Reviews (page 8 of 14)
Good album, a bit slow at points. But proggy in the way of slow Supertramp ballads on Crime. 3.5
Piano galore
This was a solid album and is a good album for this list, considering Elton John's influence on pop music, as a whole. Elton John isn't exactly *my* style of music but I can appreciate the talent.
Przyjemniutkie, całość mi się podobała i chętnie do tej płyty wrócę
Thought I’d like this more but only Tiny Dancer floated by boat. All the rest was a little dull.
It’s like if tiny dancer was an entire album. 6/10
Who doesn't like Elton John?
pretty solid album. obviously, it opens with an all-timer and i am also very fond of 'levon' and the title track. the rest of the album is good, not great. not to the same level as those three tracks. there's nothing here that's bad, just not anything that's overly impressive. still, it's fun, it's not boring. it's elton john really finding his footing for a pretty great album streatch.
Linda experiencia
It’s good have a few hits
Grandeur AND subtlety! My first time listening to an Elton John album. Loved the string arrangements. Never noticed the country-isms in Elton’s voice before.
The cry of the madness is there.
I like Sir Elton. I didn’t think this was that great.
I am an Elton fan and I’m perplexed by this album’s inclusion. For an artist to have multiple entries, they should all be exceptional works and this one doesn’t have the qualities of a Goodbye Yellow Brick Road for me. It’s not a bad album, just not a transcendent one. Tiny Dancer and Levon are incredible songs that anybody would make lifelong careers if those were the only hit songs they had.
On aime Elton en fait
4/5: really enjoyed listening to this one
Tiny Dancer is fine, but really not a fan of this piano forward, kinda show-tunes vibe 70's rock. Indian Sunset makes me cringe enough to knock this album down to 2.
Fun! Early Elton slapped.
Solid album. Tiny Dancer as the opening song makes so much sense
I gave it 3 stars due to Tiny Dancer. It says that this is his prog album but I’m not hearing much of that genre.
Great retrospective of the depth of talent Elton is
bangin, not my fave from Mr. John. but it’s certainly and Elton John album
Why did I assume this was going to be a 5 star album? Good, but not 5 stars.
Started strong
Nigdy nie będę jego wielkim fanem po za kilkoma utworami
First time listening to an Elton album in full. Knowing a fair amount of Elton's work, this is exactly what I had hoped from an album. It's piano, glam Elton-core. Fave Tracks: - Tiny Dancer - incredible. - Razor Face - Madman across the water
Tiny dancer has been stuck in my head since. Always makes me think of that scene in Almost Famous. Levon also stood out
Not huge on Sir Elton Hercules John, so wasn't expecting a lot from a whole album by him and his voice. It turns out I was pleasantly surprised though. It goes a bit wrong after the boring and racially clumsy 'Indian Sunset', but the first leg was great!
Too long and it all sounds the same.
Loved it.
I've read a lot of negative reviews for this album being simply too Elton John-y. I'm not a regular listener of Elton's work either but I think the wrap this album gets doesn't lend much of any credit that it's due. While I don't think it necessarily deserves high critical acclaim for lyricism or concept, I do think it's a pretty killer track list. What I'd say it has going for it is belt-ability. If you don't sing the chorus of Tiny Dancer at top volume any time it's on, I'm thinking one of two things, you're either completely tone deaf or you're a clinical psychopath. Maybe that's just me but that tune absolutely slaps. To be fair, most critics of this album ultimately give credit to the one hit single. Credit is also due for Levon.
i don’t think he has the ability to make a bad song fav song: tiny dancer duh
It's alright! But I'm missing some of the passion and energy that Elton John is known for. It's like he's keeping his power under control.
Comparing only to yellow brick road, I think this one is slightly less good. The power ballad really needs oompf and here there is less of that. Great opener, Elton can definitely sing and play. Then there's Indian summer making a flawed if still rightfully tragic representationof the subject matter. But all throughout I was never annoyed so an ok rating it is.
2.8
Tiny dancer is ok but working in retail has filled me with a great distaste for Elton John's music.
Couple of good tunes but not much more. Inoffensive but not particularly interesting
Beautiful. Elton John at his best!
Great
Liked Madman Across the Water - end part v groovy Beginning of Indian Summer reminds me of Leonard Cohen Liked Indian Summer (better than Madman) Rotten Peaches - v Elton John, v 70s
I don't know why Elton doesn't fully move me. I like "Tiny Dancer" and the sound of a few others on here, like "Razor Face," "Rotten Peaches", "All the Nasties." But overall I don't feel too connected to these songs, and while I like the piano, in general I don't feel too inspired by this album.
I'm not a huge Elton John fan. I like the orchestration.
Amin my youth, I really enjoyed Elton John. That opinion has waned over the years with exposure to more music as well as natural shifts in interests. Levon will always be a jam though.
Good. No bad songs. Favorite song: Indian Summer.
It’s absurd writing a review for Elton John. He’s a legend. All I’ll say is that there are some songs on here that I’ve never heard before and they’re all worth a listen. (I’ve always liked Elton John but have never bought one of his albums. Five stars is reserved for those I’d buy today.)
Love Elton John but this one ran out of gas quick. "Tiny Dancer" and "Levon" saved this from being a two. (Would have given an extra star if the lyrics had actually included "Tony Danza".)
Quintessential Elton John. This album is full of long flowing ballads that highlight Elton's singing ability. If you like Elton John, this is a good album. If he's not your usual cup of tea, then it probably won't hit as well.
Agree with all of the above. A few great songs stand out…the rest just fade into the background.
I agree with Stu - side one is great - side 2 I barely remember and it ran thru twice as I worked -
Not required listening in my opinion. Decent album but no one song really moves me.
A mix of great and just ok songs. It made me realize how much of his work I haven’t heard.
A tale of two sides. Side one is great. Tiny Dancer, Levon and MMATW are head and shoulders above anything else on the album. Once they turn the corner you got a lot of stock Elton Johnisms, mediocre melodies and the worst tendencies of Bernie Taupin - what the hell is he talking about? The lyric free LA LA LAS that end Rotten Peaches are the highpoint. The great tracks lift this album but no classic this...
2.5
HELL YEAH. THIS SHIT HELPS ME BATTLE MY DEPRESSIVE BIPOLAR EPISODE. ACTUAL MADMEN WHERE Y'ALL AT?
Always amazing
авторские от 71, смежные от 95 и это прикольно, т к более менее свежий звук. в остальном скучная попсовая фигня, но качественная
Another solid record. Starts strong kinda gets repetitive as it goes on.
Elton is always great and Levon is particularly fantastic. Many of the later tracks on the album aren't particularly memorable.
