Rocket Man - Elton John | College Students' FIRST TIME REACTION!

[@michaeldaniels8462]

Most of Elton's lyrics in the classic period of his career were written by Bernie Taupin, his songwriting partner. They had a very unique arrangement where Elton's music would follow the lyrics, rather than the music coming first.

[@unndunn1]

Robert Hunter and Jerry Garcia did it that way too. I don’t know of any others

[@GaryColemanNC]

WHY don't a&a research this before hand??? They're better than this...

[@craenor]

I remember reading a thing where Bernie Taupin was really surprised by how Elton John wrote and arranged the music for Tiny Dancer. I think the studio was questioning it as well, but Elton held his ground, and thank god.

[@kenbarber6592]

@@GaryColemanNC • That’s why God invented ‘comments’! While I’m here, I love the counterpoint song, ‘Social disease’. Great album.

[@charlieboard4862]

@@GaryColemanNC I like them coming in as cold as possible....

[@tomnussbaum4816]

I'm 74. You guys impress me with your knowledge of creating music and production. You go deep. And you give this old guy insights I never had before. But on this one I think you, like me, always took the lyrics on the obvious level. Astronaut, spaceman, Rocket Man. But until I saw the film "Rocket Man" it never dawned on me that Elton was the Rocket Man, with an early career that soared and rose faster than he could handle. But he eventually did have a safe landing.

[@alexandriaocasio-smollett5078]

Agree 100%. In my opinion this is the best channel in this genre in the entirety of KZbin. Here’s why.. -They play the entire song without pausing which enables them to feel the essence of the song which can only occur when played in it’s totality without interruption. -They don’t just say they like it or not. They actually analyze the music and give a perspective as music nuts instead of fans -They’re honest. If they don’t like something, they say they don’t like it. If they love something, they say they love it. Most channels like this just kiss the asses of viewers so people keep coming back to hear what they want to hear. I value the honesty. I realize it’s subjective to a certain extent. But for my money this channel and Rick Beato are the best in the entire genre.

[@djm0111]

When you’re talking about the lyrics don’t forget Bernie Taupin, who wrote nearly all of them

[@jerickson725]

True. Elton somehow made Bernie's lyrics come to life in the most incredible way. I know Elton can write too, but their collaboration was one of the best things that ever happened in the music industry!

[@jefffogertymusic2023]

ALL THE LYRICS !! except for a few in the 90's

[@bartstarr100]

Bernie didn't write the Lion King Song and That's What Friends are For. Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds or Pinball Wizard. The only 4 of any consequence I can think of.

[@terryanngallagher3605]

Absolutely--thank you!!!

[@jccook5353]

@@bartstarr100 Exceptions prove the rule.

[@libraryfiles4470]

SOMEONE SAVED MY LIFE TONIGHT ELTON JOHN

[@cluny]

the mis heard lyric of that day 'someone shaved my wife last night'

[@mikelundquist4596]

Imagine being a teenager in the 70s and this and a gazillion other great songs come on the radio every day, so you go buy albums only to find another gazillion great songs that rarely made it to radio. This is what we were used to, why our musical expectations are so high. We were inundated with so many styles and genres that it was a joy to wake up every day. What a great time to be alive.

[@alankinkle5207]

You said it, brother.

[@quij7ote222]

Aint it the truth. I still am floored by how much I took those musical riches for granted. Music meant so much to us, and artists delivered.

[@garlicgherkin]

Yeah, that was a period where there was so much great music coming out, and as a teen I sort of took it for granted. Occasionally over the subsequent decades I've encountered new songs that I've liked, but I've heard a lot of dreck too. I was in a cafe a few days ago, being subjected to one after another autotuned vocal with some insipid drum machine behind it, and I just wanted to tear what's left of my hair out. I miss the musicianship and creativity of the late 60's and early 70's, you didn't have to go looking for it, it was just all around.

[@clarity8]

Excellent encapsulation of what it was like.

[@cherylwoodward]

So true. We bought albums and discovered that most every song on the album was worthy. Great era of music.

[@ajschroetlin2196]

Elton has over a dozen S tier songs...before the 80's even started. Madman Across the Water is a top 5 album. Every single song!

[@xmoomoo9158]

Yes love it!!

[@dunhill1]

Let's not forget about Philadelphia Freedom. An S for sure

[@dennisparkin690]

From 1970 to 1976. That was it. That was Elton, Bernie, and the band at their best. You can only imagine everybody who only knows him from his Disney shit listening to "All the Young Girls Love Alice". Mind. Blown...lol. I won't ever say he sold his soul, but I will say he shot his load well before the 80's even started, as you noted. However, It was one of the best loads ever shot in music history. All his early stuff is eargasm after eargasm.

