first time hearing Elton John - Indian Sunset | Reaction!!

[@realbser1956]

People will tell you which version is better. All I can say is that every version of this is fantastic. As Elton said, Bernie’s lyrics could be set to film. A beautiful, tragic song about the decline of the American Indian population. The Madman Across the Water album, from which this song is a part of is a brilliant album. Every song is brilliant and Elton’s voice is pristine. The use of orchestrations only serves to cement that album as one of the best ever recorded, IMHO. Please try to get to this album if you’re going to do a deep dive into Elton John’s gigantic catalogue of music. Thanks Polo, loved your thoughts and commentary on both ends of the song. 🔥

[@lorrainebowen6530]

I still have and listen to the Madman Across the Water album that I bought in the 70’s!! ❤❤❤

[@michellehaynes2420]

I am 65 years old and have 'followed' him since he started. You are an amazing person to acknowledge him. I would also suggest Cat Stevens.

[@tracygahagan1872]

Yes. This is a great version, but you really need to hear the original from Madman Across the Water. His voice was amazing back in the early 70s!

[@MrRondonmon]

Or the version on BBC 1972, its just as good as the album.

[@sapphirejones7315]

Agreed, the original is very haunting with the strings and all.

[@steveorr94]

The studio version is much better and always gives me chills. It’s a much more powerful version.

[@roberormonde]

Dude, listen to the original version. His voice is amazing.

[@jeffbartholomew1152]

I’ve watched your reactions for some time now and I appreciate your openness and willingness to share your experiences and feelings. You’re constantly growing and evolving through these reactions and it’s what keeps me coming back.

[@randi_godspeed2063]

So glad you are open minded about things other than music. Our collective growth as humans is what makes us better. God’s blessings

[@hectorsmommy1717]

Congratulations to Elton and Bernie for being awarded the Gershwin Prize for popular song. For those unfamiliar with the Gershwin, it is awarded by the Library of Congress and celebrates the lifetime work of an artist whose career reflects the influence, impact and achievement in promoting song as a vehicle of musical expression and cultural understanding. This is the 14th time it has been given out. Previous winners include Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, Gloria and Emilio Estevan, and Willie Nelson. Congratulations also Elton John for winning the EGOT this year.

[@sgoslinga1]

I'm a white Dutch woman (71). I loved Game of Thrones. I also loved Lord of the rings. And I love watching you. The way you listen and react.

[@joycarter8479]

I’m a big Elton John fan, and I have never heard this song before…thank you.

[@cyndeetaylor]

Me too. It's beautiful.

[@llschnitz]

Elton sold almost 200 million records begore he “came out”. When you think of Elton John, him being gay is not the first thing that comes to mind. He is the #3 biggest selling artist of all time, behind Elvis and MJ. When you were growing up in the 90’s he didnt get much airplay on hip hop or even rock stations.

[@TexasMagnolia]

As an EJ fan, download Madman Across the Water album. You won’t be disappointed.

[@kirkhall2099]

listen to the studio version better@@cyndeetaylor

[@cyndeetaylor]

@@kirkhall2099 will find it tonite - thx!

[@llschnitz]

Percussionist Ray Cooper is a Beast. He’s been playing this song for almost fifty years. He always dresses and acts like a Mad Scientist. He’s played with Eric Clapton and ex-Beatles and many other big stars. . He’s definitely a band member, but sometimes he is able to tour with Elton and sometimes he isn’t. Its always a treat when he shows up to play!

[@ginger7044]

I continue to watch you because you are real. Honest. Not over done . I love it. Just be you….they’ll adjust AMEN.

[@mzondi1970]

Never seen game of thrones but I have seen Elton live

[@cyndeetaylor]

That's why we're here.

[@teej-h7w]

Taupin's contribution to this (misty) duo has always been missed. Elton is a musical genius, no mistaking. Taupin is a lyrical genius.

[@oldsoulsheart]

This song made me cry. Beautiful, beautiful.

[@patswanson2870]

I’m sure glad my bubble was huge. I was lucky to have been born at a time when all types of music was being played on the radio and the variety shows on tv. I loved it all. Folk, country, pop, soul, blues, rock, Motown, crooners such as Dean Martin, Andy Williams, instrumentals such as Herb Alpert, Mason Williams and others. There was so much versatility compared to today. I have also noticed that some younger reactors don’t know musical instruments. There was one who thought a banjo was a round guitar, or a trombone is a trumpet.

