Madman Across The Water

Probably ripe like Rotten Peaches for ridicule these days, there's a reason many of us scream "Hold me closer, Tony Danza!" during the chorus of Elton John's Tiny Dancer — and it's not for reasons you might think, unless you're thinking that the song is painfully good. That there is a delicate clockwork of sentiment built into the song's melody, the piano, the orchestra arrangement and Elton's stunning delivery. When it comes together expertly, you almost can't escape the craft of it. And yet, the emotion is a performance and one built on top of storytelling that is sometimes absurd lyrically, which hardly slows him down (he could sing about toothpaste with tenderness and verve depending on the requirements of the song). So, when confronted by music and singing that pulls you in one direction nearly against your will, there's an escape hatch which is the strategy of absurdity. Layer in your own lyric / comment by invoking Tony Danza the formerly notable American TV actor from Taxi and Who's The Boss who was seemingly ubiquitous from the late 70s to the mid-80s. Just enough comic relief to unsettle the machine of the song. That's kind of how I feel about the whole album, really. When it is working as intended I'm swept up in the music and the emotions it intends to provoke. It's so very well constructed that I'm caught up in its mechanisms. Tiny Dancer, Levon, Razor Face, Rotten Peaches, All The Nasties, and Indian Sunset all contain moments where I can't believe Elton (an Englishman!) is singing these words with this emotion and I'm swept up. Indian Sunset's lyrics are questionable to this contemporary listener even though the song was intended as a lament about the tragedies of the indigenous / first peoples of North America, for instance. Sir Elton has often remarked it's a story, but is it his story to tell? Anyway, when this record is working on your emotion with such conviction it can be incredibly potent. But it's a delicate balance, and remember, it only takes one Tony Danza to make your escape when you need to return to a place no longer ensnared by such masterful songwriting. — Footnote: If you listen to the deluxe version, the song "Madman Across The Water" featuring Mick Ronson is a scorcher. Love how heavy and rocking that version gets. And if you're not listening to the deluxe (I can understand), you should at least seek that track out.

Needs even more mandolin

Maybe lacks the variety and range of writing that would really push it up to a top flight singer-songwriter pop rock album, but by god, the arrangements on this thing are just consistently incredible. Just consistently the most lush and beautiful musical framing for this strand of 70s pop that the album is all in on, fully selling you on the emotional scenery that the words of reflection on America from the outside and the feeling of spiralling in stardom can’t always do, and it goes a massive way to make the album feel much more consistent than other peak Eltons (not that it cuts down the high of Tiny Dancer any either). Also realising Indian Sunset is the song that was sampled for the posthumous 2Pac song was like a mild jumpscare just sprinkled into here.

I am so surprised by how much I didn't enjoy this. Tiny Dancer is an overrated track, and then none of the others really gripped me at all, despite the impressive piano playing throughout. A strange one. Favourites: Tiny Dancer (still) Holiday Inn

Tiny Dancer, Levon, and a bunch of songs I never want to hear again

Elton john wrote 2 really good songs and then 7 worse versions of those two songs

Not a big Elton fan but notice very much aimed at a US audience

Erstaunlich - 1 tolles Album

Just brilliant. Love every song on this. I had a pretty thorough review of Elton John when we had Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, so I won't say much about him as an artist. This record really does feel like the apex mountain of everything he's good at: combining blues and pop. And he freakin lands the plane with this one. Every song is such a bop. Every song is a bit of pain and a bit of joy, but actually.. its all joy. Its music that is meant to just hang out and live in. Tiny Dancer is the anthem for hanging out and letting everything just be okay. (queue Almost Famous).

deep cuts didn’t really hold up

Not his best but still fine. Tiny Dancer is probably the highlight here. No wonder this man was destined for greatness. Besides the first few tracks though, the remainder of the album isn't as good. A bit of filler here and there. Nothing special. More greatness was to come though.

3.0

Tiny dancer followed by levon. 14/10 opening. Rest of the album is alright but man it’s tough to follow that

So close to a 5. Only a 4 because Yellow Brick Road exists

🙂

Meget klaver.

