Reviews (page 3 of 13)
Day147 - madman across the water is one of my favorite songs and levon and tiny dancer are just timeless gems.
great early album from the legendary piano player
It is after all early Elton John
Possibly his best album. Hit after hit.
Legendary stuff, well worth a listen.
Actually loved this
Que buena mezcla
So very good. Love Levon “ great lyrics- “ he was born a pauper to a pawn”. Tiny Dancer, Bennie the haunting Madman Across the Water. This album is truly iconic- “Your Song” is pivotal in the musical Moulin Rouge which i just saw two days ago; it reverberates through time.
What a great album!
This album has no business going as hard as it does. Never listened to it end to end, what a treat.
Nothing to say. This is an incredible album.
gorgeous vocal range set in a melodic masterpiece collective
Just a few notes in and you can tell why EJ is such a star. The instrumentals alone are gorgeous. Add in his smooth voice, catchy tunes, great lyrics—love it.
Great - like it
own
I already know this album very well and grew up listening to it. Love this old Elton John recording.
This is a great album!
Elton John - best male vocalist EVAH!
Very cool orchestral rock sound on this record. I get a heavy Beatles and Band influence on this record. The songs all work together very well.
maybe my favourite Elton John album
One of the best albums of all time!
What a genius, and a gift to the world of pop music. Such great songs!
One of the best Elton John albums.
Awesome!
I’m torn because Tiny Dancer is one of my all time faves. I want to give this a 4.5. What to do?
Such rich beautiful songwriting. Killer mix. Can’t imagine what it’d be like to hear this upon release and realize how different and unique it is. Struck especially by the symphonic layers and rich texture of production. Love.
Faudra que je le réécoute
okayyyyyy
These early Elton John albums are much more meaningful to me than his later bigger releases. After Honky Chateau, Elton became much more flamboyant, his clothing got wilder, the music got rockier, and Bernie Taupin's lyrics got more out there. These earlier albums have a much more personal feel. For Madman Across the Water, I listened to the 2016 remaster/deluxe version which expands to include alternate versions and, best of all, a slew of piano demos. This set of demos could easily have stand on its own as a standalone alternative version. Stripped of the excellent rock and orchestra arrangements, these songs really shine. Elton's piano work and vocals are as good as I've heard them. Bernie's lyrics really shine in these performances. I'd love to hear this approach taken with Elron's later work. I highly recommend this album, as well as everything from this early EJ period.
This is my favorite Elton John album. Loaded with great songs.
It's Elton John! His music is amazing and his voice it's simple unique, no one like him. Most of the songs here are really great and i enjoyed them. Another thing that I have to say is that the cover for me it's really great, I like the monocromatic use of blue color and the typography.
Excelenteeeeeeee
There’s not a lot to hate here unless you hate EJ.
I love listening to this. Tiny Dancer!! What a career he’s had.
This album rules way more than I expected! Besides the just masterful songcraft, there’s an edge, like an underlying seething anger that only barely bubbles to the surface. I also feel like Chris Cornell listened the hell out of this record.
Wow
Sad and sweet
I am a big fan of Elton’s popular work. I grew up on his Greatest Hits, but have never really delved into his other work. This album is amazing! I was familiar with the first two songs. After that, a tour de force with the use of organs, a strings section and of course the all-famous piano. A super comforting voice that sends the full message of every lyric. Low 5
Took three weeks but finally! Melodies, lyrics. Great album; so many memories listening to this one. Also brilliance on the Hammond by Rick Waksman!
One of his best.
Ovo se nema šta mislit. Njegov najbolji album
Oh Elton. Shared some good times while listening to your songs! Absolutely love his voice and his instrumental style! personal top3 in no order: Razor Face Tiny Dancer All The Nasties
Classic EJ. Never gets old.
Excellent! Starts with one of my favourite songs of all time.
It’s amazing how many love beams he can cram into song after song. It feels like he’s trying to shake you awake from the inside out and he got me out of bed!
i mean. its good. 6/7
I have listened to this album many times over the years, and unsuprisingly I think this is a seminal piece of rock 'n' roll history. So many familiar songs. Madman Across the Water (the song) is one of my favorites.