[@alexandriaocasio-smollett5078]

One of the greatest songwriters ever. Absolutely love his work. He and Bernie are, in my opinion, right up there with John and Paul in terms of songwriting duos. Additionally, his melodies and harmonization are on a level that very few ever achieve. Elton John, Paul McCartney, Brian Wilson, come to mind. Having said all of that and demonstrating I absolutely adore him, I can’t go so far as to say he has over a dozen S tier songs. To have that many from one artist devalues the entire tier. So there either needs to be a level above S, or a stricter criteria to S.

[@mpemberton7760]

@ajschroetlin2196 And the album before Madman was Tumbleweed Connection, which is another top 5 classic...every single song is great.

[@michaelligue3842]

Bernie Taupin penned this while driving to a remote studio in England . His car's dashboard reminded him of a spaceship , the road was dark and desolate .

[@tracycampbell3060]

Wow, I didn't know that. It was a magical time back then

[@michaelligue3842]

@@tracycampbell3060 I watched an interview with Bernie Taupin ,he said when he arrived at the studio , showed the lyrics to Elton and he had the music written that afternoon .

[@sallyphillips9175]

I never knew that! Thanks! Fun little fact.

[@tracycampbell3060]

I love these interviews

[@tracycampbell3060]

@@michaelligue3842 that is awesome. Is this on KZbin?

[@valelavidavivir5842]

No autotune, a real piano, lyrics that tell a story. Elton, Bernie and the band making unforgettable music.

[@eggman1978]

For real. So well put together

[@pamelahofman1785]

I feel it's important that you know that Elton wrote the music and created the arrangement but Bernie Taupin was always the one to write the lyrics for all the EJ songs. He needs his own props.

[@Verlopil]

For all the songs up to the 80s.

[@robdaviesprogm]

@@Verlopil Untrue, on a few counts: * "Love Song", written by Lesley Duncan, appeared on 1970's Tumbleweed Connection. * During the period of 1978-82, Elton and Bernie wrote far less together. In fact, Bernie's lyrics do not appear at all on either 1978's A Single Man or 1979's Victim of Love, although Bernie did write the lyrics for the standalone 1978 single "Ego" as well as a few B-Sides released during that era. 1980's 21 at 33, 1981's The Fox, and 1982's Jump Up! did feature some lyrics by Taupin, but many of the songs on those albums had lyrics written by other people, most notably Gary Osborne and Tom Robinson. * After 1983, Elton and Bernie were back writing together full-time. The vast majority of the songs on Elton's studio albums were written by Bernie, and that continues to this day, with the exception of collaborative albums such as 1993's Duets, 2010's The Union, and 2021's The Lockdown Sessions. Of course, Elton has also worked with Tim Rice to create several musicals, most notably The Lion King and Aida.

[@nbell817]

Thank you Pamela! I was just going to post about Bernie Taupin's lyrics. He wrote the lyrics for most of Elton John' s songs, including Rocket Man. I saw EJ in Honolulu in 1974 and it was a fantastic concert. In fact, it's the only time I've waited in line overnight the night before the tickets went on sale. And I've been to a lot of concerts over the years! 😁

[@pamelahofman1785]

@@nbell817 I went to see him in concert in either 1974 or 1975 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. It was my first ever concert and even though it wasn't so easy to see the stage, it was amazing! After that, I went to many many concerts also. In those days they weren't so expensive and even a teenager could afford to go!

[@nbell817]

@@pamelahofman1785 my first concert was in the late 60s, 68 or 69, at the Baltimore Civic Center. I was 14 or 15 and a friend's older brother had extra tickets to a concert and took us. It was Joe Cocker and the Grease Band, Paul Butterfield Blues Band, and Janis Joplin. I swear it changed my life! Lol They were all great, but Janis was absolutely mind blowing!

[@KenSikaris]

For a teenager, this song was a revelation of the power of music. He wrote it one morning while he was waiting for the band to get up for breakfast - along with Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters and Amy !!! What a gift.

[@rickb.4168]

Bernie wrote all of the lyrics, Elton wrote the music. An almost perfect unison of artists.

[@glennnewman606]

Almost….. It was perfect

[@inkey2]

I remember when this first came out. Every time I hear it to this day it reminds me of what could have been........and what I lost. The decades have not lessened it's impact on me.

[@jamesw1313]

I’m proud of you. You did good kid.

[@fourdead552]

Elton was the Liberache’ of our time (theatrically), dudes voice was impeccable, Bernie was a lyrical genius, Elton’s composing is 2nd to none. Lucky us. 70’s will never be replicated.

