Elton John Albums Ranked From Worst to Best

[@kiwiian8051]

I adored Elton as a teenager in the 70s, bought all the classic albums. Still a Top Ten artist for me now. This was just 2 hours plus of pure joy for me boys. Thank you Thank you Thank you.

[@jackde1965]

I love Elton John (70's of course). This is where I really appreciate the work you put into these videos. No matter how much I love Elton I could NEVER sit through all of his albums. This is a Herculean task and you guys did a great job. My top 3 are Captain Fantastic, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and Blue Moves. Blue Moves is only 1 or 2 songs too long for me. I've always loved that album.

[@3bwana]

My very first musical idol when I was 6 years old in ‘73…GYBR completely changed my life from the moment I heard it, blew my little mind, had never experienced anything like it before save for the early Moody Blues Lps my dad played incessantly. Elton John was so pivotal for me at age 6 that without having discovered him so young I sincerely believe I would not have become the lifetime music head I became and remain to this day fifty years on… He along with the Fab Four changed the way I listened to and heard music from that point onward and yes Johnstone is a King along with Murray and Olsson one of my favorite ensembles of all time, both playing and vocally they’re untouchables…too many mind-blowing performances to talk about here. May digress on some of my favorite moments in another post. All hail the great Reginald Dwight and company!!🙌🏼

[@walterevans5658]

I think one of the best uses of a song in a movie was "Amoreena" over the opening montage in 'Dog Day Afternoon.' Brilliant marriage of song and visuals.

[@dtPlaythroughs]

I save TLM videos to watch during the NBA Playoffs every year, between commercial breaks. I've come to anticipate it as much as the games themselves and it makes every year's playoffs even more special for me, since coming across the channel in 2020. This was my most wanted list since I just started exploring Elton John more through your year lists. Can't wait to watch!

[@keithleeuwen877]

I cannot believe you all listened to all these, that's dedication !

[@OttawaNow]

I love The Camera Never Lies from Reg Strikes Back. No one mentioned The Club At The End Of The Street from Sleeping With The Past.

[@jukeboxcowboy]

🤠 Captain Fantastic was a Christmas gift in 1975. The lyric book, comic, and poster included in the packaging blew my little mind. I look at this album as The Crash of Glam. There is a beautiful darkness throughout. Tracks like Tower of Babel sound proto-Suede . It's one of the first rock albums I ever owned, and still one of the most played. Stone cold masterpiece.⚡

[@johnmavroudis2054]

Same. BRILLIANT package AND Music. His best!

[@3bwana]

Ha! Right on! I received ‘Caribou’ and ‘Rock of the Westies’ for Xmas in ‘75 at the age of 8 (still have both these original copies in the collection) being as I already had Captain Fantastic in my hot little hands from earlier in the year.

[@jukeboxcowboy]

@@3bwana 🤠 That's so cool that you still have your original gifted copies. Yep! Rock of the Westies came a couple of months later as a birthday present: Elton with fuzz guitars. It was truly a fantastic summer. ☀️

[@3bwana]

@@jukeboxcowboy yeah the 70’s ruled out west in sunny LA and Elton joined shortly after by Kiss & Led Zep were the soundtrack to my pre-teen/teen years, what a time to come of age when music and performance of this caliber was our current norm, never to repeated, we really were the luckiest kids in history to live this in real time

[@jukeboxcowboy]

​@@3bwana 🤠 You are so right. Haha! I almost mentioned that Elton was my gateway to KISS, and so on.

[@Shah-of-the-Shinebox]

I've had the pleasure of seeing Elton John twice (last September and March 2012). Truly an amazing artist, here's what I got: 35. Victim of Love 34. Reg Strikes Back 33. Leather Jackets 32. Ice on Fire 31. Lockdown Sessions 30. The Fox 29. Breaking Hearts 28. Wonderful Crazy Night 27. Duets 26. Jump Up 25. The Union 24. The Big Picture 23. Sleeping with the Past 22. Peachtree Road 21. The One 20. Made in England 19. Diving Board 18. Friends 17. Empty Sky 16. The Captain and The Kid 15. Songs from the West Coast 14. Regimental Sergeant Zippo 13. 21 at 33 12. Blue Moves 11. Two Low for Zero 10. Rock of the Westies 9. A Single Man 8. Caribou 7. Elton John 6. Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy 5. Don't Shoot Me, I'm Only the Piano Player 4. Madman Across the Water 3. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road 2. Honky Chateau 1. Tumbleweed Connection

[@kevtruth]

We have the same top 8

[@dd07871]

I hope you didn't just base this on greatest hits. There are many gems in those you listed as worse, e.g. January from The Big Picture, and Cry To Heaven/Soul Glove/Wrap Her Up/Satellite from Ice on Fire. I disagree with A Single Man being better than Reg Strikes Back. Seems like you're not willing to explore his 80s and later material in depth, like most people.

[@christopherdavies3079]

@@dd07871 I would put The Fox much higher in the rankings as it includes the very under rated “ Nobody wins “ and “ Just like Belgium “.

[@scottstephenson2112]

Jason hit the nail on the head. I grew up on 80’s Elton John and every album had that one hit that kept him relevant. Most of those albums are tough to listen to now, but in the 80’s he was always up there with Phil Collins, Billy Joel and Lionel Richie with being able to stay on the radio.

[@chrisbooth3417]

Some of the 80s songs are what first got me into Elton's music. In retrospect I wonder if the drugs hindered his ability to have great complete albums. More piano and occasional strings and less drum machines and synth effects would have been nice too.

[@JustinEdwords]

@@chrisbooth3417 yeah, a lot of people don’t realize his coke problem was at its worst in i think the later 80s. He was having seizures and stuff

[@007koko007]

Not at all tough listen for me. Yes, much inferior to 70's music, but there are many great hidden gems and fun songs on those albums like 'Where Have All the Good Times Gone', 'Soul Glove', 'Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters 2', 'Breaking Hearts', 'This Town', 'Just Like Belgium' etc.

[@theembr7479]

I think Jason might be the most wrong out of anyone. Just plain horrendous takes

[@murraytown4]

Blessed to have grown up to his classics period.

[@eljac63]

Eight years before the debut of MTV, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, as a two-disc, three panel display of color, lyrics and imagery burst into existence. The hits were on the AM airwaves. The "deeper" tracks would eventually make their way onto FM radio. Captain Fantastic & TBDC stands as the most focused and interesting Elton John album but GBYBR is a cabaret of masterfully crafted rock/pop songs. The epic opening of "Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding" leads off a four sided masterpiece that resolves into the collision of cynicism and romanticism in the closer "Harmony".