One of my all-time favorite albums! Love it.
One of his best on the day he got his EGOT
OK
Oh my soul.
Early Elton is his best work!
I have loved Elton John's music since he first came onto the music scene. Madman is one of many of his hits that are on my own "classics list."
Quite like "Tiny Dancer," "Levon," and the title track. The rest have their moments as well.
Didnt know the old Elton - sounds great
Great album. Never listened to it before. loved it!
One of his best.
Tiny Dancer and Levon! Indian Sunset is a bit problematic but he rest is also good
Elton is the man. I saw Elton live in the early 90's. Still one of the best shows I've seen. The first 2 tracks are classics. The rest of the album is solid.
I very much needed this. Elton John is someone I would never skip or not be in the mood for. Encapsulates every mood with just good classic songs. Absolute masterpiece.
Som classic Elton John. Tiny Dancer is a favorite
Back in the day - I listened to that album probably hundreds of times. It was such a treat to see it in my inbox. I'm rating it high because it is a classic and early Elton John was magical.
Great album- classic Elton John!
One of his best, for sure. Thanks.
Iconic music from my teenage years - Madnan across the water show cases Elton’s range of talent. Glad to hear favorites Tiny Dancer, Levon but also Madman across the water, Indian Sunset Elton is an amazing talent
Inverygarry/Loch Quioche Frozen sunrise. Pink Hues. Rain in fort William. Hoping for snow In glen Coe. Would like to explore the themes more and gain an understanding of the instruments used
Tiny Dancer… Awwwww!!!
An early Elton favorite. I love the pretty arrangements and rootsy themes
Good music
Elton John early originals. What else
Love this album and this artist. A winner in my vinyl collection.
Elton John simplesmente no seu maior primor. Foda!
5*
Yet another ‘I now understand the hype’ list
It's too good. Already perfect. I mean... Levon, Razor face, rotten peaches, Indian Sunset. Such a great album. No skips.
One of my favorite albums.
Who is *this* Elton John?? This guy is soulful, gravelly, makes risky decisions, fully locked and loaded. Have I not been paying attention? This is fucking fantastic songwriting and vocal work. He sounds so engaged, he is selling you on every note. A little more Van Morrison or The Band in his delivery than I remembered. Somehow I missed this AND I don’t think I’ve ever heard Tiny Dancer before! Instant convert. Taking no prisoners. The insanity orchestrations, too! Wow I’m such a sucker for that stuff. I’m hooked. Since listening to this album I’ve started writing the score to my first musical. We’re doing opening night at the Brattleboro community center basement next Thursday. 5/5
YESSS!! this is one I'll come back to time and time again
Tiny dancer - classic start
Always enjoy Elton
the man knows his way around a piano. and the harmonies he does in his songs always hit home for me.
What an amazing album that I had no idea existed. “Tiny Dancer” has an opener is absolutely perfect, but the way Elton goes almost into prog rock throughout the album made this a masterpiece for me. “Indian Sunset” is the high point.
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.
Love it
1971. Excellent.
Ved ik
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.
I underestimated Elton John, this was incredible. Front to back this was amazing. The pacing and transitioning between songs were perfect.
Very much enjoyed this record. Always respected Elton.
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.
lovely
Happy to see this album by one of my favorite artists.
I grew up listening to this album on family road trips, so I'm heavily influenced by nostalgia. I love it.
Incredible album by Elton John. This is his best work.
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.
Amazing!
Excellent album front to back! Songs were strong on their own, but the arrangements and orchestration brought it up even more!
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.
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.
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.
He's really got some great songs on this one. Obviously starts out with a hit but the rest are so enjoyable too!
I thought this was just on here for tiny dancer but madman across the water was so good
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
Wall to wall bangers, he would bum you into next week tho
Great innit, Ghetto Gospel is the best one x
I love when Elton John gets more dramatic and boy, does he in this album. Strings, long songs, and powerful lyrics. Fun stuff.
Not all my style but I recognize the genius.
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.
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.
9/10 Elton John meets Prog Rock?! Based!
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.
Two of the greatest songs ever written on this iconic album - Levon and Tiny Dancer.
