I always thought 'The One' was a return to form for Elton and to this day I still thoroughly enjoy the album. I would never have put it down at the bottom of the list.
I loved it when it was first released. These days I think there are great songs and performances on that album that are buried in the production. The drum machine throughout is annoying. I wish the one would have had the production treatment of the Made in England album.
@Mr Cool Wrong, some deep cuts need to stay. I would pick all the instrumentals, and someone's final song. I can't see enough to cut to make it a single album
Or if he just shortened a few of the songs. Even Chameleon, which I love, is too long. Bite your lip, a good rocker, is also far too long. My favourite is one of the shortest songs on the album: Cage the songbird.
My top 10 Elton John albums: 1. Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player 2. Honky Chateau 3. Madman Across the Water 4. Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy 5. Tumbleweed Connection 6. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road 7. Caribou 8. Elton John 9. The Fox 10. Rock of the Westies
I appreciate your thoughtful appraisal. My favorites are. Safe to say 1973 is the best Elton John year for me. 1. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road - This album gets better and better to me over time, though I had it when I was younger it resonates more and more as I get older especially ones I used to skip like Roy Rogers, I've Seen that Movie Too and Ballad for Danny Baily, which have a nostalgic longing and smoky foreboding feel to them with an authentic take on slow burn blues and jazz. It has great rock, prog and ballads combined with his most experimental instrumentation and begins with one of the greatest prog rock compositions of all time, emotionally resonant with intricate and moving melody with a ballad, rock and muti- part harmony section Stretches the honky tonk style into a more diverse and elastic spanse that encompasses a greater range of moods. Harmony and Candle in the Wind are two of his most sincere ballads. The glam rock elements are so bold, musical, immediate and sincere that it matches David Bowie for impact and originality in my opinion though in a contrasting way that still matches the genre. 2. Don't Shoot Me I'm Only The Piano Man- hits so quick with my favorite and most emotionally moving and beautiful Elton John song Daniel, then hits the honkytonk again with Eldeberry Wine, Crocodile Rock Honky Chateau. There is also the menacing and ominous Have Mercy on the Criminal recalling the opening of Leyla to open. Heavy blues atmosphere and soul in the vocal delivery recalling the guitar of She's So Heavy from the Beatles Abbey Road with great use of empty space and building crescendo in emotion in the chorus. Also, Blues for My baby and Me beautiful sensitivity and vocal and piano melody with some nice string flourishes and what sounds like a sitar giving it a bit of an exotic flavor as well. One of his best ballads in my opinion with a wonderful build as the song progesses. 3. Tumbleweed Connection- has a raw down to earth sound, with a unique blues country rock stylizations mixed with a more sophisticated wa wa pedal guitar, and a psychedelic atmosphere in Where to Now St. Peter which has a nice rise in vocal pitch, and the blues and classically tinged Burn Down the Mission with an almost apocalyptic feel. 4. Honkey Chateau- established the honkytonk sound with fine consistency mixed with suicidal burlesque and seriousness, also a great take on normalizing the appealing alienation of Space Oddity with the more mainstream Rocket Man with a bit more streamlined melody. 5. Madman Across the Water - Tiny Dancer is a classic, Levon is excellent as well, Rotten Peaches is really good, I also like Holiday Inn. 6. Caribou- Caribou is a feast or famine album for me half great half just alirght with Ticking and Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me being two of my top 10 favorite songs by him and Taupin, but Grimsby and Your So Static also capture some of the infectious honkytonk atmosphere and the flying saucer song is a really unique and engaging listen, the rest I am not really into though. 7. Captain Fantastic- I like the first half of the album a lot though it is more laid back and lacks some of the vocal swagger, melodic hooks of the earlier albums except Caribou, a sense of adult contemporary begins to drift in, still the title track, Tell Me When the Whistle Blows, Philadelphia Freedom, and the rocker Gotta Get a Meal Ticket are really good. Someone Saved My Life is also really good but to me doesn't reach the soaring heights of Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me. Tower of Babel is good too though the title is unsettling. 8. Elton John self titled
WOW! You placed The Fox above Blue Moves! I can't even begin to comprehend that one. For me Blue Moves is a great album that easily sits among his golden age collection. Blue Moves finds him compositionally and musically inspired and very adventurous; but I am a musician and songwriter so that might explain why I enjoy it so much. I consider Blue Moves and "Westies" to be the two weakest but the last great works of that era. But I definitely enjoy "Blue" more than "Westies". I personally wouldn't put anything post 70s before any album from the golden age. I do enjoy a few of his post 70s records but none of them even begin to approach the inspiration, beauty and creativity of his golden age. Oh well, we all have our opinions...
The best songs on Blue Moves have a maturity in the singing, lyrics, musicianship, and production that seemed to signal a new direction for Elton John. Unfortunately, it was never fulfilled. I just wish he had made it a single album.
The Fox is an excellent album and so is Blue Moves. I'm glad he highlighted some of the later albums after the 70s era. The Diving Board is phenomenal.
The period from Empty Sky in 1969 to Blue Moves in 1976 is probably one of the greatest run of albums by anyone in the 70's, with Empty Sky being the weakest. That period ranks within your Top 17, pretty accurate seeing how that period was 11 albums. Part of the soundtrack to my early teen years.
Top 10 Elton John Albums: 10. ELTON JOHN 💿 9. Made in England 💿 8. Songs from the West Coast 💿 7. Don't Shoot Me, I'm Only the Piano Player 💿 6. Madman Across the Water 💿 5. Honky Château 💿 4. Caribou 💿 3. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road 💿 2. Tumbleweed Connection 💿 1. Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy 💿
Jason! You were a little rough on my boy!!! But when your right, you're right. He had some stinkers that I'm pretty sure he wishes he could take back. I have a little confession, he was my favorite from childhood through high school but I quit following him shortly after. I'd like to give you credit for 2 things. First, for putting in the work to make this list. You've introduced me to albums I didn't even knew existed (ie: Made in England, Songs from the West Coast and The Fox). Secondly you nailed my top 3 albums exactly, and for the exact reasons I love them. Great insights!! The only issue I have is your critique of The One. I understand that it might be a little overproduced, but the songs Emily and The Last Song are wonderful IMO. Again, GREAT ranking video! I'd like to see you revisit Elton with Joe and Kranz, as well as a top ten song list. Thanks again!
Fantastic review - absolutely loved it! For me, Madman is his best. Very introspective, even haunting at times. Thank you for your post and I will definitely re-listen to some of his lesser known albums. New subscriber!
For me #1. Madman Across the Water, #2 Goodbye YBR and #3. Rock of the Westies rounds out my top 3 Elton John Albums list. I was actually there and buying the albums during those years. When Rock of the Westies came out in late '75 I was blown away. ( although I still have a real soft spot for Caribou)
YES! Captain Fantastic in the #1 spot! And I absolutely agree with your assessment of We All Fall In Love Sometimes / Curtains being one of the best closures to an album you'll ever hear. Absolutely stunning and tear-jerking! Gonna have to go back and listen to Tumbleweed again... I haven't heard it since I was in high school, which was a long time ago. Always thought Burn Down The Mission is one of his best songs though.
I agree with your dislike of Victim of Love, and your love and respect for Tumbleweed Connection.....But I think Goodbye Yellow Brick Road is E.J.'s truly best album. It contains the greatest Rock n Roll song of all time ----- Funeral For a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding. Thanks. I enjoyed your count down.
Excellent job! My choice for #1 is Yellow Brick Road followed by Captain Fantastic. I would not put Tumbleweed as high as you did. I'd probably place it around 5 to 7. You mentioned The Band as influences for it. Van Morrison and Leon Russell were also mentioned by Elton as being influential for the record. I'm not very familiar with his work beyond 1980, aside from the hits. That said, I am now looking forward to checking out Made in England and West Coast. Some others too. Thanks! I really enjoyed your review. It's an awful lot to go through. I appreciate your candor. PEACE.