[@shannontalksmusic]

The timing on this video drop was hard for me right on busy morher's day weekend but I stayed up late to watch the whole thing. Thanks guys. I've loved Elton since I was 15 and doing this listography finally got me to fill in my gaps and hear every single record. I'm actually glad it got announced so early. It gave me time hear it all. I'd put Elton #2 behind McCartney for my favorite/best pop songwriters. An absolute legend and extraordinary talent. I think people kind of take his talent for granted, honestly. I love Bernie and the classic band too. Bernie's lyrics are so weird and I think really helped set Elton's work apart. I actually think that folks are too hard on the later catalog. There is a ton of great music there and I will admit that I missed out on a lot of it by just listening to the Classic Years for a long time. I'm a bigger fan of the post 2001 work than you guys. I even like most of the '80s material! I ranked the whole catalog on my Rate Your Music (BrightEye14). I don't have time to type it here but my top is Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. I give that plus Captain Fantastic, Tumbleweed and Madman 5 stars. Don't Shoot Me is a close 4.5 and my #5. Loved the video and all your comments. I agreed, I disagreed. I had a lot of fun. This was so much fun overall. I'm buying a ton of Elton stuff to fill out the collection too so thanks! - Shannon :)

[@TastesLikeMusic]

Thanks, Shannon!!!

[@bengalgangster]

happy mothers day, shannon, i have captain fantastic at #1 and GYBR at #2🐯🐯

[@davidbeckman7925]

Hi 👋 Shannon... great to read your comments.. I hope someday u will make videos again or re-post ur Fleetwood Mac and Joni videos! Take good care 👍

[@shannontalksmusic]

@@davidbeckman7925 Hi David! 👋

[@maryt2290]

This is really quite the public service you performed here, gentleman, thank you. When it came to Elton I’ve been pretty much a Greatest Hits kind of gal, which worked out because I came of album purchasing age in his dry period of the 80s. This will definitely help me steer clear of some of stinkers and focus on the gems.

[@pete3105]

Haven't heard all these albums, but enjoyed listening to you guys talk about them anyway! (Have been watching some of your older videos btw and it's noticeable how much better you've become over time.)

[@stefano.b65stef77]

Hi guys, glad to see you did a new Elton John ranking all together, I must catch up on two albums before drawing up a list, be back in a couple of days with my top 10 or 15, you did a great job as usual!

[@llewellynGS1]

Its nice to hear an artist you cover that I actually know! I’ve mentioned this before , but I feel if you can do Elton and The Beach Boys, you could also cover The Bee Gees. They have some great stuff. Also I would suggest Crowded House; Neil Finn is one of the best songwriters ever.

[@neesi1570]

Absolutely Crowded House. We saw them a couple of weeks ago and they were great. 7. Intriguer 6. Dreamers are Waiting 5. Together Alone 4. Time on Earth 3. Temple of Low Men 2. Woodface 1. Crowded House

[@tomasandrew9354]

Great episode. I have over half his discography, still there are Elton John albums that I don’t own/listened to yet. This was a nice guide to those I haven’t gotten to yet.

[@OttawaNow]

In the notes for Sleeping With The Past Elton and Bernie mentioned how this album was inspired or dedicated to their 50s-60s idols. If you listen closely to how Elton sings a Stones Throw From Hurting, it sounds like I Heard It Through The Grapevine.

[@Wayner71]

Its great that your rankings are more expansive than the opinions of the time. It was generally accepted in the 70's that Elton's great run ended with Yellow Brick Road. This was selling him too short. All three of you have elevated the three albums post-Yellow Brick Road to their rightful place. Cheers.

[@Betta66]

Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy is his best album in my opinion. The self-titled, Tumbleweed Connection, and Madman Across The Water are also in my top 10. Blue Moves and A Single Man are maybe his most underrated. Honorable mentions to Empty Sky, 21 At 33, and The Fox.

[@frankbartoszak7637]

No.3 rock of the westies no2.goodbye yellow brick road no.1 don't shoot me...

[@daveycretin664]

Jason’s right, Jump Up! is Reginald’s peak 1980s album… hands down! I was there when it came out and l bought it new due to “Empty Garden.” I think it’s the best Lennon tribute song out there.

[@musictwins82]

Does anybody else think that The Lockdown Sessions should be disregarded as an Elton John studio album due to the fact that several of the tracks were previously released on albums by the performers that Elton collaborated with?

[@Svein-Frode]

Oh, I've been waiting for this! I listened through all the albums and did my ranking a year ago before seeing EJ live in Oslo. Great show BTW. Now, for some coffee and biscuits so I can survive your two hour and fifteen minutes marathon!

[@OttawaNow]

I'm surprised no one mentioned I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That.

[@TheDigitizedMusician]

This video is the three of you at your absolute best. Your roasting of those bottom five albums is 100 times better than the albums themselves. Classic.

[@OttawaNow]

Bernie Taupin is being inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame this year. Elton John was inducted in 1994. Both of them were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1992.

[@margaretfogler1848]

Chloe (The Fox) is one of Elton's most underrated songs ♥️

[@jackde1965]

I already commented, but I'm commenting again... Really great job guys. I loved this video.

[@MikeHoffey]

Nice job on the EJ breakdown. A ton of material. A Single Man and Sleeping With The Past I think we’re underrated.

[@chessandearl]

Thanks Guys, great job on this!

[@OttawaNow]

No one mentioned I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That when talking about Reg Strikes Back. That was a # 2 hit!

[@bartholomeusjgunspy]

I've been asking for it!! Thanks guys :)

[@melonfarmers1]

Completely agree with the drum sound on Captain....it is quite simply the best drum sound I've heard

[@jbellinger99]

Yay - we love content! Thank you!

[@davidellis5141]

Love when the band & crew/ hangers on all are feeling blue when Tiny Dancer comes on & they all sing along in Almost Famous. Great scene ! 🚌

[@davidfinn3362]

Thank you Kram, Friends is my number 1 Elton album, so glad it made your top 10. This album’s sound is half ways between Elton John S/T and Tumbleweed, what could be better?

[@jbellinger99]

I never knew his discography was so large.

[@ustheserfs]

he's been playing for over 50 years, it would be wouldn't it

[@toddhill7483]

After the 1970s, you're not missing out on a whole lot.

[@3bwana]

54 years worth of Lps so yeah…large

[@Scooterboi60]

@@toddhill7483 interesting. He had a top 40 hit consecutively every year for 30 years. Something no other artist has achieved. The 80s and after might not be what you like but he moved with the times and remained relevant into the 2000s with some songs that will become classics just as his 70s songs have.

[@toddhill7483]

@@Scooterboi60 i get it. Post 80s elton just doesn't resonate with me.