Hey this guy is talented
fire
More genius. My favourite Elton John album, from the halcyon days of rock.
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
My favorite Elton John record. Every song is amazing.
Legendary.
a really consistent album. if you like the sound, you love the whole thing
Good
Great album
Great album. I’ve listened to it many times and it never gets old.
Great
AmaZing !!
great album; many great songs.....Holiday Inn is great
Elton John überzeugt mich immer mehr! Erstklassiger Musiker!
Love
One of my favorite Elton John albums. Really displays his true and best sound.
Cool
Another first. Another win
Elton John is amazing!
Very pleasant to listen to album with gorgeous piano playing, also a very solid album. Favorite song: Holiday Inn
Beautiful
Elton John's second best album behind 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,' with many amazing classics like 'Tiny Dancer' and 'Levon.' The lyrics are sometimes weird, but more often are they whimsical and carry you away to some strange place you didn't know you wanted to be in. I could listen to this album many times over before getting tired of it.
sensacional
Great Elton album, start to finish. His best tracks are found elsewhere, but there are no bad tracks on this gem.
tinyyy danceeeeeeeeee
Excellent. Love his voice and piano work
I've always liked Elton John and I still like Elton John - a strong album. Tiny Dancer is one of his very best songs.
Elton you're my dad
Incredible opening to an album. This is the kind of piano playing that catches my attention more than the previous album in my list. Hard to find anything to complain about
Classic Elton John album, sounds as good as ever: a clear 5* album of course (and not even his best seventies album!)
Excellent. Elton John is a true original and this is one of his best albums.
Elton at his best. Piano pop rock with his amazing voice. The songs have great lyrics, each song is composed so well, layered with nice harmonies from choirs, orchestration, and nothing out of his caliber. This is top quality pop.
Great pop album that is focusing on its strengths and not trying to be something it shouldn't be. Great variety of songs, all at a very high quality level, they all belong there
Two total classics and some really enjoyable other songs. 9/10
Legal demais! Não conhecia o álbum e me encantei com as canções. Boas baladas, tom crítico em algumas canções e uma pegada bem característica do John. Quero ouvir outros.
Beautifully cinematic, what a story teller. The man absolutely cains the ivory.
Saved
Levon sells cartoon balloons in town
Classic
very top heavy but the top is so heavy, the rest can't weigh it down Tiny Dancer - Banger vor dem Herren
This has Tiny Dancer and Levon on it, two heavy hitters that I absolutely love. Yeah, five dang stars easily.
GREAT ALBUM CHOICE, I listened to this just recently. Elton and Bernie developing their more epic and experimental sound that would come to fruition on Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. Good times.
Album classique tout simplement
Favorite track: Madman Across the Water. But this whole album is good. Not a huge Erin John fan, but respect is owed.
listen today, was pretty good. Sort of mellow
Me encanta este álbum, solo conocía tiny dancer e Indian sunset pero me han enamorado casi todas las canciones, no hay casi nadie q se compare con el gran Elton John.
Elton is solid, liked it very much. Great Songwriting, Musical Vibes but still very pop.
70s pop Rock at its best!
Terrific and resplendent. God love Sir Elton John. There’s a reason they made this man a knight, because his music champions the people to a different state of mind and brings them home safe again.
Among Elton's best work. Indian Sunset is a sprawling, underrated masterpiece. Pretty much perfect!
Ok
Another classic
Épico
Didn't realise Elton John was so rock n roll (and so his appearance on Fall Out Boy's "Save Rock and Roll" feels apt). Looked it up, not only did he change his actual name but he changed his actual middle name to Hercules - what a mad lad. Every song is really good, plenty of good choices, good songwriting, incredible vocals. Won't go into further detail coz it's all great. Only criticism is that the verses can drag slightly, compared to choruses, outros etc.
On se kova! Sir Elton piti otteessaan koko levyn ajan. Levyn lopussa jo vähän hiljenneltiin, mutta niinhän se kuuluukin kunnon rallin päätteeksi. Olisi ollut huikeaa nähdä ukko joskus livenä nuoruutensa päivinä, kun meno on ollut päällä.
This album has symbolic meaning for me and I think it’s good music too
Classic!