45/1001 Much like Billy Joel, Elton John is an artist where I own his albums, understand his popularity, but only like a selection of tracks. Enough to make a decent greatest hits, but not enough to enjoy most of his albums from start to finish. This is definitely one of his best long players, maybe just behind Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, but listening to it again, I think I've worked out why Elton never really clicked for me. It's the "I just do the music, he does the lyrics" thing. He could be singing a shopping list, the end result would ultimately be the same - there's a subtle disconnect between the artist and the song that I pick up on, that makes it all seem a bit sterile and false. He's great at what he does - and who can't warm just a little bit to the likes of Tiny Dancer? - but there is always just that special something missing for me. It becomes very samey the further you delve - the arrangements lose their impact when you imagine they are all just "things bolted on to a guy sat singing at a piano" to make it more interesting rather than some grand vision which was seen through from conception to production (disclaimer: I may be wrong, but that is how it always feels to me). Decent, but ultimately a bit bland for my taste - I'm feeling generous because the sun is shining so I'll give it a three.
Immediate 5. Have listened 12,000 times before and will listen 12,000 times again.
Hell yeah
Alright, elton john doesn't do much for me though. I like his hits, so in this case tiny dancer and levon, but I just don't really care about the rest. Doesn't excite me
This is just kinda boring? Not my type. Tiny dancer is a masterpiece tho
Just didn’t grab me.
I mean it’s Elton frickin John.
-pretty good album -my faves were the ones I knew: tiny dancer and levon
I've always thought of Elton John as a "greatest hits" kind of artist and this album didn't dissuade me from that. It's solid, but I can't see myself coming back to this on a regular basis except to listen to Tiny Dancer and Levon.
לנון יותר טוב
הפקה פצצה, תזמור מדהים כן הרגשתי רפטטיביות
Has some charm have to say. Bit same-y with the song. John was clearly a pianist. Loved the bit more epic pieces. 'Indian sunset' was a facinating song. Need to learn the story behind the song if there is one. Has a good singing voice.
Elton is Eltoning very strongly here. Pretty solid material from cover to cover here. Indian Sunset hasn't aged well at all for obvious reasons, but everything else here has that well-produced sheen and lovely Taupin lyrics. I never knew the name of that song was "Levon." I just knew the chorus about the New York Times saying God was dead -- I thought it was "He shall be leaving." The things we hear. Good stuff here all around. Recommended.
Ett riktigt guldkorn, lite bortglömd men den bästa av Elton’s plattor!
I really liked this. Particularly like the orchestration and the chorus sections. Great drums too, for songs that aren't heavy.
Tiny dancer, then Levon. What a way to start a album. Enjoyed this very much
It seemed like listening to a whole album of Tiny Dancer-like songs. Not a fan.
It’s not quite an all time classic but well worth a listen as one the top ones in the next level down in his catalog and 70s rock in general. But he has some stronger albums. Tiny Dancer is amazing though.
Tiny Dancer // Levon // Indian Sunset // All The Nasties // 3.5/5
Have on vinyl: No Rating: 8 Fav Song: Tiny Dancer Notes: Indian Sunset...did not age well
Tiny Dancer, all time great track. Great musicality throughout. Although probably not an album that would find itself in a regular rotation for me, I appreciate the quality. I never have to hear Indian Sunset again.
Decent album, love tiny dancer 6/10
Holiday inn best mandolins
Tiny Dancer Levon Madman Across the Water
Never listened to Elton John's albums, man did I miss out. 4/5
Fantastic album. Levon, rotten peaches, razor face, and all the nasties are super underrated. Feel like Indian sunset falls short. Tiny dancer is a classic.
My second Elton John album. It was good, but I found myself liking it a little less than Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. Overall- still a good album
In the early 1970s, Elton John was at his creative peak and released a staggering volume of music that makes it difficult to recall which songs belong to which albums. So, I was eager to revisit "Madman Across the Water," a pop-rock album filled with a variety of orchestral arrangements. Although listeners often gravitate towards the well-loved tracks "Tiny Dancer" and "Levon," the true strength of the album lies in its title track, "Madman Across the Water." This song highlights John's powerful vocals set against intricate and experimental musical arrangements, complemented by Bernie Taupin's lyrics. I have also always found the social justice themes in "Indian Sunset" to be particularly moving, even if the passage of time has affected its cultural sensitivity and historical context. The song features a compelling build-up of musical elements that transition with subtle vocals. The somber and quiet "Goodbye" is a perfect way to close the album. The album overall remains impressive, despite a few weaker tracks, such as "Razor Face" and "Rotten Peaches," that prevents it from achieving greatness. (Much better than a 3, not quite a 4, but rounding up).
Couple songs I recognize, but a lot of them sound very similar.
Možda bih gledala drukčije na ovaj album da je snimljen u posljednjih 15 godina, ali činjenica da je album iz 1971. blows my mind. Tiny dancer mi je jedna od apsolutnih remek-djela ovog žanra i kad god ju poslušam, imam isto mišljenje. Ima tu još dobrih stvari, daleko od toga, možda malo postane pre zasićeno nakon nekog vremena jer nema previše žanrovske dinamike, ali to je on i to je početak 70ih. Meni dosta 🫶🏻 4/5, 8/10
5/10
Never heard of this album but I love all the tracks and am familiar with all bar one of them. It's like the starter to Goodbye Yellow Brick Road... Exciellent album.
Not my favorite. Some good singles.
Classic Elton is always great but I really enjoy hearing some of the deeper cuts
2.5/5 I like Elton John and Tiny Dancer is a wonderful song. But the rest didn’t cut it for me. I can’t say it’s bad or that I hated it. It just felt un cohesive and all a bit the same. Not the worst album in this list, but I was expecting a bit better from him.
Great album! Levon and Madman Across the Water are so good.
I had only heard Tiny Dancer from this album before and nothing else. And it's now no longer my fave track from the album. That honor now goes to the title track. Rotten Peaches was another standout too.
4 stars
Tiny Dancer is great. A pub classic forever more. I tried but failed to get into the rest of this album. Elton is hugely talented, but I can't seem to click with his vibe aside from a handful of hits.
Looking at the tracklist, I think I've only heard of Tiny Dancer - one of my favorites from Elton - and Levon. Interested to see if I can find some other songs I like here. I think I've heard Indian Sunset in some movie or something else...but I can't place it. Those 3 songs carried the weight of the album, imo. This may not be one of Elton's best albums overall, but I'd still grade it as a Low 4.