[@randi_godspeed2063]

EJ fan since the early 70’s. Your journey just starting, so much joy to come. Ray Cooper & his band with him since then. Next best piano player near genre is Billy Joel. God’s blessings

[@jameskirchner2655]

Elton is another very talented musician

[@laurenblainebamartistmgt]

Man, tears in my eyes. I love that you honored this song by reacting to it. I got this album the year it came out. I’m part native so had already read about the stories. When I brought this album home and heard this, I kept picking up the needle and putting it down at the beginning of the song, over and over, and cried then, too. Welcome to Elton John. I’ll try to get to Game of Thrones.

[@llschnitz]

The earliest live version from the BBC in 1971 or 1972 is wonderful because there is so much amazing sound coming from just three people. Superb musicianship. The studio version is wonderful because of the orchestration that almost takes my breath away.

[@johnperry503]

Great Elton John performance with also great Ray Cooper on percusion who has played with Elton, George Harrison, Eric Clapton and many more.....

[@timothykelley3635]

Thanks for your true reactions. You are the top in your field

[@DebiG1057]

This is one of my favorite songs. I bought the album when it first came out.

[@strydershadow391]

My friend from the Navy had this album. First time I've heard this since then but knew it immediately. It's one of his best albums imo.

[@poloreacts27]

ATTENTION. I DO NOT have a telegram there are imposters in the comments, please don't fall for SPAM IN THE COMMENTS. Thanks for watching! Most of my requests come from here. Also new request PO Box in the description. To support the show www.patreon.com/poloreacts or show your love for the channel by buying me a coffee using this link www.buymeacoffee.com/poloreacts.

[@dawnschneider187]

This song always brings a tear...

[@woahblackbettybamalam]

You probably recognise this song from being sampled in Tupacs 'Ghetto gospel'

[@johnkellis8456]

Check out earlier music of E John "Tumbltweed Connection." That was the album where I found him. Burn Down the Mission, Love Song, etal...

[@pamb.7753]

I grew up too with regard to notions about people. I have long been an Elton John lover but never heard this song prior. Thanks for the patreon member who suggested this one. I will go to google to read the lyrics as I could not catch them all. Hard of hearing. Thank you, too, Polo. So glad I googled it now. I missed too many of the lyrics. BIG thanks.

[@rosshartley5807]

I've always loved how animated Ray Cooper is when he plays his percussion. He's been with Elton for decades.

[@TexasMagnolia]

Great choice! Indian Sunset is from Elton’s 1971 album - Madman Across the Water. You should dive into this masterpiece album! To me, Madman remains the best EJ album. Elton is a musical genius…it’s a shame your not familiar. Make a change now.

[@TexasMagnolia]

A must/highly recommend from this album: Madman Across the Water Tiny Dancer Levon

[@peterbiggin7193]

Ray Cooper in the background, he was a crazy talented percussionist. I've loved Elron since the early 70's when my sister bought me an album of his for my 14th birthday

[@DJBilodeau]

Little known jewel from Elton's early period. Fantastic that you chose this for a reaction!

[@DanielBilodeau-s5q]

@_TeIegm--Polo_reacts27 yes sir! I'm definitely open to that! In the comments ok, or another medium? Let me know what's best for you & we can make that conversation happen.

[@emelle7863]

I have to admit the live version was beautiful.

[@luvslyfe1]

Oh Lord, Polo, Elton has sooo many good songs. I saw him way back in the day in 1975 at Dodger Stadium. We were on the field, you can find the concert on YT. That was my first ever concert. I saw him twice more after that, the last time in NV when it was just him and his piano, which was incredible. That was in 2001! Try listening to The One, Daniel, some good honky tonk with “The Wasteland”, etc. You can’t go wrong with EJ. ❤❤❤

[@LSqrd1960]

Props on going for the REALLY deep cut. I love all of the early 70’s era Elton John. Pick a song any song and it will be great. The 6 albums from 1970 through 1973 are all brilliant, and incredible output in a short period of time.

[@user-mirn0858]

I’ve not heard this before, never mind how much Elton John I’ve exposed myself to. I’ve listened to Elton for hours, probably days. This is a powerful exhibition by 2 very talented musicians. Thank you Polo Mars.

[@gallery963]

Tupac sampled this song in "Ghetto Gospel" Another epic story song is "Ticking". It's about a problem we still have today and it was written 50 years ago.

[@dewdrop7648]

Hands down, one of the best, honest and "staying true to yourself" explaination I've ever heard. Thank you for you for admitting a common bigotry and owning it, while at the same time, realizing what you've been missing. Good job.