Here's my ranking: 1) Tumbleweed Connection [TIE] 1) Captain Fantastic & the Brown Dirt Cowboy [TIE] 3) Goodbye Yellow Brick Road 4) A Single Man [ I think you missed the boat on this one] 5) Madman Across the Water 6) Elton John 7) Sleeping with The Past 8) Don't Shoot Me, I'm Only the Piano Player 9) The Fox 10) Songs from the West Coast 11) Blue Moves 12) The Diving Board 13) Jump Up! 14) Too Low For Zero 15) The Union 16) Made in England 17) Peachtree Road 18) Breaking Hearts 19) Friends 20) Honky Chateau 21) Rock of the Westies 22) Leather Jackets 23) The One 24) The Road to El Dorado 25) Caribou 26) 21 at 33 27) The Thom Bell Sessions 28) The Captain and the Kid 29) Empty Sky 30) Duets 31) The Big Picture 32) AIDA 33) The Lion King 34) Reg Strikes Back 35) Wonderful Crazy Night 36) Ice on Fire 37) Victim of Love
Blues For Baby And Me off of Don’t Shoot Me, I’m Only The Piano Player is probably my favorite Elton John/Bernie Taupin song. Thanks for the album recommendations.
In 1973, I was very fortunate to have seen Elton John perform his songs from his 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road' album at the Hollywood Bowl on September 7th, 1973. It was one of his concerts to promote his album that was released for sale on October 5th, 1973. It was an amazing performance, and most likely the best concert I ever experienced. AIso, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the great lyricist behind the great music of Elton John, Bernie Taupin, and of course, all of the great musicians who performed so fantastically well. "Keep on Rockin' in The Free World..."
Here is my unpopular ranking... yes, in my opinion his 90's albums are musically brilliant and that's actually the music that turned me initially into a fan. Elton's 1989-1998 era is my personally most favorite era for some reason. 35. Friends (soundtrack) 34. Victim of Love 33. Rock of the Westies 32. Wonderful Crazy Night 31. Leather Jackets 30. The Muse (soundtrack) 29. The Complete Thom Bell Sessions 28. Empty Sky 27. Blue Moves 26. 21 at 33 25. The Diving Board 24. Jump Up 23. Peachtree Road 22. Duets 21. Ice on Fire 20. Breaking Hearts 19. The Road to El Dorado (soundtrack) 18. Reg Strikes Back 17. Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy 16. Tumbleweed Connection 15. Caribou 14. The Union (with Leon Russell) 13. The Fox 12. Songs From the West Coast 11. The Captain & The Kid 10. Honky Chateau 9. Don't Shoot Me, I'm Only the Piano Player 8. Too Low for Zero 7. Madman Across the Water 6. Sleeping With the Past 5. Elton John 4. The One 3. Made in England 2. The Big Picture 1. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
@@TastesLikeMusic And I shouldn't be forgiven! ROTW... it is such "I'm famous, drugged and I don't give a f***' type of album that I could never really get into it. Some funny moments there though - Dan Dare, Billy Bones...
I cant believe how much I agree with your ranking and the criteria for your judgement. You are perfectly right in saying that until 1975, Elton John was a band rather than a solo artist. - The first album with his "new band", Rock of the Westies, was some kind of shock to me, I couldnt stand it. BUT the older I get, the more I feel attrackted to its funky grooves, and if I had to decide on one album to take with me on a lonely islands, Ivam sure it would be Rock of the Westies ❤️
I really enjoyed your video; especially as you were running through the worst top 10. I had to laugh a couple of times. Your descriptions of the horrible Chris Thomas production was spot on. Those 80s-90s albums are so awful it's almost hard to fathom they were from the same Elton John of the 70s. In fact when 21 at 33 was released my friends and I agreed that aliens had kidnapped Elton and replaced him with a clone who suddenly had a darker sounding voice. In other words, that album marked when Elton's voice began taking on that harsher, midrange tone as opposed to the beautiful, velvety texture of his youth. I only disagreed a few places; on my list "The Big Picture" should have come before "The One". "The One" at least felt like a little bit of heart had returned due to his recent sobriety, whereas "Big Picture" just sounds like he's trying to wring water out of a stone. I also think "Breaking Hearts" is a better album than "21 at 33". There are a few decent songs on "Hearts" and it features his original band. The only song I can listen to on "21" is Little Jeanie. "21" was such a terrible shock to me when it came out, and such a profound disappointment that it will always be among my personal worst. I was very encouraged by "Made In England"; Elton was finally free of Chris Thomas and was writing some of his best material of the decade, although some of the production rubbed me the wrong way (even though it was in the hands of Greg Penny - a huge Elton fan). I understand your feelings about "Too Low For Zero" but I would easily place it above The Fox, Jump Up, Sleeping With The Past etc. and put it right along side "England" as his best 80s albums. Those are the only two 80s albums I actually listen to. I TOTALLY agree your feelings on the T-Bone albums. I absolutely HATE those albums; especially "The Union". These albums sound totally lifeless with some of the most dismal production I have ever heard. It's so sad that Elton believes T-Bone is "brilliant". T-Bone has produced some of the worst recordings in the history of music. To be honest I am of the belief that Elton's days of brilliance and invention are long past. His incredible talent for crafting important music passed away a long time ago (along with his voice). For me the songs he and Bernie have been writing the past 15 years are totally pedestrian and unremarkable. At one time magic came easily for them; now everything feels forced, unnatural and uninspired. The last gasp I felt was "Captain and The Kid"; which is sad being that "Songs From The West Coast" is one of my favorite post 70s albums. I was so excited by "West Coast" only to be brought down a notch by "Captain". It has been a quick and steady slide downward since then. I don't anticipate we will see anything of true greatness from Elton ever again.
I have always found Elton's work an up & down affair, from album to album and even from song to song on the albums themselves. Even his best, like Yellow Brick Road I find, is a collection of ups & downs. But his up's are fantastic for sure!
Too Low ranking for Two Low for Zero. It's not as good as the early masterpieces but should've been a lot higher as the track: Religion is one of Elton's greatest post seventies songs. I agree with your number though, Captain is really FANTASTIC.
Another honest and thoughtful review. I really enjoy his first dozen or so albums. I lost interest in Elton after 'Rock of the Westies'. After 1975 MOR swept across the 'old wave' music scene and became all pervasive later. Elton was a victim of this as were many artists and bands. I agree with you 110 % about 'I'm Still Standing'. Cheers.
I have most Elton John albums, and the "Victim Of Love" album is my favorite album of his of all time. I've exercised to it all many times. After the "Johnny B. Goode" cover, it gets even better, not worse, to me. I kept trying to find a version of it with bonus tracks. I don't understand why you think your opinion would apply to everyone. "Ego" is my favorite Elton John single. Have a nice day.
After watching two times I am shocked you placed anything post 70s above anything from the golden era. You placed "England" above his first self titled album! While I really enjoyed "England" there is nothing on that album that even comes close to the brilliance captured on the Elton John album. The Elton John album features a breakthrough concept of piano, rock rhythm section accompanied by incredible orchestral arrangements. That album was a mind blower when it came out; totally original and the explosion that launched his career. Songs such as Your Song, Border Song, Take Me To The Pilot, King Must Die, Greatest Discovery, I Need You To Turn To and even First Episode are all incredible works of art. There's not a single song on England that even comes close to those achievements. England isn't even in the same universe. One album is groundbreaking and highly original; the other a late career exercise in trying to remain relevant.
I agree that no one song on Made in England is spectacular but as a whole I really enjoy the organic production and Elton singing on that album is great.
I don't agree with all these choices-especially the songs he says are the best-but that's a sign of a great artist: he can appeal to all kinds of tastes. I agree on the soundtracks, except for Friends, which plays more like an Elton John album than a soundtrack with a couple of Elton John songs. I do agree The Fox is a hidden gem-especially the title track.
I've just listened through this and you've clearly put in a lot of time and groundwork, so your comments have to hold a lot of water. What I noticed in particular was, at the end, did you say "what I got wrong" ? After the effort you've put in, you don't get anything wrong.. music is completely subjective and we are going to have different opinions.... I've been a fan since the release of his original Greatest hits album (the one with him in his white suit sitting at his piano) What a great collection ! 'Westies' was the last contractual album with DJM as he was launching his Rocket Record company and, personally, I think it shows. Not a fan of anything after, though there were clearly some highlights.... Namely; Too Low for Zero, but as my favourite is Captain Fantastic, I've an affinity with 'Captain and the Kid' ... Elton John and Bernie Taupin... when they're completely in sync... a winning combination 👍🎹🤩🤠 !!!