Incredible stuff
Very good.
Yeah he is good. Tiny Dancer is just a great song
Banger. Tiny Dancer and Indian Sunset are awesome! Really nice album.
Never heard this record all the way through. Elton John has a magic about the way he writes music. Because I’ve never found the lyrical content of these songs all that gripping, sometime they don’t even feel like a fit for the song. And yet, I feel so many emotions when listening. I do feel like a few of the songs are a little same-y, specifically because I am very familiar with a lot of his discography. So I’m going with a high 4/5.
Very nice
Hold me closer Tony Danza
It can be kind of boring and i wish the songs were shorter
Solid Elton album
Man am I glad to have this on a Friday after a week of not very good albums. I absolutely love Elton John. Tiny Dancer is a great song and this album is when he was at his peak.
'Those who wish to follow me, I welcome with my hands.' There's a lot more to this album than the excellent Tiny Dancer, and I loved being reintroduced to the cinematic, peaceful Indian Summer today in it's proper context, rather than the Ghetto Gospel that I first heard it in. There is also the wonderful story of Levon and his son - the American dream is a struggle, isn't it - and Holiday Inn has a gorgeous bit of mandolin on it. However, Elton's prodigious output at this time means that for all the great moments, there are a few clinker in there as well, and he can keep Razor Face and Rotten Peaches. But, all in all, this is a great listen, fully deserving of 4 stars. 'And the red sun sinks, at last into the hills of gold'.
Very good - Madman Across the Water 💯
Mostly I liked it, walked around my city in the heat listening to those piano tunes, felt a little bit nostalgic and warm. Indian Sunset is my fave.
It surprised me that I like it so much.
Love
Really enjoyed the vibe of this album. Felt like a lot of the songs could be sampled and riffed off. A bit too slow for my liking but good overall
It kinda took me a second to warm up to this album, but the second half really solidified it for me. I WOULD listen to these songs again, and possibly this whole album again. I mean, the second half alone made me feel like I needed to revisit the first. So yeah, I'd say a solid four stars. John isn't exactly one of my favorite artists, but I am glad to be more familiar with his work.
I really enjoyed this one Always had a soft spot for Elton John, my parents used to have his cassettes and play them in the car on long drives. I guess this one would have been seen as a bit proggy or whatever but it’s not much different from the rest of his catalogue. Just beautiful melodies and great songwriting. Favourite track: Levon
didn't know most of the songs but he's a cool guy. I like his voice and his music style. so would listen to it again.
4.5! Surprisingly like it A LOT!
A great way to start. Of course loved the songs everyone knows but deeply moved by the title song. Cant believe the album came out the year before I was born
Was in between a 4 and a 5. I liked this a lot! Very fun, very good, would listen to again. Again, having a hard time deciding between a 4 and a 5 but this has to be better than some of the things ive given a 4 to, but then again, it did get a little bit repetitive. Idk. 4 is safe. Highlights Tiny Dancer (fav) Levon Madman Across the Water Holiday Inn
In some ways, it just felt like Tiny Dancer 9 times. I really enjoyed the grandiosity of this album and the lyricism is quite nice as well!
It's no "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," but it's still solid.
Low 4, almost a 3
I'm docking this half a point for "Indian Sunset," a maudlin, cliche-laden mess that mostly exists to make John and Taupin feel like they're doing something for the plight of Native Americans (as was the fashion at the time). More broadly, there's still an odd sort of coldness to Taupin's lyrics at times; he's about 20% more oblique than it feels like he needs to be, resulting in these songs signifying less than they could. But John's piano and voice are what this whole project has always been about, and they're beautifully present on the hits ("Tiny Dancer," "Levon") and the album tracks (the title track in particular). And John is generous to his talented collaborators to the benefit of all - Jack Emblow's accordion on "Razor Face," Davey Johnstone's mandolin on "Holiday Inn," Robert Kirby's choir on "All the Nasties," Paul Buckmaster's orchestral arrangements on most of the album. Adventurous and justly a classic.
I knew several songs on this album but had never listened to them the way God intended. Interesting contrast with having Billy Joel just a couple of days ago.