[@pauljohnson5925]

Growing up as a teenager back in the 70's, it was pretty much wall to wall Elton John for a lot of us. I saw him live numerous times towards the end of that decade and throughout the 80's. I was also pretty much a "completist" when it came to all things EJ and vinyl. My 33rpm collection, which I still have, goes all the way from 1969's debut "Empty Sky" to the 1996 release "The One" A total of 24 studio albums (counting the "Friends" soundtrack as you have) I pretty much gave up collecting after 96, listening sporadically to later releases but truthfully, for me, I'd kinda checked out way back in 76' after the "Blue Moves" double album. An album that I happen to disagree with most people on and rate very highly. All that said, I was intrigued and I can't lie, a little excited, to see that you had turned your attention to Elton for your latest TLM Discography week. I didn't need to go back and listen to the early stuff as I know it off by heart and still play it regularly. I did take a listen to some of the later stuff but it was a real struggle, so I gave up and list you just my Top 10. So, in descending order. 10. Rock Of The Westies ⭐⭐⭐ 9. Caribou ⭐⭐⭐ 8. Blue Moves ⭐⭐⭐ 7. Elton John ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 6. Honky Chateau ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5. Don't Shoot Me... ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 3. Tumbleweed Connection ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 2. Captain Fantastic ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1. Madman Across The Water ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Madman has risen to the top for me over the last few years. It was always a favourite but tended to get lost with the repeat plays of the other usual suspects. Not something I see you all agree with but hey ho! And the worst, hands down, EJ album "Leather Jackets" No Stars. Great review. Looking forward to the top 10 songs and the "Side 3" (great tracks that never made albums?)

[@DavidJohnSongwriter]

Great video.

[@marybarry2230]

I kind of laugh because being a teenager in the 70s, I’m probably old enough to be your grandmother, but I really enjoy all your comments! It makes me want to go back now and listen to some of the albums that I didn’t buy or bother to listen to when Elton John changed his music after the 70s! Thanks for this it’s really interesting hearing all your comments and critiques!

[@ComeJesusChrist]

Joe has the most fascinating taste in the group and some of his comments are amazingly right on point and insightful.

[@johnw706]

I like your different ratings and rankings . Very entertaining . Kramzer gets it with Honky Chateau . Jason gets it with Pinky ( a wildly underrated song ) , and the Caribou album , and Joe gets it with his descriptions of the songs on Captain Fantastic . You're all correct . They're all great . My gateway to Elton was Honky Chateau in 1972 , and that album didn't leave my turntable for ages ( which explains its position in my ranking ) . I saw him for the first time at Maple Leaf Gardens on the Don't Shoot Me tour in 1973 , and he killed those songs live ( which , again , explains it's position in my ranking ) , and man , could that band cook on stage . I saw his subsequent tours for Goodbye Yellow Brick Road , Captain Fantastic , Caribou , and he killed all of those songs as well . My list in order of preference : Honky Chateau. ( hidden gem : Mellow ) Don't Shoot Me. ( hidden gem : Blues for My Baby & Me , with Teacher I Need You a close second ) Captain Fantastic ( hidden gem : We All Fall in Love Sometimes ) Goodbye Yellow Brick Road ( Hidden Gem : Grey Seal. , with This Song Has No Title and Harmony right behind ) Caribou ( Hidden gem : Pinky , it's fabulous , listen to that synthesiser meandering through that song ) Madman Across the Water. ( hidden gem : Razor Face. , great keyboard solo ) Elton John ( Hidden gem : I Need You to Turn To ) Tumbleweed Connection. ( Hidden gem : Talking Old Soldiers ) Rock of the Westies. ( Hidden gem : I Feel Like a Bullet. , the live version on his 4cd boxset is even better ) Empty Sky ( Hidden gem : Skyline Pigeon , the piano version on the Don't Shoot Me Cd under bonus tracks is the definitive version ) Cheers !!

[@unchattytwit]

The best album ranking video I've seen. I'm an Elton fan but gave up listening after The Fox so I'll have to go back and listen to the recommended albums I haven't heard. Listened to 'Jump Up' for the first time and liked it. My initial ranking: Captain Fantastic; Honkey Chateau; Elton john; Goodbye; Madman; Tumbleweed; Don't Shoot; Blue; A Single; Empty; Caribou; The Fox; Jump Up

[@michaelhauser3320]

The packaging of Captain Fantastic was a masterpiece in itself!

[@keithjones7390]

I've still got my vinyl copy with the extra booklet and poster, my third favourite EJ album after GYBR and Madman.

[@179rich]

agreed. I adore that kind of art.

[@davidmaholchic6146]

Could this be you guys most civil countdown? Great job kudos!

[@viscountpalmerston]

Oh I'm looking forward to this one!

[@AbbeyRoadkill1]

1. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973) 5 2. Honky Chateau (1972) 5 3. Elton John (1970) 5 4. Tumbleweed Connection (1970) 4.5 5. Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player (1973) 4.5 6. Madman Across the Water (1971) 4.5 7. Captain Fantastic & The Brown Dirt Cowboy (1974) 4.5 8. Caribou (1974) 4 9. Rock of the Westies (1975) 4 10. Empty Sky (1969) 3.5 11. Blue Moves (1976) 3.5 12. Jump Up! (1982) 3.5 13. Songs From the West Coast (2001) 3.5 14. Too Low for Zero (1983) 3 15. Sleeping With the Past (1989) 3 16. 21 at 33 (1980) 3 17. Made in England (1995) 3 18. Peachtree Road (2004) 3 19. A Single Man (1978) 2.5 20. The One (1992) 2.5 21. The Lockdown Sessions (2021) 2.5 22. The Big Picture (1997) 2.5 23. Wonderful Crazy Night (2016) 2.5 24. The Captain & The Kid (2006) 2.5 25. The Diving Board (2013) 2.5 26. Regimental Sgt. Zippo (2021) 2 27. The Fox (1981) 2 28. Breaking Hearts (1984) 2 29. Ice on Fire (1985) 2 30. Leather Jackets (1986) 1.5 31. Victim of Love (1979) 1.5 32. Reg Strikes Back (1988) 1.5 CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER: 3.5 Empty Sky (1969) 5.0 Elton John (1970) 4.5 Tumbleweed Connection (1970) 4.5 Madman Across the Water (1971) 5.0 Honky Chateau (1972) 4.5 Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player (1973) 5.0 Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973) 4.0 Caribou (1974) 4.5 Captain Fantastic & The Brown Dirt Cowboy (1974) 4.0 Rock of the Westies (1975) 3.5 Blue Moves (1976) 2.5 A Single Man (1978) 1.5 Victim of Love (1979) 3.0 21 at 33 (1980) 2.0 The Fox (1981) 3.5 Jump Up! (1982) 3.0 Too Low for Zero (1983) 2.0 Breaking Hearts (1984) 2.0 Ice on Fire (1985) 1.5 Leather Jackets (1986) 1.5 Reg Strikes Back (1988) 3.0 Sleeping With the Past (1989) 2.5 The One (1992) 3.0 Made in England (1995) 2.5 The Big Picture (1997) 3.5 Songs From the West Coast (2001) 3.0 Peachtree Road (2004) 2.5 The Captain & The Kid (2006) 2.5 The Diving Board (2013) 2.5 Wonderful Crazy Night (2016) 2.0 Regimental Sgt. Zippo (2021) 2.5 The Lockdown Sessions (2021) For most musicians, the songwriting process starts with creating music and the lyrics follow from there. Turning words on a page into a memorable tune is an old school kind of talent, and Elton John seemed to do it effortlessly. It's been said that during his early 1970s heyday, Elton could've taken the words from the back of a Cracker Jack box and made an epic song out of them. I have no doubt that's true, but he didn't need to because he was working with the great Bernie Taupin. Elton's early efforts are heavily influenced by classical music. Harpsichord haters need not apply. Empty Sky (1969) oozes potential and rewards repeated listens, even if none of the songs reach classic status (the title track and "Syline Pigeon" come closest). His U.S. debut, Elton John (1970), relies on thick orchestral arrangements (some would say too thick) but all the songs ring true. "Take Me to the Pilot," "Border Song," and "The King Must Die" have stuck with me the longest. For being a British bloke, Elton pulls off the Old West theme of Tumbleweed Connection (1970) remarkably well. The music isn't really country & western, but has just enough of that flavor to be convincing. "Burn Down the Mission" gets the most press but the whole LP hunts, as they say. "My Father's Gun" might be his most underrated song. Honky Chateau (1971) takes the American vibe of 'Tumbleweed' and makes it even more rhythmic and catchy. Elton owns every genre he touches, from gospel ("Salvation") to New Orleans jazz ("I Think I'm Going to Kill Myself"). The penultimate track, "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters," is just a stunning piece of art. Arguably, the first half of Madman Across the Water (1972) constitutes the best 'side' in his discography ("Tiny Dancer," "Levon," "Razor Face," and the title track). But side two of 'Madman' fades a bit, which keeps it from getting to 5 stars in my book. Elton skirts closer to MOR than ever before on 1973's Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player ("Crocodile Rock," "Daniel"). On the other hand, it hosts a hoard of his strongest deep cuts, including "High Flying Bird," "Blues For My Baby & Me," "Elderberry Wine," "Have Mercy On the Criminal," "Texan Love Song," and "I'm Going to Be a Teenage Idol." Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (also 1973) is a couple-three tracks too long. Nevertheless, it's one of the most audacious and convincing double albums in existence, with a song for every mood. The opener, "Funeral For a Friend," stands up to the likes of Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven. "Candle in the Wind" is the most emotionally resonant entry in the John/Taupin songbook. The title track might be Elton's best melody. 1974's Caribou has moments as good as anything in his catalog ("Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me," "Ticking," "Pinky") but is relatively inconsistent compared to his previous 5 LPs. He rebounded with Captain Fantastic & The Brown Dirt Cowboy (also 1974), an autobiographical album that tells the story of Elton and Bernie's early partnership. This includes their first meeting (the title track), writing songs for other artists ("Bitter Fingers"), Elton's suicide attempt ("Someone Saved My Life Tonight"), and their pursuit of a recording contract ("Gotta Get a Meal Ticket"). At this point, Elton was on the kind of roll most artists only dream about. Rock of the Westies (1975) largely continues that momentum, boasting the U.S. #1 single "Island Girl" and the boogie throwdown "Grow Some Funk on Your Own." Unfortunately, Elton jettisoned his great backing band just prior 'Westies,' which, in hindsight, portended a downturn in his career. Blue Moves (1976) is where Elton starts coming back down to Earth. It has some good tunes to be sure ("Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word," "Out of the Blue," "Tonight," "Cage the Songbird") but it leans too heavily on balladry and isn't consistent enough to warrant double album length. 1978's A Single Man is the first LP Elton made without Bernie Taupin's lyrical input, and it shows. His next release, Victim of Love (1979), jumps on the disco bandwagon. Only "Thunder in the Night" saves it from the abyss. The rest of Elton's output is a pretty mixed bag. His early-'80s albums are serviceable (1982's Jump Up! being the highlight) but he falls off a cliff in the late-'80s. Leather Jackets (1986) and Reg Strikes Back (1988) are two of the worst albums made by a legacy act during that decade. In the 1990s he went full adult-contemporary, which puts a ceiling on how much I like those albums. His best release of the new millennium, Songs From the West Coast (2001), manages to unearth some of that old '70s glory. Whatever you think of Elton's music after 1976, his work ethic has to be admired. He can't be accused of being lazy. It's questionable how influential Elton was outside the world of pop music, which holds him back a bit compared to some of his contemporaries. However, for melody, he's one of the elites. He's such a natural he would've been a giant in any era- pretty much a no-brainer for my all-time top 50. MY RATING SYSTEM: 5.0 = major classic (consistently great *and* stratospheric highs) 4.5 = minor classic (consistently great *or* stratospheric highs, but not both) 4.0 = great (a clear majority is worth revisiting and it's one of the best things for this artist/style) 3.5 = seriously good (at least half is worth revisiting) 3.0 = nominally good (less than half is worth revisiting) 2.5 = fair (competent but uninspired, not worth revisiting) 2.0 = poor (difficult listen) 1.5 = awful (can't finish it) 1.0 = historically awful (musical apocalypse) ▪︎ "Consistently" does not mean "flawlessly." I allow for a few duds if the rest of the songs are good enough. "Stratospheric highs" refer to albums that feature iconic songs or have an iconic sound. (Albums I consider to be "perfect" can also reach 5 stars, even without containing legendary songs or being highly influential.) ▪︎ I don't go below 1 star because once I'm in the realm of the truly terrible, I don't care to differentiate anymore. ▪︎ Anything I rate 3.5 stars or better is an album I'm enthusiastic about and would likely revisit at some point.

[@179rich]

Some surprises in your list Whammy, very cool. I'm reading your notes now.

[@179rich]

Hope you are doing well. This video took forever to come out but it was worth the wait.

[@AbbeyRoadkill1]

I'm glad they took their time. I'd rather see the TLM guys be meticulous and "get it right" (from their perspective, of course) as opposed to doing a rush job that needs later revising.