Tiny Dancer is damned near a perfect song. And straight into Levon in a quick 1-2 punch out of the gate. Indian Sunset is a great centerpiece here. I kept feeling like the piano plonk on All The Nasties was going to drop back into Tiny Dancer with the familiar melody. Ultimately this is a fine album with some high quality songs inside of it. Elton's voice is a natural beauty and easy on the ears. That said, a lot of this one falls into a space of indifference for me. So for my personal interest this is a low 3.
Great keys, great voice.
Surprised that this is only the second Elton Joh album we have gotten seeing how the artist of this list is an absolute simp for British artists. Looking at you, Morrissey albums. But as for the album itself, this was really good. Love leading off with Tiny Dancer and Levon which are both classic. Didn't know any of the other songs but it didn't matter. I could listen to Elton sing and play piano all day. Not as good as Yellow Brick Road but still super enjoyable
Starting w/ Tiny Dancer is a move. Feel like it should be a closer but not complaining. Whoa I've heard Indian Sunset on the Tupac song Ghetto Gospel. Never knew it was from this! That's fun. Not a whole lot stood out on this one minus Tiny Dancer, but it was all pretty enjoyable.
None of the other songs on this album really stuck out to me aside from Tiny Dancer.
Really trying to love elton john here, it's not working very well
Hadn't heard this before. Classic EJ, so some highs, but pretty boring.
Surprisingly underwhelmed
A nice record that stands the test of time. Maybe some topics are a bit outdated but the music is great.
I felt like a Madman Across the Water after I heard this one.
Obviously this starts with one of the greatest songs of all time, so I understand why it’s here. The music is absolutely incredible on every song, but a lot of the songs are unfortunately ruined (with all due respect) by the vocals and/or nonsensical lyrics. Indian Sunset — beautiful song and melody, beautifully sung, but I’m not sure how I feel about it. I surprisingly liked Holiday Inn. All the Nasties is Tiny Dancer (reprise) not in a good way. Kind of a lackluster showing.
He’s a great singer. The tunes are catchy. Great piano player. I’m just personally not into this I think. I guess it feels like nothing he says sticks unless you want it to. I feel like every second is theatre and overblown, there’s never a different vibe or volume. I could try to like this. Maybe it’s the accent too
Tiny dancer is nice!
Solid album.
Fun!
Loved this - gosh, what a classic! *****
Bunch of gems in addition to the classics. Might have to up rating to a 5 after a few more spins.
Artiste connu, peu apprécié. C'est le premier album que j'écoute en entier. Résultat: j'ai commencé à faire autre chose dès le premier morceau. Je n'aime pas l'instrumentation pseudo classique, les choeurs, et j'ai entendu mieux en piano ... A ce stade la note oscille entre 1 et 2. Les morceaux me paraissent trop long, sans grand intérêt pour moi donc très ennuyeux. Seule exception : Madman across the water, avec son riff de guitare et une orchestration plus réussie, qui sauve l'album de la note minimale. =>2/5
Ihan kelpoa musiikkia, Tiny Danceria voinee kuunnella toistekin, mutta muuten aika taustamusiikiksi jäi omalla kohdalla muu kokonaisuus.
Its Elton so pretty good but not his best album
Some good piano ballads, unsurprisingly, but didn't really grab or move me beyond the first song or two..
Elton John, the consummate “best of” artist. The highs are high (tbh that’s only Tiny Dancer) but this album generally swims in an ocean of 70’s mediocrity which not even his obvious talent and fine arrangements/production can salvage. The best part for me was discovering it wasn’t yet another tedious double album from the era.
The one-two punch of Tiny Dancer into Levon - Sir Elton was cooking with gas there! The rest of the album uses a lot of the same grand flourish, so it goes down easy but whew when some of the lyrics caught my ears I rolled my eyes hard (Indian Sunset).
I bloody love Elton John. I’ve yet to hear a song by him that I didn’t like, and this album doesn’t break the rule. I initially thought I only recognised Tony Dancer from the track list, but anybody familiar with Ghetto Gospel by Tupac will definitely find some familiarity in Indian Sunset too. The piano playing is fantastic as usual, with phenomenal composition. This, coming together with the lyrical content, gave me no shortage of goosebumps over the 45 minute playtime.
good listen
luv it, such a good voice.
There's a lot of garbage here unless you're a fan of Tony Danza. Also, Indian Sunset is some pretty appalling red face. This is pretty close to one star.
Parece que EJ estaba “en fuego” por estos años.
"Madman Across The Water" by Elton John is a pivotal album that solidified his legacy as one of the foremost artists of his generation. Released in 1971, it features a rich blend of orchestral arrangements and poignant lyrics, showcasing John's exceptional songwriting talent and unique vocal style. The album's standout tracks, such as "Tiny Dancer" and "Levon," resonate with emotional depth and poetic brilliance, further establishing his status in the music industry. With this work, John not only captivated listeners but also set the stage for a career that would profoundly influence pop and rock music for decades to come.
If your album opens with Tiny Dancer AND Levon, I’m going to give you five stars.
This has two all-time classics and maybe one of the best rock pop songs ever. Gotta give it a 5
Seems an appropriate time to get an album and song entitled Madman across the Water from a British singer/songwriter. We are staring into the abyss. Elton John isn't usually what I go for, but his music sure is jaunty and wins me over almost every time. Indian Summer didn't age well though.
Seminal album. prime Elton John.
I feel like if I made this list I wouldn't be going this deep into Elton johns catalogue. But that being said, I heard levon on the radio a day after I listened to this so I guess people like this album? Just seems too country to be olhos self titled and too orchestrated to be honkey tonk chateau. Seems like a drug induced mess to me.
Tiny Dancer is an amazing song and the album overall is great ... but how can and English man ever write a song attacking the Americans for their treatment of the Indians when they conquered over half the world ... almost lost a star for that one song.
A little less rocky than I expected, but enjoyed it.
It's pretty good, they just don't make music like this anymore. It's giving Led Zeppelin / Cat Stevens.
I’d only ever listened to Tiny Dancer from this album however it has some other good songs with great production.
I wanted to like this more than I found I did. If halves were an option it'd be 3.5.
Pretty good, I enjoyed working while listening to this
Don’t know why, but for some reason this album just irritates me and sounds bland to my ears. I think this is probably unfair criticism, but I just can’t warm to it. At times, some of these songs and his voice sound like Jim Croce (who doesn’t irritate me at all). I’d prefer to listen to Jim any day. Just can’t really explain why.
That's a fine album! Tiny Dancer worths the all the trip, but the rest of the album is also pretty good! Not my favorite Elton John's album, but Madman Across The Water is an obrigatory stop on the marathon. I'm gonna give it 4 stars.
