Lesser Known Elton John Songs
Great but Unfamiliar Music to Complement Elton's Greatest Hits
Jan 22, 2008
Elton John has been churning out hits for over 30 years, and achieved knighthood from the Queen of England for his talent, popularity and good works. Early in his career, Elton put out a number of great albums with his lyricist, Bernie Taupin.
An album would have several hits and many great songs which did not receive airplay. Today, many of these great but mostly unknown songs are available from services such as iTunes.
Even if a music enthusiast has a CD or 2 of Elton’s greatest hits, no collection is complete without some of these songs that can’t be found on the radio.
Elton's Early Career
Many of Elton’s early songs had lyrics (written by Taupin) that are somewhat obscure. The melodies and pounding pace of the piano would more than make up for any listener confusion.
Take Me to the Pilot, along with Burn Down the Mission, are great examples of Elton ability to rock any set of lyrics no matter how anachronistic. Young audiences might be baffled by “it’s time we took the flame torch to their keep,” but the extended piano riff following would keep them mesmerized.
Tumbleweed Connection
Some of the early albums had definite themes. Elton and Bernie’s interest in American History, especially the West, led to the Tumbleweed Connection album, which contains Ballad of a Well Known Gun, and the anthemic My Father’s Gun. This album has features Elton warbling in a country tone for Country Comfort and Amoreena.
Madman Across the Water
This album features the big hit Levon, and the recently popular Tiny Dancer, but also includes a long song dedicated to Native Americans, Indian Sunset, as well as title song.
Don’t Shoot Me
The rocking piano player returns with big hits, Crocodile Rock and Daniel, but this album has a number of consistently great tracks in Elderberry Wine, Teacher I Need You and I’m Gonna Be a Teenage Idol.
Blues for Baby and Me starts slow, but the chorus has one of Elton’s best melodies, and a fantastic vocal performance.
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Elton hit his early career peak with this album, which contains 4 huge hits, and virtually every song is a gem. The Ballad of Danny Bailey is possibly his best song, and the sweet melodies of Harmony, Roy Rogers and I’ve Seen That Movie Too, demand repeated listenings.
Another Classic Elton Album
Caribou featured the hit Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me, but the album includes the infectious Grimsby, and the serious Ticking. His career reached new heights with the following release of the first of many greatest hits albums.
Online purchansing methods allow listeners to pluck a few songs out of the catalog. Purchasing any of these entire albums is a wise choice, but picking the best of the lesser known songs can provide great bang for the buck.
