It was the summer of 1984, the end of the summer concerts. Motley Crue was on its way to town, but sadly, the band’s show was sold out when we went to get tickets. With only Elton John’s show left to choose, we decided to give it a try.
The tickets were very cheap, and upon arrival, we found ourselves in the very top row of Hilton Coliseum in Ames, IA. At least there would be nothing to obstruct our view, not even the support pillar rising to my immediate left. We settled in not expecting much from the Elton John -“Breaking Hearts” tour, I mean come on, it’s Elton John. All we knew were the basic pop radio songs of the 1970’s, but at least we could sing along.
The lights dimmed, the show began, and we were treated to the best concert I have ever been witness to. Three full, non-stop hours of power pop rocking from one grand piano, one guitar (played feverishly by Davey Johnstone), and one phenomenal drum set (played by Ray Cooper).
The next day, I purchased my first Elton John album, followed by another until I had amassed every Elton John album recorded (available in the U.S.). I have since discovered that this artist goes far beyond “pop” music, though this will be the genre Elton John will be remembered for.
Choosing ten Elton John songs of the thousands he and Bernie Taupin have co-written was a daunting task, indeed. The following songs made the final cut.
10.) Blue Eyes – Love Songs (1996) – I caught my mother slow dancing by herself while dusting the house one Sunday morning, the song’s slow bluesy beat moving her along. It was the last time I saw her dance, she passed away of Cancer in 1999.
9.) Burn Down the Mission – Tumbleweed Connection (1971) – I thought that I was the only one who knew about this song, until Sir Elton broke it out at a later concert and the entire crowd went nuts. Another blues hit with more than a touch of gospel.
8.) Grey Seal – Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973) – This was the most popular album for Elton John/Bernie Taupin, and rightfully so. Loaded with pop radio hits, it also contained a few wonderful little secrets for true fans.
7.) I’ve Seen That Movie Too – Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973) – Another fun song about relationships, happened to just fit my situation (most of the time).
6.) Border Song – Elton John (1970) – This was the first album that I purchased, wanting to start at the beginning. A few notes from this gospel tune had me convinced.
5.) Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding – Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973) – This tune truly established the band as one of true musical talent. The band included (and remains relatively intact) Davey Johnstone, Nigel Olsen, and Ray Cooper.
4.) Madman Across the Water – Madman Across the Water (1971) – Another haunting song, later rerecorded by Bruce Hornsby, speaks to the darker side of all of us.
3.) Sorry Seems To Be the Hardest Word – Blue Moves (1976) – This is one of those tunes that seems to have been around forever. The consummate “break up” song; crying in your pillow, waiting for the phone to ring.
2.) Razor Face – Madman Across the Water (1971)- Growing up without a father, somehow this song spoke to me (though I am sure this was not what he meant when writing it). I always like the deeper vocals of Elton John, as opposed to his falsetto.
1.) Skyline Pigeon – Don’t Shoot Me – I’m Only the Piano Player (1973) – Just when I thought this was another pop radio glam album, along came a song that absolutely blew me away. You may think this is a simple little tune upon first listen, close your eyes and give it another try. You may find yourself as surprised as I was.
With the enormous litany of Elton John songs recorded, I am sure that you could easily make your own top ten list. If you think Elton John is strictly pop and commercial, give some of these songs a listen. You should be pleasantly surprised.