Not bad, but, many of these songs do seem like fillers. Not his best work.

3.5 egt men vil heller ikke runde opp til 4 så kanskje sånn 3.49

outside of some bangers don't think mr. elton is for me.

Surprisingly beautiful. Not sure what was surprising about it as I know Elton John is a fantastic writer, but there it is.

I love Elton's music - along with Bowie he's been one of the things this list made me realize I've missed. I'd only been familiar with Tiny Dancer before but it's well crafted pop (if maybe a bit over the top some times).

3.5 Tiny Dancer propping it up

Fav song: Tiny Dancer

With the exception of “Tiny Dancer” and “Levon,” I wasn’t familiar with most of these songs. I enjoyed the title track, “Madman Across the Water,” which showed a bit more of a progressive/hard rock edge than the pop rock Elton is known for. I found that to be the case with much of the album and enjoyed listening to it.

She just died? Wow. I didn’t know that I just uh, you’re telling me now for the first time. She led an amazing life. What else can you say? She was an amazing woman… whether you agree or not she was an amazing woman who led an amazing life. Um… actually saddened to hear that I am saddened to hear that thank you very much. Tiny dancer is on an album with this ugly of a cover?

Tiny Dancer is a great song on this album

Elton John is one of these singers that make you feel like singing is just this thing people do when they open their mouth. It seems super effortless and natural, just like talking but more melodic, you know. Then you activate a second brain cell and you realize he's singing the hell out of these songs. I'm not in love with most of the songs, the music or the repetitiveness of this album, but I did enjoy the experience. I would've loved to like it more, but maybe that'll happen with the next one, who knows.

Ballerina you must've seen her

Not his best, but pretty solid. Love it centring around the piano and almost countryish? but i don’t adore most tracks. Standouts are Tiny Dancer, Madman Across The Water and Holiday Inn.

Hold me closer tiny dancer

Amazing album and beautiful songs, that I didn't know

good album. does not feel that old. liked every song. a strong 4.

Couldn’t pay too much attention but I liked the sound

This is a mid 4

Classic Elton, theatrical piano

some amazing songs on here and some clunkers, but i love me some elton john

Really enjoyed hearing this again. Brings back some great memories listening to it first time around.

Good album with a couple of great tracks 26

has the benefit of being shorter than goodbye yellow brick road, but the disadvantage of only having a couple standout tracks out of 9 total

Elton John – Madman Across the Water (1971) On Day 309, this album delivered a commanding clinic in peak baroque pop, capturing the exact era where Elton John's vocal power and instrumental prowess were truly being unleashed. Moving away from standard radio constraints, the record leaned heavily into dramatic, classical orchestrations and percussive, gospel-steeped piano work. "Tiny Dancer" stands tall as an undeniable triumph, defined by an immaculate dynamic build that erupts into one of the most infectious and timeless choruses in recorded music. "Levon" matched that grandeur with theatrical vocal power and thunderous orchestral swells, while the sprawling, tense ambition of the title track explored darker, psychological corners with cinematic precision. While perhaps not his absolute pinnacle across the board, the record showcases unmistakable brilliance and soaring musical ambition throughout. A strong 4/5.

For as much as I enjoy Elton John, going into this I only knew "Tiny Dancer" and "Levon" from this album. That said, it's got the quintessential 70s Elton John sound. Between him and Bernie Taupin the songs are beautifully played and beautifully written. I was not expecting to be so invested in a song that name drops Holiday Inn. Are these songs as good or iconic as some of John's other albums? Not really, at least not for me. But they are still enjoyable, and I will probably listen to the entire album again.

Super fun stuff! Definitely a unique style and sound that doesn't get old across listens.

This album begins with probably my two favourite Elton John songs, and then mostly plods along. No new textures throughout the rest of the album, and no more real standout songs on the B side. Tale of two halves.

some great songs, some not so great songs. surprised how reglious some where!