[@Dr_Bombay]

i am a huge fan of the original recording, but this was a beautiful, impactful version. really stellar. and definitely props should also go to the drummer, because omg he was amazing.

[@rskeyesful]

I remember Elton from his first US tour. He blew us all away.

[@dhaken]

I had never heard this song. Phenomenal !

[@robblaber6655]

Polo ... this came out while I was in high school back in the early 70s. At that time I was heavily involved in music in school, both vocally and instrumentality. THIS song, with the acappela lead in, was a FAVORITE of mine to sing along to ... I hadn't heard it in DECADES until your review ... I sang along, remembered ALL the words 😳 and was in tears throughout. 😭😭😭😭😭 THANK YOU, my friend in music ... thank you !!! ❤

[@Angelicus-p5p]

I was a child when the single 45 of Elton's "Bitch is Back" came out. My brother got it and I loudly said "he's swearing!" 😂 In later days I became a huge fan of his early music while my brother judged him negatively. Elton's performance with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is fantastic and the live performance of "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" with George Michael is epic. Thanks Polo.

[@ThistleAndSea]

This song is from the Madman Across The Water LP which is early Elton and is excellent from start to finish. If you do more Elton, it's a good recording to pick from. Thanks for sharing this live performance from later in his career though. 🙂 A much different sound from the studio version, but still pretty captivating.

[@carlaemerson1195]

I couldn't get here fast enough omg THANK YOU you're amazing ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ Ray Cooper on percussion by the way ❤

[@tracygahagan1872]

I did then same! I felt the same way!

[@wichitadisciple9874]

The Percussionist was 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@davidanon1568]

It's good to be able to hear everything. Obviously there is nothing wrong with picking favorites.

[@thepunadude]

I SAY, 11-17-70, TUMBLEWEED CONNECTION & MADMAN ACROSS THE WATER WERE HIS BEST .. BERNIE TAUPIN WAS THE KEY!

[@JanetGibbons-dl3yy]

White Ferrari sounds exactly like Here There and Everywhere. Elton John's music with Bernie Taupin's lyrics are magic

[@13terapyn]

"White Ferrari". That's a banger. When the acoustic guitars come in I get chills every time

[@jdenino6022]

I was a fan of Elton in the mid to later 70s and the 80s then got busy stopped listening to him except for seeing him on MTV and hearing his later music occasionally on the radio, didn't know this song existed (never was a single on the radio). Saw his movie about 9 months ago, got me interested in him again. Checked out his earlier music which is on youtube from 1970 and found great live performances from the early 70s. He had an amazing voice. He had vocal chord surgery. His voice is much deeper now. He went from being a tenor to a much deeper voice now. He still puts on a great show live. First song I ever heard from Elton John was in 1973 I had his 45 record of Crocodile Rock and later I got Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy. He had hits on the radio playing rhru most of the 70s and early 80s. Later I got into much harder rock n roll. (Led Zeppelin and The Who and all the other music that is now played on Classic Rock stations). Plus they would play album sides on Rock stations in the 70s. No internet back then only records and tapes on cassette.

[@scottbrown4429]

I think is wonderful that your enjoyment of music, of any kind, has enabled you to discover the universe of human musical creativity. It’s a pleasure to watch you soaking it all in!

[@preesi1403]

Elton John has always given props to BLACK artists

[@shemanic1]

So glad you are doin' this track dude. It moved me from the moment I got the "Madman Across the Water" album home, I have always felt a kin-ship to The Native American's, & this track grabbed my soul, the lyrics paint a picture, that is not easy to withstand.

[@jameskirchner2655]

Love the title MADMAN ACROSS THE WATER

[@midtownbrownstyle321]

I’ve never heard this song before, and I’m a big Elton fan.

[@maureenwagg5305]

I love Game of Thrones too. It is epic. The acting is unreal. It hooks you and you can't not watch every episode, no matter how graphic it got. Great story.

[@seanh4841]

Wow, never heard this before

[@monaeinarsen8490]

Never heard this song before 🥹 its beautiful 😢 tks 🙏

[@mikepiccione886]

Oh my goodness polo I just paused your video to figure out who Frank ocean is you're right white Ferrari is a masterpiece😮 I can't believe I've been missing out on this thank you so much❤😊

[@ritathomas5167]

Elton John is my favorite musical artist of all time! As you deeper into his music you will find his band is just as phenomenal as he and Bernie are. Just wonderful musicianship all around! Thanks for this one!

