Elton John Albums Ranked

Sir Elton Hercules John CH CBE (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight; 25 March 1947) is an English singer, songwriter, pianist, and composer. He has worked with lyricist Bernie Taupin since 1967; they have collaborated on more than 30 albums. John has sold more than 300 million records, making him one of the best-selling music artists. He has more than fifty Top 40 hits in the UK Singles Chart and US Billboard Hot 100, including seven number ones in the UK and nine in the US, as well as seven consecutive number-one albums in the US. His tribute single “Candle in the Wind 1997”, rewritten in dedication to Diana, Princess of Wales, sold over 33 million copies worldwide and is the best-selling single in the history of the UK and US singles charts. He has also produced records and occasionally acted in films. raised in the Pinner area of Greater London, John learned to play piano at an early age, and by 1962 had formed Bluesology, an R&B band with whom he played until 1967. He met his longtime musical partner Taupin in 1967 after they both answered an advert for songwriters. For two years, they wrote songs for artists including Lulu, and John worked as a session musician for artists including the Hollies and the Scaffold. In 1969, John’s debut album, Empty Sky, was released. In 1970, his first hit single, “Your Song”, from his second album, Elton John, reached the top ten in the UK and the US. John has also had success in musical films and theatre, composing for The Lion King and its stage adaptation, Aida and Billy Elliot the Musical. Here are all Elton John albums ranked.

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10.Rock of the Westies (1975)

“What I like is that this album really has a bite to it. It truly rocks. It is distinctly different from his ballad albums. Guitar is more prominent on this album and Elton John’s voice really has a bite. You still have a ballad on here: “I Feel Like A Bullet” and in this setting it really stands out. Don’t get me wrong, I love Elton John Ballads. And though this is a rocking album it certainly isn’t wailing guitar, but just jamming, in Elton’s own way. It’s distinct style outside Elton’s box warrants it a place in your Elton John collection.”

9.Too Low for Zero (1983)

“This is Elton’s best 80’s album with I’m Still Standing and the classic I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues. You also have other great songs like Cold as Christmas (In the Middle of the Year), Too Low For Zero, and Kiss the Bride. This album is an essential to any Elton fans collection.”

8.Caribou (1974)

“This album is from what I consider the best age of Elton John… I am a real fan of his early stuff (up through Captain Fantastic) and find this album to really shine from the Elton/Bernie Taupin era when they were really cranking out great music. This album has some great deep cuts besides “The Bitch is Back”, songs like Dixie Lily could have easily been on Tumbleweed Connection, but are an interesting break here… The nonsense song “Sola Prestige a Gammon” is interesting, but one of the real gems is “Ticking”… Definitely one of his better early works!”

7.Elton John (1970)

“This being Elton John’s second album after “Empty Sky”, it truly embarked on Elton on his remarkable career. It was the first of many productions by Gus Dudgeon and contained Elton’s first group of band members that would last throughout the seventies. “Your Song” was the big hit here, but songs like, “Take Me To The Pilot” and “Border Song” became FM radio station staples. Elton also recorded live with an orchestra here and it marks the first time that he really took advantage of the setup. Stand-out cuts are “Sixty Years On” and “The King Must Die”; songs he later recreated in concert. This is a landmark album.”

6. Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player (1973)

“The big hits like “Daniel” and “Crocodile Rock” don’t hold a candle to the other songs, such as “Texas Love Song” and “High Flying Bird”. In fact, every other song besides the big two are more enjoyable to me personally. That’s not to say the hits are bad or anything- no way! I have a lot of memories connected to both “Daniel” and “Crocodile Rock” from my childhood and they immediately take me back to those days. So they are very important songs to me. Over time though, we realize the hits aren’t the only worthwhile songs on an album, and this is a prime example of that. Pick it up today.”

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5.Honky Château (1972)

“This review pertains to the SACD version of this very fine album. Having all available Elton John music on SACD, this particular work captures the essence of SACD from the first few notes of Honky Cat! What happens next is more “ear candy!” The saxophones literally step into your room from the rear speakers, placing you in the midst of this music seemingly as it was being recorded. I have never heard a piano sound so crisp and clear….how’d they do that? Wow! As if that weren’t enough, get ready to take your own personal space journey with Rocket Man, mixed perfectly to sweep you into the far-away laments of one lonely, stellar traveler and presenting that incredible depth to the recording that SACD happily provides. Another of my Top Five SACD recordings. If you appreciate excellence in recorded sound, I would highly recommend you give this a listen and suggest you will not be disappointed.”

4.Tumbleweed Connection (1970)

“This album captured my imagination – a very expressive lyrical delivery that evoked rich imagery I could identify with. Even to this day – in my opinion – Tumbleweed Connection is one of the milestone records of the later 20th century. It is unequaled by any of Elton’s later works or those of any other singers of his generation.”

3.Madman Across the Water (1971)

“An Elton masterpiece that never seems to get old. Love the lengthy songs and just when you think you’ve heard Tiny Dancer, or Levon one to many times, there’s always side 2. With Holiday Inn as the highlight featuring Davey Johnstone’s mandolin which in my opinion, pays homage to Rod Stewart’s Maggie May. This record pretty much turned my head around in Junior High and I still have it in my vinyl collection to this day. Bravo Reg, Bravo.”

2.Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (1975)

“From the first to the last track on this album, excellent music all the way through. From an era when albums were compiled as a whole, instead of just a set of itunes tracks, here is one that stands out and helps explain why Elton John is such a legend of popular music. This is an album that belongs in a “lifetime collection” to be come back to time and again over the long haul, along with several other EJ albums like Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and Honky Chateau…”

1.Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973)

One of my all time favorite albums gets a remake for it’s 40th year. It certainly didn’t need it as the last special edition was already cleaned up rather nicely from its original state. Elton John’s opus and masterpiece shines here, as it always has. All of the original tracks are remastered to perfection, even though I can’t tell a difference from the last remastering.If you don’t already have this album, this is a must purchase. If you already have the previous remastered version and don’t want to hear extra songs like the live performances, then you can skip this version.”