Madman Across The Water

Rick Beato What Makes This Song Great: Tiny Dancer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dijrGXvSS-g

Four stars because Tiny Dancer and Levon….otherwise it’s kinda mid

I didn't listen to the whole thing, but it has a lot of great classics on it. EJ has had it the whole time.

Elég jó, nagyon vibe zene, olyan 3.7et adnék

надо уже всего Элтона внимательно послушать! пока так и не отличаю но красиво

good stuff

Alright

hmmm another Elton John... Awwwe this is the album that has Tiny Dancer. Always reminds me of Almost Famous. I know he was a huge deal, but I'm just not feeling it. I liked the first and last track. 2 stars

Tiny dancer.

First album of Elton John I've listened. At previous albums from legendary artists I've barely truly listened to, I could say "this pretty much encapsulates the artist" whether it's their down-to-basics debut or their opulent imperal work. But at this album I'm like "hmmmm it's not as flamboyant as I expected, but it also drags on for way too long." It's only nine songs, but most of them cross the 5 minute mark and don't hold my attention to be honest, with the obvious exception being Tiny Dancer. Hope next time Elton pops up, it'll be a proper experience. Strong 3

Emotional pop tunes with great vocals. Tiny Dancer stands out, and while the other tracks were great to listen to in the background, they were significantly less memorable.

Love it

Ok

Orchestration on this album is top tier. The singles are so universally known, they overshadow the sleeper tracks by a lot, which makes it feel lopsided. It's all tight, and Bernie Taupin made some really interesting lyrical choices.

1971. Excellent.

Eh. Some good sounding stuff but the rest is kind od Basic 3/5

For the most part it's an excellent album except for a few duds. They're not bad just not as good as the rest. Tiny Dancer really is a classic and probably a song that will be remembered for decades to come.

I am glad it's not just me being confused by most of the lyrics. Indian Sunset is not a song a British artist would want to sing today, isn’t the word “squaw” now declared to be racist? I find it funny to hear his voice sounding so young, so just for that it was interesting to listen to this album. The song I liked most is the name giving song for the album. I have no idea what to make out of the lyrics, I just like the presentation, the band and his voice are amazing. It seems no one at the time got the meaning right either, maybe as a madwomen it just speaks to my soul.

Pretty good, it's Elton John after all.

I really like the first song - Tiny Dancer. The rest is meh

It's a low three, as some of it was kinda boring, but pieces here and there were good and Tiny Dancer is good. If that song wasn't on here, it'd probably be a two. I hope I like some of his other albums more. My favourite song was Tiny Dancer.

Ved ik

Love Tiny Dancer, rest of it sounds a bit samey. Not bad, just not enough for my liking.

Not my style

Classic, classic, and classic.

Ok on entend que chaque son c'est un banger quand même. Vu que c'est la musique que ma grandmère écoute je pensais que ça serait bof mais lourd en vrai. Un peu supertramp vibes parfois.

Just sounds like elton john, title song and tiny dancer were the only songs of note to me.

It's just classic Elton John. It's really good music, but I guess in the year 2023 it's a bit predictable. Tiny Dancer, of course, is an all-time banger.

My parents never had music on in the house when I was young, except for the Kings College Choir at Christmas. The only music I heard was what my sister played in her bedroom which was next to mine, and as she was the biggest Elton John fan..... I tell you this because I cannot remember hearing this album before, though I know she had it. Quite frankly, it's not one of his best. I could name half a dozen I would consider more worthy of inclusion. Really its just an ordinary 2 for me.

I’m probably one of the only humans on the planet who managed to make it to their mid 50s without ever listening to an EJ album. I have an impulsive reaction to change the radio station as soon as I hear his tones, or if I’m somewhere in a public space I just put my fingers in my ears and shout blah blah blah blah until I’ve managed to escape the torture. Irrational behaviour by an otherwise fairly rational and balanced man perhaps. It’s not just EJs long association with an unmentionable football club down the M1 that warrants this abnormal response, although I am guilty of playing up to this as it’s now simply expected of me. In the same way that I’m expected to keep repeating the same Dad jokes and laughing at myself whilst my family just shakes their heads and fondly pats my arm. I knew that this day was coming as soon as I signed up to this 1,001 albums thing as I guessed there would be EJ presence. I thought I’d just skip it. But in this new progressive version of myself, I listened to the whole thing. Under headphones. So it’s our secret. So, my review… Positives Song writing - there are some ok songs on here. How much credit does EJ take for this? I genuinely don’t know. Arrangements - some beautiful orchestration and very clever use of tempo change, soft then loud and harmonisation. The title track - great song with a nice atmospheric build to it. Piano - obvious I guess but he can play the piano pretty well cant he! Negatives I absolutely hate his vocal style. Over pronunciation and over singing at times. It’s my number one hate on any piece of music (Mariah Carey for example) but EJ just has this weird exaggerated twang to his voice when he sings. What’s that all about? Like he’s either trying to be American or play a theatrical character? Ends up just sounding like a Benidorm club singer/Vic Reeves Shooting Stars parody act. ‘Indian Summer’ is an example. I’m proud of myself for trying and for being objective enough in my review. Zero stars for his vocals and choice of football team, but 2 stars overall - carried by the quality of some of the songwriting and the production.

Great songwriting, great musicianship, great everything. Just not for me, anyone with a career that long at the top deserves a bit of grudging praise. I knew the first track, the rest? Nope. It was harmless and not very inspiring, so I do wonder why this album was chosen over some more famous ones. Unfortunately I now have a fucked up earworm which goes 'Im a tiny dancer, I dance all for money...' it's beginning to weird me out, so someone please put me down. Gets a middle of the road 1 because I expected a bit more than what I got in the way of his big songs.

Songs are well-composed and tiny dancer remains a great song. The artist/album is very theatrical and this doesn’t really trigger me for some reason.

It was ok. Got a bit distracted, then listened again and got distracted again. So, not really memorable

Elton John at his best is great, but this ain’t it.

Nice album

Quite ok

Has some great songs but fails to impress me as an album

I just don't care for Elton John that much. I will admit Tiny Dancer is an all time classic though.