Great album, tiny dancer is a classic, the rest of the album is good but very progressive for the time. Lots of long complicated songs. Rewards on re listens
What a lovely, calming album to listen to on a dreary Thursday morning. This was a very emotive album and it's obviously very safe to say that Elton's voice + piano backing is always going to be a great combination. My favourite track was Indian Sunset and All the Nasties was up there too. Despite the fact that Goodbye was the final track, to me All the Nasties actually felt like a better way to end the album with that gospel choir aspect to it despite the fact.
It's an Elton John Doing Elton John Stuff piece of business. A Sometimes food for me, but he's got his place.
Good on
Good album, a regular on my playlist.
I don’t even care for tiny dancer. I am not big on these piano men and their grandiose gestures.
Decent.
Would not listen again but man Elton can belt; tiny dancer!; rest was kind of blah. A high two?
Pretty solid.
Pretty fucking awesome. I love track 3 and his voice was so crisp. Great great stuff
A little disappointed tbh! Good stuff but didn’t blow me away by any means.
She just died? Wow. I didn't know that. You're telling me now for the first time. She led an amazing life. What else can you say? She was an amazing woman. Whether you agreed or not, she was an amazing woman who led an amazing life. I'm actually saddened to hear that. I am sadden to hear that. Thank you very much.
Nothing particularly stand out except Tiny Dancer, and Holiday Inn is good.
This album is definitely Elton John. I feel like I LOVE some of his work and then the rest is solid, but doesn't always wow me. Perhaps the glam rock presents an uphill battle since everything is pretty grand and stylized. On the whole a good album and liked the shorter runtime. Really liked "rotten peaches" and "Levon" and "all the nasties" and of course "Tiny Dancer" is a classic. Overall good, falls short of Greatness for me, though
In 1973 Dad bought a new car ($3000) for me to drive, but with no audio system. He took the AM radio out of his 1961 Oldsmobile, and I installed it into my new car along with two speakers I bought. Soon after that I became bored with AM radio and bought an 8 track player and replaced the AM radio with it. Madman Across the Water was one of the first 8 tracks I purchased, and it reminded me of those old timey days listening to 8 tracks in the car. This isn’t my favorite Elton John album, but it has some good tracks. I’ve always been impressed by how much American history British people know (Indian Sunset).
I really know only the hits of Elton John, but I like them all moderately well. They do sound pretty same-y to me though. Pretty impressive that he managed to sound basically the same for so long! Highlights: 'Tiny Dancer' (with thanks for giving us a classic mondegreen example), 'All the Nasties'
Not the best John. Tiny Dancer is a jam but the rest was a little hohum. 2.5/5
Levon is such an amazing song - first heard it when Taylor Hicks won American Idol and was obsessed
I have this album. How was Holiday Inn not a hit?
This album is special to me. That piano is a cosmic force of its own. And 1971 was a great year for the mandolin.
Awesome!!
Love Elton more than a straight man probably should. Levon is one of his better songs, if not his best.
I like the piano though
What a coincidence yesterday I found Elton's Greatest Hits from 1974 on vinyl in a collection given to me by my parents. Never been a big fan but really starting to get Elton now, very late to Saturday night.
This is the forty ninth album I’m rating. The only Elton John knowledge I have is that movie and that he caused AIDS. Adding to my Playlist - Levon, Razor Face, Madman Across the Water Not Adding to my Playlist - Tiny Dancer, Indian Sunset, Holiday Inn, Rotten Peaches, All the Nasties, and Goodbye. Tiny Dancer - I’m sorry but this is just too boring. The chorus is cool but I feel absolutely nothing. All in all I liked 3/9 songs. I thought Elton John was good but this was just really boring.
Rokahtavaa poppia. Aika perus sillein, ei oikein keksi muuta. Parhaat: Tiny Dancer, Levon
This was good. Tiny Dancer and Levon are all timers for sure. The rest of the songs are all pretty solid, but except Indian Sunset, that one wasn’t great.
Listenable, certainly, but not exciting. Very apt for a European listener in February 2025, though.
meh... я не выкупил прикол альбома, он просто скучный и однообразный. 2/5
Liked this more than I anticipated, the songs are well made and the piano and arrangements match Eltons voice perfectly. The album falls somewhere between pop and rock, with more rock than I expected. There are some really good ballads on here as well. Recognized Indian Sunset from the Ghetto Gospel collaboration Elton had with 2Pac. I liked that piano part of the song a lot for quite some time, but didn't know Elton was behind it, which made me like the album even more.
First time listening to this one, apart from “Tiny Dancer”. Must say that I didn’t find the rest of the album to be that great or interesting.
A bit too much Elton John for me, I really started to dislike his way of singing about halfway through. I do like many others of his songs though, so I'm looking forward to getting one of his other albums.
If Tiny Dancer was extended into an LP. Exactly 7/10
that one scene in almost famous where they all sang tiny dancer
The album intros with a giant classic that everyone knows the first line of, "Tiny Dancer" is just 70's singer/songwriter royalty. (I own the book "Hold Me Closer, Tony Danza" which is about misheard lyrics). Then you roll into "Levon", which is one of those songs that just has something, it makes you curious about the title character & it's so easy to sing along with. "Madman Across The Water" is another radio staple, completing the hit song trifecta. The glue songs, many of which are longer tracks at over 5-6 mins, range from the catchy "Razor Face" to the solemn "Indian Sunset" and the coulda-been-a-hit "Rotten Peaches". Not sure this would make my Top 1001 but I enjoyed hearing it all, no bad tracks. 3.5 Stars
Listening to this brings back memories of being a wee lad.
Surprised by a few bangers. But the album overall...mids.
While Sir E’s singles are consistently strong, sometimes I feel his album tracks are a bit lacking. Not so here, where everything is a mini-epic. Admittedly, some are better than others (and, out of context, Indian Summer reads a bit strange), but on a whole, this is clearly a highlight in a vast career.
Some very good songs. Interesting to hear the demos.
A few cracking songs on this. A little samey though.
This album is soooo good. This is madness.
1971. Pop. 8/10 Tiny Dancer
3 out of 5. Solid album, very fantastic.
Wowee this has aged poorly. Tiny dancer is the only song I liked, other than that I was well bored. Except for Indian sunset, which actively made me uncomfortable. After listening to this for about 45 minutes, I thought it had suddenly turned around for the better, but as it turns out that was the end of the album and Spotify had started shuffling in recommended songs I might actually enjoy. Good job Spotify, not so much Elton. 1 bonus star for tiny dancer, I'm being very generous here.