While I don't agree with all of your picks, this is a well-thought-out and well-researched list. I'm glad you took the time to mention lesser-known highlights from the albums that aren't considered classics. As someone who un-ironically enjoys "yacht rock" and cheese, I wouldn't discount others' musical tastes just because they don't match your own. That's why there's a wealth of music available out there, after all :) .
Huge Elton John fan....it is all subjective, but my top 5 are GYBR, Captain Fantastic, Elton John, Don't Shoot Me and Caribou. I hear a lot of people talk about Madman, but I never warmed to it. I like Tumbleweed, but I am one that likes variety in an album (hence, the love for GTBR and Don't Shoot Me, which show off his versatility). Elton John album is just so non commercial and has songs like Border Song and Sixty Years On, which are very poetic. GYBR is just stunning in its versatility - songs like Roy Rogers, Danny Bailey and Sweet Painted Lady are just so strong. Great list....tough job to do.
Amazing list..... I might have put 2 Low For Zero a little higher, but pretty impressive, I've just went and bought a couple of his albums that I didn't have on your recommendation
I know this is an old video, but I'm just now finding it. I agree with a lot of it honestly, especially the last and first place. You nailed those. Don't think The One is all that bad though. Elton has released another record from his early days since you did this list called Regimental Sgt. Zippo. I've never been a huge fan of Empty Sky (except Skyline Pigeon, one of my favorites by him), but I'm really enjoying Regimental. Still psychedelic but more pop. I wonder where you'd put that in this list?
Yeah, not sure what he was thinking with that cover. Did such beautiful covers for GYBR, Captain Fantastic, Blue moves, Don’t shoot me, Tumbleweed…but seems like on Honky Chateau Rock of the Westies, Caribou so little effort was put in on those covers. Weird.
Great job overall on your presentation and rankings. A few of your albums are ranked lower than I'd expect, including Sleeping With the Past - "Sacrifice" alone boosts this album to the number 5 spot for me because it is one of my favorite songs of all time. The top 4 is really a tossup - but mine would be 1. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (EVERY song except Jamaica Jerk-Off is a complete winner... can't even specify a favorite!). 2. Caribou (again, number of great tracks outweighs the production of the album itself. There is no STINKER on this album (pun intended), but "You're So Static" would come in last). 3. Tumbleweed Connection (The Love Song is TIMELESS, and Amoreena, Country Comfort among others are simply amazing). 4. Captain Fantastic (even though the song title is my absolute favorite song of all time, 2nd only to "Scenes From An Italian Restaurant" by Billy Joel, most of the remainder of the album is great - and I totally agree with the final two songs - We All Fall In Love Sometimes and Curtains are absolutely incredible, especially for an album ending). You mentioned some very interesting favorites for each of the albums in your top 32 list that come close to paralleling those that I would choose. Great work here! I will do my own list at some point here on YT.
Madman Across the Water is my favorite album of all time. That being said I agree that Captain Fantastic is his best album. I think Caribou is a bit overrated. I just don’t get a lot out of it.
The album The One is one of the great albums. Amazing, heartfelt and emotional songs are on this album, with great musicianship and composition for the piano. It has a timeless appeal rather than being stuck in an era. It doesn't belong low on the list but higher up.
@@curly_wyn It all comes down to musical taste. Personally, as a musician myself, I enjoy the emotion, musicality and atmosphere displayed in the songs in 'The One' album.
Not a fan but his best record is Tumbleweed Connection .. With the the great stuttering "Come back in Time, "Where to Now St. Peter?", "Love Song" , Amoreena" My Fathers Gun". On Madmad, I only like Tiny Dancer and Levon.
Thank you for recommending a couple of his albums that I'm not that familiar with , The Fox and Made in England . I will definitely check them out . My top 5 in order of preference : Honky Chateau Don't Shoot Me Captain Fantastic Goodbye Yellowbrick Road Madman Across the Water Thanks !
I loved Elton in the 70’s, everything from Empty Sky (which came out later in the US) to Blue Moves. I don’t care about anything after that. I did like the songs “Empty Garden”, “sacrifice,” and “I’m Still Standing,” which came out later. (I didn’t like anything from Lion King, either.) But it’s hard for me to rank the great 70’s albums. I can listen to all of them over and over (except Blue Moves, which I really disliked but was still better than anything that came after it). I would not have put Empty Sky as low as you did since it had a lot of good songs. Gulliver is one of the saddest songs ever. Skyline Pigeon is great. And Elton John was a better album…Take Me to the Pilot is my favorite. Here goes: 1. Honky Chateau (Susie: Dramas is the BEST) 2. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road 3. Captain Fantastic 4. Madman 5.Tumbleweed 6. Caribou 7. Elton John 8. Rock of the Westies 9. Don’t Shoot Me 10.Empty Sky
I enjoyed every second of this. Thank you. Your research showed and your passion was evident. I'm even going to forgive you for mentioning the song 'Feed Me'. (wink, wink...nudge, nudge) Goodbye Yellow Brick Road will always be my #1. Until I die. Forever. Again, kudos on a fine job. You are SO spot on regarding the importance of Bernie, Gus, Buckmaster, Davey , Dee and Nigel. Elton John forever!
Couldn’t agree more on Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. It’s his Sgt Pepper. Perfect album in every respect, IMO. And the packaging, the artwork, just fantastic. Have a canvas of the cover hanging in my living room!
@@Rudyda1 Very cool decorating idea! Luv that album artwork. Here's a fun game to play...in your head list the album tracks...and try to remember WHICH artwork pertains to it on the inner panels. As a young male in 1973 I always liked the gal depicted in 'Your Sister Can't Twist'!
Covering the classic album: 10. Blue Moves 9. Rock of the Westies 8. Caribou 7. Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player 6. Madman Across the Water 5. Elton John Self-titled 4. Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy 3. Honky Chateau 2. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road 1. Tumbleweed Connection
Agree with you, that his best albums after the seventies were The Fox, Made in England and Songs from the Westcoast. But my favourite album is Madman across the water, followed by Honky Chateau and Tumbleweed connection. I would not consider Victim of Love as a real Elton John album, cause he just sings on it, but somehow I like it, it's so totally different.
Hi Jason, I came across this video and decided to check it out. My favorite album of Elton’s is also “Captain Fantastic and the dirt brown cowboy” do you stand by your list? Maybe time for a revisit in the future? Time will tell.
this was a great list. I've been trying to make a list of my own but your top 5 are pretty close to mine. Personally, the only difference in your top 5 from mine is that Tumbleweed Connection is my #1 instead of Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy. However, this was a great video. Nice Work!
My Elton-Album Faves N.B: This order is based only upon what I prefer, not upon what I think is best. For example, some of his best piano playing is actually on Honky Chateau, but Honky Chateau is not as much of a favorite--so it's just lower on the list. The Elton albums that are not on this list are those that I really wouldn't miss. . . . (1) 11-17-70 (2) Madman across the Water (3) Tumbleweed Connection (4) Don't Shoot Me (5) Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (6) Caribou (7) Empty Sky (8) Elton John (9) Friends (10) Honky Chateau (11) Rock of the Westies (12) Captain Fantastic (13) Blue Moves (14) A Single Man (15) The Captain and the Kid (16) Songs from the West Coast (17) The Fox
I think the Big Picture and particularly the One could have been much better albums but the production was awful especially the drum machine. Some pretty good songs got buried.
I listened to the diving board at least a dozen times. I thought listening to it would make it more enjoyable. I was wrong. I disagree about it being his best piano playing. My personal favorite is Jump up!
I don't agree on everything, but it's a very good review I will say that I loved the part about the Elton John Band breaking up really hurting EJ. That and the drugs just jacked him up so bad after 1975
Good video. I am one of those who have quite a few Elton John records and don't really have will to get all just to have all (knowing I probably won't listen to many beyond one-two times) but I might very well give "Made in England" a buy and a chance. Also.. I think I agree with your #1, several other albums are so good though that the grade doesn't say that much!
