigeon” to my infant son as I rocked him to sleep. Marriage 2.0 was set to “Your Song”; and I have seen this amazing artist in concert 27 times thus far. His music has literally been the soundtrack to my life and still excites me as much today as it did when I first spun my father’s copy of Madman Across the Water on his record player when I was 4. He turned 70 years old this year as he and his lyricist, Bernie Taupin, are celebrating 50 years as writing partners. His Aids Foundation is commemorating their 25th anniversary this year. He has a catalog of 40+ albums, 100+ singles, and still puts on a 3+ hour energized show — a feat artists half his age cannot keep up with. He holds the record for the highest selling single of all time. He earned multiple Grammy, Academy, and Tony awards. He has been Knighted by Her Queen Majesty. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He is a Kennedy Center Honor recipient Indeed, there is not much the man has not accomplished. He is a musical genius. He is a legend. He is none other than Sir Elton Hercules John.

In celebration of his five-decade career, I comprised a chronological list featuring a gem from every studio album. But don’t be alarmed to find that “Rocket Man” and “Bennie and the Jets” are not included; this was intentional. On the contrary, each song is a deep track — diamonds that were not played on the radio, including many rarely (if ever) performed in concert. Enjoy the musical journey!

“Skyline Pigeon” from 'Empty Sky' (1969)

A ballad about a bird being set free while metaphorically describing someone being liberated from a broken marriage. Never released as a single, this original solo, harpsicord hymn-like version was later rerecorded on piano with strings in 1972. However, as strong and potentially hit-driven as the song was, it was still left off the Don’t Shoot Me album and was instead issued as a B-side to the single “Daniel.” A live version appeared on Here and There in 1974. In 1990, Elton performed the song at Ryan White’s funeral. Elton has often referred to it over the years as one of the first tracks he and Bernie wrote that they felt especially proud of.

“Sixty Years On” from 'Elton John' (1970)

A powerful ballad about a blind war veteran which Elton has been known to occasionally include in his live set list over the years, especially when performing with an orchestra. The brilliant live version captured during the 1979 To Russia with Elton tour with percussionist Ray Cooper is my personal favorite.

“Burn Down the Mission” from 'Tumbleweed Connection' (1970)

A piano-driven rocker about an underprivileged rural village oppressed by an affluent controlling force. Its unusual structure, jazzy mid-section, and multiple rhythm changes makes it one of Elton’s most complex arrangements. The key changes four times before reverting to the main opening chord sequence half-way through the song. Though never released as a single, it has been a fan favorite since its release. Though he often performs it live, the extra special 18:22 version on the 11-17-70 album is the favorite of many and perhaps one of the greatest rock performances of all-time.

“Seasons” from 'Friends' (1971)

A song from Elton’s first soundtrack to the 1971 Paramount teen romance film Friends, directed and produced by Lewis Gilbert. Primarily a score, the ending of this song includes a short Taupin lyric that makes it my favorite on the album: “Oh, the winter’s cold, but I’m so warm with you.” The track is a beautifully uplifting ballad about the changing seasons of a love story.

“Indian Sunset” from 'Madman Across the Water' (1971)

A powerful symphonic/progressive rock track of historical significance about an American Indian Warrior on the brink of defeat from the White man. Taupin wrote the lyric after he visited a Native American reservation. A live version appears on the 2017 reissued two vinyl edition of 11-17-70. Elton has resurrected the song as part of his Million Dollar Piano set list after the track was sampled in the Eminem-produced Tupac Shakur song “Ghetto Gospel.”

“Mona Lisas and the Mad Hatters” from 'Honky Château' (1972)

A soft-rock song with a very direct lyric written by Taupin after hearing a gunshot near his hotel window during his first visit to NYC. Elton has stated over the years that it is one of his favorites and dedicated it to the emergency workers, their families and the city in a benefit concert after the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001. Several artists have covered the song, and a more upbeat sequel was featured on his 1988 album Reg Strikes Back.

“High Flying Bird” from 'Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player' (1973)

Another ballad about a metaphoric bird leaving a relationship. Many die-hard fans consider this song a favorite and somewhat perplexed that the record company did not release it as a single. It is a song he rarely performs in concert.

“Harmony” from 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road' (1973)

A gorgeous ballad with luscious harmonies that could have made it on a Beach Boys record. This song was intended to be the fourth single off of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road; however, Caribou was about to be dropped and would not have allowed enough time for it to chart. This song has received consistent praise throughout the years by music critics, DJs, music publications, and fans alike. The song made itself back into Elton’s life set as part of the 40th GBYBR anniversary tour. The song has been covered by many other musical acts.