I'm an Elton John fan in passing, but I'd never sat down and listened to this whole thing. I liked it at first (who doesn't like Tiny Dancer?), and was feeling a strong 4, but when Madman Across the Water came on with that jazzy guitar and bass riff it launched this mofo into 5-star territory. I love repetitive, droning riffs like that when they're tight and catchy. It just locks into something they can really jam on with feeling, but never loses its structure. What a great song. Rest of the album is great, too.
Sir Elton is obviously a great singer and musician and Bernie Taupin's lyrics are good, mostly. Tiny Dancer is a classic track with or without Almost Famous. Levon is also good. The rest of the album is OK.
gotta love elton john
"Tiny Dancer" and "Levon" are both bangers that are a little too long. The next two songs are pretty good and also a little too long. "Indian Sunset" is one of the most jarring, bewildering listening experiences I've had in a minute. And it's too long. Taupin will write some evocative, interesting lines, but I found a lot of the lyrics on this album opaque and strange as a whole. Elton gives it his all on vocals and piano, although I'd like more variety in the instrumentation. And almost all of the songs are too long.
Elton's voice, lyrics, and piano playing is truly something to marvel at.
Enjoyed this much more than I had expected. I went in expecting a boring pop album but this was way more prog rock and gospelly than I initially anticipated. Pretty good listen.
yeah
I’ve only ever really listened to Elton Johns greatest hits and his well known stuff. It was nice to listen to some of his discography in entirety very refreshing
It's a great day now that I get to listen to Madman Across The Water. An album with brilliant songwriting, iconic piano playing, grand orchestral gestures, and plucky arrangements. I love this one so much. Favorites are Tiny Dancer (never gets old), Levon, the title track, Indian Sunset, Holiday Inn, Rotten Peaches, All the Nasties, and...I may as well have listed every track.
definitely some of Eltons best. opening with Tiny Dancer strong and it stays pretty consistent after that, its nothing complicated either, just pure Elton, and it pays off pretty well. I really enjoyed this listen.
A classic from ol EJ. I think Elton’s first few albums are his best and this one is a good example of why. Simple arrangements. A lot of it is just him and a piano. But when the songs open up with more symphonic and choral elements it doesn’t go too far over the top the way he would on future albums. Tiny Dancer and Levon are classics for a reason! Normally I give 5 stars to albums I’d add to my record collection but since this is already in it that’s an easy 5.
Loved this one, though some tracks more than others. Love his voice and performance. Technically amazing for 1971.
The madman!!! He’s a madman!!! He played piano really good
I have listened to this album many times over the years as I purchased it back in the seventies. I wasn’t too crazy about it back then, but it has really grown on me over the years and I genuinely enjoy all of the songs. When looking at his early efforts, I prefer Tumbleweed Connection and Honky Chateau to this one, but I still really like it and will continue to play it from time to time. My only real complaint is many of songs run a bit long. It gets 4 stars plus from me.
a peculiar group of songs, though they're pleasant and tiny dancer is great closing track was pretty too
Some good songs on here, but overall it passed me by without any 'wow' moments.
Elton
Some good tunes, and a lot that didn't really hit the spot. Nothing I actively disliked though.
Sounded good a few highlights But a Bit repetetive
Hold me closer, Tony Danza
Yaaay elton
Tiny Dancer, nice chill older Elton album. Beautiful arrangements, a lot of depth.
Exquisite. Starting with “Tiny Dancer” is a big mistake, though. “Levon” was great and so was the title track, but nothing else lived up to what we know Elton and Bernie are capable of with the opener so it makes everything else feel less-than by comparison. On their own, they’re fine songs. “Indian Sunset” gives me a weird feeling inside, but it’s a fairly good track. “Razor Face” was strange and beautiful ballad. Ballad? What is a ballad? Second half just doesn’t hit as hard as the first. Good album, but not incredible. Close to great. I enjoyed all of it. 4/5
Elton John's 1971 album *Madman Across the Water* remains a fascinating artifact of his early career, bridging his transition from cult singer-songwriter to global superstar. While not an immediate commercial success, the album has since been reappraised as a pivotal work that showcases John’s burgeoning artistry alongside lyricist Bernie Taupin. Below, we dissect the album’s lyrical content, musical innovation, production choices, thematic depth, and enduring influence, while weighing its strengths and weaknesses. --- ## **Lyrics: A Mixed Bag of Poetry and Obtuseness** Bernie Taupin’s lyrics on *Madman Across the Water* polarize listeners. Critics often deride them as pretentious or nonsensical, exemplified by lines like *“Is the nightmare black or are the windows painted?”* from the title track [1][4]. Tracks such as *“Rotten Peaches”* and *“Razor Face”* suffer from clumsy phrasing (e.g., *“Razor face, amazing grace”*) that even Elton’s vocal charisma struggles to redeem [4][8]. However, Taupin occasionally strikes gold: *“Levon”* poignantly explores generational conflict (*“He was born a pauper to a pawn on a Christmas Day / When the New York Times said God is dead”*) [8][9], while *“Indian Sunset”* ambitiously narrates Indigenous displacement, despite historical inaccuracies [4][8]. Taupin’s tendency toward abstraction—dubbed “jibber jabber” by detractors—dominates much of the album [4]. Yet, John’s emotive delivery often elevates these lyrics, as in *“Tiny Dancer,”* where vague imagery (*“Blue-jean baby, L.A. lady”*) becomes hauntingly evocative through melody [6][7]. --- ## **Music: Baroque Grandeur Meets Raw Emotion** Musically, *Madman Across the Water* blends orchestral grandeur with rock and country flourishes. The album opens with *“Tiny Dancer,”* a piano-driven ballad enriched by Paul Buckmaster’s lush strings, which frame John’s soaring vocals [6][7]. The title track stands out for its brooding acoustic guitar foundation and dramatic crescendos, a departure from John’s usual piano-centric style [1][2]. Highlights include: - **“Levon”**: A gospel-tinged anthem with a cascading piano riff and Rick Wakeman’s Hammond organ accents [7][9]. - **“Indian Sunset”**: A six-minute epic blending operatic vocals, tribal rhythms, and cinematic orchestration [4][8]. However, the album’s second half falters. *“Holiday Inn”* and *“Goodbye”* feel underdeveloped, with repetitive melodies that lack the spark of earlier tracks [3][5]. *“All the Nasties”*—a choral critique of critics—comes across as self-indulgent [8]. --- ## **Production: Orchestral Ambition and Experimental