[@JohannesYtterstrom]

Ranking the albums I own! #14. The One (1992) #13. Caribou (1974) #12. The Union (with Leon Russell) (2010) #11. Songs from the West Coast (2001) #10. Wonderful Crazy Night (2016) #9. The Complete Thom Bell Sessions (1989) #8. The Lion King (1994) #7. Elton John (1970) #6. Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player (1973) #5. Tumbleweed Connection (1970) #4. Honky Château (1972) #3. Madman Across the Water (1971) #2. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973) #1. Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (1975) Some thoughts: #13. Never really cared for Caribou for some reason. It "should" rank higher than the later albums I guess but something is just missing for me. #9. The Complete Thom Bell Sessions is a hidden gem. Recorded in late 1970's and just very fun and upbeat. One song is waaaay too long.. Besides that. I love it! #8. It might be because of my age and all the memories but The Lion King Soundtrack with the cartoon songs, Elton John songs and the work of Hans Zimmer just make it very enjoyable. Playful and quite dark at times. All within top 7-1 especially 5-1 is albums I rank very highly. I also like that they cover different moods. I find Madman much deeper than Honky but Honky is perhaps the most perfect pop album Elton John ever did. Two great albums for different moods. Yellow Brick Road contains so much good work but honestly.. Some filler and is just too long. Cut down a few tracks on it and it might have been number 1!

[@xyloxia]

I love this idea of ranking the albums that I own! Here goes: 1. Honky Chateau 2. Madman Across the Water There you have it. No sweat!

[@danielhkhk7283]

​@@xyloxiaYou already have his two best albums.

[@pauldaniels2019]

I loved EJ . . . Until Caribou, never bought another album of his after that

[@JohannesYtterstrom]

@@pauldaniels2019 I understand but you never bought "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (1975)"? If not.. You definitely should check it out. You see these guys all rankt it high and so do I. That is a must in a EJ-collection!

[@xyloxia]

@@JohannesYtterstrom in those days it was more a matter of economy than musical taste 😂

[@Vanessa.P]

It was quite a journey going through this discography. Probably not helped by the fact that I got through all the worst period binging three albums a day 😅. But I came out of it still loving the best stuff as much as before or even more, so I consider that a win! Some interesting listens, some boring listens and some surprises along the way (even made a last minute revision just now). Even with all the stuff that was not so great I am still happy I heard all of these somehow. Completing a big discography like this always has a satisfying feeling of achievement at the end. 35) The Lockdown Sessions - 1(1.8) 34) Duets - 1 (2.2) 33) Ice on Fire - 1.5 (2.8) 32) Leather Jackets - 1.5 (3.1) 31) Reg Strikes Back - 1.5 (3.2) 30) The One - 1.5 (3.3) 29) Victim of Love - 2 (3.7) 28) The Big Picture - 2.5 (4.8) 27) 21 at 33 - 2.5 (4.8) 26) Sleeping With the Past - 2.5 (5.0) 25) Wonderful Crazy Night - 2.5 (5.1) 24) The Diving Board - 2.5 (5.2) 23) Too Low For Zero - 2.5 (5.2) 22) Breaking Hearts - 2.5 (5.4) 21) The Union - 2.5 (5.5) 20) Regimental Sgt Zippo - 3 (5.7) 19) Peachtree Road - 3 (5.7) 18) The Captain & The Kid - 3 (5.9) 17) A Single Man - 3 (6.1) 16) Friends - 3 (6.4) 15) Jump Up! - 3.5 (6.8) 14) Empty Sky - 3.5 (6.9) 13)Blue Moves - 3.5 (7.0) 12) Made in England - 3.5 (7.4) 11) Rock of the Westies - 3.5 (7.5) 10) The Fox - 4 (7.8) 9) Songs From the West Coast - 4 (8.0) 8) Don’t Shoot Me, I’m Only the Piano Player - 4 (8.1) 7) Elton John - 4 (8.4) 6) Madman Across the Water - 4.5 (9.0) 5) Caribou - 4.5 (9.0) 4) Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy - 4.5 (9.1) 3) Honky Chateau - 4.5 (9.2) 2) Goodbye Yellow Brick Road - 4.5 (9.3) 1) Tumbleweed Connection - 4.5 (9.4)

[@179rich]

Love it V! I guess I'm a bigger Elton fan than you. But you never know just going on ratings. It's all relative. Peace girl!

[@Vanessa.P]

@@179rich I think it's awesome that you found lots more to enjoy in the later period!

[@bengalgangster]

great job my friend😍

[@weirddebbiem1619]

Great list. Like you, I made changes as I was typing the list. I was familiar with Elton's 70s -80s albums so that helped in some ways. There were a couple of surprises in my top 10. It was great revisiting and discovering Elton's discography.

[@Vanessa.P]

@@bengalgangster Thanks 🐯!

[@lippscantelon9144]

I do think you guys under value the blue moves album

[@rvegas81]

I’m going to check some of this out!

[@mreye73]

Can you post a link to a video where you guys explain your individual ranking systems? I would be interested to know the process you follow to come up with your scores.

[@TastesLikeMusic]

I forget what video we explain them in. We should do one again.

[@johncarr2806]

I saw Elton for the first time in 1974, when I was 15 years old.

[@tylerhackner9731]

What an incredible discography

[@laganrat8996]

I like Elton's 80s output a lot more than the average fan, and I don't understand how most of it could be considered "bad". Sure, it's not as iconic as the earlier stuff, but I still have fun listening and don't find it offensive. I personally find super-80s production very enjoyable and interesting, and I'm tired of music critics hating on it so much. Come on people, it's 2023!

[@AbbeyRoadkill1]

I think Elton's '80s is a tale of two halves. His early '80s stuff is alright, even great in spots. But he goes off the rails in the second half of the '80s, the one exception being 1989's Sleeping With the Past, which is okay.

[@laganrat8996]

@@AbbeyRoadkill1 21 at 33 and Jump Up are my favorites, but I think LJ and RSB are better than most say.

[@chrismcgovern1647]

Guys, fun fact for you: When "Sad Songs" came out, it was semi-rerecorded for a Sasson jeans ad, and it was basically a 30-second version of the "Sad Songs" video advertising Sasson jeans. You could not tell if he had to change "Sad Songs" to "Sassons", it sounded pretty much the same.

[@bengalgangster]

here goes 35 lockdown session 2.0 34 wonderful crazy night 2.0 33 regimental sargaent zipper 2.0 32 duets 2.5 31 the diving board 2.5 30 the big picture 2.5 29 the one 2'5 28 reg strikes back 2.5 27 peachtree road 2.5 26 the union 2.5 25 sleeping with the past 2.5 24 songs from the west coast 2.5 23 friends 2.5 22 blue moves 3.0 21 21 at 33 3.0 20 leather jackets 3.0 19 breaking hearts 3.0 18 victim of love 3.0 17 too low for zero 3.0 16 ice on fire 3.0 15 empty sky 3.0 14 a single man 3.0 13 caribou 3.0 12 the captain and the kid 3.0 11 elton john 3.5 10 the fox 3.5 9 jump up 3.5 8 made in england 3,5 7 rock of the westies 3,5 6 tumbleweed connection 3.5 5 madman across the water 4.0 4 dont shoot me im only the piano player 4.5 3 honkey chateau 4.5 2 goodbye yeollow brick road 5.0 1 captain fantastic and the brown dirt cowboy 5.0 my #1 has been my #1 since i heard it and always will fun long listo cheers 🐯🐯

[@Betta66]

I liked Regimental Sergeant Zippo :/

[@bengalgangster]

@@Betta66 this was very hard , and ratings would be different 2 months from now🐯

[@weirddebbiem1619]

Great list, bengal. We have some similar opinions. My top 14 can change at any time. I changed three of the top seven as I was typing out my list. Thank you for telling me about this topic. 🎶🎶💜💜

[@bengalgangster]

@@weirddebbiem1619 thank you sweetie , im glad you enjoyed elton , and im so glad you joined us here on TLM💜💜 yes it was a struggle to put together this album list

[@weirddebbiem1619]

@@bengalgangster You're welcome, bengal. I had a somewhat easier time with the albums than the songs. lol 🎶💜💜

[@wesleyorser4451]

Kramzer's dog just submitted his own rankings. He's got The Bitch is Back as their #1 song.

