Elton John - Have Mercy On The Criminal (REACTION)

[@wpollock1]

Basically an unknown song outside of the Elton John diehards.....As said....Blues for Baby and Me is the next jewel. This album is fire all the way around.

[@JamesJohnson-ig6of]

"Elton in his prime singing his soul out!" So many classic tracks on this album!!

[@frankpentangeli7945]

Elton sings this song with more power and abandon than any other of his songs I can think of. And it sounds like he reaches his highest notes ever. Stunning vocals, stunning production, stunning piano, bass and especially drums, and beautiful strings to boot. A masterpiece! And this isn't even my favourite song on the album! Don't Shoot Me is a complete work of art. Just listen to Blues for Baby and Me, Elderberry Wine or High Flying Bird, and this may well become your favourite Elton John album too! Having said all this, you guys need to finish reacting to Madman Across the Water. You can do the last two tracks together as the last song is very short. I promise you won't be disappointed.

[@mattdepinto7959]

I first fell in love with this song at age 12 or 13. Listening to it again made me cry. Such an emotional song, such production.

[@sandymiller3577]

Literally gave me goosebumps. Thanks for reacting to this song...Great album! ❤

[@randalorian1468]

What’s Criminal, is Elton’s underrated vocal range!

[@brucedillinger9448]

Another masterpiece from the dynamic duo!

[@tomcatt2]

You want to hear a Great , underrated Elton song…. Listen to …Ticking… written about the state of the world 40 years ago but could’ve been written about yesterday !

[@keeperofwickets1781]

That, mate, is an absolute masterpiece of a song. Talking Old Soldiers is similar, but Ticking....yes, a massively underrated song.

[@Enfield-1853]

He picked this song to sing live at a show a few years ago. Could tell most of the young people never heard of it. My favorite John songs never made the radio.😊

[@freudzwetdream]

Elton was so good back in the 70s.

[@BrettLesPaul]

My parents had this album on 8-Track tape when I was very young in the 70’s. I played it over and over again. I still know every change. Every word. Major influence on my musical tastes for life. React to “Blues for Baby and Me”.

[@suesebree8670]

LOVE this WHOLE ALBUM. Elderberry Wine Teacher, I Need You

[@DavidJacobsvo]

This isn’t just a song it’s like a sonic landscape laid out for us. Nobody and I mean nobody makes music like this anymore.

[@danmayberry1185]

And we listened with purpose. Have the radio on while you're busy, and play one of these albums when you can recline without interruption. I like new music, but I can't absorb it. With this stuff, you bonded, and had a relationship with it that could last for years.

[@suesebree8670]

Could. And did!

[@johnawad8710]

Great reaction guys!!! I haven't heard this song in years... I grew up an Elton John fanatic. He was the man. Another great song from this album is, "Blues for baby and me."

[@MicheleJane]

Damn, I haven't heard this in ages. Ive got the old vinyl album too from way back whe n. Gotta get myself another record player!! Thanks guys.

[@BigTimeRushFan2112]

Early Elton is just on a whole other level...seen him live in the 90's with Billy Joel, been listening to his music since I was a kid in the 70's.

[@johnwilkinson4683]

You can clearly hear Leon Russell's giant influence on Elton John. Listen how Elton combines a British brand of gospel with Leon's very soulful country tone.

[@krisdoggett483]

One of his best for sure. Thanks for reacting to it ❤

[@bethbutcher8011]

My Aunt gave me this album for Christmas when I was in Jr high. I played the grooves off of it. I couldn't believe he played this song on his last tour! When he started playing it I jumped up screaming like a crazy person I'm not sure why I felt so strongly about it. I guess because of the passion of the song and in his voice. I have loved his music being the background of my life.

[@steveshovlar994]

Elton played this in his set list on his final tour. A great track. Blues for baby and me next please. Or Ticking.

[@stevevalk4074]

Awesome...!!! Uncovering great music...!!!

[@TheirFinestHour]

One of his lesser known classics. Another is “Ticking”. Great pick!

[@thomasripley1548]

Bernie writes some incredible lyrics...,and Elton pits great music tyo it...