“Ticking” from 'Caribou' (1974)

A morbidly intriguing song about a mass shooting in Queens that left 14 dead. Rolling Stone magazine ranked this song as #2 in a 2015 Readers’ Poll of the “Top 10 Best Elton John Deep Cuts.” It is a 7:28 true masterpiece with only Elton, his piano, and a ARP synthesizer. Elton’s haunting musical interpretation and powerful delivery of the lyrics still raises the hair on the back of my arms — especially considering the violent trend that has only risen in the United States since the Columbine High massacre in 1999. Elton added this song to his solo set list shortly after Columbine in remembrance of those killed and to bring awareness to devastation that could take place when leaving mental illness unchecked.

“Curtains” from 'Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy' (1975)

A stunning six-minute finale to a fantastic autobiographical concept album. Inspired partly by Bernie Taupin’s country upbringing and their first song written together (“Scarecrow”) which was never released commercially. The song builds from a slow, soft piano solo beginning to a pulsing, melodramatic “Hey Jude”-ish looping ending that reminds fans how much we love drummer Nigel Olson and percussionist Ray Cooper. Jeff Buckley brilliantly performed a less spooky version in 1995 with just him and his guitar. The song was also sampled in Pnau’s 2012 collaboration Good Morning to the Night. I have never seen him play this number live.

“I Feel Like a Bullet in the Gun of Robert Ford” from 'Rock of the Westies' (1975)

A soft rock composition inspired by the shooting of Jesse James by outlaw partner Robert Ford and Taupin’s failed marriage to first wife Maxine Feibelman (of “Tiny Dancer” notoriety). He included this song in his set list to promote the album.

“Tonight” from 'Blue Moves' (1976)

A 7:52 beautiful, weepy, fan favorite that was covered by friend George Michael in 1991. Elton has included it in his extensive live set list over the years, referring to it often as a favorite. It is perhaps one of the saddest lyrics, inspired by the pain of Taupin’s failed first marriage.

“Three Way Love Affair” from The EP 'Thom Bell Sessions' (1977)

Unlike all previous selections, this track was written by Leroy Bell and Casey James, who also played on the record. It was recorded in Philadelphia and produced by Thom Bell, who was responsible for much of the Philadelphia soul sound which dominated the 1970s, such as The Spinners, The Stylistics, and The Delfonics. This song was the flip side of the single released off the album, “Mama Can’t Buy Me Love.” Many fans felt like it was a strong enough track to be the follow up single. As far as I can tell, Elton has never performed it live.

“Song for Guy” from 'A Single Man' (1978)

This is an instrumental track Elton wrote one Sunday when he was feeling depressed and thinking of death. He learned the following day that Rocket Records’ 17 year-old messenger, Guy Burchett, was killed in a motorcycle accident around the time he was writing the song — hence the title. The piece has been included in Elton’s European live set throughout the years, often closing the show as a brief introduction to “Your Song.” It reached #4 on the U.K. pop chart in 1979 but only peaked at #110 in the U.S. At the conclusion of the track Elton whispers, “life isn’t everything” over the main melody.

“Thunder in the Night” from 'Victim of Love' (1979)

A jewel off of Elton’s less popular disco album, released after the peak of the disco era. The decline of record sales could also have been in part due to the fact Elton and his band did not play on the album, nor did Elton and Bernie write any of the songs. Likewise, Elton did little to market the album, and a tour did not occur to promote the record. Indeed, no songs from it have ever been played on stage. This particular track was written by Donna Summer producer Pete Bellotte and Michael Hofmann.

“Two Rooms at the End of the World” from '21 at 33' (1980)

This catchy pop track has often been used metaphorically to describe Elton and Bernie’s creative process: Bernie would write the lyrics in room A and then send them to Elton who would write the music in room B. Sometimes the two would literally be in different countries, or as the song recites, ‘two rooms at the end of the world.’ As far as I can tell, this track has never been performed live. However, in 1991, a documentary titled Two Rooms: Celebrating the Songs of Elton John and Bernie Taupin was released, including an accompanying album featuring sixteen cover versions by popular artists of the day paying tribute to John/Taupin.

“Carla/Etude” from 'The Fox' (1981)

This selection is unique in that it is the first number on this countdown to have an official video. Indeed, an impressive video was shot for every single track off The Fox and was released subsequently to the album under the video album Visions, directed by the wonderfully talented Russell Mulcahy. This track is another stunning instrumental piece that was performed live with the Melborne Symphony Orchestra for the Tour De Force of 1986. However, it was left off the live album but thankfully was included on the 1990 boxed set To Be Continued. This live performance gives me goosebumps.

