Elton John ‎– The Very Best Of Elton John

Elton John – The Very Best Of Elton John

The Very Best Of Elton John brings together an exceptional collection of songs from one of the most successful and influential singer-songwriters in popular music. Spanning more than two decades of recording, this extensive compilation showcases the extraordinary songwriting partnership of Elton John and Bernie Taupin, tracing the evolution of an artist whose unmistakable piano-led sound helped define the musical landscape of the 1970s and 1980s.

From the intimate, beautifully crafted melodies of his early breakthrough years to the exuberant pop-rock anthems and sophisticated ballads that followed, this collection highlights the remarkable breadth of Elton John's catalogue. His distinctive piano playing, expressive vocal delivery and gift for memorable melodies are present throughout, supported by arrangements that move effortlessly between rock, pop, glam, soul and orchestral balladry.

The collection opens with some of Elton John's most enduring recordings. 'Your Song' remains one of the great singer-songwriter classics, its understated piano arrangement and heartfelt melody establishing him as a major songwriting talent. 'Rocket Man (I Think It's Going To Be A Long, Long Time)' takes a more atmospheric approach, combining science-fiction imagery with a beautifully melancholic arrangement, while 'Honky Cat' and 'Crocodile Rock' capture the playful energy and distinctive musical character of his early 1970s success.

The extraordinary run of classic albums from this period is represented by essential recordings including 'Daniel', 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road', 'Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting', 'Bennie And The Jets' and 'Someone Saved My Life Tonight'. These songs demonstrate the chemistry between John's adventurous musical arrangements and Taupin's evocative lyrics, helping establish a catalogue that remains hugely influential.

There is also plenty of emotional depth. 'Candle In The Wind', 'Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me' and 'Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word' showcase his ability to deliver timeless, deeply affecting ballads, while 'Philadelphia Freedom' and 'Don't Go Breaking My Heart' reveal a more soulful, rhythm-driven side. Later highlights such as 'I'm Still Standing', 'I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues', 'Sad Songs (Say So Much)', 'Nikita' and 'Sacrifice' demonstrate how successfully Elton John continued to evolve through the 1980s and into the following decade.

An extensive double-album collection, The Very Best Of Elton John offers a rewarding journey through an extraordinary body of work. Essential listening for fans of classic pop and rock, piano-led songwriting and the golden age of the singer-songwriter, as well as an ideal introduction to the music of one of Britain's most enduring musical talents.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Your Song (3:58)

2. Rocket Man (I Think It's Going To Be A Long, Long Time) (4:40)

3. Honky Cat (5:11)

4. Crocodile Rock (3:52)

5. Daniel (3:50)

6. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (3:13)

7. Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting (4:50)

Side B

1. Candle In The Wind (3:49)

2. Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me (6:12)

3. Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds (5:56)

4. Philadelphia Freedom (5:19)

5. Someone Saved My Life Tonight (6:42)

Side C

1. Don't Go Breaking My Heart (4:26)

2. Bennie And The Jets (5:10)

3. Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word (3:44)

4. Song For Guy (5:02)

5. Part Time Love (3:12)

6. Blue Eyes (3:25)

7. I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues (4:40)

Side D

1. I'm Still Standing (3:01)

2. Kiss The Bride (3:53)

3. Sad Songs (Say So Much) (4:07)

4. Passengers (3:22)

5. Nikita (4:54)

6. Sacrifice (5:07)

7. You Gotta Love Someone (4:59)