Didn't expect to like it but it was actually not that bad

While good there's some lyrical choices that seem a bit much and almost over rode the music and song. Good album and wouldn't have an issue going back through it!

Hyper-dramatic, so gay, deeply enjoyable. I should listen to more Elton John records.

a lot of deep tracks from Elton i was unaware of. Heard tiny dancer many times, but Levon right after was awesome. self titled song was great. surprised to hear indian sunset and hear the original song that 2pac sampled on Ghetto gospel. overall great start to the 1001 album endeavor.

7/10

Madman Across The Water has one of the greatest opening tracks of all time and progressively gets worse. At one point, Elton John sings, “ I went to see my chieftain” … I just can’t do it. He wrotes get piano melody and sings well but it doesn’t seem to all come to get together even. When it does though it’s the elite of the elite, in this case that’s Tiny Dancer. 5.9

I underestimated Elton John, this was incredible. Front to back this was amazing. The pacing and transitioning between songs were perfect.

Very theatrical, but I love the piano so much that it saves (nearly) anything for me. I liked the general vibes of the music here, and I'd need to give it more listens to maybe "connect" more with the songs. However, I liked what I heard on 1st listen.

Holiday Inn was a great side two gem

Very much enjoyed this record. Always respected Elton.

Elton John, im sure hes a nice guy but his music sucks!

Finely crafted but not really for me.

Pants

Tiny Dancer is great, so lovely; the rest are, well, shit.

Great opening song. Whole album is short but very enjoyable. Elton is very good at painting images of personas.

Standard Elton John - I've overheard the singles, but still a good easy listen. 6/10

Un album bien lyrique, dont certains textes ont un peu mal vieilli. Tiny Dancer demeure un chef-d’œuvre, et les arrangements quasi orchestraux sont bien travaillés

Tiny Dancer is incredible. The rest was mostly good, with a couple of exceptions (The lyrics of “Indian Sunset” and “Rotten Peaches” were each dreadful in very different ways, though Elton’s singing and arrangement remained excellent).

no one has the audacity to slay like this anymore

Cocaine. Lots and lots of cocaine.

Den gode poprock, tiny dancer, generelt et hyggeligt album

4.5, very good and unique sound and man

Didn't dislike any songs ... though Razor Face comes close.

Classics but you know, still piano ballads

That was a solid record with a couple of familiar radio hits, along with a just a great collection of songs. Highly enjoyable.

Solid album. Enjoyed it

Probably a 3, Tiny dancer Carries

every song sounds the same

Listen again

Eher schwacher Title Track, aber Tiny Dancer/Levon/Razorface ist ein wundervoller Start. Die restlichen Lieder überzeugen mich zwar nicht ganz, der Gesang bleibt aber über das ganze Album erstklassig, demnach gebe ich knappe vier Sterne.

Hits carried this. B sides sounded similar. Sturdy 3

I just found this...is fine. I think a lot of Elton, once you strip away the fact it's him, is just fine. It was quite boring really. He's got a cracking pair of lungs when he fancies it, but I think this just left my head as soon as it arrived.

Meh. Obviously Tiny Dancer is amazing but the rest were very mediocre.

Elton John is perfect, I loved it. The deluxe edition was very cool but a bit much for me, I should've just listened to it as it came out.

Okay yeah Tiny Dancer and Levon are bangers don't get me wrong (obviously you have to sing the chorus of Tiny Dancer) but RAZOR FACE. Rick Wakeman always eats. And the HARMONIES. I really like Rotten Peaches as well, not as catchy as some other Elton songs but goes hard nonetheless. Rest of the album is pretty decent.

lovely

Album #15 Elton John is another artist on my long list (an actual real list) whose discography I would like to explore, so I greeted this album with a smile on my face. I wasn't expecting to be hit right off the bat with one of his biggest songs, "Tiny Dancer". This was followed by "Levon" and it was then when I realized that the lyrics are a little confusing at times. As I have previously mentioned, I have difficulty interpreting lyrics and poetry at times. I had never heard the title track and found it be a standout track, until the song, "Indian Sunset" blew it away. That song told a very powerful and emotional story in under 7 minutes. I've seen 2 hour movies that couldn't tell a story that we'll. "Holiday Inn" sounded like it could've been a single. After that the album starts to just fade a bit. I also didn't like the first half of "All the Nasties", but thought it did start to pick up at the end. "Goodbye" was an excellent closer, and just long enough to let the message sit with you. It was interesting to hear a more progressive sound from Elton John, as I'm used to the glam rock and ballads. I enjoyed the album, but it wasn't consistent. 3.5* rounded up to 4*

seee 7.5/10

Didn’t like this one

The "Tiny Dancer" opening is nice, but then after that you realize that every song sounds basically the same. It's like driving through Nebraska ... the corn is interesting at first but you quickly yearn for some variety.

Happy to see this album by one of my favorite artists.

Está bien.

Hard to follow an opening track like "Tiny Dancer" but, with one exception, it's a great album. "Indian Sunset" is a real stinker of a track. I mean... why? What would possess you to write a song like that? Why do you think that's okay? Taupin really screwed that one up hard. Minus one star for culturally insensitive and historically inaccurate appropriative "story telling". The rest of the album is quite nice, though.

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road - 5/5 ------------------------------------- Besides the two hits (Tiny Dancer and Levon), I was kind of disappointed how mediocre the other tracks were.

This isn't my favorite album, in fact its pretty butt. I liked 2 songs in it.

Its alright but is just way too slow and gaudy for my tastes. I respect the songwriting and vocal abilities regardless of whether or not the songs actually do anything for me.

Felt exactly like I would have expected an Elton John album to sound like. It's hard to see why certain songs are "hits" and others not-- they're all very good.

Honestly probably Elton John's best effort. But I will say, I think this record is super front-loaded. The first side of the record is great, but the second side sort of becomes a drag.

I grew up listening to this album on family road trips, so I'm heavily influenced by nostalgia. I love it.

I don't love Elton's music generally. Not horrible, but aside from a couple of songs, they're mostly meh to me. These are all folksy EJ.