A few years ago I went to a Elton John show outdoors. Perfect weather and sun coming down during the set. Memorable show overall. I decided to get a Elton John cap and wore it after the show. While waiting on the train a slighty younger guy did the immature move of saying *cough* gay *cough* around me which in the context was pretty funny. I reccon most at the show was middleaged heterosexual couples who often brought their young adult children to the show. Elton John is one of the best selling artists of all time. Thinking most people listening to him being homosexual is like saying everyone who watches ice hockey are excellent at ice-skating! Just dumb. I might agree with the #1 pick. He certainly has a few that could be worthy of that title. A rather fun Elton John EP (?) that some might have missed is "The Complete Thom Bell Sessions". Not amongst his very top material but a very nice treat that certainly is better than many of his more hit or miss albums!
great list...Captain also my favorite..t op 10.not far from my own..perhaps Made in England and West Coast(both great records) would be replaced by Rock of the Westies and perhaps Blue Moves...also like Breaking Hearts MUCH more than that ranking..id place it top 15 perhaps a tad higher.. Thouroughly enjoyed this one...agree or disagree your thoughts and notes are very interesting and insightful which clearly shows your research...Keep em coming,,you have a fan
Claire Elyse this list is his opinion and everyone likes different music, so listening to the “bad” albums are still worth listening to there might be some that you like
Great list! I always have Tumble Weed as my 1st. My buddy who is a huge Elton fan has Captain Fan as his #1. I gotta give it another listen. I need to find what I’m missing.
WE ALL HAVE OUR FAVOURITES, CAN'T BELIEVE BLUE MOVIES IS AT NUMBER 13 ONE OF ELTON'S FAVOURITE ALBUMS AND CERTAINLY ONE OF MINE. DON'T THINK YOUR OLD ENOUGH TO APPRECIATE ALL OF ELTON'S MUSIC!!!!
Leather Jackets has at least one good song, Heartache All Over The World is a decent song for it’s time and no mention of Kiss The Bride from Too Low For Zero either, that’s another good one. Pain from Made In England is also underrated. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road is my number one. Love Lies Bleeding is my favourite Elton John song
Top Ten very accurate but I really liked Breaking Hearts” primarily because of “Burning Buildings” Elton at this Best could Rock your Ass off or Tear out your Heart..
His work really suffered in the mid to late 80's and early 90's. I think his now well documented personal problems leading to his near fatal addictions didn't help, plus the fact that , part from Too Zlow For Zero, like most of his contemporaries, Bowie, McCartney etc., the mid 80's were a difficult time for them to adjust to, trend wise
Agree with majority of elton John's catalogue ratings except empty sky elton john and blue moves should be higher. Blue moves is seriously underrated. . Will revisit the fox . Good reviews
Just a little FYI... Victim of Love was Elton saying Fuck You to the label to fulfill his contract obligation. .. You ARE WRONG about Reg Strikes Back... I TOTALLY AGREE that T Bone Burnett makes everything sound like a bad funeral
I agree with your two worst albums, but in reverse order. I also agree with your top tw,o albums but also in reverse order. I list Blue Moves as his most under-rated album.
It is hard to rank Elton's albums because he has so many and in different decades. I do appreciate this guy listening to all of the albums. Interesting to hear this guys take on his favorite songs on the albums. I don't like I'm still standing and think it is one of his worst songs. Shine on Through on Single Man is one of EJ best songs ever. I do believe 2 low 4 zero and Blue Moves is a top 10 album. Breaking Hearts and The Fox are Top 15. I think he ranked Elton's later albums too high. Made in England was EJ last great record. Based on what I still listen to on my ipod My top fifteen would be the following: 1. Madman 2. Captain Fantastic 3. Goodbye 4.Blue Moves 5. Honky Chateau 6. Don't Shoot Me 7.Tumbleweed 8. 2 low 4 zero 9. The Fox 10. Caribou 11. Single Man 12.21 at 33 13. Jump Up 14. Breaking Hearts 15 Rock of the Westies One last thing how do you not include 11-17-70 and Live in Australia? These albums are top shelf and tosses other albums off the top tier. Music tastes are subjective but I thought you did a great job.
Thanks for watching and I appreciate you taking a minute to comment. As A rule I never include any live albums in any of my ranking videos on the channel. As great as they can be, live albums are their own beast. Not really fair to compare albums with live sets full of hits and songs that appear on other albums. It’s apples and oranges.
For me, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and Captain Fantastic are the absolute best
I tried all the 70s albums , I had Caribou, Blue Moves, A Single Man , Tumbleweed Connection , I only kept the brilliant Capt Fantastic and GYBR !
I always thought 'The One' was a return to form for Elton and to this day I still thoroughly enjoy the album. I would never have put it down at the bottom of the list.
I loved it when it was first released. These days I think there are great songs and performances on that album that are buried in the production. The drum machine throughout is annoying. I wish the one would have had the production treatment of the Made in England album.
Like The one
Completely agree. Emily is one of his most beautiful songs.
I always like it and the big picture
You probably just love adult-contemporary music then.
If Blue Moves had been slashed to a single album it would have been considered an Elton John classic.
or, better yet, just remove the instrumentals - it works wonderfully!
@Mr Cool Wrong, some deep cuts need to stay. I would pick all the instrumentals, and someone's final song. I can't see enough to cut to make it a single album
Or if he just shortened a few of the songs. Even Chameleon, which I love, is too long. Bite your lip, a good rocker, is also far too long. My favourite is one of the shortest songs on the album: Cage the songbird.
Where's The Shoorah? is one of the best songs ever.
so true
My top 10 Elton John albums:
1. Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player
2. Honky Chateau
3. Madman Across the Water
4. Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy
5. Tumbleweed Connection
6. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
7. Caribou
8. Elton John
9. The Fox
10. Rock of the Westies
I appreciate your thoughtful appraisal. My favorites are. Safe to say 1973 is the best Elton John year for me.
1. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road - This album gets better and better to me over time, though I had it when I was younger it resonates more and more as I get older especially ones I used to skip like Roy Rogers, I've Seen that Movie Too and Ballad for Danny Baily, which have a nostalgic longing and smoky foreboding feel to them with an authentic take on slow burn blues and jazz. It has great rock, prog and ballads combined with his most experimental instrumentation and begins with one of the greatest prog rock compositions of all time, emotionally resonant with intricate and moving melody with a ballad, rock and muti- part harmony section Stretches the honky tonk style into a more diverse and elastic spanse that encompasses a greater range of moods. Harmony and Candle in the Wind are two of his most sincere ballads. The glam rock elements are so bold, musical, immediate and sincere that it matches David Bowie for impact and originality in my opinion though in a contrasting way that still matches the genre.
2. Don't Shoot Me I'm Only The Piano Man- hits so quick with my favorite and most emotionally moving and beautiful Elton John song Daniel, then hits the honkytonk again with Eldeberry Wine, Crocodile Rock Honky Chateau. There is also the menacing and ominous Have Mercy on the Criminal recalling the opening of Leyla to open. Heavy blues atmosphere and soul in the vocal delivery recalling the guitar of She's So Heavy from the Beatles Abbey Road with great use of empty space and building crescendo in emotion in the chorus. Also, Blues for My baby and Me beautiful sensitivity and vocal and piano melody with some nice string flourishes and what sounds like a sitar giving it a bit of an exotic flavor as well. One of his best ballads in my opinion with a wonderful build as the song progesses.
3. Tumbleweed Connection- has a raw down to earth sound, with a unique blues country rock stylizations mixed with a more sophisticated wa wa pedal guitar, and a psychedelic atmosphere in Where to Now St. Peter which has a nice rise in vocal pitch, and the blues and classically tinged Burn Down the Mission with an almost apocalyptic feel.
4. Honkey Chateau- established the honkytonk sound with fine consistency mixed with suicidal burlesque and seriousness, also a great take on normalizing the appealing alienation of Space Oddity with the more mainstream Rocket Man with a bit more streamlined melody.
5. Madman Across the Water - Tiny Dancer is a classic, Levon is excellent as well, Rotten Peaches is really good, I also like Holiday Inn.
