Elton John...

This morning, I was writing an Epinions review of an old Elton John album I had.  It highlighted his music from 1976-1986.  Elton's style changed dramatically during that time.  I noticed that his best songs were written with Bernie Taupin, though he did collaborate with other writers and managed to write some songs that were hits, even if they weren't quite as magical as his Taupin collaborations were.

As I was writing the review, it occurred to me how very much Elton has evolved over the years.  I loved his 70s stuff, sort of liked his 80s stuff, and started not liking him as much in the 90s.  I did like his Lion King performances, but I think the last album I bought by him was The One, which came out in 1992 or so.

Most recently, he showed up on Kate Bush's latest album, 50 Words for Snow.  I love Kate Bush's music and I can say that she's stayed just as weird as always.  Elton was sounding a bit hammy on his song with Kate Bush, though... I was missing the way he used to be.  I'll always respect him as a great talent regardless.

Here are a few of my favorites...

This is probably the first song by Elton that I loved.  Every time I hear it, it takes me back to my earliest years when we lived in England.  It's an unusual song and I love it's somber sound, especially given Elton's outfit.

I remember hearing the song "Friends" on an ad for a singer-songwriter compilation on TV.  I eventually found it on an Elton John rarities compilation.  It was composed for the soundtrack of a 1971 film by the same name.

I think "Your Song" is one of the most beautiful songs.  The melody is gorgeous and the words are so poetic and loving.  I think I would melt if the object of my affections had written a tribute like this for me.

"Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding" is an epic track... It's fun to drive to this.

I was introduced to "Writing" when I lived in Armenia and bought a bootleg cassette of Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirty Cowboy.

Of course, I also love the song "Don't Go Breaking My Heart", which Elton sang with Kiki Dee.  When I was in college, my best friend and I changed the words to "Don't Go Pissing Me Off".

Here's a great party song... and perhaps my theme song...

I also love this classic from 1976.  Hall & Oates later covered it and didn't do it justice...

Here's "Rocket Man"... and Elton is sounding a bit tired.  Kate Bush covered it and I actually like what she did with it.

Elton John's "Sorry Seems to Be The Hardest Word" is one that most anyone with a conscience can relate to...

And finally, my favorite Elton John song from the 1980s...

"Empty Garden" is a beautiful tribute to the late John Lennon...