[@joetoth1099]

This song is just fine. (Yeah I used that word on purpose). Won't be listening to it in my RAM. Don't be wrong, love Elton John, but if you really want to hear an outstanding song about the same subject but 100 times better musically and, IMO with more meaning, (it's sung by an artist whose grandfather was actually an American Indian).check out Creed, "Who's got my back now?" Scott Stapp delivers! Check it out.

[@MarkChappell1]

Some great Elton John songs with solos: The Ballad of Danny Bailey, Burn Down the Mission.

[@coxdenton]

The Madman album was superb this track exceptional I guess he drew from this for his Lion King work.

[@PLab8]

Saw Elton in concert last year was incredible he like 75 years old still doing the damn thing

[@thejorgeee]

I worked in the music buis throughout the 70s and early 80s. I once heard a respected music critoc say that..."the first song you hear by Elton John ends up bei g your favorite." I ten to like his more laid back songs like this one. Try "Your Song" (fisrt big hit), "Mona Lisa and Mad Hatters", " "Tiny Dancer" Madman Across The Water", "uneral for a Friend" (Whci he tweaked from original version in honour of the death of Princess Dianna...a very close friend of his.

[@marymello588]

I think I wore out a few "Yellow Brick Road" 8-track or albums back in the 70's. I suggest you listen to ALL Elton John. You will love most of it. His piano playing made a ton of teenagers back then want to learn to play the piano. LEGEND!!!

[@Dervanism]

Been a fan of this song for so many years glad you enjoy it👍🏼🇨🇦👍🏼 Have mercy on the criminal is another gem from Elton John. I really enjoyed this live version I’ve never seen it thank you👏🏻👏🏻

[@TK-fk4po]

This and the album Tumbleweed Connection featured lyrics from Bernie Taupin when he was on a major western/native theme. Masterful.

[@chrisjones7352]

Saw Elton in Macon,GA. about 8 yrs ago. One of the best shows I've ever seen, and I've seen Kiss twice lol, once without makeup in the late 80's, and with in the early 2000's. Polo, I'm currently rewatching G.O.T. for the 3rd time, and with my dad, his first. Currently in season 3...gimme strength😂

[@DocRock71]

Cool live version, but you really must check out the album version with the full orchestration, as it was meant to be heard. This is such a fantastic song, no matter the version. One of his best deep cuts.

[@robcannon9165]

HI POLO GREETINGS FROM ENGLAND 🇬🇧 ELTON JOHN IS TRULY AN ICONIC ENGLISH SINGER SONGWRITER AND I AM GLAD YOU HAVE FINALLY DISCOVERED HOW GOOD ELTON REALLY IS AND YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT ELTONS SONG " I WANT LOVE" THIS IS A GREAT SONG 🎵 AND SUCH A FANTASTIC VIDEO WITH ROBERT DOWNEY JNR.

[@williamking1554]

blue moves is my fave album from elton

[@rebeccabishop2791]

I have been a fan of Elton John since the 70’s and I love his music, but I agree with many comments that his voice, as is normal, is not what it once was. I would encourage you to listen to the original recording. ❤️ Also, Ray Cooper is an amazing percussionist!

[@MStar58]

Since you're digging Elton John, you absolutely must hear the original album in it's entirety. The studio versions are always worth listening to first. It was those albums that drove us to the concerts to see if the live version would live up to the album - lol! Plus his voice was incredible back then. This was my very first album purchase in the 70's and it's still one of my favorites today.

[@yvesbarriere2922]

Nice intro for this reaction. It's my first time listening to this song;. Besides some clichés lyrics, I found this one amazing. John's voice was very good (for its age) and his piano playing outstanding. The drummer seems possessed at certain moments. Earlier songs by Elton John are the best period of his career. Anything before the album 'Captain fantastic and the brown dirt cowboy' is worth listening to. 'Levon', Madman across the water', 'Burn down the mission', and 'Your song' are maybe his greatest material.

[@phoebeandtilly]

Try listening to “Funeral For a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding”

[@sheb181]

exquisite elton..💜🇿🇦

[@Einstein1414]

Always one if my favorite songs! ❤

[@Einstein1414]

Best version of this song ever! Listen to and watch Brandi Carlile's version of 'Madman Across the Water'. It's on U Tube and it is Amazing.

[@leceillebeckmeyer3195]

I’ve never heard this before. Polo you are amazing. Love your takes on all songs. But this one I’m with you completely as it’s new to me too.

[@johnandrews3151]

Elton John/Blues For Baby And Me studio version😮😊!