6. Caribou- Caribou is a feast or famine album for me half great half just alirght with Ticking and Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me being two of my top 10 favorite songs by him and Taupin, but Grimsby and Your So Static also capture some of the infectious honkytonk atmosphere and the flying saucer song is a really unique and engaging listen, the rest I am not really into though.
7. Captain Fantastic- I like the first half of the album a lot though it is more laid back and lacks some of the vocal swagger, melodic hooks of the earlier albums except Caribou, a sense of adult contemporary begins to drift in, still the title track, Tell Me When the Whistle Blows, Philadelphia Freedom, and the rocker Gotta Get a Meal Ticket are really good. Someone Saved My Life is also really good but to me doesn't reach the soaring heights of Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me. Tower of Babel is good too though the title is unsettling.
8. Elton John self titled
WOW! You placed The Fox above Blue Moves! I can't even begin to comprehend that one. For me Blue Moves is a great album that easily sits among his golden age collection. Blue Moves finds him compositionally and musically inspired and very adventurous; but I am a musician and songwriter so that might explain why I enjoy it so much. I consider Blue Moves and "Westies" to be the two weakest but the last great works of that era. But I definitely enjoy "Blue" more than "Westies". I personally wouldn't put anything post 70s before any album from the golden age. I do enjoy a few of his post 70s records but none of them even begin to approach the inspiration, beauty and creativity of his golden age. Oh well, we all have our opinions...
The best songs on Blue Moves have a maturity in the singing, lyrics, musicianship, and production that seemed to signal a new direction for Elton John. Unfortunately, it was never fulfilled. I just wish he had made it a single album.
Blue Moves is muzak
Jon Blackstone knows his Elton John...I will defer all things Reg Dwight to him...
I have exactly the same opinion
The Fox is an excellent album and so is Blue Moves. I'm glad he highlighted some of the later albums after the 70s era. The Diving Board is phenomenal.
1970 to 1976 is all that reaaly matters with Elton, after that he could have retired a musical legend without making another record.
My favorites
1 Madman Across The Water
2 Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
3 Tumbleweed Connection
4 Captain Fantastic
5 Honky Chateau
The period from Empty Sky in 1969 to Blue Moves in 1976 is probably one of the greatest run of albums by anyone in the 70's, with Empty Sky being the weakest. That period ranks within your Top 17, pretty accurate seeing how that period was 11 albums. Part of the soundtrack to my early teen years.
IMO the greatest run of albums of all time
I would agree with you! I stopped buying Elton’s albums during the 80s and 90s,I was not into his music then!
Brilliant video! Very brave of you to rank his whole discography. An excellent watch!
Top 10 Elton John Albums:
10. ELTON JOHN 💿
9. Made in England 💿
8. Songs from the West Coast 💿
7. Don't Shoot Me, I'm Only the Piano Player 💿
6. Madman Across the Water 💿
5. Honky Château 💿
4. Caribou 💿
3. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road 💿
2. Tumbleweed Connection 💿
1. Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy 💿
Jason! You were a little rough on my boy!!! But when your right, you're right. He had some stinkers that I'm pretty sure he wishes he could take back. I have a little confession, he was my favorite from childhood through high school but I quit following him shortly after.
I'd like to give you credit for 2 things. First, for putting in the work to make this list. You've introduced me to albums I didn't even knew existed (ie: Made in England, Songs from the West Coast and The Fox). Secondly you nailed my top 3 albums exactly, and for the exact reasons I love them. Great insights!!
The only issue I have is your critique of The One. I understand that it might be a little overproduced, but the songs Emily and The Last Song are wonderful IMO.
Again, GREAT ranking video!
I'd like to see you revisit Elton with Joe and Kranz, as well as a top ten song list. Thanks again!
Fantastic review - absolutely loved it! For me, Madman is his best. Very introspective, even haunting at times. Thank you for your post and I will definitely re-listen to some of his lesser known albums. New subscriber!
Agree Madman is his best.
For me #1. Madman Across the Water, #2 Goodbye YBR and #3. Rock of the Westies rounds out my top 3 Elton John Albums list. I was actually there and buying the albums during those years. When Rock of the Westies came out in late '75 I was blown away. ( although I still have a real soft spot for Caribou)
YES! Captain Fantastic in the #1 spot! And I absolutely agree with your assessment of We All Fall In Love Sometimes / Curtains being one of the best closures to an album you'll ever hear. Absolutely stunning and tear-jerking!
Gonna have to go back and listen to Tumbleweed again... I haven't heard it since I was in high school, which was a long time ago. Always thought Burn Down The Mission is one of his best songs though.
Been listening to Tumbleweed... Damn! Amazing album.
For me his best one is Madman Across the Water. Love "All the Nasties", filled with such perfect harmonies on it.
Absolutely Love that song too!
@@Joejpiano My favorite album too.
I agree with your dislike of Victim of Love, and your love and respect for Tumbleweed Connection.....But I think Goodbye Yellow Brick Road is E.J.'s truly best album. It contains the greatest Rock n Roll song of all time ----- Funeral For a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding. Thanks. I enjoyed your count down.
I love "Funeral For a Friend / Love Lies Bleeding," too. But "Victim Of Love" is my favorite Elton John album.
Excellent job! My choice for #1 is Yellow Brick Road followed by Captain Fantastic. I would not put Tumbleweed as high as you did. I'd probably place it around 5 to 7. You mentioned The Band as influences for it. Van Morrison and Leon Russell were also mentioned by Elton as being influential for the record.
I'm not very familiar with his work beyond 1980, aside from the hits. That said, I am now looking forward to checking out Made in England and West Coast. Some others too.
Thanks! I really enjoyed your review. It's an awful lot to go through. I appreciate your candor. PEACE.
Here's my ranking:
1) Tumbleweed Connection [TIE]
1) Captain Fantastic & the Brown Dirt Cowboy [TIE]
3) Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
4) A Single Man [ I think you missed the boat on this one]
5) Madman Across the Water
6) Elton John
7) Sleeping with The Past
8) Don't Shoot Me, I'm Only the Piano Player
9) The Fox
10) Songs from the West Coast
11) Blue Moves
12) The Diving Board
13) Jump Up!
14) Too Low For Zero
15) The Union
16) Made in England
17) Peachtree Road
18) Breaking Hearts
19) Friends
20) Honky Chateau
21) Rock of the Westies
22) Leather Jackets
23) The One
24) The Road to El Dorado
25) Caribou
26) 21 at 33
27) The Thom Bell Sessions
28) The Captain and the Kid
29) Empty Sky
30) Duets
31) The Big Picture
32) AIDA
33) The Lion King
34) Reg Strikes Back
35) Wonderful Crazy Night
36) Ice on Fire
37) Victim of Love
Blues For Baby And Me off of Don’t Shoot Me, I’m Only The Piano Player is probably my favorite Elton John/Bernie Taupin song. Thanks for the album recommendations.
So "The Fox" is his best of the 80's! I tend to agree with this. I never understood how such a good album sold so few among his catalog...
Absolutely agree with you!
It's a great collection songs and in a way The Fox is to his 80s catalogue what Don't Shoot Me is to his 70's catalogue.
In 1973, I was very fortunate to have seen Elton John perform his songs from his 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road' album at the Hollywood Bowl on September 7th, 1973. It was one of his concerts to promote his album that was released for sale on October 5th, 1973. It was an amazing performance, and most likely the best concert I ever experienced. AIso, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the great lyricist behind the great music of Elton John, Bernie Taupin, and of course, all of the great musicians who performed so fantastically well. "Keep on Rockin' in The Free World..."
I was born exactly 2 weeks before that concert😮
Awesome video, I disagree with a couple of your thoughts, but definitely subscribing!
Here is my unpopular ranking... yes, in my opinion his 90's albums are musically brilliant and that's actually the music that turned me initially into a fan. Elton's 1989-1998 era is my personally most favorite era for some reason.
