Elton John
The album that launched a career with 'Your Song' and earned a Grammy Hall of Fame spot.
Elton John is the second studio album by British singer-songwriter Elton John. It was released on 10 April 1970 through DJM Records. Including John's breakthrough single "Your Song", the album helped establish his career during the rise of the singer-songwriter era of popular music. In the US, the album was certified gold in February 1971 by the RIAA. In the same year, it was nominated for the Grammy Award for Album of the Year at the 13th Annual Grammy Awards. In 2003, the album was ranked number 468 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. On 27 November 2012, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame as an album cited as exhibiting "qualitative or historical significance".
- Key Partnership
- Bernie Taupin (Lyricist)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
This was the first of a string of John albums produced by Gus Dudgeon. As Dudgeon recalled in a Mix magazine interview, the album was not actually intended to launch John as an artist, but rather as a collection of polished demos for other artists to consider recording his and co-writer Bernie Taupin's songs. Two songs from the album did find their way into the repertoire of other artists in 1970: "Your Song" was recorded by Three Dog Night as an album track on their LP It Ain't Easy, while Aretha Franklin released a cover of "Border Song" as a single that reached number 37 in the US pop charts and number 5 on the R&B chart, later included on her 1972 album Young, Gifted and Black. The song "No Shoe Strings on Louise" was intended (as homage or parody) to sound like a Rolling Stones song.
In Their Own Story
John Mendelsohn in a contemporary (1970) review for Rolling Stone felt that the album was over-produced and over-orchestrated, comparing it unfavourably with the less mannered and orchestrated Empty Sky; though he felt that John had "so immense a talent" that "he'll delight you senseless despite it all". Robert Christgau in his weekly "Consumer Guide" column for The Village Voice also felt the album was overdone ("overweening", "histrionic overload", "semi-classical ponderousness"), but that it had "a surprising complement of memorable tracks", including "Your Song" which, despite its "affected offhandedness", he considered "an instant standard".
Reader's Guide
The album features ten tracks, with John performing piano and vocals on all tracks, plus harpsichord on track 2. The personnel includes a wide array of musicians: Diana Lewis on Moog synthesizer (tracks 5, 9), Brian Dee on organ (6, 7), and a rhythm section of Barry Morgan on drums (1, 3, 4, 7, 9) and Terry Cox on drums (8, 10). Paul Buckmaster provided orchestral arrangements and conducted, while David Katz served as orchestra contractor. Backing vocalists included Madeline Bell, Tony Burrows, Roger Cook, Lesley Duncan, Kay Garner, Tony Hazzard, and Barbara Moore (who also served as choir leader on track 7). The album was produced by Gus Dudgeon, engineered by Robin Geoffrey Cable, and later remastered by Tony Cousins. A US 8-track tape version released by MCA Records (catalog number MCA MCT-3000) repeats the tracks "Your Song" and "I Need You To Turn To", with a total time of 46:00.
Did You Know?
- The album was originally intended as a collection of polished demos for other artists, not to launch John as an artist.
- Aretha Franklin's cover of 'Border Song' reached number 5 on the US R&B chart.
- 'No Shoe Strings on Louise' was intentionally made to sound like a Rolling Stones song.
- The US 8-track tape version repeats 'Your Song' and 'I Need You To Turn To', making the total time 46:00.
- Six of the ten songs from this album were included on John's 1987 live album 'Live in Australia with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Elton John?
Born Reginald Kenneth Dwight, he is a celebrated British singer-songwriter and pianist famous for his theatrical stage presence. His career spans decades, establishing him as one of the most influential figures in modern music history.
What is his primary musical role?
He acts as the composer and lead performer, creating piano-driven soundscapes that blend rock ballads with pop anthems. While he handles the music, he famously relies on lyricist Bernie Taupin for the words to their songs.
Is Elton John still active today?
As a living legend, he remains involved in philanthropy and has recently announced plans to retire from touring. However, he intends to continue recording new music rather than ending his creative output entirely.
Why is Elton John important to fans?
He represents resilience and creativity, bridging the gap between classic rock styles and contemporary pop trends. His artistic integrity throughout changing musical eras has secured his status as a global icon.
Who are his key collaborators?
His most enduring partnership is with lyricist Bernie Taupin, who co-wrote countless hits during their decades-long friendship. This team created the distinctive sound that made Elton John a household name worldwide.
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