[@maggieshevelew7579]

Never replicated. A decade of pure brilliance in music. So lucky to have experienced it and been there as these artists blew us away.

[@fourdead552]

@@maggieshevelew7579 just curious, best live performance you’ve seen?

[@maggieshevelew7579]

@@fourdead552 Back then? In the 70’s, The Who in 1979 at Madison Square Garden (unfortunately, Keith Moon had just passed). Seeing Roger Daltrey (my teen crush) and Pete Townsend back then was just amazing. And Dire Straits in 1980, just before they became huge, in a small club in New Jersey. First row center, right in front of Mark Knopfler. Could’ve reached out and touched him. My friend, a photographer, got some great pictures, and I got everyone’s autograph on my “Making Movies” album cover. Also got Mark’s playlist from his amp. What a night. Also saw Robert Fripp and Brian Eno (around 1980?) at a small, intimate hall at Princeton University, where they just chatted with the audience, and played whatever they felt like playing. Wow. That was an experience too.

[@fourdead552]

@@maggieshevelew7579 wow, I lived in Lavallette, on the island in Jersey. I thought I saw The Who at the Meadow lands, but could be mistaken, I did see them in N.Y. Then followed them down to Philly and saw em 2 days in a row there. 7 day party, so slightly cloudy in the accuracy of events, though knowing me I had a ball. Thanks for sharing and my best to you and yours.

[@waynemarvin5661]

Liberace.

[@xScooterAZx]

When this was always on the radio,we used to drive down Hollywood Blvd with this blaring through the speakers. We were in the back of the pickup stranding up and singing at the top of our lungs. It was so much fun!

[@MidwestPicker]

This song represents why my childhood was so awesome. Imagine hearing songs like this on the radio and others, all day long, all summer long

[@lightningbug276]

Yes 🙌 ❤️

[@seandrew7837]

We were so fortunate. 🇬🇧

[@reednewell2164]

I agree 100%.

[@sallyphillips9175]

It was a magical time! I wanna go back, cos today sucks.

[@joelliebler5690]

I believe at times you guys need to do some homework about some of the legendary artists so you do not seem so naive and foolish from your reactions. In this case it pertains to not knowing about the genius writing of Bernie Taupin. You can do this without listening to a song.

[@777petew]

You're exploring the reservoir of music from 50 years ago and beyond. It's a long journey. I'm 63 and the journey is still long as I still discover stuff. You get blown away, and we did 50 years ago. I was only 13, and I remember my feelings clearly.

[@kidpoker007]

Huge 70’s hit, was on the radio constantly.. that is when people listened to the radio

[@La_sagne]

people still do.. at wprk and especially on construction sites for some reason. but its not a lot of good music on there anymore

[@sallyphillips9175]

@@La_sagne There's a station in my town that plays mostly 60s-80s songs, and it's awesome. They have two taglines -- "Playing the greatest hits of all time" and "the music you grew up with." It's all I listen to. Are there no stations like that in your area?

[@Martin.Wilson]

Lads, you did extremely well, because this is one of the toughest songs in the world NOT to sing along with. It was a hit the day it was released and still is today. A true classic!

[@chuckhutton5087]

This week, Rick Beato did a breakdown of “Tiny Dancer” in his What Makes This Song Great series.

[@magicbrownie1357]

Keep in mind Bernie Taupin wrote the lyrics almost exclusively for Elton John for a good deal of his career.

[@KMerth-yl7rx]

one of the greatest song ever written

[@josecuervo311]

There's just nothing quite like this song. Goosebumps every damn time I listen to it. Another EXCELLENT song from this album is Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters.

[@IrishKack]

My two favorite EJ songs.

[@Martin.Wilson]

My favourites are Madman Across the Water and Burn Down the Mission from Tumbleweed Connection

[@mikecreger9702]

This entire album is incredible.

[@melvinknight4638]

@@Martin.Wilson , Those are my favorites, too, along with the sad song, Ticking, from the Caribou album.

[@melvinknight4638]

@@mikecreger9702 , Agree - the entire album is incredible!

[@Successor123]

Bernie Taupin would write lyrics to several songs and leave them on the piano. Elton would walk into the room by himself and read the lyrics and just start composing. It was magic then, and ALWAYS will be magical throughout time. Words and music!

[@TheDameduck]

Can anyone here imagine a world where Elton and Bernie never met each other? Yeah, me neither. Sounds like hell for sure. I got chills listening to this with you guys, thanks for starting my day off on such a grand note. And as usual, keep casting that wide net. 🥰🎶🎵🎶

[@Diecastclassicist]

Goes well with “Space Oddity” and “Ashes to Ashes,” by David Bowie, as well as “Major Tom,” by Peter Schilling.