Tiny dancer is a huge song but it surprisingly backs it up pretty well. Some of his best work
Another one that I'm surprised to see as a 1001/1089 top album of all times. There are Elton John albums that I think most critics would see as better than Madman Across the Water (Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Captain Fantastic), but from what I've read, this seems to be the first album where his style fully coheres. It's definitely front-loaded; Tiny Dancer is a classic love song for good reason, Levon is anthemic in all the best ways, and the title track thunders and storms with its string accents. The second half is not as good, but a lot of that is because Indian Sunset, for me, is a victim of being written at a very different time even if it means well. I have a lot of nostalgia for it, though, having listened to it many times as a kid from my parents' CD collection. Track by track (out of five stars) Tiny Dancer: 5/5 Levon: 5/5 Razor Face: 4/5 Madman Across the Water: 5/5 Indian Sunset: 2/5 Holiday Inn: 3/5 Rotten Peaches: 4/5 All the Nasties: 2/5 Goodbye: 3/5
Very god album
Good man Elton John
Surprised how much I enjoyed this. Expected it to be down hill after Tiny Dancer/Levon but it stayed solid
I've only ever listened to the singles so I didn't know what to expect going into this album but I'm pleasantly surprised. A good mix of powerful and softer songs. Four stars.
Turns out I'm a big fan of early Elton. Who knew
7/10 Hmm. Tiny Dancer and Kevin are wonderful, but I listened to the album three times and the rest of it kind of passed me by. Both Elton's playing and Bernie's lyrics can get more than a little clunky, but these are properly crafted songs and that deserves a lot of credits
Not exactly my cup of tea, but undeniable melody and hooks. It’s so good it’s boring almost.
What gives Madman Across the Water lasting power is its willingness to stay unresolved. These songs don’t offer clean conclusions. They drift between myth, memory, loneliness, fame, family, and spiritual searching without tying everything together. That ambiguity gives the album a depth that rewards repeated listening.
3.5
Very good early Elton class tunes and song writing.
Rotten peaches : bonne chanson, mais pas autant que le restant de l’album. - excellente album. Beaucoup de bonne chanson, mais quelques excellentes. A-
The first nine songs were great. I'm not sure why someone thought that all the extra renditions of the same songs was a good addition to the album. I did listen to the whole 34 songs, but I was kind of getting tired of the repeats. I understand that some people would prefer just John and the piano, but I like the different instruments too. I think it would depend on my mood as to which I would listen to, but I wouldn't listen to the whole album again.
Gran disco de uno de los mayores artistas del Pop
𝘔𝘢𝘥𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘈𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳 is one of the most interesting piano-pop albums I’ve heard. Elton John’s piano is at the centre of everything, but the album never feels limited by it. Rich orchestral arrangements and strong melodies give the songs a sense of scale while still allowing them to feel personal. What I like most is the balance between intimacy and grandeur. One moment the album is quiet and reflective, the next it opens up into something much bigger, yet it never loses its emotional core. The songwriting is consistently strong, and the arrangements always serve the songs rather than overwhelm them. It’s easy to see why this is regarded as one of Elton John’s finest early albums. Beautifully crafted and full of memorable melodies, 𝘔𝘢𝘥𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘈𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳 is an album I’ll happily return to.
Really good album, by a really good musician!
Elton John is very metal
A really enjoyable album from Elton good vocals and tight music
Piano Rock/Pop Rock Favorite Songs: Tiny Dancer, Levon, Madman Across the Water, Indian Sunset Least Favorite Song: Rotten Peaches Well, I can now confidently say that I’ve listened to a full Elton John album. This isn’t to say that his songs are bad, but before I’ve listened to this album, it’s really the hits that are more memorable to me, ie. Tiny Dancer. However, while I did like the A side more rather than the B side, and while the songs on the B side are just okay at the very worst, this isn’t to say that with the exception of Indian Sunset that I would wish towards wanting to choose the songs on that B side. It’s more so that I’ll just keep it playing when it’s on shuffle. That being said, don’t get me wrong, this is still a great album by Elton John. I don’t know if this album is any better or worse than his other albums, and more than likely, this site might recommending me more Elton John in the future, but I’d say that I like it. It really shows as to how Elton John is a very talented singer and pianist. 8/10.