[@lamarschlabach3933]

Hi Jason, Good to hear you mention Ball and Chain, which I first heard on an Earl Thomas Conley record (Don't Make it Easy for Me) back in the early 80's, when I was a young Amish kid and had to sneak around if I wanted to listen to music. I'm a huge fan of your channel __Thank you!

[@nikosvault]

Hope you guys will do Bee Gees at some point.

[@TastesLikeMusic]

We will. Jason is a big fan.

[@mattmiller4917]

Jason's passionately scathing review of the bottom five rocked. Metal level critical venom. Love the unbridled honesty.

[@ChesterCopperpott02]

Wow, The Flaming Lips and Smashing Pumpkins next! That sounds great!

[@andrewsuppa7468]

Great in-depth dive into his catalog. I've been a stead fast fan since my dad's 8 track tape of Honky Chateau. I've seen him four times in concert. Even got to go up on stage with him in Vegas. You guys have pointed out something I've known for some time. Not everything he's done is great. Leather Jackets and Victim of Love were my known low points for him. Being a long time fan , you look for good to great in every album. You guys brought up some great points that I mostly agree with. Growing older gives you a better perspective on things you hold dear. I will say that Mad Man and The Diving Board are really good albums for me. But never rose to multiple listens status like many of the other albums. Upon release, I would listen to an album until it wore out. Not so much on those two. Anyway, great episode. Watched it twice.

[@raymcgrath4116]

I'm coming late to the party and I extend my apologies. I am of an age whereby I can remember when Elton John was current in the early seventies and I can tell you confidently that when "Friends" came out in 1971`, people were stunned by its beauty and sophistication. I suspect that working with Paul Buckmaster reigned in the more extravagant flourishes that Elton and Taupin were inclined towards and I find that it holds up well to this day. It was clearly an inspired decision to pair Elton John with Buckmaster. Of course they had worked together on his 1970 album "Elton John" but it was on "Friends" that a maturation of the relationship became evident, I'm glad that you lads recognise the importance of the an album whose pleasures grow with each passing day.

[@ryanlindsay5441]

I'm big Elton John fan for long time

[@willem-janageling3907]

So looking forward to this 2 hour video!

[@bradmenpes809]

I know this is a double post but I have an Elton John moment I'd like to share ... I saw Sir Elton on his Tour De Force tour in 1986 (a part of his last show of that tour, recorded in Sydney, is the album Live in Australia with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra). I went to his first Perth show (25 November 1986). Up until the Black Ice tour (6 March 2010 at Subiaco Oval), these tickets were the most expensive I'd ever bought for any musical performance. Prior to the concert, Sir Elton played in a charity cricket match held at the University of Western Australia (my alma mater). He is mad keen on cricket but, as we found out, he wasn't the most skilled at the game. The crowning moment of the match was when Sir Elton came in to bat. The bowler sent down the gentlest delivery you might imagine, Sir Elton took a big swipe at it, missed it, and he was clean bowled. Being Australian, the crowd showed no mercy. They hooted and jeered. The players hastily agreed to allow Sir Elton to have another try at batting. The crowd cheered. The second ball bowled to Sir Elton was very, very gentle. He took a huge swipe at it, it skied up into the air, and the fielder at mid wicket almost apologetically took the simplest of catches. The crowd hooted and jeered. Sir Elton got halfway off the oval, and to the great surprise of everyone, pulled down his pants and mooned the crowd. The crowd laughed and cheered and gave him a standing ovation. After the match, Sir Elton was sitting with members of his band, and in another group sat the legendary Ross Wilson with the members of Mondo Rock, who opened for Sir Elton on this tour. Ross Wilson's previous band was Daddy Cool, and their signature song is the stone cold Australian classic, "Eagle Rock," purportedly the inspiration behind Sir Elton's "Crocodile Rock." After meeting Wilson and getting his autograph, I went over to Sir Elton and asked him for his autograph. In his entourage was Davey Johnstone and Ray Cooper. The conversation went as follows: Me: Hi, Mr John. Can I have your autograph? Sir Elton: (holding out his hand for my notebook and pen) What's your name? Me: (giving Sir Elton my notebook and pen) Brad. Sir Elton: Oh, how butch! (entourage laughs) He then proceeded to write his autograph into my notebook. And the concert? Mondo Rock opened. They were excellent. They played their own material and also played "Eagle Rock." Sir Elton started solo on the piano, then with his band, and then with his band and the orchestra. He did this twice (so six sets). Between the first three sets and second three sets, there was an intermission. He played for over four hours. I didn't know one artist could have so much material. It was an immaculate performance from all concerned, and remains one of the greatest concerts I've ever attended.

[@TastesLikeMusic]

That is awesome. - Joe

[@WilliamThomasjr]

Loved this video

[@OttawaNow]

Favorite album - Friends - Friends, Michelle's Song, Honey Roll, Can I Put You On

[@danielhkhk7283]

Very pretty album indeed.

[@stevendavid5370]

Well done on the ranking of Elton John's studio albums. I think each of you gave a fair assessment on why you ranked each album in that particular position. Can you mention or recommend any live albums you think are good?

[@TastesLikeMusic]

17-11-70 is killer

[@eaglesrule1415]

Loved this listography from you if for no other reason relistening to Tumbleweed👍. Ambitious effort just from the sheer quantity of material for you guys. If you did Zappa you might not make it. Love this content.

[@janpoelkamp4229]

I recall Kramz saying ‘Song For A Guy’, it’s actually Song For Guy as it’s named after Guy Burchett, his messenger boy who got killed in a motorcycle accident on the same day Elton wrote the song.

[@trickygoose2]

My (older) sister had it on a 7" single. This on interesting as I can remember precious little other evidence of her being an Elton fan.