“All Quiet on the Western Front” from 'Jump Up!' (1982)

This 6:00 track is an anti-war song about WWI and probably influenced by the book of the same name. It’s climatic orchestral finale, jingle bell breaks, and church organ chord sequence makes it one of my favorite tracks on the album. Elton performed it during the European leg of his 1982 tour, once joking that it was “the worst-selling single in Phonogram’s history.” Indeed, it was released as a U.K. single but failed to chart.

“The Retreat” from 'Too Low for Zero' (1983)

This song is perhaps my favorite B-side that did not officially make it on any album until Too Low for Zero was reissued in 1998. It was originally the flip side of “I Guess That’s Why They Call it the Blues” in the US but showed up earlier in the U.K. as the B-side to the single “Princess” off of Jump Up! the previous year. Strangely enough, the song was recorded in 1979 during the sessions for 21 at 33 and not available on CD format until it was included on the To Be Continued boxed set released in 1990. From all that has been said about the song, apparently there was not enough faith in it all around to be included on an album, let alone a single. Indeed, I find this shocking on both fronts. Fans have joked over the years that they cannot believe David Geffen rejected “The Retreat” when compiling selections for Jump Up! but approved “I am Your Robot” (alas, a unique song, but not quite in the same category as “The Retreat”). At least we can finally enjoy the tossed around rare gem in its remastered state as a bonus track on Too Low for Zero. This song has never been performed live.

“Restless” from 'Breaking Hearts' (1984)

A political song written at the height of the Cold War. The track opens the Breaking Hearts album, which was originally going to be called Restless. The number is a great rock song, in a steady 4/4 beat, accompanied by the original line up of Davey Johnstone, Dee Murray, and Nigel Olsson. The song was included in the 1984 tour set list; however, it was performed at an almost frantic double-time. This live version was released as a B-side to “Wrap Her Up” the following year and has been remastered as a bonus track on the reissued Ice on Fire album.

“Act of War” w/ Millie Jackson from 'Ice on Fire' (1985)

This track is an often ignored balls to the wall rocker, heavily produced at the height of the 80s sound effect fashion, with machine guns, missiles and bombs frequently exploding between vocals. Taupin once again wrote of the Cold War metaphorically of a romantic relationship at loading point. The song was released as a single and peaked at number 32 in the U.K. but gained no traction in the US. The video features a U.S. president eating jelly beans while answering his phone near a ‘button’ that would launch a nuclear attack. Tina Turner turned down the opportunity to be Elton’s original duet partner. It was performed live on the UK Soul Train the same year of release. Millie Jackson had gained a reputation at the time for her explicit material and her poor persons queen of R&B persona.

“Go it Alone” from 'Leather Jackets' (1986)

This track is off Elton’s poorest-charting album of his career at the height of his cocaine usage. The singles released from this album in the U.K. and US failed to break the top 40. Elton has referred to Leather Jackets as being his least favorite album, next to Bernie’s least favorite, The Big Picture. However, despite all of the above, “Go it Alone” is a decent heavily guitar-driven rocker about moving on solo after a bitter breakup. Despite its over production, Elton does get a piano featured moment toward the end while Davey’s gives his guitar a rest. As far as I can tell, this song has never been played live.

“Since God Invented Girls” from 'Reg Strikes Back' (1988)

A beautiful song about the female sex which pays tribute to the Beach Boys. The line, “Now I know what Brian Wilson meant” was enough to have the Beach Boys record backing vocals for the track. It is worth mentioning that this was Elton’s self-proclaimed ‘comeback album’ after suffering fallen record sells from the previous two albums. In a way, Elton had reinvented himself for this record: he had auctioned off his costumes (featured on the cover), he gave up the white Steinway Grand for a while (in lieu of the Roland RD-1000 digital piano), he had healed from emergency surgery in Australia (which removed several nodules on his vocal cords, dropping his voice an entire octave), and fought the British press (and won) for false, scandalous stories printed in the tabloids. After watching hundreds of recorded shows, I can safely say this song has never been played live.

“Blue Avenue” from 'Sleeping with the Past' (1989)

This soothing, reflective, adult contemporary track reached the Top 75 in the Netherlands. The entire album is dedicated to Bernie and pays tribute to the 1960s R&B icons. The words ‘addict’ and ‘addiction’ foreshadows Elton checking himself into a rehab center the following year. Elton added the song to his European set list for part of his 1992 tour.

“Understanding Women” from 'The One' (1992)

A dark, slightly psychedelic track that features David Gilmore of Pink Floyd on guitar. This was Elton’s first album project post drug and alcohol addictions and bulimia and features album cover art designed by Gianni Versace and a photo introducing the world to Elton’s new ‘look.’ This record turned out to be Elton’s highest selling album in the U.S. since 1975s Rock of the Westies. I cannot find any mention anywhere that this song has never been performed live.