[@patbutler6702]

His music has always been great. Our personal lifestyles have been very different. You are very open and honest with your beliefs. Makes you a informed and open human being in my eyes. Just because people come from different backgrounds and circumstances does not make us less of a human being.

[@janalaine]

The mash with Tupac is amazing too

[@robinroots2057]

An Elton John suggestion. "Where to Now St. Peter?” I did grow up listening to Elton John yet I’m still discovering new songs thanks to that track you just shared! Saw him live back in the 1970s and again a few years back. Still got it!

[@sapphirejones7315]

I just discovered your videos yesterday, I've probably watched 4 or 5 so far. And I was asking myself, how can you be your age and not heard these songs, but I get it, you're right, we all have our bubbles, so I salute you for broadening your horizons and listening to all of this great music. It reminds me of the first time I heard Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters when I first went to college even though it had come out 8 years prior. My parents would rarely allowed us to by albums, only 45s, so I didn't hear a lot of the album cuts. I was so blown away I had to listen to EVERY Elton John song and became an even bigger fan. So on that note, I will recommend to you two more Elton songs: Cage The Songbird from the Blue Moves album and Ticking from the Caribou album. Ticking is still very relevant today, maybe more so than when it was released.

[@stellarpod]

In my estimation, Madman Across The Water represents the pinnacle of Elton and Bernie's work. Of course, they had other sensational songs. But this album resonates all through me like no other. Indian Sunset is just one masterwork among so many on this LP. Please find the time to sit and listen, headphones on, to the entirety of this wonderful album. As always, thanks so much for sharing. Steve

[@tinagriggs1004]

This is off the Madman Across the Water album. I have that album..so good through and through. The Goodbye Yellow Brick Road one is a double album and is fantastic! I love Elton and his long time band.

[@hrossaman]

Not flattering you, but we love you, man

[@kimburley8065]

This is my first time commenting on your channel. Elton John was my idol growing up. I literally cried through this video as I loved his lesser radio played songs. Those are the gems. Indian Sunset was such a good song to choose. Thank you for this post. ❤

[@strydershadow391]

I'm so old nobody claimed to be gay, so nobody knew anything about Elton or Freddie. We mostly didn't care who you slept with or share details of relationships. No cell phones or internet. Yet we survived and had better lives for it.

[@ChuckKowalewski]

Elton John has an orchestral album with the Australian Orchestra. it is one amazing album of his songs backed by an amazing orchestra. Check it out.

[@nevetstrevel4711]

Tiny dancer, rocket Man, Benny and the jets, the way you look tonight, yellow brick road, crocodile Rock.

[@kirkhall2099]

The studio version is sooooo much better

[@meriannestoneback7436]

You should check out Ticking, a somewhat obscure Elton John song from the late 70s where Bernie's lyrics are still incredibly relevant and important today.

[@hannchris2762]

As Brilliant as that performance is I think really feels the power and emotion of this you need to listen to the album version which is truly amazing the way Elton delivers that closing line over fails to send shivers down my spine this song is so powerful

[@johnkellis8456]

I'm glad you found your way to Elton John. Tuned in before he "Came Out" so there was nothing to question for me. His early stuff is great before his "show" erupted. Geatness will out. Bernie Taupin's lyrcs are almost an equal partnership.

[@robot9991]

Thank you so much Polo! This was a recommendation from me (on Patreon). What this does for me is show the true talent of Elton (and Ray), with an awesome story by Bernie. If I may recommend another Elton tune: "The Greatest Discovery" which is from the first album (in this case I highly recommend the studio version).

[@llschnitz]

The solo at the beginning is wonderful and different. Every tour he changes the arrangements up. Its never quite the same twice. Never heard him done it like that. Probably because he wanted to showcase Ray Cooper's percussion

[@alhme50]

YEARS AGO HAD A FRIEND , Who GOT TICKETS TO A PRIVATE SHOW IN SHREVEPORT LA. JUST HIM & HIS PIANO ! FN EPIC! TO SAY THE LEAST 😉MUCH LOVE POLO 😎, PL&M MFRz!...

[@alhme50]

@_TeIegm--Polo_reacts27 ANYTIME My MAN, T/P ?

[@ednoponen2943]

What a shock! I would've said I've heard everything Elton ever did . . . I love his music! But this was totally new to me. And, it was great. Also, I really liked your discourse on music and the various worlds we all occupy when it comes to taste. Boy, have I ever got a few tunes to recommend, by lots of folks. (I've been in love with rock 'n roll since the mid 50's, when I was 12.)

[@davidish9083]

Thank you. One love.