[@chrismcgovern1647]

24:35 You break my heart Jason, I luv "I'm Still Standing"

[@bgbe7119]

So, the takeaways are: 1. Elton John has a 25% hit rate - but ask yourself, honestly, what's yours? 2. Don't worry about anything after 1978 - even if there's an occasional (disputed) return to form 3. He did all his really good stuff between 1970 and 1978 - so no need to feel guilty about not listening to all that stuff you weren't going to listen to anyway (I won't) 4. But, depending on which of these guys you speak to, the bath water might have started to cool as early as 1976 or even 1975 5. Given he's only just retiring in 2023, that's at least a 45-year career after he peaked - I assume he'll now be moving into senior management or consulting 6. It's all in a name - imagine if his debut had been Saturday Night's Alright With Dwight 7. Jason is right about 'I'm Still Standing' - it is absolutely nail-gun godawful I don't have the massive love for Elton that you three do, but when I was wet behind the ears in the 1970s, Elton was always part of the musical landscape. I knew and liked lots of songs, had my 'best of' collections on tape and even bought Captain Fantastic on vinyl when it came out. Liked some songs on it then, like some now. Some more now than then, and none less. There are lots of good songs on all those albums between 'Elton John' and 'Blue Moves', though I still think of him more in terms of songs than albums. But, if I had to pick a best one, I'd plump for Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. Another fine trawl, gentlemen. I'll certainly be revisiting Reg's most fecund years over the coming week and cooking up a whole new personal 'best of Hercules'. Because I'm too old to be a purist.

[@weirddebbiem1619]

Ok, here I go. As i was typing out my list, it slightly changed. My top 14 can change at any time. 35. The Lockdown Sessions 1.0/5 34. Leather Jackets 1.5/5 33. Ice on Fire 1.5/5 32. Duets 1.5/6 31. Victim of Love 2/5 30. The Big Picture 2/5 29. Reg Strikes Back 2/5 28. Breaking Hearts 2/5 27. The Diving Board 2.5/5 26. Sleeping With the Past 2.5/5 25. Friends 2.5/5 24. Too Low For Zero 2.5/5 23. Wonderful Crazy Night 3/5 22. Regimental Sgt. Zippo 3/5 21. Empty Sky 3/5 20. The Union 3/5 19. 21 on 33 3/5 18. The Captain and the Kid 3.5/5 17. The One 3.5/5 16. Blue Moves 3.5/5 15. Peachtree Road 3.5/5 14. Songs From the West Coast 4/5 13. Jump Up 4/5 12. The Fox 4/5 11. A Rock of the Westies 4/5 10. A Single Man 4/5 9. Elton John 4.5/5 8. Made In England 4.5/5 7. Caribou 4.5/5 6. Don't Shoot Me, I'm the Piano Man 5/5 5. Honky Chateau 5/5 4. Captain Fantastic & the Dirt Brown Cowboy 5/5 3. Tumbleweed Connection 5/5 2. Madman Across the Water 5/5 1. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road 5/5

[@bengalgangster]

great list sweetie , , wow 6 5 star albums , as you say these lists can change, and it was a true journey, it will be fun comparing our song lists 💜💜

[@weirddebbiem1619]

@@bengalgangster Thank you, bengal. Yes, the list can change and so can the rating. You are correct, it certainly was a journey. I can't wait until the song list. I want to see if we have any similarities. 🎶💜💜

[@bengalgangster]

@@weirddebbiem1619 oh im curious also , especially you made a comment to me about your #1 song!!💜💜

[@weirddebbiem1619]

@@bengalgangster My #1 and #2 keep flip flopping so who knows what it will be. 😂 An hour ago, my #22 rose to #3. It's been crazy doing this list. 🤪 🎶💜💜

[@TomCwimpRock]

I agree 100% with Kramzer about the underrated-ness of the “Friends” album which was perfectly stated. I think also, that people may tend to write it off strictly by the awful album cover, which, in an interview, Elton referred to as “that f--king pink massacre” - enjoyed the video guys..

[@OttawaNow]

I think the harmonica opener on Simple Life was inspired by Take The Long Way Home by Supertramp.

[@OttawaNow]

I wonder why all the song titles on Made In England were one word titles. Did Elton ask Bernie to do that?

[@jamesburgess1010]

Gotta say about "Friends". So it's got 5 original and fully fleshed out John/Taupin songs on it. I love each one of them so much! They're as great as the very best songs off his masterpieces like say Tumbleweed, Honky Chateau or Goodbye Yellow. So damn, how do I rate that record, ya know? Also, I think "Empty Sky" doesn't get enough love, as a really good debut! Finally, "Rock of the Westies" - I love the vibe on that record, which I wish Elton did a little more of. Hard rocking, raw & spontaneous sounding.

[@OttawaNow]

The Marriage Songs - (83) Kiss The Bride, (89) I Never Knew Her Name, (90) I Swear I Heard The Night Talkin', (92) On Dark Street

[@OttawaNow]

DUETS - Best Tracks - The Power by Elton John and Little Richard, When I Think About Love (I Think About You) by Elton John and P.M. Dawn, Old Friend by Elton John and Nik Kershaw, Teardrops by Elton John and kd lang, A Woman's Needs by Elton John and Tammy Wynette, Duets For One by Elton John.

[@QuinnMiller-dk6nu]

Interesting to hear these guys’ take on the EJ discography. They are well educated on the topic so I can accept our differences in opinion. Also, I stopped buying Elton’s stuff after Made In England so I can’t even comment on late 90s on. Well, I do have The Union. I always say take Victim of Love out of the discussion, it’s a side project at best and I’m sure something the record company insisted on putting his voice and name on. It’s fun fluff… but a proper studio album it is not. Honky Chateau is my #1 as well. Can’t believe the track “Mellow” didn’t get a shout out! Entertaining debate.

[@cheapcinemachannel4548]

Cheers to Joe for giving 'Rock of the Westies' a proper showing. Terrific album, great singles. 'Yell Help' cool opener, 'Robert Ford' better than some of his more celebrated ballads, 'Feed Me' a nice, moody sleeper tucked in near the end. And 'Grow Some Funk' is one of his very best fast ones. Can't beat that vocal, "Oh, he was so macho..

[@barbaracaroll]

1975 was a great year for Elton

[@magicbus63]

Nothing Comes Close To Goodbye Yellow Brick Road I Mean Nothing Whole Album Is Epic!

[@OttawaNow]

The opening for In Neon sounds just like the opening for Roy Rogers.

[@noslen954]

Love ❤ you guys When are you going to review Rickie Lee Jones catalog?

[@JoshPCohen]

Great video. Tumbleweed Connection and 11-17-70 are my favorite Elton John albums. But there are certainly arguments for his others. Yellow Brick Road is wonderful, but I think it's marred by one of Elton's few misogynistic songs, "Dirty Little Girl." At the same time, it does also have some of Elton's best songs.