Неплохое начало для знакомства с Элтоном Джоном, не так много запоминающихся песен как хотелось бы

Tiny Dancer heard to death but album lets one appreciate what an amazing talent Elton John (and Bernie Taupin) was (were) at the top of his (their) game

Я послушал и стал геем

Singles aside, this is a great set of “Elton John singing with his piano” songs. That might sound simple, but that isn’t a bad thing.

1. *Holiday Inn 2. *Indian Sunset 3. *All The Nasties 4. *Tiny Dancer 5. Rotten Peaches 6. *Levon 7. Razor 8. Madman Across The Water 9. Goodbye

Næsten en lille smule gospel-agtigt det her album. Det er et nummer, hvor han er indianer, måske lidt cultural population, men et fuldstændig fantastisk album, jeg helt klart gerne vil høre igen.

So smooth.

Not a fan of Elton John at all. Boring pop. Doesn't interest me

Listened before?: only Tiny Dancer Tiny Dancer - 5/5 Levon - 4/5 Razor Face - 4/5 Madman Across the Water - 5/5 Indian Sunset - 4/5 Holiday Inn - 3/5 Rotten Peaches - 3/5 All the Nasties - 3/5 Goodbye - 3/5 Average score: 3.8/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Bit too slow and solemn

70s Pop-Rock. I can listen to it, I can have it as background music, or I can ignore it. There are songs that I like, but there isn't anything in either direction (It must be in my permanent rotation or I don't ever want to hear it again), that I feel exceptionally strongly about.

Early piano man. I remember Tiny Dancer, but not much else. Most of the album has the same vibe; it's nice to listen to while playing in the background.

I like some Elton John songs, but in general, I'm not much of a fan.

Nice young Elton

Gets four stars for tiny dancer and madman across the water alone, such masterful songs, for the song writing and for the way they build and release tension. The rest are in the same vein but not quite reaching those same heights.

I've heard this one before and I still don't get the fuss. It's okay, but not winning any new fans here.

Listened before : No Listen again : No   I came into this album as a fan of elton johns biggest hits, but I haven't really listened to much of his music beyond that. I feel tiny dancer sets the tone of the album pretty well, the whole thing feels like it would make a good gang show item. Sitar background of Holiday Inn worked for me and gave the track quite a joyful, nae whimsical feeling. Piano throughout is mint, but you would expect that.   Standouts: Tiny dancer (ofc), Holiday Inn, All The Nasties

Good

Tiny dancer, Indian Sunset and Rotten Peaches are my faves. I didn’t realise Ghetto Gospel was sampling Indian Sunset so that’s a fun discovery (I knew it was Elton John). I just wasn’t wowed like I thought I’d be so that’s why it’s a 3 for me.

Liked the first song, the rest was alright.

Starts off with the beautiful tiny dancer and nothing quite matches up to that. Its a very quiet melodic album. Better was to come as the decade wore on

Has one of the best intro songs to an album if not one of the best songs of all time at the top - Tiny Dancer. Beyond that, I appreciate John's stylings but this album peaks at the beginning for me.

Levon is one of my favorite songs of all time. But like most Elton albums, there are some absolute all timers and a TON of filler Best Song: Levon Rating: 7/10 Stars: 4

Piano man is a genre right? These are good songs well executed. Elton is a good singer and the production is nice if if it’s time. Would I listen to this album if someone played it for me , probably , but would I put it on myself - probably not. 2.5 /5 Apparently Tony Danza is Leaving - well at least that’s what it sounds like.

Elton John is great, no notes. I think why this isn’t a 5 to me is just because it’s not new to me. So many good songs but just already versed so less striking to me is all.

Buenísimo álbum, sin duda mis favoritas fueron tiny dancer y goodbye

One hit album funkar inte

Elton har en riktig sjuk streak med bra album i början av 70-talet. Tycker dock att för många låtar på den här skivan har för lik struktur och tempo, så det blir inte mer än 3/5. En stark trea!

Det är bra!

oh hey! tiny dancer!