Not too many super famous songs on this album, although the most notable is Tiny Dancer. Madman Across The Water is one of Elton's lowest charting albums reaching only 41 in the UK albums charts and peaked at 8 in the Aus & US Pop Album charts. Seems like the public didn't really like the prog rock feel of this album by Elton John whatsoever, and I'm inclined to agree for the most part. Best: Tiny Dancer Worst: All The Nasties

I just don't get it. It's background music, yet people pay money to go and see it. Baffling.

Tiny Dancer is the best track in the album and it goes downhill from there.

This one rates a 4 for me, though I think there are a couple of tracks that are a bit weaker and would drag it down to a 3 for most people. I really love the title track and I think it's one of those fantastic examples of Bernie and Elton really clicking on an idea. It's not a hit for sure but it's one of my favourite Elton John songs. The same thing goes for Holiday Inn which is one of my favourites ever also. Davey Johnstone on guitar is a really awesome part of this record also and a signature part of what makes an Elton John record really sound like one.

Got weird towards the middle, start was good

Incredible album by Elton John. This is his best work.

Elegant and graceful album, just like Elton John and his music in general. Interesting thing is, that the music really is secondary every time Elton is singing, he is just that good. I have to watch Rocketman soon, so I will have a better knowledge of his history and background. But the album was a treat for sure!

"Madman Across the Water" by Elton John is a complex and ambitious album that showcases his musical versatility and storytelling prowess. Released in 1971, it's a fusion of rock, pop, and orchestral elements that highlight John's distinctive piano-driven sound. Tracks like "Tiny Dancer" and the title track capture his emotive vocals and Bernie Taupin's evocative lyrics. The album's production, enhanced by Paul Buckmaster's orchestral arrangements, adds a grand and cinematic quality. "Madman Across the Water" remains a testament to John's artistic exploration and stands as a snapshot of his creativity during this era.

Decent. Starts off strong but the second half of the album fades. Tiny Dancer is a classic! Drinking game. Take a shot every time Elton mentions Jesus. You'll be drunker than a frat house during pledge week.

Cool album, aantal chille nummers. Veel interessante nummers met leuke solos. Ik was niet fan van de melancholische koor stukken.

First time listening to an entire Elton John album. Pretty fantastic! First two songs are obvious classics, but I REALLY loved Indian Sunset. Really enjoyed listening to this.

Interesting to hear earlier Elton John, and listen to a full album, since I only knew Tiny Dancer off this one. Overall, consistently good. BT - honestly any of them except holiday inn....

Gorgeous piano rock and lush instrumentation. Some songs sound a little too like others but it's an enjoyable listen all the way through.

It’s always a bit disappointing when an album starts with by far the best song.

It's Sir Elton! It's got Tiny Dancer! Pretty dang good.

Very solid album by one of the greatest musicians. I could have done without "Indian Sunset", but otherwise excellent!!

Tiny Dancer.. YES! Levon ... WTF? This song, Levon, that I've loved for years got fresh ears for a listen here. These are my takeaways: - Levon is a good man. - He's got a kid named Jesus. - Levon has a flourishing family balloon business. - Levon's kid, Jesus blows up balloons all day. - Jesus also wants to go to Venus on an inflated balloon and watch his dad die. - Also, someone Alvin Tustig dot, dot, dot. ...and just in case you forgot, Levon is a good man. This is the most interesting thing on the album, the rest of the album was forgettable meh.

Elton John’s “Madman Across the Water” opens with one of his biggest hits, “Tiny Dancer,” and follows it up with the rousing “Levon.” The title character in “Levon” was named after The Bands’ Levon Helm, who didn’t like the song and thought "Englishmen shouldn't fuck with Americanisms." And yet, on “Indian Sunset,” John and Bernie Taupin do it again. Maybe that song wouldn’t have been viewed as full of stereotypes and anachronisms in 1971, but it sounds kind of silly today. Taupin and John at times make a great songwriting pair, and at times deliver some head-scratchers. Nothing else on “Madman Across the Water” reaches the heights of those first two tracks. Elton is yet another artist that the 1001 has taught me is great as a collection of hits but never delivered a truly stellar full album.

3.5 stars really. I enjoy Elton John, but sometimes it feels overindulgent. But maybe that is just who Elton John is.

This album is like one of those out and back rollercoasters. It starts at the top of the hill with Tiny Dancer. It hits top speed then goes right into Levon when the thrills are still high. The rest of the album is like the mini hills that follow. Sure there are momentary thrills as you come out of your seat momentarily at the crests or think you may hit the overhead wooden beams if your arms are raised too high, but none of it compares to high thrills at the beginning.

Amazing!

First listen was meh, liked this more and more in subsequent go rounds. All the songs have personality; I might argue with them, find them long-winded or daft ('Indian Sunset'), but they stick out, say their thing and don't pander.

Love me some classic Elton but this doesn't really make the cut. First two are great, rest is typical '70s Reg - clumsy but oddly endearing lyrics and some pleasant tunes. Broken record on this topic, but Tumbleweed Connection is the forgotten masterpiece!

Great first album!

An album which I'd never heard before, with the exception of "Tiny Dancer", and it probably benefits from that. I don't consider myself a fan, but Elton John's early output was consistently high.

Tiny Dancer opens this record, such a great song! Love Levon too.. the piano, strings, voice, drums are all just about perfect! Love the production. Kind of peaks on that second song though, title track not bad. The Indian song, interesting. Unfortunately, even though I really like EJ, I think this one is a 4.

It would have been a 5, but minus 1 for the world album cover art in this entire list.

Excellent album front to back! Songs were strong on their own, but the arrangements and orchestration brought it up even more!

Great album with a few of the classics on there.

Highlights: \"Levon,\" \"Madman Across the Water,\" \"Tiny Dancer\" The melodies are supposedly what carries Elton, but they're feeling samey for most songs here, even when the overall moods span far. Telling that it features a member of Yes, who suffers from the same problem in spite of all their skills. Maybe we could say he's pushing forward the blending of soul, rock, and showtunes, but it's hard to say how much of that was newer than The Beatles. Strong vocals, proficient sense of harmony, but baffling lyricism gets in the way more than it evokes something from the music, and his signature overwrites most of the distinct character between songs. It meanders and, as he says himself, wastes away.