Flair** Produced by Gus Dudgeon, *Madman* is defined by its lavish arrangements. Paul Buckmaster’s strings and synthesizers add theatricality, particularly on *“Madman Across the Water”* and *“Indian Sunset”* [1][7]. The decision to prioritize acoustic guitar on the title track created a haunting, textured soundscape that remains unique in John’s catalog [1][2]. That said, the production occasionally overwhelms. The orchestration on *“Tiny Dancer”* borders on saccharine, and the extended jam on *“Razor Face”* (included in later reissues) disrupts the album’s flow [7][9]. The 2022 50th Anniversary Edition remaster improves clarity, revealing subtleties in the original recording [10]. --- ## **Themes: Paranoia, Identity, and Dislocation** The album delves into dark, introspective themes: - **Isolation**: The titular *“Madman”* embodies existential dread, with John singing from the perspective of a societal outcast [1][7]. - **Cultural Erasure**: *“Indian Sunset”* critiques colonialism, albeit through a flawed, romanticized lens [4][8]. - **Artistic Struggle**: *“Levon”* and *“All the Nasties”* reflect Taupin and John’s frustrations with fame and criticism [8][9]. These themes resonate with the early ’70s zeitgeist, capturing post-’60s disillusionment and the search for identity [2][6]. --- ## **Influence: A Stepping Stone to Stardom** Though initially a commercial disappointment (peaking at No. 41 in the UK), *Madman* laid groundwork for John’s ’70s dominance. Its orchestral-rock hybrid influenced later works like *Goodbye Yellow Brick Road*, while *“Tiny Dancer”* became a cultural touchstone, featured in films and tours decades later [6][7]. The album also marked John’s final collaboration with producer Dudgeon before transitioning to a more band-oriented sound on *Honky Château* [2][8]. --- ## **Pros and Cons** **Pros**: - **Timeless Tracks**: *“Tiny Dancer,”* *“Levon,”* and *“Madman Across the Water”* are career-defining masterpieces [6][7][9]. - **Orchestral Innovation**: Buckmaster’s arrangements remain daring and influential [1][7]. - **Emotional Depth**: John’s vocal performances convey raw vulnerability, elevating Taupin’s uneven lyrics [4][8]. **Cons**: - **Lyrical Inconsistency**: Taupin’s abstract wordplay often alienates rather than enchants [4][8]. - **Filler Tracks**: The second half lacks the cohesion and energy of Side One [3][5]. - **Overproduction**: Some songs drown in excessive orchestration [9][10]. --- ## **Legacy** *Madman Across the Water* endures as a flawed but essential chapter in Elton John’s discography. Its bold experimentation paved the way for his ’70s triumphs, while its standout tracks remain concert staples. The 2022 reissue reaffirms its status, offering fans deeper insight into its creation [6][10]. For all its imperfections, the album captures a pivotal artist on the cusp of greatness, unafraid to take risks—even when they don’t fully pay off.
Most excellent!
4.5
Underwhelming
Close your eyes and get comfortable in the rocket ship as you glide through Elton John’s universe. Once you land, you might just meet a mad man across the water. Favorites: Tiny Dancer, Levon, Madman Across the Water
I really enjoyed this album; it was a pleasant listen with some great lyrics and melodies. It will be listened to again. I felt it lacked a couple of killer hits for it to be anything more than a 3/5 Favourite song: Tiny Dancer is a belter. Least favourite: "All the nasties" was a bit naff Album artwork: Cool cover.
It's kind of weird to me to see an Elton John album labelled as progressive rock. Like...Elton John? Prog rock? Those just don't sound like they fit together. I mean, you've gotta understand my perspective on prog rock: to me, it's stuff like Pink Floyd, Yes, King Crimson... Y'know, that kind of crop. Whereas, meanwhile, I gotta look at the songs I associate with Elton John — stuff like "Candle In The Wind", "Crocodile Rock", "Border Song", "Rocket Man"... Mostly piano ballads and pounders, with a little glam flair in there at most. It's like, I don't hear anything else on GOODBYE YELLOW BRICK ROAD that strikes me as particularly "prog," or on DON'T SHOOT ME or HONKY CHÂTEAU for that matter. That's all music I love deeply and dearly, but "prog?" Unless my definition of prog is narrower than I thought, I just don't hear it. Particularly on the album my group got today, the one that's actually labelled prog. Like... Is it because they're longer than Elton John songs usually are, on average? Is that it? 'Coz that reminds me of the claim that a lot of Iron Maiden's recent work has been "progressive," when really they're just longer than they have been before. That's not necessarily a knock against anything on this album or Iron Maiden's recent work, 'coz I do like it all, but I'unno. To my ears, it should take more than stretching a 3 minute song out to 6 or 7 minutes to make it progressive rock. (Seriously, though, songs like "For The Greater Good Of God" and "Empire Of The Clouds" aren't to be missed. This is an unrelated aside, but if you ain't heard either of them yet, go ahead and do so, goodness.) Really, to me this album just sounds like typical Eltom John fare. Maybe there's a few more orchestras than usual, but otherwise, I'd've never been able to guess this was supposed to be anything else. Which, I mean, regardless of all my yapping about genre, it's still really good stuff. Of course "Tiny Dancer" and "Levon" are the standouts, but everything else keeps up at a good enough pace. Really, the only song I feel like I'd give the side-eye to is "Indian Sunset", though I don't take as much offense to the lyrics as I know other people do, so... I'unno, I just like a good orchestra, and it has one. Honestly, I feel like this album only falls flat in comparison. I listen to this, and I do legitimately enjoy what I hear, but at the same time I find myself wondering why the cosmic entity that runs The Randomizer would give us this over HONKY CHÂTEAU. That album is Elton's single-disc masterpiece if you ask me, and way worth hearing before this. I mean, come on, that album has "Rocket Man". If that song's appearance on that album alone isn't an incentive or reason enough... 'Coz that's where the glam started, of course, and as much as I like the pre-glam stuff like "Your Song" and especially "Border Song"... Goodness, it just ain't the same. So... Yeah. MADMAN ACROSS THE WATER has a lot of great Elton John fare, with some neat orchestrations to boot, but... Eh. I wouldn't go as gaga over it as I did for GOODBYE YELLOW BRICK ROAD or I would for HONKY CHÂTEAU. At the very least, it's not one I'd recommend anyone start with. It's more like a "after you've taken in the best of the best..." Still, just for how much I like typical Elton John fare, I'm gonna give it a 4. He plays piano good and I like his voice. What can I say?
We've gotten a couple of singer-songwriters in my group's journey, but almost none of them compare to Elton. He just has a way of making a song compelling as can be. Solid 5 Stars.