35. Friends (soundtrack)
34. Victim of Love
33. Rock of the Westies
32. Wonderful Crazy Night
31. Leather Jackets
30. The Muse (soundtrack)
29. The Complete Thom Bell Sessions
28. Empty Sky
27. Blue Moves
26. 21 at 33
25. The Diving Board
24. Jump Up
23. Peachtree Road
22. Duets
21. Ice on Fire
20. Breaking Hearts
19. The Road to El Dorado (soundtrack)
18. Reg Strikes Back
17. Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy
16. Tumbleweed Connection
15. Caribou
14. The Union (with Leon Russell)
13. The Fox
12. Songs From the West Coast
11. The Captain & The Kid
10. Honky Chateau
9. Don't Shoot Me, I'm Only the Piano Player
8. Too Low for Zero
7. Madman Across the Water
6. Sleeping With the Past
5. Elton John
4. The One
3. Made in England
2. The Big Picture
1. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Rock of the Westies at 33 is unforgivable. - Joe
@@TastesLikeMusic And I shouldn't be forgiven! ROTW... it is such "I'm famous, drugged and I don't give a f***' type of album that I could never really get into it. Some funny moments there though - Dan Dare, Billy Bones...
@@TastesLikeMusic The Big Picture at number 2 is also unforgivable!
I have to give respect to this man, for once a ranking of Elton Johns albums is actually unique and different. And yes I really love 90s Elton John
@@curly_wynFriends at 35 is also unforgivable.
I cant believe how much I agree with your ranking and the criteria for your judgement. You are perfectly right in saying that until 1975, Elton John was a band rather than a solo artist. - The first album with his "new band", Rock of the Westies, was some kind of shock to me, I couldnt stand it. BUT the older I get, the more I feel attrackted to its funky grooves, and if I had to decide on one album to take with me on a lonely islands, Ivam sure it would be Rock of the Westies ❤️
I really enjoyed your video; especially as you were running through the worst top 10. I had to laugh a couple of times. Your descriptions of the horrible Chris Thomas production was spot on. Those 80s-90s albums are so awful it's almost hard to fathom they were from the same Elton John of the 70s. In fact when 21 at 33 was released my friends and I agreed that aliens had kidnapped Elton and replaced him with a clone who suddenly had a darker sounding voice. In other words, that album marked when Elton's voice began taking on that harsher, midrange tone as opposed to the beautiful, velvety texture of his youth. I only disagreed a few places; on my list "The Big Picture" should have come before "The One". "The One" at least felt like a little bit of heart had returned due to his recent sobriety, whereas "Big Picture" just sounds like he's trying to wring water out of a stone. I also think "Breaking Hearts" is a better album than "21 at 33". There are a few decent songs on "Hearts" and it features his original band. The only song I can listen to on "21" is Little Jeanie. "21" was such a terrible shock to me when it came out, and such a profound disappointment that it will always be among my personal worst. I was very encouraged by "Made In England"; Elton was finally free of Chris Thomas and was writing some of his best material of the decade, although some of the production rubbed me the wrong way (even though it was in the hands of Greg Penny - a huge Elton fan). I understand your feelings about "Too Low For Zero" but I would easily place it above The Fox, Jump Up, Sleeping With The Past etc. and put it right along side "England" as his best 80s albums. Those are the only two 80s albums I actually listen to. I TOTALLY agree your feelings on the T-Bone albums. I absolutely HATE those albums; especially "The Union". These albums sound totally lifeless with some of the most dismal production I have ever heard. It's so sad that Elton believes T-Bone is "brilliant". T-Bone has produced some of the worst recordings in the history of music. To be honest I am of the belief that Elton's days of brilliance and invention are long past. His incredible talent for crafting important music passed away a long time ago (along with his voice). For me the songs he and Bernie have been writing the past 15 years are totally pedestrian and unremarkable. At one time magic came easily for them; now everything feels forced, unnatural and uninspired. The last gasp I felt was "Captain and The Kid"; which is sad being that "Songs From The West Coast" is one of my favorite post 70s albums. I was so excited by "West Coast" only to be brought down a notch by "Captain". It has been a quick and steady slide downward since then. I don't anticipate we will see anything of true greatness from Elton ever again.
I have always found Elton's work an up & down affair, from album to album and even from song to song on the albums themselves. Even his best, like Yellow Brick Road I find, is a collection of ups & downs. But his up's are fantastic for sure!
You and the boys definitely need to redo this ranking that would be awesome!!
I love The Fox! Particularly the song Chloe...as well as the title track.
Too Low ranking for Two Low for Zero. It's not as good as the early masterpieces but should've been a lot higher as the track: Religion is one of Elton's greatest post seventies songs. I agree with your number though, Captain is really FANTASTIC.
I agree. Its a great album!
This video should have a remake with all the guys and we could hear more opinions and rankings of the Elton John discography.
It will happen eventually.
Good. Look forward to that. Agree with Jason about the Fox. Am not a huge Elton fan but The Fox is possibly my favourite album of his.
Another honest and thoughtful review. I really enjoy his first dozen or so albums. I lost interest in Elton after 'Rock of the Westies'. After 1975 MOR swept across the 'old wave' music scene and became all pervasive later. Elton was a victim of this as were many artists and bands. I agree with you 110 % about 'I'm Still Standing'. Cheers.
I don't hate I'm Still Standing, I think you just have to be in the right mood.
I lost interest after Rock of the Westies too. To me, that was his swansong.
I have most Elton John albums, and the "Victim Of Love" album is my favorite album of his of all time. I've exercised to it all many times. After the "Johnny B. Goode" cover, it gets even better, not worse, to me. I kept trying to find a version of it with bonus tracks. I don't understand why you think your opinion would apply to everyone. "Ego" is my favorite Elton John single. Have a nice day.
After watching two times I am shocked you placed anything post 70s above anything from the golden era. You placed "England" above his first self titled album! While I really enjoyed "England" there is nothing on that album that even comes close to the brilliance captured on the Elton John album. The Elton John album features a breakthrough concept of piano, rock rhythm section accompanied by incredible orchestral arrangements. That album was a mind blower when it came out; totally original and the explosion that launched his career. Songs such as Your Song, Border Song, Take Me To The Pilot, King Must Die, Greatest Discovery, I Need You To Turn To and even First Episode are all incredible works of art. There's not a single song on England that even comes close to those achievements. England isn't even in the same universe. One album is groundbreaking and highly original; the other a late career exercise in trying to remain relevant.
I agree that no one song on Made in England is spectacular but as a whole I really enjoy the organic production and Elton singing on that album is great.
Perhaps he just kind of liked the songs on England more and not paid attention to what everyone else thought, historically or otherwise.
I don't agree with all these choices-especially the songs he says are the best-but that's a sign of a great artist: he can appeal to all kinds of tastes. I agree on the soundtracks, except for Friends, which plays more like an Elton John album than a soundtrack with a couple of Elton John songs.
I do agree The Fox is a hidden gem-especially the title track.
In conclusion…the 1969-1976 was his best period…what a discovery 😂😂😂
I've just listened through this and you've clearly put in a lot of time and groundwork, so your comments have to hold a lot of water. What I noticed in particular was, at the end, did you say "what I got wrong" ?
After the effort you've put in, you don't get anything wrong..
music is completely subjective and we are going to have different opinions....
I've been a fan since the release of his original Greatest hits album (the one with him in his white suit sitting at his piano)
What a great collection !
'Westies' was the last contractual album with DJM as he was launching his Rocket Record company and, personally, I think it shows.
Not a fan of anything after, though there were clearly some highlights.... Namely; Too Low for Zero, but as my favourite is Captain Fantastic, I've an affinity with 'Captain and the Kid' ... Elton John and Bernie Taupin... when they're completely in sync... a winning combination 👍🎹🤩🤠 !!!
While I don't agree with all of your picks, this is a well-thought-out and well-researched list. I'm glad you took the time to mention lesser-known highlights from the albums that aren't considered classics. As someone who un-ironically enjoys "yacht rock" and cheese, I wouldn't discount others' musical tastes just because they don't match your own. That's why there's a wealth of music available out there, after all :) .
Huge Elton John fan....it is all subjective, but my top 5 are GYBR, Captain Fantastic, Elton John, Don't Shoot Me and Caribou. I hear a lot of people talk about Madman, but I never warmed to it. I like Tumbleweed, but I am one that likes variety in an album (hence, the love for GTBR and Don't Shoot Me, which show off his versatility). Elton John album is just so non commercial and has songs like Border Song and Sixty Years On, which are very poetic. GYBR is just stunning in its versatility - songs like Roy Rogers, Danny Bailey and Sweet Painted Lady are just so strong. Great list....tough job to do.