Elton and Bernie Taupin are in the first rank of songwriters. Probably only McCartney has as strong a melodic sense as eton and Bernie’s lyrics are magical. This is part of the incredible run of albums Elton released in the early seventies: a five album run that is rare and gems on every one. Now let me confess something. I’m not a fan of tiny dancer feeling it closer to two separate songs (both great) cobbled together to make one. I know that’s not what happened. But there are a hundred other Elton songs that make up my musical Dna. This is a solid album. I prefer captain fantastic and tumbleweed connection. But I still love this one. 4.5 rounded up.

Proof I am not an Elton man, I havent heard of the album. that is also how ignorant I am of the 70s. Does he rival the piano man for ballads, i hear you ask? its ok road music... is it telling a story I relate to like Billy Joel? its pleasant enough, and doesnt offend. I cant beleive there is a 3 disc 50th anniversary version to draw all this out though. Life must have been SO BORING and dry for this to ignite anything. Oh England in the 1970s was so awkward.

Not every Elton album in the 70’s was a stellar effort. This wasn’t. But it does open with one of his ( & Bernie’s) greatest - Tiny Dancer, glorified forever by Cameron Crowe in Almost Famous. I had not played this album for decades. It’s just a bit limp. Although I am lucky enough to have the cd reissue of Tumbleweed Connection ( one of my faves) & as an extra, it includes the original version of Madman Across The Water. It features the great Mick Ronson & is spectacular compared to the version they eventually ran with, which used Chris Spedding, no slouch himself.

Elton John doesn't do it for me. I know a lot of his material from its incessant play on commercial radio, and I enjoyed the biopic, but I would never choose to put any of his records on the turntable. I would not buy one from a $1 bin. I don't change the radio station when one of his songs comes on (as compared to Billy Joel, whose music I actively despise), but neither do I respond with familiar enjoyment (as opposed to Fleetwood Mac, who I always enjoy when they come on the radio). I can no longer tell if his classic songs (and there is really only one on this album) are actually good songs, or just played so much that they are familiar. Like, just played so much that we confuse ubiquity for enjoyment. This is almost exactly the same review as I gave to Yellow Brick road. Except that this album doesn't have the same number of classic singles. Tiny Dancer is a pretty good song, although most of my fondness derives from its appearance in Almost Famous. I don't like Bernie Taupin's lyrics; I find them needlessly obtuse, and sometimes just downright silly. Elton can write and sing a good tune, but this album all seems pretty much the same (understandable, given that it was his third album of 1971). All the songs are a bit too long and over-orchestrated. I found this a real struggle to get through.

A big thank you to this album for reminding me of the song "Razor Face" which I used to listen to all the time but forgot about for the last 15 years! Great songwriting, great piano, great voice - though the majority of this album I wouldn't go back to for casual Elton John listening

What can I say about Elton John? He’s one of the most seasoned and consistent hit makers of all time, and the sheer pop sensibility in his songs is impeccable. This is apparent on Madman Across The Water, though the two hits (and the two songs I knew) being the first two songs on the album. ‘Tiny Dancer’ is a good opener, but it would be nice to put ‘Levon’ in the middle of the album rather than straight after another ballad. Of course, the album isn’t bad after that (just look at my rating), but after the title track and ‘Indian Sunset’, which are arguably on the same level of quality, it’s kind of less interesting. Still, though, this is a great album. Although most Elton John albums I could see taking its place (considering I kind of see it as giving him an album that’s not Goodbye Yellow Brick Road), it’s a good listen.

Lush, fun piano pop. Elton John rules.

These songs are all beautifully arranged and performed spectacularly. Indian Sunset is corny but I still love the instrumental. This album is going in my personal library.

A surprising amount of drive behind this one despite being mostly slower, piano centric songs. Some parts were a little too slow and the vocals weren't as good on the climaxes, but I still enjoyed it

He's really got some great songs on this one. Obviously starts out with a hit but the rest are so enjoyable too!

Stay hydrated 🐟

Thing is, there are some great songs on here, like Tiny Dancer. It's just that I would have to be in the right mood to put this on, and I'd rather listen to Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.

Good when you want to listen to Elton John

pretty good A-side, pretty bad B-side, overall it's ok-ish. all the nasties being pretty good prevented me from giving this a 5/10 instead of a 6/10 but i do not want to listen to any of the other B-side songs again if i can help it

Wow, some really nice songs on this and I didn't expect the Indian Sunset

One of the best singer/songwriters of a generation. Amazing music.

I own this on vinyl! Which in my case typically denotes a fairly highly ranked album. And this certainly falls into that category. Great listen!

Its very good, it's my first real exposure to Elton John outside of Disney songs and the few hits. Tails off towards the end but mostly positive

Partly heard before Saved 3/9 Top track: Tiny Dancer

A fantastic first song and 8 more ok to mediocre ones to follow it up, Bold move cotton, lets see how it plays out. A few songs to go in multiple rock playlists and a bunch more that are already forgotten, was hoping for more, another to add to list of single Princes not album Kings.

literally what the fuck is this album about. outright bewildering. i have not a clue what this man is trying to tell me now i get why him and lana are friends. and honestly can anyone actually tolerate more than like ten minutes of elton john music at a time?

Such talent

I know some of Elton John's work, but Madman Across The Water was an unfamiliar title to me. I recognized two of the tracks by name and was familiar with a third. I like some of what Elton John does, but I'm not quite sure what to do with it. The first two tracks are a good example of my ambivalence. "Tiny Dancer" is a solidly written song (my favorite from the album) and the song gets its hooks in deep into your brain. But the topic and tone feel so sad, I'm not sure if I want the song to settle in so deep. "Levon" feels similar but does not imbed itself into your psyche quite as deep as "Tiny Dancer". The whole album is full of songs that seem to be telling stories of tragedy and sadness. Even though I have heard "Tiny Dancer" and "Levon" dozens of times, I'm still not sure if I really know what the songs are about. I'm not ready to dig in deeper and get a full dose of the meaning and the sadness. I definitely don't know how to process "Indian Sunset". Good songwriting on this album and good music, but I probably won't take the whole album in all at once again anytime soon.

