Elton John The Very Best Of

Elton John's Classic Album Selection (1970-73) box set is comprised of five of the music legend's most influential and critical acclaimed albums: Elton John, Tumbleweed Connection, Madman Across The Water, Honky Chateau, and Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only The Piano Player. These albums (now including selected bonus tracks) provided the backbone of Elton’s early career and were the source of a series of breakthrough hits which would propel him to become one of the most successful British artists of all time.

Searching for hits in the '70s, Leo Sayer became a tender balladeer, an Elton John wannabe, a falsetto-voiced disco crooner, and a straightforward pop "entertainer." Remarkably, Sayer was good was at everything-from the Tin Pan Alley pop to the power ballads. While he will certainly be remembered for "You Make Me Feel Like Dancing," Sayer's versatility is what's immediately obvious on this compilation. And aside from its obvious nostalgic charm, The Very Best of Leo Sayer sketches a portrait of a singer not only loaded with talent and ability, but also with resourcefulness, dedication, and an ability to remake himself with a speed that might impress Madonna.

Elton John became a true superstar with 1972's Honky Chateau. He followed that album with Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player, his most direct, pop-oriented album to date. Designed as a pastiche of classic and contemporary pop styles, the album almost sounds like an attempt to demonstrate the diversity of the John/Taupin team…

Elton John became a true superstar with 1972's Honky Chateau. He followed that album with Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player, his most direct, pop-oriented album to date. Designed as a pastiche of classic and contemporary pop styles, the album almost sounds like an attempt to demonstrate the diversity of the John/Taupin team. Though the hits are remarkable – "Daniel" is a moving ballad and "Crocodile Rock" is a sly take on '50s rock & roll – the album is slightly uneven. Several of the album tracks, particularly the knowing "I'm Going to Be a Teenage Idol" and the rocking "Elderberry Wine," are as strong as anything John had recorded, but there are too many melodies that simply don't catch hold. Nevertheless, the singles were strong enough to keep the album at the top of the charts, and at its best, it is a very enjoyable piece of well-crafted pop/rock.