[@aliwantizu]

I would love a mash up combining some of the lyrics from Space Oddity, Major Tom, and this into one cohesive storytelling song.

[@alrivers2297]

Hell yes!

[@jimmcevers9443]

... and throw in Spaceman by Harry Nilsson.

[@delphi-moochymaker62]

Throw in "I'm a Stranger Here" (on this place called earth) - by 5 Man Electrical Band. A classic, with a strong environmental message from the early 70's.

[@geraldherrmann787]

and lemmy´s "silver machine" (hawkwind) ... with the naked girl dancing ... hahaha

[@JeffOfTheMountains]

You can never go wrong with Elton John and "Rocketman". A song that gets overlooked by him is "Sad Songs". Despite the title, it's pretty upbeat and definitely worth it.

[@2869may]

GREAT SONG...!

[@johndef5075]

Forgot that one!

[@Retroearthling]

I mean it's a bit 80's cheese but ok

[@dannydorko7075]

Agreed. I've always enjoyed it but I don't think it makes for an interesting reaction

[@Skeezer66]

80's Elton is underrated! "I'm Still Standing" is another good one.

[@davidgoldsmith6438]

Imagine being an 18yr ... listening to Rocket Man in the 70's w/headphones on and high !! thanks for the memories !!

[@lisamorrison2149]

Alex : "I literally went into Space". Theres no better compliment than that. Please try reacting to Elton's "Someone Saved My Life Tonight," "Philadelphia Freedom" and "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues".

[@flubblert]

"Someone Saved My Life Tonight" ... sooo good!

[@laurawalkerJD]

Great selections there YES

[@joenutz2738]

Great selections I also love Mona Lisa’s and Mad Hatters

[@lisamorrison2149]

@@joenutz2738 love that song, too!

[@steffg9321]

Someone Saved My Life Tonight - my fav EJ song

[@richardsimpson9039]

A great song from Elton John’s Madman Across The Water album is “Levon”. Simple beauty in my estimation; I’ve loved the whole album since I first heard it in about 1974, when I was in high school, but Levon always touches me. Hope you can react to it, I’d love to hear you young men’s opinions.

[@terryanngallagher3605]

LEVON!!!

[@your_huge_ego_bores_me]

Oh yeah, they have to do Levon. That's a treasure they probably don't have any idea exists.

[@TerryT304]

Indian Sunset is better

[@Willie_McBride]

Just imagine the boys dissecting the lyrics to Levon!!

[@jackiemarkunas5356]

Yes and yes

[@chuckmadden2251]

How Elton could write such perfect music to lyrics handed to him blows my mind. Great review A&A!

[@otisdylan9532]

Once Elton said that he has to have lyrics in front of him to write. I don't know of any other songwriter that writes in that manner.

[@ronnelson7828]

Look up the video where Elton writes a song, on the spot, with lyrics derived from an appliance owners manual.

[@tracycampbell3060]

Its coming together of incredible talent.

[@youtoo2233]

'70s Elton John is just so wow, I'm in my fifties and I've been listening to him since way back when

[@ceeceerider]

Just a gorgeous song, all the way around, clearly an S tier, you didn’t disappoint there! One thing though, we’re going to need you to google Bernie Taupin. 😁

[@jeffmorse645]

Elton's early to mid 70s stuff was soooo good. "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" wasn't a big hit from that era, but its worth a listen. Another of my favorites is "Someone Saved My Life Tonight".

[@larrywilliams1372]

Finally! Rocket Man! You guys nailed the rating. Anything less than an S would have been a serious ding to your credibility. As "Night Moves" is to Bob Seger, "Rocket Man" is to Elton John.

[@TheNewRevolution]

When I was younger, me and my friends just assumed we'd get these great songs forever because there were so many. If you'd told me the music industry would be in the state it's now, I'd have thought you were crazy. In a way, we did what you guys are doing. We'd go back and explore the great music that came before us. But we were getting classic timeless songs coming out in the present as well. Music ment something. I don't think it means as much to a lot of the younger generation. I keep waiting for that new artist to come along and really blow my mind. It's just not happening. I'm starting to think that I was part of the luckiest generation in history when it comes to music. I'm starting to think people will be listening to the music of my generation 300 years from now. These songs you guys are listening too will be the equivalent of Bach and Moatzart.

[@williamzoom9200]

Agree - I don’t know, but can’t imagine music means the same thing to young people now as it did in the 60’s/70’s/80’s

[@TheNewRevolution]

@dave d ahh yes....R.I.P. music industry.