I thought this was just on here for tiny dancer but madman across the water was so good

Although not quite as good as Yellow Brick Road in my opinion, it’s very close in quality. The piano is very prominent here and there are even some orchestral moments that are sometimes very prominent also. Tiny Dancer even features a steel guitar which I loved. I enjoyed the lyrics too with most of the songs having a storytelling element. There are just a couple of slightly weaker songs but I loved this album.

I quite liked this, title track especially. Some standout really good songs but mostly kinda bland and samey.

Het is gewoon een steengoede artiest. Het zal nooit mijn favoriete muziek worden, maar ik kan wel herkennen dat dit een goed album is.

Ik vond dit album niet zo speciaal

One of Elton John's stronger albums. Although "Indian Sunset" is probably a bit cringe-y now, I'm sure it seemed good at the time. Honestly, if you told me one song had to go from the album, it would probably be "Rotten Peaches." That one seems kind of weak. That title track, man. It's just such a good rocking track. I think I heard it covered by Bruce Hornsby first. But the original is even better. Then there are the two well-known tracks. I mean, if I go another day and never hear "Tiny Dancer" I probably would be ok with that. It has been definitely been overplayed on the radio. "Levon" probably too, but those lyrics are so great. Kudos to Taupin here. The two clunkers make me pause, it's a real strong effort. But not every song is a winner. (Rotten Peaches and Indian Sunset).

So apparently this is Elton John doing prog rock. I think I get it on an individual song basis but as a collection it doesn't all quite fit. I would've thought there'd be a few more songs flowing from one into another. Still, there are some really good songs with introspective or deep lyrics and booming musical arrangements - Tiny Dancer (who doesn't love this song?), Levon (always one of my Elton John favorites and now I get where it came from - part of some proggy story), Indian Sunset (a new favorite - Bernie Taupin did well on the lyrics for a difficult subject), and All the Nasties (just something about it). Razor Face is solid but doesn't always make sense to me as I try to listen to the lyrics. Holiday Inn almost felt like it was an extension of Indian Sunset given its instrumentation; might've been even better if that was the point. This album made me realize I don't really know Elton John's work as much as I think I do but makes me want to go figure it out.

This album grew on me. I've never been huge into Elton John - his hits are good enough, but I never felt I needed to hear anything else. First few listens to this album didn't click either, but eventually I found it growing on me. Definitely a good album, but I don't know that it's one I will go out of my way to listen to again. That usually makes something a 3 in my book, but that doesn't feel right so I'll go with 4. Favorite tracks: Tiny Dancer, Levon, Madman Across the Water, All the Nasties.

Fantastic!! An Elton John album!! With Tiny Dancer and Levon as Tracks 1&2! This should be a good listen! This album moves further into the psychadelic rock genre, while keeping the big band/strings accompaniment. It is definately front loaded, with the back half of the album falling kind of flat. This album is the third of five albums that Elton John released in an 18 month period. Bernie Taupin would write the songs, and Elton would put them to music. I guess Elton was so good at scoring music that Bernie would give Elton lyrics, and within an hour or so Elton would have all of the musical accompaniment figured out. These guys were just a powerhouse duo. Song writing machines!! This record did terrible on the UK charts, and may have been his worst tracking record there. It did better in the US, however. The odd thing is that the song Tiny Dancer was not a single in the UK, and was a single that didn't do that good in the US. It didn't become a smash hit as we see it today until the year 2000, with the release of the movie Almost Famous. The inclusion of that song in this movie made everyone rediscover it again and realize that it was a fantastic song. Tiny Dancer is actually about songwriter Bernie Taupin's then wife Maxine Feibelmenn, who had started touring with them, and was Elton's costume designer: Blue jean baby, LA lady, Seamstress for the band Overall, an excellent Elton album! Dries up towards the end, but is still an excellently produced and scored album just the same! Listening to this album today introduced me to some of Elton's lesser known songs such as Indian Sunset, which is a phenomenal story!! Favourite songs: Tiny Dancer, Levon, Indian Sunset, Holiday Inn, Rotten Peaches Least favourite song: All the Nasties 4/5

5/5. Not all songs are perfect but it is a perfect album. Going from beautiful idea to progressive concept to wild lyrical composition, this album feels like it is about nothing and everything. It gets better with each listen and yet I still don’t know what the songs really mean, they are just so good to sing-a-long to. I can listen to this one front to back anytime. Best song: Tiny Dancer, Indian Sunset

There’s definitely a formula to Elton John’s music, but it works! A classic if it ain’t broke approach to song writing.

This was good. Only one or two songs I knew, but a fun album. Lively and some cool arrangements. 👍

Mid boring rock and rol

It's quality, it's proggy, but it's just too showtuney for me

I enjoyed this more than I expected. While I've been an Elton fan for a long time, I've always just bounced around the classics and never taken a deeper dive into any albums other than Goodbhe Yellow brick road. This starts off with a personal favourite, tiny dancer, and maintains a good tempo and pop-hooks well into the album. 9 whole minutes of the title track didn't do much for me, and a few tracks thereafter seemed a bit self-servibf, but otherwise Elton's growling rock and roll vocals and aggressive piano made for a decent listen. 3 stars because as good as it was I likely won't listen again.

Wall to wall bangers, he would bum you into next week tho

Top-heavy album with a few duds in the second half - would have stopped listening at Indian Summer if I wasn't waiting for the Ghetto Gospel bit.

Great innit, Ghetto Gospel is the best one x

3.6/5

I used to like Elton John, then I didn't so much. Listening to this album today helped me understand. A whole album is just too much for me. I'm burned out on Tony Dancer, So I started my listen with Levon (which has always been one of my favorite EJ songs). The rest of the album I was pretty unfamiliar with. Had some nice surprises... I really liked Madman and Indian Summer. The rest sounded like good quality Elton John songs, but I was so fatigued by the end, it was hard for me to enjoy it too much. I think this album deserves 4 stars, but I have to keep consistent with the scale I have been using. I give it 3 because it's great album, glad I heard it, but will probably never play it again.

překvapivě dobré na eltona

Took me 2 months to realize that this was a lot less groundbreaking than I hoped.