Tiny Dancer is Tiny Dancer but this was great all the way through. Elton’s piano is awesome as always but this had a touch of rock to it which I loved.
Good group, but not my vibe.
I might have given it ☆☆☆☆☆ if EJ wasn't gay.
love this album
beautiful album except "indian sunset". "goodbye" is an incredible song and an amazing closing track.
Great lyrics and composition, elton john has such an amazing voice, but silly lyrics and dated song 'Indian Sunset' threw me off, also a bit repetitive
Fun!! Who doesn't love our beloved Elton John.
I love Elton John, there are a few filler songs but he’s the goat
i thought itd just be "the album with Tiny Dancer and i guess Levon on it" but it really is just chock full of so many little musical tricks and turns of phrase that it made me very happy. the baseline of quality is high and consistent, but no songs really blew my mind. favorite song is Levon or the title track. solid 4
Hard to top Tiny dancer, but still great listen
Has some interesting songs that don't get a lot of play, especially the titular track, which is borderline Laura Nyro-ish indie ballad instead of the crispy, well-executed hits Elton John is known for.
We like rockin Elton
I was hesitant initially because I really hate the song Rocketman but this was a genuinely pleasant surprise and I loved the album.
I've always had a soft spot for Elton John - the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album was a background staple as a kid in the 70s. Although he's delivered his fair share of duds, his ear for a melody is almost superhuman - and those live performances when he was at his peak were just incredible. The partnership between him and Bernie Taupin and the life and career they've shared makes for such an extraordinary tale it's like a work of fiction. I'm already pretty familiar with this record - it's always felt a little bit understated, like it's holding back a little but the dramatic string arrangements give it a boost. This is definitely an album I'll happily lose myself in once in a while.
I'll admit i'm a huge elton john fan, and my first instinct was to just put a five star on this.Because it does have two of my favorite elton john songs with the title track and Levon. The rest of side one rounds out like a greatest hits record. However side 2 does dip a bit. I could see where these ballads don't hit home with everybody. It will regain a star for me because of the lush string arrangements on most of the tracks. I'm very unique for John and honestly. Some of the best non rock and roll elements in his music, especially considering this was relatively early in his career and discography.
Neu für mich
Beautiful album.
Great record, absolute classic. It’s not something that I can see myself revisiting too often, but I can recognize what an absolute gem this album is. Favorite tracks: Indian sunset, holiday inn, tiny dancer
Certfied bangers. Although jeez this is one ugly ass album cover.
iconic opener. timeless. emotional, catchy, dreamy, wistful, cheery, energetic, driven storytelling. makes you want to dance and sway and sing along. cool, dynamic, interesting arrangements. favorite songs: tiny dancer, madman across the water.
Tiny Dancer as the opening track was pretty cool. I'm young so it's because of 'Almost Famous', but that is definitely one of my top 3 Elton John songs. There are plenty of hits so I've only listened to those, but overall this album was pretty good. I'd say 3.5 if that was an option so I'll lean high and go with 4.
I held this album closer. Track 6 or whatever fire.
Quite nice ballads
Calm music, great for while studying or reading
Elton John will always remain timeless
Grandísimo álbum. Me arrancó a gustar más de grande Elton, creo que no lo entendía antes. No se si es mi favorito de el sin embargo. Queda guardado porque por alguna razón no lo estaba
not as many hits as expected but still a great album
In my three things that make up a good song Elton has 2. Elton makes great music and his voice is great but I feel he is let down at times by the lyrics. When the lyrics are great we get classics. Unfortunately this is not always very often. Great music and great production so without any singing would still be good to listen to. Elton's voice is on point but what he is singing about not always there for me.
Lots and lots of fun
An album with some very familiar classic tunes, as well as some beautifully written tunes that I have never heard before. Perfectly played, well written and recorded, this album definitely inspires me to listen to more Elton John in the future.
çoooook beğendim elton john'u seviyorum
Can anyone hear Tiny Dancer and not picture that bus scene in Almost Famous? You are home... I don't think I have ever listened to this entire album, but certainly some well known songs. Whole album is pretty solid Elton at his prime.