[@alisiofficial]

i agree that the music industry is in one of the shittiest periods of all time, but to say that there’s not good music anymore just means you aren’t looking hard enough. there’s so many amazing and innovative artists out right now. ex: frank ocean, kanye west, taylor swift, tyler the creator, phoebe bridgers, lana del rey, beyoncé, adele, kendrick lamar, hozier, childish gambino, lorde… there’s so many, these are just to name a few. back then, the amazing music was mainstream and radio hits. now, people rely on streaming for that. just because things and music is different doesn’t mean it’s inherently bad. there’s so much good as well. if you need recommendations that show how amazing modern music can be, i would be happy to give you some (songs, artists, albums).

[@WendiBloomenthal]

So true . We didn’t know then how lucky we had it .

[@flubblert]

S tier for sure. Perfect in every way. And yes he made it look so easy. Gem after gem after gem, the guy just dominated the first half of the seventies. Creating a sound unmistakably his own. Gentlemen, you must do "Mad Man Across the Water" next.

[@ajschroetlin2196]

That whole album is fire.

[@williamdread391]

There is nothing simple about composition. It is a gift. Some can, some can't. This guy. Is a treasure.

[@Vonlang001]

Remember Gents. Elton writes the music. Bernie Taupin writes the lyrics.

[@EDubNYC]

So nice to see everyone here chiming in with love for Bernie Taupin, who still tends to get overlooked. I'm a huge fan of classic, early '70s Elton, and it really doesn't get better than Rocket Man, for all the reasons the guys brought up -- it's an absolute masterpiece. That look from them at 2:38 says it all.

[@dunhill1]

His other masterpiece is Philadelphia Freedom

[@sdboutet]

This song moves me EVERY single time I listen to it. I literally remember where I was the very first time I heard it on WIDE AM 1400 radio, back in '72. (Standing in our kitchen-I was 11 years old). I think I stood completely still and shushed my mother so I could hear every single note.

[@tomdrew5818]

Great story!! I can relate

[@stephaniecontartesi6421]

Elton wrote all the music, Bernie Taupin wrote the words, he was the wordman. Elton had a medical issue with his vocal cords and that changed his voice , but I absolutely love him , always will.

[@-Ricky_Spanish-]

The thing about Elton John/Bernie Taupin is, so many of their songs (especially if produced by Gus Dudgeon like this one) are legit S tier it almost feels unfair, but a lower rating simply doesn't make sense. This is as good as pop music gets.

[@DJHolte]

Yeah thanks for mentioning Gus Dudgeon -- great producers like him often don't get the recognition they deserve for masterpieces like this one.

[@PianoUniverse]

@@DJHolte Dont forget Paul Buckmaster.

[@michaelsutherland9069]

i am in my 50's now but there are certain songs i can remember hearing for the 1st time in the 70's . Even though Iwas just a kid they moved me and i knew they were special. I vividly remember the first time hearing Rocket Man, Hotel California, Stairway to Heaven among others and knowing at that very moment they were special.

[@elainemarsh5170]

I’ll continue to recommend Saturday Night’s Alright again and again. Elton had a great guitarist in his band, Dave Johnstone, who really went nuts in this one.

[@tamdurand1673]

Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding is a masterpiece. I often find myself in tears in the middle of it. And then I'll play it again and again...:)

[@quinny6920]

DITTO!!!!

[@adriennepender673]

They’ve actually reacted to this, maybe a year ago? They Loved it, of course. 🥰

[@margaretmarks6685]

The production on Elton John's songs was perfection! Listen to Madman Across the Water. His early stuff was incredible! Love him!❤

[@Whorulesnow]

Yes. Pure genius by Elton and Bernie.

[@mrsrobinson2364]

Yes! Rotten Peaches!

[@mrsrobinson2364]

Another great album that doesn't get the recognition it deserves is Tumbleweed Connection.

[@davidogg5269]

@@mrsrobinson2364 "Burn Down the Mission" off Tumbleweed Connection is a must on any EJ essential playlist.

[@shelaghnigans]

@@mrsrobinson2364 I totally agree -- such a brilliant record. Quite possibly my all-time favorite of his.

[@rebeccarockchik6704]

Even hearing this as a kid back in the 70's it gave me goosebumps. Its hands down my favorite Elton John song...S tier all the way! ✌❤

[@gonnahitcharide]

I’m only halfway through the song and I’m crying, it’s so good.

[@mikel3363]

Next Elton: "SOMEONE SAVED MY LIFE TONIGHT" ~ (also, his cover of the Beatles: "LUCY IN THE SKY WITH DIAMONDS", which went to #1 on Billboard Top 100 in Jan 1975; major SAUCE ~!!!)