Hmmm, way less punchy than I remember. Maybe because the only time I listen to this album it involves hilariously bad but fun karaoke in the car. Tiny Dancer, Levon, and the titular song are all fantastic, Holiday Inn was decent, but the rest of the songs are just... there. Not a bad effort Elton, but I need a bit more consistency next time.

C+ Tiny Dancer - 5 Levon - 3 Razor Face - 2 Madman Across the Water - 4 Indian Sunset - 2 Holiday Inn - 2 Rotten Peaches - 2 All the Nasties - 2 Goodbye - 3 Obviously, Hold Me Closer Tony Danza is a hit. Madman Across the Water, the song, was a welcome surprise. I've never been a huge Elton John fan. His music doesn't quite tickle my fancy, or my pickle for that matter.

I love when Elton John gets more dramatic and boy, does he in this album. Strings, long songs, and powerful lyrics. Fun stuff.

Abre con un temazo. Canciones que cuentan historias, aunque algo monocorde. Elton, siempre en mi corazón.

Great record. 7/10

Not all my style but I recognize the genius.

I liked the hits - Levon especially - but the rest kind of meandered for me

Never been Elton John's biggest fan, but I really enjoyed this album quite a bit. The squeaky helium voice is pretty much nonexistent outside of Tiny Dancer, where it fits anyway. So it allowed me to focus on the superior arrangements and songwriting, and now I have a greater level of appreciation for him. Thank you, 1001 Albums. Favorite track: Indian Sunset

Unremarkable

Good stuff

A couple hits but plenty duds

A bit ponderous but still great song writing and playing.

The first half was good, last half was fine. Wouldn’t listen to it on my own in complete again.

Elton John has put out so much music over the course of his career, but the early 70's, right when he started, was like someone turned on a fire hose. A good album that's got plenty of Elton's classic charm and songwriting that starts with Tiny Dancer of all songs.

A strong album from Elton John with standouts in Tiny Dancer, Levon, Madman Across The Water and All The Nasties.

The distinct lack of helium-voice mode makes this my favorite Elton John studio album to date. It's nice to be able to evaluate him without nails on a chalkboard going on in my head. He's a fantastic storyteller and arranger. Favorite track: Indian Sunset

Like it overall, nothing wrong with it, just not sure if I would return, except for the odd songs

Decent

Tiny Dancer is a legit banger. And the orchestration on this record is really top notch. But I was bored by a lot of this. Where are the hooks? Was this record a victim of 1970s one hit, and a bunch of filler? It kind of felt that way.

Not bad. Definitely not as good as "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," though.

Tiny Dancer is my favorite Elton John song, and Levon is great. A solid album by one of my favorite artists.

It's Elton John, so you can't really go wrong. All these songs are really good, but none of them (minus Tiny Dancer) stands out.

Two radio hits start off an otherwise background music album. 3 stars because "Tiny Dancer" is one of my favorites.

I respect Elton John's abilities, but outside Tiny Dancer, this album just ain't it for me.

PREFS : Tiny Dancer, Razor Face, Madman Across The Water, Holiday Inn MOINS PREF : All the Nasties

Slightly proggy early album from EJ that contains everyone's favorite Tiny Dancer. If you like EJ you'll like it. It OK.

Every time I thought I was leaning towards giving this album 3 stars, Elton would hit me with another beautiful melody. He's an icon and you can't deny it. With that said, I may never listen to this again, but it's still extremely solid.

Está bien.

I wasn't a fan before, I'm still not one.

some good tunes but not on my to to list

Habilt och harmlöst. Funkar till fikat.

Tiny Dancer is obviously a classic. The rest is actually quite good, with side B taking on a more folksy sound (I am a sucked for mandolin on Holiday Inn).

Anything by Elton is going to get 4 stars. Lots of fun.

Elton John has released a huge number of albums, and quite a few have been excellent. This, however, is not one of them. Two exceptional songs - Tiny Dancer and Levon - stand opposite seven very mediocre ones. Even the title track doesn't really cut it. I have no idea why this particular album was chosen for the list. It's a 3/5 only because of the two first phenomenal tracks.

nice

Eh, it was alright. I've heard better of him and I have heard a lot worse in general.

Baladas de Elton John. Un megahit. Un 4.

Está bien.

Perhaps it's a bit repetitive, perhaps it's a bit corny, but I like it anyways. It sounds sonically pleasant, and is emotionally gratifying.

Jackson Pollock: I'm back baby after a long hiatus. Tiny dancer to start, ok holl up, let em cook. Ok Levon is really good as well so far. A bit overly dramatic in the chorus, what did I expect. Got a little annoying towards the end because of the over the top nature. Also a weird almost autotune vibe which is annoying. Not a fan of Razor face. Indian sunset is a bit more stripped back so far which is refreshing. Indian sunset good. Holiday inn varied. Best Songs: Tiny Dancer Indian sunset Goodbye Worst songs: Razor face Overall: Some really good tracks in this album. I would also say there is some great variation. Elton and Bernie still don't really resonate with me. Especially Elton who can be overly dramatic/glossy in his melodies/music which grates me over an album. Luckily this album had some change ups from this with Indian Sunset and Goodbye. Tiny Dancer is obviously a great song as well. I think this places the album between a 3 and a 4. To be honest its probably a low 7 which rounds up to a 4.

A great album, I remember when it was released

non è il mio genere

I don’t see the appeal of Elton John

Pretty maximalist, indulgent arrangements (Gospel choruses, orchestral backing, etc), and leaning into progressive rock territory. Track durations are similarly indulgent, but for the most part are used well - the 2:30 long buildup to the chorus in Tiny Dancer is completely worthwhile. I think Goodbye Yellow Brick Road might be a better executed album, but despite some mid-album filler this album isn't a slouch. Highlights: Tiny Dancer, Levon, Indian Summer 3.75

Never really cared for Elton, still don’t but I gave it a valiant effort.

Pretty good. Not super my speed, but I'd like to give this another listen eventually.

This is an old one!