Great album - gorgeous piano playing, brilliant string arrangements, classy.
Everyone knows Elton John, but I haven’t spent any time with any of his albumins, I haven’t even seen the biopic. Glad to get one of the early albums as I think this is the era most suited to my taste. Ofcourse Tiny Dancer is a classic, i diy d I’d already highlighted as a fave track I didn’t know any of the other tracks but really enjoyed the album, kind of hanging around in the 5 star club as a compete piece of work, although the penultimate track found a bit dull. Love the layering and orchestration, and storytelling style of the songs. Will definitely listen again so it’s a 4.
Really casual, semi-repetitive, easy listens. Perfect for where I'm listening at work. Not a lot of standout songs. Review: 8.1 Fave songs: Tiny Dancer, Razerface
Traditional british Rock.
"I already love Elton John, so I'm not surprised I really enjoyed this album as a whole. Some of the songs tend to sound the same, so it's only 4 stars for me. However, ""Tiny Dancer"" and ""Levon"" has to be up there as some of the best opening tracks for an album ever. Love love love"
Elton is class! 3.5!
Elton johns class
Franchement très cool, très chill ça s'écoute très bien ça passe tout seul
gay people make the most soulful music of all time. fucking love elton john. "indian sunset" maybe the best in this one for me
lovely sound lovely words, not every song is a banger
Extremely pleasant music. It's just evidently well made.
A great album and was so close to being brilliant but Indian Summer is a stinker for obvious reasons. But the composition and lyrics apart from the mentioned above, are extremely strong and has such a grand sound. Tiny Dancer is obviously a bop. Honky Chateau is still his best album Best tracks: Tiny Dancer, Levon, All the Nasties
Solid album! Hate the album cover. Tiny Dancer of course I knew, the rest were new for me. "There's a joke and I know it very well / Its one of those I told you long ago." Something about the instrumental in Indian Susent made me think of Spirit. Very good time all around.
I love the title track and the production throughout, I will definitely come back for more Elton
Enjoyed every minute. Thanks elton x
Tiny dancer = Listening to this song (though it wasn't my first time hearing it) gave me chills for some unknown reason, a melancholy or even a memory. A happy one. I really liked it, I would listen to it by choice (keeping on a playlist probably) 4/5 Levon = I love the meaning of the song (breaking away from family traditions pursuing your own dream). I have no idea why, but the way he sings "Levon" really makes me laugh. Although I really like that song, I would give it 3.5/5 Razor face = OMG, the ending is so interesting, I really felt like on a rollercoaster. The whole song didn’t leave as strong an impression on me as the others but still I liked it 3.5/5 Madman Across The Water = This one really stands out from the rest of the songs, it makes me feel a bit unsure, not safe, maybe crazy. Definitely crazy. Intense song 4/5 Indian Sunset = since the first three songs were very similar, I am very surprised of Madman Across The Water and now this song. It's a whole different world. It sounds like revenge for me or a tragedy. They did a good job telling a historical narrative about Native Americans, I really felt that. Musically, it may not be my style, but full of emotions 3.5/5 Holiday Inn = At one moment in this song, I could totally picture David Bowie. I literally pictured him. 3.5/5 Rotten Peaches = lalalala lalalala lalalala 3/5 All The Nasties = SUCH A JUMPSCARE WHEN THE CHORUS APPEARED. Oh my soul, what a song. I'm not the biggest fan, but still okay 3/5 Goodbye = That's a good way to say goodbye to this album. That was NOT an easy goodbye 3.5/5 Overall, a very good album. Listening to it was a pleasure. Tiny Dancer was definitely the most iconic song from this album, but Ienjoyed Madman across the Water and Levon almost the same. the full album gets a 3.5/5 from me (closer to 4 than to 3).
very good, classic album
another strong classic, kinda loses steam towards the end
this album was pretty good!!
A classic record. Elton John does piano rock like virtually no one else and his early records are undeniable. This is no exception with two classic songs to lead it off, both of which can still be heard all over the place.
I think Levon finally clicked with me this listen!