I’m at a 5. It was well worth the 387-day break between “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” and this album; these are the only two Elton John albums on the list, and I feel like I need to listen to the man’s whole discography after this one. This is not as fun (and thankfully not as long) as Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, but I’ll be damned if it doesn’t feel as impactful in some fashion. Tiny Dancer is the obvious standout here, but I’ve never heard the rest of the songs on this album – I loved almost every single one of them, save for “Goodbye”, which, while haunting & a good track, feels TOO depressingly sad as the closer, even for an album that’s generally steeped in sad-ish songs. What strikes me the most about this album is how not poppy it is; I wrote this down while listening to Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (though I didn’t include it on the website at the time), but whenever I think of Elton John, I’m expecting a bunch of songs similar to stuff like I’m Still Standing or Don’t Go Breaking My Heart; the big poppy hits that he’s kind of nestled into for the last decade, at least whenever he does collaborations. That diminishes what kind of artist Elton John is though, and I think this album proves that at a higher level than Goodbye Yellow Brick Road did, in terms of the general emotional impact relative to each song. Granted, that’s a whole year of “only remembering the stuff I really, really liked off of that album” striking my brain, but GYBR (does anyone type this??) is a relatively upbeat album compared to this one; this is where Bernie Taupin & Elton John get to flex their storytelling ability, whether it’s in Taupin’s lyrics, or Elton’s vocals, or in the orchestration that gives each song a cinematic flourish that I’m just a sucker for. I’d be remiss to not acknowledge the problematic nature of “Indian Sunset”, which I find to honestly be the biggest & brightest example of that cinematic flair, arguably moreso than Tiny Dancer for me. Inherently, the biggest red flag in the song is the use of the term “red man” in referring to the Native Americans, but the other red flag is simply letting two white British men decide to write a song with historical inaccuracies & stereotypes about the Oklahoma Territory, the Trail of Tears, and that general time period. With that said, I can’t help but feel like the two truly had the best of intentions when writing the track, and I think the general feel of the imagery & the story they’re trying to tell via the vocals & orchestration creates the emotional impact they’re going for, and hopefully gets the point across of “hey, the colonization and everything really fucking sucked, actually”. Ultimately, I think it’s just a fabulous album, and picking between this and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road is a coin flip – they’re both doing different things, and I can’t truly compare them directly to each other. It should come as no surprise that this is a 5 – I’m really sad that there’s not more Elton John on the list, but hopefully he’ll have a surprise feature or two somewhere along the next… oh, 607 or so albums. Surely, there’s at least one? Either way, I owe it to myself to listen to the rest of his 70s stuff at the very least.
A few great songs and a few forgettable ones
Hits are stron Songs too lon Patience gon Elton John
Other than the specular opener which is iconic, the rest of the album is more of a run of the mill output from Sir Elton.
A fun listen but other than Tiny Dancer and the title track nothing really grabbed my attention
Not a huge fan of Elton John mainly because, as with Elvis Costello, I don't like his voice. 1971 was clearly a prolific year for EJ with this being his 3rd album that year. Favourite tracks are Tiny Dancer and Madman Across the Water. For me the musicians who contribute to this album bump up the overall score, most notably Rick Wakeman and the exquisite bass playing of the now late Herbie Flowers. Obviously some dodgy numbers e.g. Indian Summer. But overall some good tracks make it a 3 1/2 for me.
My issue with Elton John continues: I can appreciate the skill (tiny dancer especially) but it’s just not for me
Tiny Dancer, what a song. At album length, the piano ham-fisting is too much for me though.
Decent sounding gospel record from Elton John. That's not alot of stuff I could say about it other than it being just a collection of songs that displayed alot of Ellton's songwriting craft. It had alot of soul and gospel elements and ranged a bunch of stories of different varieties. It's not something i care for but its still a decent record
I enjoyed this, the lyrics are interesting with some nice storytelling going on which I don't always associate with Elton and Bernie. The strings which are present in most tracks give it quite an epic sound alongside Elton's always great piano playing. I also think he delivers the vocals on a lot of these tracks with real heft and passion. After Tiny Dancer and Levon I don't love the rest as much but it's a decent 4 for me
Elton is a great artist and has such a smooth voice. Tiny Dancer alone might have pushed this to 4 but I think its just generally good and not all the way up there as a whole
Fantastic
Not the biggest fan, especially of the later slower songs.
Very good- maybe not my go to style of music but glad I listened.
Good old Elton…nice piano and good voice
Fine, guys a beast - I'm meh on the whole piano thing
So many iconic songs on here, and so much INCREDIBLE piano playing. Truly, in my opinion, Elton at his best.
Nice album - Tiny Dancer the obvious high point.
His best album , some absolute classics on here 👓
This is 1001album at its best — taking artists you think you know, and proving you wrong! I was a fan of Elton John but not as much of a fan as I am after listening to this!
Don't have much to say about this one, as it felt like every single song was the came. Tiny Dancer only stood out as it has been made popular through other forms of media and Indian Sunset stood out as it was sampled in a 2Pac song. Had it not been for either of these events, there would be nothing special to say about this album at all.
Good. Not my style though.
A lot to appreciate here, even if some of it blends in a little bit. Sounds a bit like a musical.
Now a lot more informed when I say: not a fan of Elton John. Impressive composition and very “big” but not for me
it’s risky starting your album with Tiny Dancer because then the rest of the album has to live up to it. i think for the most part it does though!! prime elton john was pretty damn good
Starts off with Tiny Dancer, a classic. As a reluctant Elton John listener, it feels karmic that I’d be served up one of his albums first. Only 9 songs. Will listen on the way to work and throughout the day!
Peak Elton John. Not exactly my type of music -- some great songs and some absolute dudes ("Rotten Peaches" sounds like a Dana Carver impersonation)
“Indian Sunset“ and “Tiny Dancerl were highlights, also the backing vocals on "All the Nasties".
tiny dancer <3
Litt tregt, men bra komponert!
Love Tiny Dancer. I often forget that Elton John can rock. Not a huge fan of Indian Summer.
Some perfectly good stuff; some bizarre things like "Rotten Peaches."
Elton at his lyrical, musical, and vocal peak - even he said this era was his best. Tiny Dancer and Levon alone get 4 stars. Such a voice and such great music. This album is not quite as western as Tumbleweed Connection, but darn close. Such a great album….it comforts me.
eh
Such a great album, first in a series of incredible stuff from one of the best. Elton’s ability to sing on top of the complex piano parts he carries always impresses me.
Album #15 4/5 When I was a kid, I had these red tinted sunglasses that I wore everywhere and one of my older brother's friends made fun of me and proceeded to call me "Elton John" for years. Great album. Great musician. Indian Sunset is... bizarre (seriously, wtf?)
I Think that I love Elton John’s music
There are obviously some classics on here but it's just not really my thing
Another masterpiece by the master.