Strong two? First song: 600 million listens, the rest, sub ten. That's a good indicator of stinky album. Tapped out at song 6

A bit of a fan. Weak 4 maybe?

Solid album

More solid than it has any right to be.

On here Elton tries really really hard to make his accent sound American, with over the top theatrics and exaggerated attempts at evoking nostalgia and cinematic grandiosity. In the words of Lisa Simpson, the whole thing smacks of effort, man! If I were awarding this work for authenticity, it would get a 0, but for being an inoffensive though try-hard assortment of songs, some of which (Madman, Sunset) do shine, I award it 2 gleeful madmen. 🤪🤪

I had never listed to this. Tiny dancer alone makes it a good record.

Album 9 of 1001 Elton John - Madman across the Water Favorite Track : Levon Rating : 5 / 5 When today's album popped up, I was quite stoked that it was one my top favorites of all time. One could argue that the album is carried by Side 1 with the inclusion of 'Tiny Dancer' and 'Levon' but Side 2 has more than its share of moments with 'Indian Sunset', 'Holiday Inn' and 'Rotten Peaches', a personal favorite. If you like good music, you should listen to Elton John and if you like Elton John, you must .listen to this album. The first 2 tracks are probably familiar to most, but there is so much more.

Oh thank god. This list has been sucking the fattest fucking balls. Finally something that sounds like music. I really enjoyed this, made me remember how much I actually like Elton.

I loved this so much I listened to it twice! Everything just flowed together nicely. I love how all the songs tell a story, remember when music use to do that? I will listen to this again and again.

Levon never gets old. This is good album. I’m going to start rating stuff one star higher because I feel like I’m low balling everyone.

One of my favorite Elton John albums! His music is always full and well-rounded. I love his story telling. Elton’s a musical class act.

Great ballads. Elton in his best arrangements

Quite sad that I didn't love this album more. Certainly the lyric writing and musical composition were there but it didn't grasp my heart and soul the way other Elton albums have.

What can I say? It's 1971... sophisticated album; many textures and things happening at the same time. Don't know if I'll repeat it one day, though.

The basic template is repeated throughout and thus grows quite a bit samey, though of course it all sounds softly and expansively pleasant. Mix of steel guitar and full string section on “Tiny Dancer” works well, if oddly. "Levon" is among his best songs. Title cut lacks the dramatic impact Elton seems to be going for, and while string section toward the end is the best part of the song, it manifests the general overreliance on the orchestral effect generally. The song about Native Americans is borderline embarrassing. And did we really need the chorale on “All the Nasties.” Lyrics seem sprawling, nonsensical, non-plausible character sketches. More than meh, but not by much.

9/10 Elton John meets Prog Rock?! Based!

Eh, it's ok. If you like tiny dancer, you'll probably enjoy the rest of this album too.

Good album with the misfortune of being on our list directly after Elton John's Magnum opus. Still a good album but only really the one banger in tiny dancer

Fantastic album. It was dense and I really enjoyed this more that I had anticipated. Good amount of variety to this one, Indian Sunset and Rotten Peaches both had a bit of a Country shine to them and Holiday Inn had a Gaelic/Sea Shanty shimmer to it. Tiny Dancer is obviously great but the title track was awesome as well. This was a nice surprise for me. 4 stars

It's good. Not great, but still solid.

This is just as the album that gave us "Tiny Dancer" and "Levon" should be. It's classic Elton John, and absolutely a nice listen for the day.

Other than the hit tracks, this was all new to me. The recipe of Bernie and Elton just doesn’t seem to go wrong. Now, why this album over others of their discography, I don’t know. Makes me curious, though.

I believe we have well-established that I am a sucker for a rock-n-roll piano. No surprise then that this album speaks to my soul. Sing it, Brother Elton!

Tiny Dancer and Levon, two incredible Elton John tracks, kick off this album. We had this in our household when I was growing up, so I was familiar with it. Even so I have really only strong memories of the two openers and the title track. It's great to hear the rest of this album again. The orchestrations are beautiful and used to great dramatic effect. The lyrics tell vivid stories. The music is interesting - often more experimental than the hit songs might suggest. There is a lot to love on this album and today it has become one of my favorites from Elton John. I can see why it wasn't the instant success of some of Elton John's other efforts as the density and more progressive feel is perhaps less conducive to radio hits, but it is very rewarding. As I kid I didn't appreciate the longer, dense songs. As an adult I found them quite compelling. This album reveals a facet of Elton John that I hadn't properly appreciated. I'm glad to have a real surprise from an artist I thought was done surprising me.

Slow down, Joe, I'm a rock-and-roll man I've twiddled my thumbs in a dozen odd bands And you ain't seen nothing 'til you've been In a motel, baby, like the Holiday Inn This is a weird album - I dont love it, but its inescapably catchy tracks and lowkey positivity in some kind of dark scenarios makes it a decent album. 3/5

Good pop music but but much more. Tiny dancer is still a hit though

I see why people like Elton John now, but Indian Summer isn't an okay song.

LP

One of his finest moments. Kicking off with the all time singer/songwriter classics "Tiny Dancer" and "Levon" is wonderful. The title cut is never given enough love (so it seems) and the last two tracks are some of my favorites in his discography. Elton's singing is great throughout the record.

classic

An ok listen past Tiny Dancer

álbum gostosinho, nada excepcional, mas agradável e animado.

Sinceramente, não sei exatamente por qual razão este álbum está na lista - não por ser ruim ( longe disso ) mas me pareceu apresentar um trabalho secundário de Elton John, longe se ser seu melhor álbum ou apresentar as melhores canções. Me pareceu ser um álbum que está presente apenas por ser de Elton John, visto que existem melhores opções para demonstrar a habilidade e proeza de um dos maiores artistas de todos os tempos. Dito isso, ainda é um álbum de Elton John, ou seja, apresenta as suas principais características e é bem agradável de escutar.

Not a bad listening experience, Elton John's talent in songwriting shines through. There are dramatic, bombastic prog rock songs on it. My main issue with the album is that somehow the songs are still superficial. When this album was released in 1971, bands like Yes, Genesis, or Pink Floyd were also recording prog rock albums but those albums have a lot more depth than Elton's Madman Across the Water. But overall this album isn't bad, it is just that I can't connect with it completely.