Tiny dancer 7/5
What can I say about Elton that hasn't already been said a million times. He's a legend. This album has Tiny Dancer, which is one of, if not his absolute best. This is not his best album, but the tunes are generally pleasant with only a few duds. Probably a 3 but I'mma bump it up on Tony Danza alone.
The hits are top tier but the deep cuts hold their own too.
this was sick
On today’s music canon gap fill, it was a genuine thrill to listen to Indian Sunset and realise it’s the track so perfectly sampled in Ghetto Gospel, a core music memory thanks to my first So Fresh CD. The man is clearly talented as all heck, and a power ballad boss. 4 stars as this sound is second to Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’s rockiness for me
Man knows how to write a song, what can I say.
Was a solid listen, very consistant vision strong opening with tiny dancer that sets the pace for the rest of the album, Worth a revisit
Cracking opener and good songs following it
I mean, nothing groundbreaking here but I do enjoy hearing a good singing voice after having to listen to Kate Bush wail for an hour.
My impulse was to automatically give this 5 stars because the first 4 songs are such classics, but I had to remind myself about the rest of the album. Although I like the vocals and music on Indian Sunset, Bernie Taupin's lyrics give me pause--I understand he was a huge fan of westerns growing up in the 50s, but some of the language and references today give pause, particularly when sung by a white Englishman. Holiday Inn & Rotten Peaches hold up, All the Nasties not so much. The final song, Goodbye, is a little sappy with its violins, but I'm such a sucker for his voice. 4 stars may be a bit high, but I can't bring myself to lower it all the way to 3.
hold me closer tony danza
Dober dober
Everytime this list gives me Elton John it's on a weekend & I'm cleaning the house, It's got tiny dancer & the rest of the album is pleasant, but not amazing
This is not quite the hit factory that Goodbye Yellow Brick Road is but still is pretty great, Elton is a good time.
Elton John is one of those artists that you don't really realize how much you like until you sit down and think about it. Indian Sunset is so great man.
Had only heard tiny dancer before. But whole album really good
Kicking off an album with "Tiny Dancer" is a flex. Great album overall.
This was alright. Obviously Tiny Dancer is an epic single. Also was familiar with Levon. The rest of the songs were ok; found hints of Tiny Dancer chords and melodies sprinkled throughout. A 3.5 star album, but I’m feeling generous despite the terrible album artwork. (4)
Pretty good, didn't know many of these Elton tunes, would probably listen again!
4/5
No way he could keep up the momentum from Tiny Dancer and Levon as the first two songs but the rest was still surprisingly strong even if they all do sound pretty similar (even if the subject matter is all over the place - Indian Sunset I’m looking in your direction). Elton may be a one trick pony but it’s a hell of a trick. Minus .1 for one of the worst album covers ever. 3.9
good one
Owned this for several years on vinyl, but first time I've listened to it all the way through! Glad I finally did, good album, opening track one of my favourite Elton efforts.
Such a strong Track 1!
Amazing
This album catches Elton John in such a special moment. He still is a young man figuring out his musical way. His previous album was really really great. Leaning towards the country sounds of America. Here he's more moving towards England, and the prog rock and folk rock of the era. It's sounds just as great. You gotta love what he's doing here. It's quite lovely. First two tracks are classics , and this man knows classics. Tiny Dancer is a timeless example of patient songwriting. Levon is a strong ballad. Razor face afterwards is a lighter track. The title track is an incredible song. Eltons voice sounds incredible, so flexible and soulful. Indian Sunset is such a strange and lovely stroy. The composition is very unique and free flowing. The vibe reminds me a bit American Pie . But different, very different. Holiday in is kind of country (reminds me his previous album and one of my favorites, tumbleweed connection) but also contains some Indian touches. Great arrangements. All over the album. Rotten Peaches is another power ballad, very much and "Elton John song " All the Nasties once again features Eltons amazing vocals . A touching song ,when the choir hits at the end. Great music. Goodbye is a sad and lovely fairwell . It's a great album that captures my favorites moments in Elton John's career. A great follow up for hes previous. A 4
Liked this! Surprised there were a lot of songs I hadn't heard before. Crazy he started with Tiny Dancer and Levon, two of his biggest hits. Would buy this album