[@rickhamlin5733]

Don’t Shoot Me..’ was arguably his best work

[@cletushouse906]

Sure glad you got to this. One of my favorites.

[@xJRx77]

This whole album is over the top produced! Great album

[@danw2276]

been a while since I heard this gem. THANKS! Growing up youd put on an album and let it ride and this one is no slouch. Love the soul and the drums were killer

[@ajmackin]

Thanks very much. That was great.

[@kristinemckee9279]

Can’t imagine life without Elton…

[@davidwilkins5932]

You guys are on a hot roll. 🎼🎶

[@darlenefalin9187]

This is Elton john I remember..

[@llschnitz]

Favorite Elton John album of all time: "Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player". Unless its "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road". Or Maybe Madman Across the Water". Depends on the mood I'm in. Three of the Greatest Albums of All Time.

[@BrettLesPaul]

Agreed!

[@NancyMoran-r3b]

I saw him in concert twice in the seventies. He wore costumes like Donald Duck and he even had costume changes during his concert.

[@johnandrews3151]

Great album cut by Sir Elton! Another great album cut is the bluesy ballad called Blues For Baby And Me😮😊

[@tobinharris8107]

Boy, I had forgotten about this song! Wow…thanks for recommending/reviewing it. Need to pull this LP back outta the stacks 👍

[@anthonywhetzel370]

Great reaction guys! Phenomenal song from Sir Elton. He included this one in his farewell tour. They killed it live. So good!

[@laurakali6522]

Brilliance.

[@lynnegunn2425]

The late great Paul Buckmaster on orchestral arrangements ❤

[@danmayberry1185]

Davey, Dee and Nigel - the core EJ Band - perfection every time.

[@scottmgso]

Goodbye Yellow Brick, Don’t Shoot Me….and Captain Fantastic & the Brown Dirt Cowboy are great cd’s/albums. Played the hell out of them. Elton became more polished/formulaic after the 70’s. I enjoy your reactions and know you have an appreciation for good music regardless of the genre.

[@johnthegreek5836]

Guys it’s cool that you listened to Billy Joel and Elton John the same time, the two best piano players in this generation

[@kennethmardis2132]

Got the LP then cassette then CD now digital download have been a Elton fan since day one

[@TexasMagnolia]

Blessed to have Elton and Billy on the same day. Thanks Guys!

[@brandonboucher7090]

Just when you think it’s cooling down he adds another element in there

[@lynosbourne2024]

You 2 have become my favorite music reaction guys!..... Love You.... So genuine 😉

[@anthonywhetzel370]

Blues for Baby and Me off the same album is the top 10 single that never was.

[@TeresaMount-t9o]

That was amazing loved it. Thank you.

[@bobdelp2023]

AHHHHHH YESSSSS, NIIIIIICCCCE!!! 💯RIGHT ON LAH & CHE, YOU SHOULD LOVE THIS FOR SURE! 😊

[@jonicantrell7849]

Love this whole album

[@juzbo44]

deep cut, guys! Love it!

[@trainman5323]

Guys. Elton’s first ‘band’ was called Bluesology. Its shows!

[@bjwnashe5589]

Nigel was one of the best pocket drummers of all time. Same with Dee Murray on bass. Deep pocket.

[@bcostello]

favorite artist, so good

[@hulldanfan]

Great song - Genius !!

[@garyrausch1184]

Two of the best rock piano men back to back today, these guys even toured together in the 90s

[@bobdelp2023]

❤ BANGGERRRRR, FYYYRRRRR!!! 😊 TAKE CARE GUYS!

[@uncletom618]

Let me say, that individually, YOU DA MAN! Thanks so much for the great audio, it sounded great! And thanks for doin my request! Please tell me you got my box of rabbit holes? Damn that was good! Like the guy below my comment, goosebumps baby!

[@sandymiller3577]

Excellent request

[@uncletom618]

Hey pretty Sandy! Sorry i called you a guy! Can you ever forgive me? (batting eyelashes here)

[@sandymiller3577]

​@@uncletom618Lol...I think I can do that 😊

[@AirplayBeats]

We got the box of goodies!!! Thank you so much. Cant wait to go through these cds.