Amazing list..... I might have put 2 Low For Zero a little higher, but pretty impressive, I've just went and bought a couple of his albums that I didn't have on your recommendation
I know this is an old video, but I'm just now finding it. I agree with a lot of it honestly, especially the last and first place. You nailed those. Don't think The One is all that bad though. Elton has released another record from his early days since you did this list called Regimental Sgt. Zippo. I've never been a huge fan of Empty Sky (except Skyline Pigeon, one of my favorites by him), but I'm really enjoying Regimental. Still psychedelic but more pop. I wonder where you'd put that in this list?
My favorite Elton John album is rock for the westies, hate the album cover but i love all the songs.
Underrated for sure. - Joe
Yeah, not sure what he was thinking with that cover. Did such beautiful covers for GYBR, Captain Fantastic, Blue moves, Don’t shoot me, Tumbleweed…but seems like on Honky Chateau Rock of the Westies, Caribou so little effort was put in on those covers. Weird.
you forgot jump up. the worst album cover lol
Totally agree with "We all Fall/Curtains" comment...what a way to end an album!
Chloe is my favorite EJ song! Glad you discovered it!
Did not know that jason started this channel alone😮
Yeah he’s been grinding for years
@@TastesLikeMusic 😆
Cool video. I agree a lot with your choices and you mention some hidden song gems to check out that I'm not familiar with. Thanks!
I really liked "town of plenty" and "I don't wanna go on with you like that" both from REG STRIKES BACK.
Great job overall on your presentation and rankings. A few of your albums are ranked lower than I'd expect, including Sleeping With the Past - "Sacrifice" alone boosts this album to the number 5 spot for me because it is one of my favorite songs of all time. The top 4 is really a tossup - but mine would be 1. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (EVERY song except Jamaica Jerk-Off is a complete winner... can't even specify a favorite!). 2. Caribou (again, number of great tracks outweighs the production of the album itself. There is no STINKER on this album (pun intended), but "You're So Static" would come in last). 3. Tumbleweed Connection (The Love Song is TIMELESS, and Amoreena, Country Comfort among others are simply amazing). 4. Captain Fantastic (even though the song title is my absolute favorite song of all time, 2nd only to "Scenes From An Italian Restaurant" by Billy Joel, most of the remainder of the album is great - and I totally agree with the final two songs - We All Fall In Love Sometimes and Curtains are absolutely incredible, especially for an album ending). You mentioned some very interesting favorites for each of the albums in your top 32 list that come close to paralleling those that I would choose. Great work here! I will do my own list at some point here on YT.
Madman Across the Water is my favorite album of all time.
That being said I agree that Captain Fantastic is his best album.
I think Caribou is a bit overrated. I just don’t get a lot out of it.
The album The One is one of the great albums. Amazing, heartfelt and emotional songs are on this album, with great musicianship and composition for the piano. It has a timeless appeal rather than being stuck in an era. It doesn't belong low on the list but higher up.
It’s just a bunch of mindless anonymous ballads. Just total crap, but not as bad as Victim of Love.
@@curly_wyn It all comes down to musical taste. Personally, as a musician myself, I enjoy the emotion, musicality and atmosphere displayed in the songs in 'The One' album.
If you equate Elton to the Piano and you MUST, he rips the keyboard apart with “Sweat it Out”
Not a fan but his best record is Tumbleweed Connection .. With the the great stuttering "Come back in Time, "Where to Now St. Peter?", "Love Song" , Amoreena" My Fathers Gun". On Madmad, I only like Tiny Dancer and Levon.
Thank you for recommending a couple of his albums that I'm not that familiar with , The Fox and Made in England . I will definitely check them out .
My top 5 in order of preference :
Honky Chateau
Don't Shoot Me
Captain Fantastic
Goodbye Yellowbrick Road
Madman Across the Water
Thanks !
Rock of the westies was a great album
I think it's his most entertaining album, with those heavy rock arrangements.
Still is great
I still think it is his weakest album of the 1970s and I had them all and played them a lot in my youth. 'Caribou' has a lot of weak songs too.
@@portcullis5622 He’s hit or miss with his albums, not all solid all the way through.
I loved Elton in the 70’s, everything from Empty Sky (which came out later in the US) to Blue Moves. I don’t care about anything after that. I did like the songs “Empty Garden”, “sacrifice,” and “I’m Still Standing,” which came out later. (I didn’t like anything from Lion King, either.) But it’s hard for me to rank the great 70’s albums. I can listen to all of them over and over (except Blue Moves, which I really disliked but was still better than anything that came after it).
I would not have put Empty Sky as low as you did since it had a lot of good songs. Gulliver is one of the saddest songs ever. Skyline Pigeon is great. And Elton John was a better album…Take Me to the Pilot is my favorite.
Here goes:
1. Honky Chateau (Susie: Dramas is the BEST)
2. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
3. Captain Fantastic
4. Madman
5.Tumbleweed
6. Caribou
7. Elton John
8. Rock of the Westies
9. Don’t Shoot Me
10.Empty Sky
I enjoyed every second of this. Thank you. Your research showed and your passion was evident. I'm even going to forgive you for mentioning the song 'Feed Me'. (wink, wink...nudge, nudge)
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road will always be my #1. Until I die. Forever.
Again, kudos on a fine job. You are SO spot on regarding the importance of Bernie, Gus, Buckmaster, Davey , Dee and Nigel. Elton John forever!
Couldn’t agree more on Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. It’s his Sgt Pepper. Perfect album in every respect, IMO. And the packaging, the artwork, just fantastic. Have a canvas of the cover hanging in my living room!
@@Rudyda1 Very cool decorating idea! Luv that album artwork. Here's a fun game to play...in your head list the album tracks...and try to remember WHICH artwork pertains to it on the inner panels. As a young male in 1973 I always liked the gal depicted in 'Your Sister Can't Twist'!
Should we trust this guy? He doesn't like I'm Still Standing.
I say no. - Joe
Elton's finest hour was (of coarse) Victim of Love, with what I consider the greatest tune of all time - "Street Boogie"
Great video. I just went through all his albums and made a playlist 3 hours long. Yellow brick road would be 1 for me, but i agree with all the rest
Covering the classic album:
10. Blue Moves
9. Rock of the Westies
8. Caribou
7. Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player
6. Madman Across the Water
5. Elton John Self-titled
4. Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy
3. Honky Chateau
2. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
1. Tumbleweed Connection
wow I would definitely place blue moves and rock of the westies much higher. anyway your opinion :)
Agree with you, that his best albums after the seventies were The Fox, Made in England and Songs from the Westcoast. But my favourite album is Madman across the water, followed by Honky Chateau and Tumbleweed connection. I would not consider Victim of Love as a real Elton John album, cause he just sings on it, but somehow I like it, it's so totally different.
Hi Jason, I came across this video and decided to check it out. My favorite album of Elton’s is also “Captain Fantastic and the dirt brown cowboy” do you stand by your list? Maybe time for a revisit in the future? Time will tell.
I sat there ready to hate. But then came up Victim of Love and laughed. You were spot on pretty much with the rest. I didn't mind The One.
Have every respect for Elton John not groundbreaking but amazing singer and songwriter and most of his 70s output is excellent
this was a great list. I've been trying to make a list of my own but your top 5 are pretty close to mine. Personally, the only difference in your top 5 from mine is that Tumbleweed Connection is my #1 instead of Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy. However, this was a great video. Nice Work!
I hope your opinion of The Captain & the Kid has evolved. I think it's much stronger than you gave it credit for here.
My Elton-Album Faves
N.B: This order is based only upon what I prefer, not upon what I think is best. For example, some of his best piano playing is actually on Honky Chateau, but Honky Chateau is not as much of a favorite--so it's just lower on the list. The Elton albums that are not on this list are those that I really wouldn't miss. . . .
(1) 11-17-70
(2) Madman across the Water
(3) Tumbleweed Connection
(4) Don't Shoot Me
(5) Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
(6) Caribou
(7) Empty Sky
(8) Elton John
(9) Friends
(10) Honky Chateau
(11) Rock of the Westies
(12) Captain Fantastic
(13) Blue Moves
(14) A Single Man
(15) The Captain and the Kid
(16) Songs from the West Coast
(17) The Fox
I disagree Rocketman is an amazing song and I love the album Don't Shoot Me I'm Only The Piano Player
James Laderoute, that has been my favorite Elton album for 46 years!