“A Woman’s Needs” w/ Tammy Wynette from 'Duets' (1993)

A beautiful country song about what a woman is looking for in a man and the man’s insecurity about giving it to her. Elton has told a story about sending Tammy Wynette the lyrics with a note that said something like “To the Queen of Country Music from the Queen of England.” Some country radio stations played the song out of sheer interest for the unlikeliest of pairings, but it was never released as a single. I was lucky enough to be at an Atlanta show where Elton debuted the song, performing it solo. He dedicated it to Wynette who was in the audience.

“I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” from 'The Lion King' (1994)

A world beat pop number off his second soundtrack from the well-received Disney film which earned Elton an Oscar. The lyrics, written by Tim Rice, is about the naïve and impatient desire to reach the age of majority to have the freedom to make choices; however, the singer is too young and arrogant to realize that with great power comes great responsibility. I could find no indication that Elton has ever performed this song live.

“Pain” from 'Made in England' (1995)

A fantastic rock song — very reminiscent of Elton’s earlier work — about ‘pain’ putting the stamp on life. Elton added it to the live set list when promoting the album.

“Live Like Horses” w/ Pavarotti from 'The Big Picture' (1997)

Another track about living free and possibly one of the most moving songs Elton has ever recorded. The song builds orchestrally with Elton and Pavarotti (singing his part in Italian) alternating verses and choruses but join in together for the final chorus. This song was released as a single in the U.K. where it reached #9. Elton joked that a “wide lens” was needed to shoot the two men standing side by side for the music video. The version that made it on to The Big Picture was without Pavarotti. The number has not been performed at any show I have attended or watched on video/YouTube.

“I Know the Truth” w/Janet Jackson from 'Aida' (1998)

An extremely sad but beautiful track from Elton’s second musical written with lyricist Tim Rice. After unintentionally learning that her fiancé is in love with her friend, a brokenhearted Amneris organizes her wedding while realizing her marriage is a lie. John and Jackson’s unique voices blend well; and the song has been credited as being many fans’ favorite track off the album. A solo version of the song was performed on the Rosie O’ Donnell show in March 2000.

“The Muse” from 'The Muse' (1999)

This is a song from Elton’s third soundtrack and unique in the sense that with the exception of this number the rest of the album is the orchestrated score which he wrote in its entirety. Directed by Albert Brooks and starring Brooks, Sharon Stone, Andie MacDowell, and Jeff Bridges, the film was a slight box office flop due to critics complaining that Brooks lacked energy in his direction of the film. The lack of moviegoer interest played a part in low album sells, making the title track an often overlooked nugget. This song has never been performed live.

“El Dorado” from 'The Road to El Dorado' (2000)

A high energy world-pop song complete with a Spanish horn section which many fans consider their favorite track on the album, despite two lukewarm singles — one which featured an unaccredited Backstreet Boys. This was Elton’s fourth soundtrack and third time working with lyricist Tim Rice. Unfortunately, the DreamWorks movie bombed, earning only $76 of the $95 million budget at the box office. This was due to the predictable story and thin characters which critics said made the movie flat. However, this did not stop Elton from performing it live at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco in February 2000 as part of a televised concert called Elton John Live: Road to Eldorado Concert.

“Ballad of the Boy in the Red Shoes” from 'Songs from the West Coast' (2001)

This track is a moving adult contemporary number about AIDS. The red shoes were symbolic of the dying ballet dancer’s active life that was cut short by the then debilitating illness. It is also political in the sense the line “That the old man wouldn’t listen” is referring to the late U.S. President Reagan’s inaction funding to fight the disease. Thank God things have improved on that front! This album was a much-needed return to Elton’s earlier albums, showcasing his piano-based musical roots. Critics and fans stood united in agreement he hit the mark, and bringing back original drummer Nigel Olson and Orchestral Arranger/Conductor Paul Buckmaster was icing on the cake. This song was included in the set list for some cities visited in his 2001 tour promoting the album.

“Porch Swing in Tupelo” from 'Peachtree Road' (2004)

A country rock song about Elvis Presley. This is the only album Elton solely produced. Recorded at Tree and Silent Sound studios in Atlanta (where Elton resides part-time) Elton recorded the entire album with a country/southern gospel vibe. He performed the song live at the Tabernacle in Atlanta, a show I was lucky enough to attend, where he debuted many of the new tracks.