[@derekroberts6654]

very insightful. i’m wondering. i have the Jewel box set and i love the “Deep Cuts” section (first 2 discs and i wish they’d sell that set separately. There are just a few that i wish were replaced. like for example i wish maybe instead of “Mellow” from “Honky Chatue”, i would’ve put “Hercules”… i would’ve replaced “House” with “Blessed” from “Made In England”. there should’ve been at least one song from “Madman….” (Although “All The Nasties” is on the last disc entitled “And This Is Me”) Maybe one too many songs from “Captian Fantastic….” although i absolutely love “Meal Ticket”… i wonder if some day y’all can do some kind of commentary on the “Jewel Box”?

[@hildegardseibenstein3263]

Captian Chatue...

[@ChristopherPreece1999]

What an undertaking to listen to all of this, personally I like a few songs but not so much that I. Would sit through all of that, it gives me the same feeling as queen albums, lots of filler and a few bangers here and there

[@beetlebum7760]

That’s exactly how I feel about his albums. Captain Fantastic for example, starts off with one of his best songs, the title track, but after that, I just don’t hear what’s supposed to be so great about the rest. I recently gave my LP away as a gift for a friend. Not that I agree with critics in general, the Beatles later LPs are way overrated but still appear on almost every best albums of all time lists, but they are right about not having Elton’s albums on those lists, except for a couple here and there. That applies to Queen even more, one great single (Killer Queen), that’s all the Queen records I need.

[@AndI0td763]

That’s what I’m hearing now too. Especially the repetition with Elton John, much of the same kinda stuff but admittedly I haven’t heard a lot yet. Queen I was never huge on. And I also think those later Beatles albums are pretty overrated. The white album seems full of filler. I guess people’s argument is it’s either intentional filler or that anything the Beatles do is great. I don’t really buy that. Also Abbey Road I never quite got the acclaim for either. People just hear music differently to a degree I suppose.

[@conorfurlong]

1:20:20 …and I thought I was crazy. I think Bowie’s 70s catalogue might have something to say about that statement.

[@TastesLikeMusic]

Close second. - Joe

[@conorfurlong]

@@TastesLikeMusic joe joe joe… 🤯

[@JustinEdwords]

So I'm a "Victim of Love" defender. I know. Cheese but so damn catchy. I love "Warm Love in a Cold World" "Thunder in the Night". Hilarious. Those sun glasses. Look up the clip of him doing "Johnny B Goode" live on the australian show countdown. In full biker gear. 3)Victim of Love 2)Victim of Love 1)Victim of Love

[@violinmke]

Yuck.

[@dranet47]

They did play Harmony on the radio. I remember hearing it when I was a kid. Not a whole lot, but when I finally bought GYBR years later, I remembered it.

[@TerryVibes]

00:10 Good stuff.. Blessings

[@fourseasons4105]

Top 10: 1. Goodbye yellow brick road 2. Captain fantastic 3. Honky Chateau 4. Madman across the water 5. Tumbleweed connection 6. Caribou 7. Rock of the westies 8. Don't shoot me 9. Self titled 10. Blue moves

[@radarrob1443]

Another great job guys, my list was closest to Kramzers

[@mostynf]

Victim of Love is such an oddity in his career. It’s like someone in the studio pressed a button labelled “disco backing track” and Elton halfheartedly sang random things over it. It sounds cheap. If he’d wanted to he probably could’ve made a great disco album, if he fully committed to it, but this clearly wasn’t it.

[@TimeToGetAlone]

Definitely the biggest week I've participated along with. Some awesome highs, regrettable lows, and lots somewhere in between. 1. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road - ★★★★½ (Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding) 2. Honky Château - ★★★★½ (Rocket Man) 3. Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy - ★★★★½ (Someone Saved My Life Tonight) 4. Tumbleweed Connection ★★★★ (Where to Now St. Peter?) 5. Empty Sky - ★★★★ (Valhalla) 6. Elton John- ★★★★ (Your Song) 7. Don't Shoot Me, I'm Only the Piano Player - ★★★½ (Daniel) 8. Madman Across the Water - ★★★½ (Levon) 9. Too Low for Zero - ★★★½ (I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues) 10. Caribou - ★★★ (Ticking) 11. Peachtree Road - ★★★ (It's Getting Dark in Here) 12. Rock of the Westies - ★★★ (I Feel Like a Bullet (In the Gun of Robert Ford)) 13. Friends - ★★★ (Friends) 14. Blue Moves - ★★★ (Chameleon) 15. Songs from the West Coast - ★★★ (The Emperor's New Clothes) 16. A Single Man - ★★★ (Song for Guy) 17. Made in England - ★★★ (Believe) 18. Regimental Sgt. Zippo - ★★★ (A Dandelion Dies in the Wind) 19. 21 at 33 - ★★½ (Little Jeannie) 20. The Fox - ★★½ (Elton's Song) 21. Wonderful Crazy Night - ★★½ (In the Name of You) 22. The Union - ★★½ (Gone to Shiloh) 23. Jump Up! - ★★½ (Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny)) 24. The Captain & the Kid - ★★½ (And the House Fell Down) 25. The Big Picture - ★★½ (Something About the Way You Look Tonight) 26. The One - ★★½ (The One) 27. Breaking Hearts - ★★½ (Sad Songs (Say So Much)) 28. The Diving Board - ★★½ (Oscar Wilde Gets Out) 29. Sleeping With the Past - ★★ (Sacrifice) 30. Duets - ★★ (Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me) 31. Victim of Love - ★★ (Victim of Love) 32. Reg Strikes Back - ★★ (Since God Invented Girls) 33. Ice on Fire - ★★ (Nikita) 34. The Lockdown Sessions - ★½ (Finish Line) 35. Leather Jackets - ★½ (Gypsy Heart)

[@RobertCormier-i4h]

I'm with Kramzer on "Friends". Paul Buckmaster is a monster on the orchestral arrangements. And "Michelle's Song" is my all-time favorite Elton John song. Makes me weep every time, it's so stunningly beautiful.

[@curly_wyn]

I disagree with Kram completely. Also, the actual movie Friends is fucking terrible.

[@danielhkhk7283]

Agree, a good album and some great songs, Michelle's Song is the best.

[@bartman174]

First album I ever bought was Captain Fantastic, to me that is his best. However, Goodbye is a damn close second. To me, the greatest double album ever made. Where I truly differ from most is that my top 3 favorite EJ tracks came after the classic years. I did not think his 80’s output was that bad with the exception of Leather Jackets and Reg Strikes Back. That being said, top 3 songs: 3. Part Time Love 2. Little Jeannie 1. Chloe . EJ could rock, do a ballad , do country, do it all really, but he was the ultimate pop star. And I think he truly shines with a good pop song. These 3 had that special feel and great vocals. To each his own, but when an artist records that many albums there are bound to be clunkers. But I think Rock of the Westes, Jump Up and The Fox are highly under-rated.