[@jmvioli]

Sounds like we need an "S +" rating for this one! Elton is my all-time favorite so you can imagine my giddiness when I saw that both this reaction and the full album of GBYBR dropped the same day! Well done, gents!

[@ixeyeb]

Was going to say the exact same, time to up the scale to S+

[@reeyam5929]

@@ixeyeb What does S stand for?

[@ixeyeb]

@@reeyam5929 Supreme or Superior level.

[@garyny4073]

@@ixeyeb I though u were hating on Elton , calling it , him shit 😂😂👍🥃🚬💵💵

[@ixeyeb]

@@garyny4073 LOL, yeah their rating scale, not mine. Elton is one of the best. He breaks all genres. Metal heads, Pop, Disco fans all love him.

[@melrussell8542]

It's easy to forget how good these songs are until I see reactions from guys who have not heard it before. It brings back the chills of hearing it when it first came out and I must confess the occasional eye leakage

[@lloovvaallee]

From this era you can never go wrong with Elton John or David Bowie. They both had flawless musical instincts.

[@BuntingClipClop]

I loved the use of the word immaculate. It is immaculate. It's so sad and wistful and beautiful.

[@Troublette59]

You need to remember that Elton wrote the music to words by Bernie Taupin. They are a writing team. Bernie wrote the words and sent them to Elton who put them to music.

[@La_sagne]

cant remember what you havent ever known

[@sendtosw]

You guys should listen to, on the same album, "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters." My favorite song by him. Lyrics are awesome.

[@sandyfader4649]

Especially with headphones, blows me away.

[@maukasara808]

Another amazing song from this same album is “Mona Lisa’s and Mad Hatters”. Ear Candy 🍭 is good 👍

[@willih007]

I get goosebumps every time that bass comes in. RIP Dee Murray!

[@donnalockhart50]

I’m so grateful that you sat and listened to this song. Elton John & Bernie Taupin are pure perfection as a team. You really should do a full album reaction to Captain Fantastic & the Brown Dirt Cowboy. I always ask my friends to think about & name the one album you would want with you if you were stranded on an island for the rest of your life. Captain Fantastic is that album for me. What is yours?

[@popsmcgee9775]

Yep, Captain Fantastic is amazing and shows more of Elton's rock side.

[@TallyDrake]

Assuming greatest hits albums not included, Graceland by Paul Simon or Can't Buy a Thrill by Steely Dan or Saturday Night Fever soundtrack. I can't choose just one!

[@TheDameduck]

So many remarkable albums to choose from, but if I could only have one, it would probably be Abbey Road. 😎

[@flyingburritobro68]

Exile On Main Street by the Stones!

[@flubblert]

"Someone Saved My Life Tonight" from Captain Fantastic is one of my all-time favorites.

[@wendyshores6771]

This has to rate as my favorite reaction from you guys! Andy, when you pushed the mic away, I could just feel the amazement coursing through you. Elton has been doing this for 3 generations of my family now. It's so great to see you young guys experience the greatness I grew up with and seeing you all react to it the same way I did. SO glad you guys decided to react. Best reactors out there! A big thank you for this one!

[@DoctorDave5]

I’ve never really been a fan of Elton but Rocket Man and Tiny Dancer are stone cold classics.👍

[@jimwilson5148]

One of the things I enjoy most about watching your reaction videos is it allows me to listen to things that I've heard for years with fresh ears. Occasionally it makes me realize that a song just wasn't as good as I remembered it. But more often it lets me rediscover what made it so good to begin with. Like in this one, I had forgotten how wonderful the bass entrance is.

[@GioSinatraFan]

You hit one of my favorite musical issues with this great song... the deliberate slow rake of the acoustical guitar chord going into the chorus. But my favorite feature is that slide/steel guitar with the reverbed/echo effect emulating space travel swooping in and out of the song. Gives me goosebumps everytime.

[@alexjbennett1017]

Yes, and the fact that the slide guitar was used to create melancholy notes in the fade, giving it a wonderful bittersweet feel.

[@halcmx741]

Rick Beato also goes deep into this song on his What Makes This Song Great video series. also worth watching.

[@WisdomDoctor]

It's so hip to see young cats getting into REAL music performed by real musicians. I've gigged for over 30 years and grown up on the greatest music our culture ever created and my greatest hope is that young people get to know what real music is and why it stands the test of time. Keep doing it, boys. Reach out if you want to connect with a pro and historian. Keep it going...! ❤

[@Gordy63]

100% S tier all day, every day! I can’t add anything to what you guys already said, except keep exploring other Elton songs from this era - by far his and Bernie Taupin’s best stuff!