“Electricity” from 'Billy Elliot' (2005)

This track is from Elton’s third musical, Billy Elliot, which peaked at #4 in the U.K., making it his 63rd Top 40 hit there. It was not released in North America. The lyrics, written by Lee Hall, are about Billy’s response when a member of The Royal Ballet School in London asks him in the audition “What does it feel like when you are dancing?” After a pause, Billy answers: “I can’t really explain it…. I haven’t got the words… electricity sparks inside of me and I’m free.” Elton has occasionally performed this song live outside of North America.

“Right Before My Eyes” from 'Lestat' (2005)

Another beautiful showtune from Elton’s fourth incredible musical written with Taupin. This is a unique track in the fact that there is only a live version available on a promotion CD that was handed out at one of the first showings. Sadly, the production had a brief run on Broadway due to the reaction of many revisions made when it transitioned out of Pre-Broadway status. There were complaints that the numerous revisions — including stage effects, production values, projected images, plot elements and song changes — all took away from the story. Many characters, scenes, and performers were replaced or entirely dropped at the last minute which added to the criticism. The entire Lestat album is hard to find as it was never officially released and got little promotion. This track has been declared by many fans as their favorite from the show, and I totally agree. Elton performed it on the Today and Ellen DeGeneres shows to promote the Broadway premiere.

“I Must Have Lost it On the Wind” from 'The Captain & the Kid' (2006)

A catchy pop-country song with Taupin lyrics autobiographical of Elton’s addiction years: “You couldn't tell me I was wrong, you couldn't tell me anything… and if you did then I guess I must have lost it on the wind.” This is the first song I recall my four-year-old son singing along with in the car. The album stands out as being the thirty year follow up to the autobiographical 1975 Captain Fantastic & The Brown Dirt Cowboy album. The cover is unique because it is the only one which features Elton and Bernie pictured together. Sadly, the record fell off the charts quickly due to Interscope’s lack of effort promoting the album. Elton included this song in his 2006 set list. The Season 11 premiere episode of Grey’s Anatomy was named after the song.

“Gone to Shiloh” w/Leon Russell and Neil Young from 'The Union with Leon Russell' (2010)

My favorite track off this album inspired by Taupin’s love of American history. The lines “Gone to Shiloh for the Union… shoulder to shoulder… side by side… Gone to Shiloh hope springs eternal… when flags and bullets start to fly” are nothing less than utterly stunning. This Civil War song is dark and bluesy; and at times almost like a prayer or march into battle — complete with drum cadence during the chorus. Young’s southern harmony fits perfectly. This album debuted at #3 on Billboard 200 and was ranked #3 on Rolling Stones’s list of the 30 Best Albums of 2010. Elton told the magazine that the song feels like a movie and was a pivotal moment for he and Russell’s collaboration. The number made it into the 2010 tour set list for some cities.

“Hello, Hello” w/ Lady Gaga from 'Gnomeo & Juliet' (2011)

A solid duet with the Godmother of Elton’s two sons, from his fifth soundtrack and third animated film. Unfortunately, fans had to buy a movie ticket to hear the duet because it was not released as a single, and only a solo version turned up on the soundtrack. The movie did very well at the box office and received reception. I could not find any indication that Elton has performed this song live with or without Lady Gaga. A sequel is in the works for 2018 titled Sherlock Gnomes.

“Good Morning to the Night” w/ Pnau from 'Good Morning to the Night with Pnau' (2012)

This track comes from a remix album Elton made with the Australian electronica group Pnau. Every track on the record was created from sampling many early John/Taupin masters mixed together to create completely new songs. The album debuted at No. 1 on the U.K. Albums Chart. This song included elements from the recordings: “Philadelphia Freedom,” “Mona Lisas and the Mad Hatters,” “Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding,” “Tonight,” “Gulliver/Hay Chewed,” “Sixty Years On,” “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” and “Someone Saved My Life Tonight.” It peaked at #30 on the US Dance Chart. Elton performed it live in Pnau’s native Australia at the X Factor semi-final show.

“Voyeur” from 'The Diving Board' (2013)

This track is a soothing, catchy old school number that is perhaps my favorite off the entire album. It starts off with just Elton and builds like “Your Song” and then ends in a repetitive spacey-like echo reminiscent of “Rocket Man.” It was included in the set list for at least the early leg of his tour promoting the album.

“England and America” from 'Wonderful Crazy Night' (2016)

This song leaves you scratching your head in wonderment. Here was Elton’s most upbeat album since 1975's Rock of the Westies, yet this excellent balls-to-the-wall rocker (probably hardest driven number since 1995s “Pain”) was left off the album! Friends, check out the deluxe edition as this track will not disappoint you! As of October 2017, Elton has not performed this song live.