Elton John is great. Bernie Taupin is a horrible lyricist.
Beautiful from start to finish.
Iconic
I’m actually more familiar with Elton John the man than his music haha. I’ve seen so many of his publicity stunts and know a bit about his work for the gay community - I adore him. I know a few of his hits but I’ve never sat and listened to any of his albums so I’m glad to have gotten this experience. Tiny Dancer is a classic, love this song. Elton’s vocal range is so cool and his music is so unique, you can’t help but feel impressed. Fave Songs: Indian Sunset, Tiny Dancer Least Fave Song: Razor Face Rating: 4/5
What a way to start an album! Really liked the orchestral elements on the titular track, Madman Across the Water. Guy just knows how to belt a tune. Fav Tracks: Tiny Dancer, Madman Across the Water Least Fav Tracks: Levon, All the Nasties
I am aware of the historical impact of this album for Elton John and enjoyed it as this was my first listen (other than the hit singles obviously). Not one I would add to my vinyl collection though it was interesting
It's fun to hear Elton and Bernie not deliberately trying to write "hits".
Hold me closer Tony Danza
Razor Face 🥰
Liked this more than I thought I would it feels more like his voice than trying to inhabit a sound like he does on some later albums.
Great
Buen álbum de John Elton.
Tiny Dancer is perhaps my least favorite of Elton John's big hits. It's melodramatic, cheesy, and feels like a gross, sloppy kiss from a relative you've met twice. It just is too ballad-y for my blood. So, it doesn't surprise me all too much that this album does absolutely nothing for me, but, man, what a slog. I don't care for Elton John wanting to be held, sure, but I especially don't want to hear him sing like he is a Native American going through it, that's a tricky topic on all sorts of levels, and a white, British guy is not doing the topic any favors. It just felt like every song wanted me to ask "What am I doing here?" and even when the album tried to sound better, it was too little too late. I have always seen Elton as a hits guy, and this album with no (IMO) good hits means I'm just listening to melodrama for the sake of melodrama, and it's kind of obnoxious. I'll take Billy Joel for my piano rock needs, I suppose.
Meh... Other than the two (rather weak) singles, I had never heard any of this, and I don't know how I ever really would have, either... There's certainly nothing even close to radio worthy here... More-or-less, it's just a boring, longer-than-necessary, story-telling experience... But it didn't outright assault my senses, so I'll give it a disappointed 2...
A good listen, but the entire album felt a little basic for Elton. Putting Tiny Dancer first track in the album didn’t do this album any justice either. Nothing else felt like it could rise to the same greatness of that song. I come away being rather neutral on this specific album.
Not his best album
Klassisk feelgood album. Solid start med Tiny Dancer og Levon, men falle litt etter det for min del. Vil gjerne like det, men ikke helt min greie
Contains tiny dancer, so it’s four stars. ALMOST FAMOUS!!! But, razor face, Levon, and madman across the water are also standouts.
260/1001 🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑
Brilliant
Heard it before. Tiny Dancer is an absolute classic and makes me emotional, one of my favourite songs by Elton. The title track is another highlight of the album. Overall a nice album. 3/5
Elton is a songs guy for me, but this is definitely one of his finest records. "Indian Sunset" my favorite album cut. 4/5
Elton’s voice is extremely beautiful right from the start with Tiny Dancer. His voice is majestic and I love the chorus. The second song, Levon, continues the momentum. I’m loving the album. I want more from the album! It was phenomenal.
Captain Fantastic does it again
Beginning with basically his best song (although there are competitors) which is of course absolutely wonderful, and continuing with another 8 songs I don't think I've ever heard. Levon is very decent. Elton John's got soul, there's no doubt. There's some semi-proggy nonsense here which I can dig, so far I don't recognise a single other thing but I remain engaged on the first listen so that's good. Title track and the Indian one. Hmm, yeah it does dip in quality half way through. Nothing bad, just not nearly as good as the early tracks. I'm getting quite close to downgrading my 4* rating. All the Nasties has just saved it.
Tiny Dancer and some other tunes that can play in a smokey bar.
Tiny dancer
Not my thing personally, but impressive in its way.
2.4 meh faves: tiny dancer
falleg lög. dansarinn ber af. 3,5.
I greatly enjoyed this album. Some great songs and performances
Have listened to this before, just relistened to my favorites a few weeks ago. Some of his best songs are on here, unfortunately they're all in the 1st half. Levon, Tiny Dancer and the title track all go so hard, but I feel like the deep cuts on this don't really shine. Razor Face and Holiday Inn are just ok. I have a soft spot for Indian Sunset but it hasn't aged well. Rotten Peaches is classic bad-Elton: overlong, corny, and melodramatic. Still, the man can play a piano
Tiny Dancer - I just watched a doc that talked about the story of the song. Outside of that it really didn't have an affect on me musically or lyrically. Mad Man Across The Water - The music is what stood out for me. Final Review - Not an album I'll add to my collection.
catchy pop but not songs that particularly spoke to me or even really were earworms. i had to put on antony and the johnsons (or just ANOHNI) for what a good catchy piaano ballad was for me.
The album starts with Tiny Dancer, perhaps a little too opulent but typical Elton John. It's fun, the typical Elton sound at the beginning - piano, vocals. Other typical songs carried by piano and voice, but musically weaker than Tiny Dancer.
great album, great songs,
Really good album, though not perhaps my favorite by him. There's some beautiful piano playing throughout, Elton's singing is always entertaining, though sometimes it can be difficult to understand what he's saying.
Arrivare alla fine senza strapparmi i coglioni è stato difficile. Eppure non era così male
Gay music...sto vibrando
La droga ha fatto un sacco di lavoro qua
A very dense album. No fluff or filler. A little melancholy for my taste. But a good album lverall
Hoy toca el segundo disco que aparece en el reto de éste artista, una bestia de la música. Era imposible que Elton John pasara desapercibido en su época (y en cualquiera) con la dulzura de su voz y sus ambientaciones. Se lo siente como un Bowie pero más pop. Pasional, sus canciones tienen una épica y son todos hits. Notó sutiles aires a Genesis, también. Hasta el lunes y muchas gracias.
Perfection. Not a single bad track on this album.
Unbelievable!
Hold me closer, Tony Danza. I'm not really a big Elton listener but I've always liked his radio hits well enough. Unfortunately, here that's only "Tiny Dancer" (possibly "Levon" too, but I didn't recognize it). He gets "Tiny Dancer" out of the way immediately, and then to my ears the rest of the album largely just smears into unmemorable Elton-textured soup. "Indian Sunset" is a big "we don't do this anymore" kind of song. And the album cover is pretty bad too.
Meh. Pop