[@dcramblermusic317]

Elton's band was second to none ! The late great Dee Murray on bass, Nigel Olssen on drums and Davey Johnstone on guitar plus they did most of the background harmonies...

[@35mmview18]

My favourite Elton song by far. Just beautifuly crafted and written.

[@sherryheim5504]

Such a unique voice and a great touch on the keys, Elton John is a legend and rightly so. The production on this song is outstanding. Every slice of this song is perfection. Thank you or reacting to this song.

[@surlechapeau]

A&A, his "Philadelphia Freedom", "Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting" and "Honky Cat" are next for you!!! edit- you'll hear 'Saturday' on your album review for June.

[@ronclunie8546]

I have read that the background harmonies were almost a "throwaway". The classic members of the band (Davey Johnstone, Nigel Olssen, and Dee Murray) wrote and arranged the vocals on the first 8-10 albums, apparently without much input from Elton or the producer. And they're always unique, appropriate, and spot-on. One of the greatest pop/rock bands of the '70's.

[@johnplaster4536]

I love what you guys do. Keep bringing the HEAT!

[@markdraine3571]

Agreed..This is quite true .

[@susanneuenschwander2297]

Love Elton John! Have you guys hit Billy Joel yet?? New York State of Mind is my personal choice to start or there is always Piano Man.

[@johnlivingston6162]

Absolutely love seeing a younger generation appreciating this song the way I have all these decades ...Good on ya

[@theplanetruth]

Again, a classic from my childhood memory. Loved listening to EJ as a kid. His 80's pop lost me, but I love his older material.

[@ronalddobis6782]

Agree. He started as a serious recording artist and turned into Liberace.

[@RealWorldCarReviews]

This song is perfection. It never fails to take me out of the situation I’m in and away to another place.

[@EastVanRed]

So many great Elton songs especially the early stuff. I think you'd love the studio version of Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me.

[@MikeInMD1961]

So glad to see your genuine reactions to a song and an artist I've loved for 50 years. The Elton/Bernie combination certainly ranks with the best of all time. Very reassuring to see your generation appreciating a true musical genius.

[@kv99990]

I'd like to renew my vote for "Philadelphia Freedom." It's Elton a bit further on but still in his classic period. Great song.

[@Skeezer66]

Are you FROM Philadelphia, because that could influence you! Hahahaha!! (I'm from Philly too, so I know it's a city anthem!)

[@kv99990]

@@Skeezer66 Actually, no, but love the song.

[@davidnelson6874]

Elton John had an excellent, excellent backing band and boy could they sing!

[@OZAHS1959]

So glad to have been a teenager in the 70's, when all this music came out. My buddies and I called him EFJ (for Elton Fucking John). He kept coming out with album after album of incredible music. It's affirming to hear you gush about songs like this. Keep it up.

[@barbarataylor5068]

I always think of this song as an answer/competitor to Bowie's "Space Oddity." Two absolute masterpieces; same subject matter; two amazing vibes. Personally I have to give it to Bowie, but I'm more of a Bowie freak than I am an Elton freak. Ultimate props to the production of Rocketman, though, an absolutely perfect recording.

[@jaiji]

It was totally an answer to be Space Oddity. Bowie, in fact, felt that John and Taupin had nicked his idea. Interestingly, Bowie subsequently went really piano heavy for Hunky Dory - so in a way stole back influence from Elton John…

[@CL-eu7ye]

I feel that Bowie’s was more haunting because of the storyline but Elton’s voice more pleasing …idk, gosh, both so good

[@cheryl83]

I saw him at Little Caesar's Arena in Detroit 2 yrs ago. It was the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road tour, which he is still out there doing. The sound was immaculate. It was as if someone put in a CD and the band was miming to it. If you have the opportunity to see him DO IT.

[@jameswalls4172]

I’m seeing him here in Phoenix in November.I can’t wait

[@flubblert]

People are quick to point out that Bernie Taupin writes the lyrics, which is true, but it is Elton's vocals, phrasing, and composition that give those lyrics a depth and refinement it otherwise might not have had. The songwriting chemistry between the two were off the charts. Master collaborators.

[@johnhughes3214]

Great review, guys. "So well crafted." Elton John's recordings were always way ahead of their time in terms of production. And I don't think there was ever a better master of melody that EJ.

[@allisonreed7682]

Yes, his melodies never cease to leave me awestruck, even during songs I’ve been listening to for decades. The partnership of EJ and Bernie Taupin is no less important (and no less impactful) than Lennon/McCartney.