[@uncletom618]

So glad to hear! Please ejoy them responsibly! 😎🙏❤️

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

This was never at the top of the earlier Elton John albums for me, but there really are some great songs on it. Elderberry Wine is a particular favorite of mine.

[@jimmyjameson8705]

One of my favorite songs by EJ...The solo by Davey Johnstone is So underrated..

[@balmpatchvideos]

Midnight Creeper on this album is one I hope you cover.

[@williamlovett619]

An icon

[@zwieseler]

You gotta do Captain Fantastic and The Brown Dirt Cowboy. It's about Bernie Taupin and Elton.

[@blitztim6416]

Yep. Early Elton is awesome.

[@TexasMagnolia]

Music Reactions are no longer enjoyable because of Donations Only. Thank you so much for staying true to Sub’s!

[@philipsutton4628]

Great song. Try “Country Comfort” next.

[@johnhitchens2265]

the version from Live in Australia is impressive

[@johnparker3111]

The version of this from Live in Australia is incredible. If I ever invent time travel I'm going to one of those concerts... ( After I go back and invest some money....)

[@stevenblock9712]

Never heard this song before, but you should hear Elton's two beautiful songs from Lion King if you haven't already - The Circle of Life and Can You Feel the Love Tonight?

[@ronjm945]

Like everyone in the comments said you cannot go wrong with any early Elton John song. He was a force…

[@martinrenzhofer8241]

Don't forget Bernie Taupin. No one was doing the string arrangements like that, either.

[@maximilianmelander8098]

Skyline pigeon - piano version am i waiting for

[@russelljdj]

Midnight Creeper and High Flying Bird are 2 other GREAT songs on this album before pomp replaced substance with Elton.

[@56music64]

Nigel Olssen on lead

[@dessashepherd1816]

Elton John is great beyond words! I love your reactions and I've got one you should check out. Bruce Springsteen 1978 Live Prove It All Night Thrill Hill Vault. I think you will really like it!

[@MOS650]

Hey guys I suggest Etta James - I’d Rather Go Blind ( Live At Montreux 1975)….. an amazing performance.

[@mr.snicker-doodles7081]

Good stuff....guys please do " I THINK I'M GONNA KILL MYSELF!" Man, Elton John was so on fire when he was a suicidal, bulimic, drug taking alcoholic haha, I know it's not funny though, but he was a genius during that period. "Someone Saved My Life Tonight.." is also great, and based on a true story!

[@danferguson5938]

GUYS! Great choice! REMINDER: Paul Simon- Mean Individual Stranded in a Limousin

[@CuriousGeorge1111]

After further pondering, I realize that Don't Shoot Me I'm Only The Piano Player marks Elton's shift from his original, rootsy, acoustic, soulful sound to his mega popular, processed, glitz period. Don't get me wrong--it's still great music and I love it and Elton. But it's not the same, and I prefer Elton John through Honky Chateau. Just listen to those mega-compressed drums. They are awesome and dramatic, but not the warm, complex, acoustic drums he had. As I heard it, Elton wanted to change his sound and did that, to great success, eventually firing all of his original band. For me, nothing matches the composition, production, honesty, soulfulness, and bravery of Elton and Bernie's early work. Still, this is an awesome album, with the first of his string of glitzy mega hits, including Daniel and Crocodile Rock. All the best!

[@lynosbourne2024]

Sooo Cute You Brothers are ... 😂

[@austinartica8002]

All the girls love Alice

[@suesebree8670]

On GYBR

[@CuriousGeorge1111]

Okay, this is where Elton, IMO, begins to turn away from his rootsy, soulful, voice-and-piano early period, and towards the glitz and electronic production of his popular peak. For me the more chaotic, compressed, glitzy production masks Elton and Bernie's strengths--pithy, moving lyrics, composition, and performance This album, and the ones that follow it are still great and classic, but IMO a step down from his early period. This album is still great, and closer to his early stuff. For me, his classic period ends with Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy, the story of Elton and Bernie's early days, and includes Someone Saved My Lift Tonight. Hope this is interesting--it's great fun for me, haha. I appreciate you.

[@JamesDimond-l7u]

F the criminal

[@thomasripley1548]

Bernie writes some incredible lyrics...,and Elton pits great music tyo it...