@@callmeerrol Yeah My fave song on it is Blues For Baby And Me
James Laderoute , that is mine as well!
I think the Big Picture and particularly the One could have been much better albums but the production was awful especially the drum machine. Some pretty good songs got buried.
Yup how do you not like Rocketman ? And if you dont, why would H.C. be in the top 15 ?
Always love to hear what great songs are worth digging out of a stinker album
I listened to the diving board at least a dozen times. I thought listening to it would make it more enjoyable. I was wrong. I disagree about it being his best piano playing. My personal favorite is Jump up!
I don't agree on everything, but it's a very good review
I will say that I loved the part about the Elton John Band breaking up really hurting EJ. That and the drugs just jacked him up so bad after 1975
Captain is a masterpiece and Elton was at his vocal and songwriting peak. Is there a better double album than GYBR? I doubt it.
Physical Graffiti and The Wall are worthy in the discussion for best double album.
The only 2 Elton records that are any good and I have heard all the others !
Elton had some crappy record covers that go with the crappy records in the 80s/90s
@@westong6215
As is Bob Dylan's 'Blonde on Blonde' from 1966, the pioneering example of this format.
Good video. I am one of those who have quite a few Elton John records and don't really have will to get all just to have all (knowing I probably won't listen to many beyond one-two times) but I might very well give "Made in England" a buy and a chance. Also.. I think I agree with your #1, several other albums are so good though that the grade doesn't say that much!
A few years ago I went to a Elton John show outdoors. Perfect weather and sun coming down during the set. Memorable show overall. I decided to get a Elton John cap and wore it after the show. While waiting on the train a slighty younger guy did the immature move of saying *cough* gay *cough* around me which in the context was pretty funny. I reccon most at the show was middleaged heterosexual couples who often brought their young adult children to the show.
Elton John is one of the best selling artists of all time. Thinking most people listening to him being homosexual is like saying everyone who watches ice hockey are excellent at ice-skating! Just dumb.
I might agree with the #1 pick. He certainly has a few that could be worthy of that title. A rather fun Elton John EP (?) that some might have missed is "The Complete Thom Bell Sessions". Not amongst his very top material but a very nice treat that certainly is better than many of his more hit or miss albums!
Empty sky is in my top five. A single man is in my top 10.
Love Empty Sky too. So unique.
My top 5: 1. Don't Shoot Me, 2. A Single Man, 3. The Diving Board, 4. Breaking Hearts 5. The Union ;)
My #1 is honky chateau vary good tracks like mellow, honky cat, mona lisa and mad hatters, Susie (dramas), hercules, and of course rocket man
The opening for In Neon sounds just like the opening for Roy Rogers.
💯 agree with your top 5. Good work
great list...Captain also my favorite..t op 10.not far from my own..perhaps Made in England and West Coast(both great records) would be replaced by Rock of the Westies and perhaps Blue Moves...also like Breaking Hearts MUCH more than that ranking..id place it top 15 perhaps a tad higher.. Thouroughly enjoyed this one...agree or disagree your thoughts and notes are very interesting and insightful which clearly shows your research...Keep em coming,,you have a fan
Agree with you on Breaking Hearts it's my favorite Elton album from the 80s
Well done..some stinkers in there...but #1... You're absolutely right my favorite favorite album of his..
Great video! I’m just getting onto his music and this is a good guide of what to listen to and what to avoid
Claire Elyse this list is his opinion and everyone likes different music, so listening to the “bad” albums are still worth listening to there might be some that you like
I personally rate his self titled higher as an album. Some really underrated tracks on it
@@aubindemontfalcon5967 The Greatest Discovery almost always gets me emotional. So beautiful.
Great list! I always have Tumble Weed as my 1st. My buddy who is a huge Elton fan has Captain Fan as his #1. I gotta give it another listen. I need to find what I’m missing.
WE ALL HAVE OUR FAVOURITES, CAN'T BELIEVE BLUE MOVIES IS AT NUMBER 13
ONE OF ELTON'S FAVOURITE ALBUMS
AND CERTAINLY ONE OF MINE. DON'T THINK YOUR OLD ENOUGH TO APPRECIATE ALL OF ELTON'S MUSIC!!!!
I’ll be 40 in 3 months? How old do you have to be?!?
Leather Jackets has at least one good song, Heartache All Over The World is a decent song for it’s time and no mention of Kiss The Bride from Too Low For Zero either, that’s another good one. Pain from Made In England is also underrated.
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road is my number one. Love Lies Bleeding is my favourite Elton John song
Slow Rivers is a good one also.
Definitely agree with Kiss the Bride and the Made in England album.
1. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
2. Don't Shoot Me
3. Caribou
4. Honey Chateau
Forget anything after 1974.
I liked the song The One & Sacrifice though.
No way Caribou belongs above Madman and Piano Player. I don't agree with Captain F. Being the winner but thanks for the reviews!
Top Ten very accurate but I really liked Breaking Hearts” primarily because of “Burning Buildings” Elton at this Best could Rock your Ass off or Tear out your Heart..
Great job. Have you read the recent-ish autobiography? He's pretty apologetic about Victim of Love.
His work really suffered in the mid to late 80's and early 90's. I think his now well documented personal problems leading to his near fatal addictions didn't help, plus the fact that , part from Too Zlow For Zero, like most of his contemporaries, Bowie, McCartney etc., the mid 80's were a difficult time for them to adjust to, trend wise
Actually,"I'm still standing "and "crocodile rock "are my 2 favorites from e.j.
Agree with majority of elton John's catalogue ratings except empty sky elton john and blue moves should be higher. Blue moves is seriously underrated. . Will revisit the fox . Good reviews
I completely agree with your number 1 - Captain Fantastic is his best album!
Tumbleweed is my favourite especially if you get the remaster with the different versions and demos on it.
Just a little FYI... Victim of Love was Elton saying Fuck You to the label to fulfill his contract obligation. .. You ARE WRONG about Reg Strikes Back... I TOTALLY AGREE that T Bone Burnett makes everything sound like a bad funeral
I wonder why no one ever reviews the THOM BELL SESSIONS (w mama can’t buy you love on it). It’s a complete Elton album and not a compilation. Hmmm...
I didn’t include it because it’s an EP
I agree with your two worst albums, but in reverse order. I also agree with your top tw,o albums but also in reverse order. I list Blue Moves as his most under-rated album.
It is hard to rank Elton's albums because he has so many and in different decades. I do appreciate this guy listening to all of the albums. Interesting to hear this guys take on his favorite songs on the albums. I don't like I'm still standing and think it is one of his worst songs. Shine on Through on Single Man is one of EJ best songs ever. I do believe 2 low 4 zero and Blue Moves is a top 10 album. Breaking Hearts and The Fox are Top 15. I think he ranked Elton's later albums too high. Made in England was EJ last great record. Based on what I still listen to on my ipod My top fifteen would be the following:
1. Madman
2. Captain Fantastic
3. Goodbye
4.Blue Moves
5. Honky Chateau
6. Don't Shoot Me
7.Tumbleweed
8. 2 low 4 zero
9. The Fox
10. Caribou
11. Single Man
12.21 at 33
13. Jump Up
14. Breaking Hearts
15 Rock of the Westies
One last thing how do you not include 11-17-70 and Live in Australia? These albums are top shelf and tosses other albums off the top tier. Music tastes are subjective but I thought you did a great job.
Thanks for watching and I appreciate you taking a minute to comment. As A rule I never include any live albums in any of my ranking videos on the channel. As great as they can be, live albums are their own beast. Not really fair to compare albums with live sets full of hits and songs that appear on other albums. It’s apples and oranges.
Your top 3 tracks on Peachtree Road are the same as mine. I've only got it at 3.5 though. Four mid tracks weigh it down.
"Victim of Love" and "Reg Strikes Back" are their worst.
I LOVE THE FOX EMPTY SKY REG AND BREAKING HEARTS