Was most impressed with the lyricism here, as I've only really come across Elton's hits. There's some great nuanced storytelling that I wasn't expecting. At the end of the day, this kind of songwriting just isn't really my thing, but I can absolutely appreciate it for what it is and its resounding impact. Three and a half Fave track: Madman Across the Water

Better than expected. Of course there’s the memorable Tiny Dancer to start it off. If there’s a theme here, it’s cast outs and lonely people. Excellent production makes each track a treat to listen to. Still not sure if I’m an Elton John fan, but I can understand why people are.

The moment Elton John finally ascended to pop royalty. Bernie Taupin delivers some of his richest, most emotional lyrics and they pair perfectly with Elton’s powerful delivery.

The one with Tiny Dancer! Quite dark compared to his and Taupin’s other early records. Pleasant to listen to, but doesn't shine as much as Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.

EJ is just ok. Good songs, but never been my vibe.

Two of the greatest songs ever written on this iconic album - Levon and Tiny Dancer.

A pretty solid (and dare I say “proggy”? Prog-ish?) release from Elton John. First half of the record was better than the back half. Tbh, Indian Sunset was where I started losing interest and Rotten Peaches was laughably dumb.

sound

Hey this guy is talented

Love Tiny Dancer, and Indian Sunset is always a classic. I Love the piano and Elton John ... Sir Elton John is a treasure. 4/5

Not terrible, but every song sounded the same.

Blatant attempt to crack America, but it worked. We’ll done Elton.

jesus, he wants to go to venus

Elton John est tout simplement en feu sur cet album. Son implacable homosexualité y est utilisée au meilleur escient possible pour nous produire un projet irrésistible. Du grand Elton.

Elton John est absolument exceptionnel, son homosexualité prononcée lui permet de proposer des sonorités musicales tout bonnement sensationnelles, on t'adore Elton.

fire

I enjoyed this more than I thought I would

More genius. My favourite Elton John album, from the halcyon days of rock.

I used to think the title was some kind of marketing ploy aimed at Elton John himself. Now I think maybe it refers to longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin, whose lyrics are completely bananas. Is there a luckier man to ever exist, who responded to the same newspaper ad the same time as the only person alive with enough talent and charisma to turn his words into magic? Anyway, Elton John is incredible despite whatever nonsense Taupin makes him sing about.

Merk toch wel vaak op dat bij oudere albums van bekende artiesten dat de eerste pokoe bekend en hard is, en dat je er dan wel zin in hebt, maar dat de rest dan een beetje uitzitten is. Niet slecht maar ook niet goed. Fun fact: Elton john heeft al in 5 verschillende decennia een top 10 hit gescoord

Ik vond het heel leuk beginnen met Tiny Dancer, maar de rest heb ik niet eigenlijk totaal niet opgeslagen tijdens het studeren oeps

Dacht altijd dat Elton een meme guy in glitterpak was. Hij heeft dus ook tenminste 1 prima album gemaakt, stonden best wat bekende hits op waarvan ik niet wist dat ze van hem waren

Surprisingly not bad at all

Tony Danza is an OK song, but I’m not too sure why this bland EJ offer is on the list.

Another iconic album.Elton John is such an amazing artist

Mainly just a fine album. The good songs are good, but there’s not a lot on this album that brings out powerful feeling from within in. These songs are just songs. I don’t have much that I actively dislike about the album, but I thought that what was offered could have been either bolder or more precise in what it does. Faves: Tiny Dancer, Levon, Razor Face

This album was awesome. Got my morning started like a bat out of hell. After having listened to so many albums on this, you can really tell the difference between a good artist and a great artist

Always enjoyed Elton John’s music. A few greats on this album, but didn’t love all the songs.

Super strong start but I soon lost interest. There was a certain formula that kept repeating itself that caused me to lose interest even as I appreciated the musicianship.

I appreciated listening to it but it’s pretty dated and samey. The Indian song is especially cringy.

My favorite Elton John record. Every song is amazing.

Awesome album. What can go wrong after you start the album with Tiny dancer. Everything else on it might not even be there... but it is slightly lackluster compared to the incredible-super-popular opening hit. Still good, just does not leave such an impact.

Its not bad but at the same time its very Radio 4

good

p236. 1971. Elton before he started strangling his vowels. Great voice, great songs, great production. Still sounds fresh today. Point deducted for some tracks straying to the usual early 70s 5 minutes+ wankage.

Not really an Elton John fan but as far as his stuff goes this one is decent. Not really my style at all but I wouldn't complain about it being on.

Legendary.

Very good

a really consistent album. if you like the sound, you love the whole thing

Pretty classic Elton John. Anthemic, melodic, dramatic.

Hmmm, he got so much to tell but I hardly pay the undivided attention. Why is that? Is it the TV show like timbre of the orchestration, a tad too many overwhelming feelings at once? This album shares a certain feeling with most of Father John Misty‘s oeuvre - I kinda appreciate the elements but am slightly underwhelmed by its combination. I really would like if I loved it more. 3.2

Good

Great album

Tiny Dancer, Madman across the water, & Rotten peaches

Yapos!

Great!

yes :D

Highlight: Tiny Dancer 3,5/5

Tiny Dancer spoko, Indiańska nuta najgorsza, reszta mocno średnia. Spodziewałem się lepszych piosenek.

3/5 Sometimes all you want are the hits and it misses the mark if you don't know the songs. Also, Indian Sunset was a bit cultural appropriationy to me. He was trying to help? 🤷‍♀️

3/5 Sometimes all you want are the hits and it misses the mark if you don't know the songs. Also, Indian Sunset was a bit cultural appropriationy to me. He was trying to help? 🤷‍♀️

Not bad

Elton John’s voice on itself is a miracle. I wish i could enjoi his music more. The way he incorporates a funky beat with his high pitched voice is amazing.

It has way too much reverb (a common diagnosis for the period)

Okay. Kind of plodding and seemed to drone on a bit, but not too offensive.

Great album. I’ve listened to it many times and it never gets old.