[@keithroberts4952]

I agree. Elton was a master of melody but imo, I think McCartney is still ahead of him. Just a bit. 😊

[@lisauhlemeyer4274]

Honked Cat is one of my favorites from this album. I will never forget the summer of ‘73 visiting California and being turned on to the album. The best summer ever! One of the best albums ever!

[@marktait2371]

lisa same the lea ann womack cover on the restoration cd one of the better songs on it is a collaboration of bernie taupin and country artists most not so good but lee anns version i liked dont h.c. record but have classic years best of has honkey cat

[@Robert-jy3pf]

Such a Classic.The term "High as a kite" came from this song✌️

[@keithralston1133]

Term was coined in the 19th century

[@generoberts9151]

@@keithralston1133 he’s that old🤩

[@lynneesposito3227]

Can you imagine spending your high school and college years with this kind of music. We were so lucky. Saw him in 2019. He’s amazing live

[@ScottRossProductions]

Yep, I can because I did...

[@TT-wb3ke]

EJ was such a different sound at the time. His songs combined gospel, blues, RnR. I think your reaction was just about the same as mine was when I first heard it. 50 years later, of course.

[@xmoomoo9158]

😂👍🏻

[@fieldagent59isintheforest32]

Musical perfection, his greatest song.....

[@gerhardbraatz6305]

Classic Elton John. I totally agree that if there was something beyond an S this would be it.

[@thecanberean]

Amazing song. I love watching your reactions to classic songs. It's so pure and wonderful. Your guilelessness always gobsmacks me.

[@toddb3226]

So many songs are my favorite EJ song.. but, this one is my legit fav. Such a good groove.. Awesome live too the few time I've seen him (seeing him again this next tour!!)

[@tjerwin1]

Sir Elton John is just an amazing talent my 22 year old son is addicted to him. He found Goodbye Yellow Brick Road in a thrift shop for a few cents and wanted to know if he could get it. Who was I to say no Elton is a true class act that I grew up with. Awesome usic and great talent.

[@urbeatle]

Saw an interview of Elton where he talked about his music... he said his secret was to "think hymn". He composes songs as if they were church hymns, even using the common hymn chord progressions. The lyrics, as others, are written by Bernie Taupin, and reflect his feelings about what actual astronauts must go through. I feel the scene Taupin's describing is at least partially about a failing marriage under the stress of the astronaut being away for such extended periods of time. The verse beginning "Mars is no place to raise your kids" suggests the couple has been fighting to such an extent that they are no longer even communicating when they're together, which is why "there's no one there to raise them".

[@sallyphillips9175]

I think it's more literal.

[@barryderby]

There are so many amazing songs! Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Someone Saved My Life Tonight, Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me, Daniel - the list goes on and on. Bernie is up there with Dylan and Paul Simon as a lyricist too.

[@HaleTheTrev]

Bernie Taupin deserves recognition here. He and Elton John are one of the most successful song writing partnerships. The John/Taupin writing style involved Taupin writing the lyrics on his own and John then putting them to music. Sometimes with no interaction between each other.

[@kizkazzy5154]

this is by far my favourite reaction.i love coming back and rewatching it.the music is beautiful and alexes facial expressions kill me

[@coxscorner]

You really need to do the song Honky Cat from that album. It is fantastic. You will dig it. Check it out.

[@johndef5075]

They loved Dr. John. I think they would love this too!

[@adriennepender673]

2:39 when Alex pushed the mic away at that unreal sound…. I love Elton. That was the EASIEST “S” you ever gave.

[@sherry091756]

Always been my favorite Elton song! Glad you feel it deserves an S rating! 👏

[@danielthompson6880]

What a great reaction. This song is truly an iconic song from Elton John. Saw him 3 times in concert. I think he has the deepest rabbit hole you could ever enter. You two are so talented at breaking down a song so eloquently. He has so many S tier songs. Probably more than any other artist and I'm a huge Steely Dan and Beatles fan. If I could choose your next Elton song it would be "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters".

[@otisdylan9532]

There are lots more fine Elton John songs, but IMO, the next one should be "Someone Saved My Life Tonight".

[@pax61]

Absolutely! Didn't fully appreciate "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" in its time, but talk about honest, soul-baring songwriting!

[@donwomick3413]

The EJ song I have listened to probably more than any other is "Satuday Night's Alright for Fighting." I don't know why, it's just a banger. "Border Song" and "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" are up there too, as are "Crocodile Rock" and "I'm Still Standing." Oh, and "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" with Kiki Dee. She also had an awesome voice. :)

[@patrickquinn2539]

Off the same record, "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" - gorgeous.