Fun

bem... é um album do elton john + anos 70 + baladas. algumas são boas, outras são só OK

It doesn’t get bogged down length wise like yellow brick road. It stays fairly snappy and fun

The sprawling, chorus-less first half of "Tiny Dancer" sets the stage for an album full of lush piano and strings. By the time the chorus hits for the first time it's well-earned and acts as a fitting climax. The first half of the album follows in much of the same way, with the title track being another highlight. The strings get bigger on "Indian Sunset," which is well-intentioned but which hasn't aged too well. On the second half the big strings start to get tiring, as the album doesn't try too many new things; the building, flowing tension of "Tiny Dancer" has been replaced by more traditional pop songs. At the end, the closing song is a real letdown, a short unsatisfying conclusion. There are plenty of beautiful moments on this, but they're mostly on the first half and the album screams for something new by the end.

This sounded cinematic in nature. It’s like everything had its place, everything was intentional from the lyrics down to a simple beat of a drum. Great fucking music Sir Elton John, bravo!

Dangit deleted my review by pressing the wrong button, too lazy to go rewrite it. Good collections of songs minus the Indian one. Don't really think of it as a coherent album but also don't really care.

As much Elton John that I’ve listened to in my life, this is probably the first time I’ve sat down and actually listened to a whole album. Honestly, It’s hard not to be an Elton John fan

An excellent release and my favorite of his. One of the greatest singles ever. Tiny Dancer. Tapping n John at their apex together.

the real highlight here is the vocals, both writing and performing. the rest of it isn't particularly strong or varied

Excellent classic album Solid 5

Tony Dancer LP version excellent- the rest of the album was decent,

This is a tough one. It has good moments, but at other times it's kind of a bore. Maybe had I woken up on the other side of the bed today, I might give it a 4/5 instead.

još jedan sasvim neloš album eltona johna? ponovo do neke mjere progresiva. no ovaj me se nije toliko dojmio kao prethodno odslušan (»goodybe on yellow brick road«), neka su mjesta previše eh, stoga trojka. u svakom bih slučaju htio ponovo odslušati i ovaj i spomenuti album [odslušao i napisao 15/10/26]

A smooth theatrical album. Really unique lyrics, you sometimes feel as though you’re listening to a musical fairy tale, but it works.

7/10

An enjoyable album to listen to once but Elton John is not my thing

It’s Elton John. Great álbum though!

Tiny dancer my favourite Elton John song will guarantee a couple of stars but after that this album, like a lot of his, just falls into the OK box and thats not as bad as it sounds. Would I listen to this album if someone played it, maybe, but would I put it on myself - probably not.

I call this the Ramones theorem Tiny Dancer is a classic song, and obviously the highlight of this album. Elton John is a more than fine vocalist, and there’s plenty of talent in his band. I wouldn’t say there’s a single objectively bad moment in this one. Tried to pay attention to the lyrics and I gotta admit they’re not bad, I see what he’s going for The biggest problem with this one is that every. single. song just feels like it’s trying to be Tiny Dancer again, with varying results. It reminds me of the Ramones album where they knew Blitzkrieg Bop was awesome so they tried to make it 10 more times. Basically, the variety sucks on this one Considering a lot of Elton John’s most beloved songs are higher energy hits, it just kinda disappoints me that every track on this album is going for the exact same thing

I like Tiny Dancer just not enough to want to listen to it 9 times.

Classic Elton John

Strong openers. And it's Elton! Some are a bit dated (Indian Sunset) but overall a good album.

Fun. Weirdly christian

Review TBC, but I'm really not a fan of Elton and it was merely fine.

Pitkiä biisejä, tai ainakin ne tuntuvat pitkiltä. Elton John on ollut ehdottomasti maailmanluokan artisti. Ei yhtään erityisen tuttua biisiä entuudestaan eikä yhtään huonoa biisiä. Mutta jotenkin vähän raskas, vaatisi valtavasti keskittymistä saada tästä albumista ”kaikki irti”. 3/5

Found myself really grooving to this one.