Elton John’s Five Greatest Hits

He was the first major Western artist to play Israel, and also the first to play in the Soviet Union. He did a total of 8 tours of the USSR before it fell. Throughout his career he showed an innate ability to reinvent himself. With seven consecutive number one albums in the 1970’s he rocked his way to fame composing hit after hit and often writing songs that would become classics in a matter of minutes. From drugs to rehab and back again his life has been filled with controversy and we find ourselves fascinated at every turn. 

Elton John was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.  His long term collaboration with lyricist and poet Bernie Taupin led to his huge success with his albums and singles selling over 300 million copies worldwide.  He certainly knows how to wow the crowd. The re-written hit single ‘Candle In the Wind’ alone sold 33 million copies, making it the best-selling single in the history of the US and UK singles charts.  His music is arguably best known for his magnificent piano playing abilities featured throughout, Elton himself often being cited as the greatest piano player in his genre of pop music. 

Rocket Man

Although this 1972 single never reached number one in the UK, it remains one of Elton John’s most iconic songs to date.  “Mars ain’t the kind of place to raise your kids”, demonstrates the song’s lyrics and themes reflective of the then obsession with space.  The idea of a rocket man became synonymous with his music career, Elton going on to establish The Rocket Record Company. Most recently, the 2019 biographical musical film based on Elton’s life, used the title for the movie. 

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

Topping the charts both in the US and the UK as an album, the hit single of the same name is often credited with establishing Elton’s persona as a Glam Rock Star. Platform shoes, shaded sunglasses, and glitter costumes became the norm with Elton’s live and stage performances. Bright blue suits and orange tinted glasses certainly made Elton stand out from the crowd. Whether performing upbeat rock anthems or slower melodic songs like this one, Elton’s flamboyant costumes always took centre stage.

Candle In The Wind

Originally written by Taupin and Elton in honour of Marilyn Monroe, ‘Candle In the Wind’ was first released on the hit album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road in 1973; however, this song is now most associated with the death of Princess Diana.  Elton performed this song at her funeral in 1997, and received widespread critical acclaim.  Diana’s death rocked the world over and Elton’s magical performance went on to help the song resurge to No.1 in the UK nearly two decades later.

Can You Feel The Love Tonight

Written and composed for the 1994 Disney film The Lion King. This song was an instant hit and went on to sell over 11 million copies worldwide. The song won Best Original Song at the 1995 Academy Awards, and also earned Elton a Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in this same year. The motion picture soundtrack, on which the song featured, stayed at the top of the billboard 200 for nine weeks and eventually was certified diamond. We can certainly feel the love between all of the Lion King characters when we hear this song.

Tiny Dancer

This song first appeared in 1971 as the opening track on Elton’s fourth album Madman Across The Water.  Due to its lengthy playing time, over six minutes, Tiny Dancer initially had limited success. Radio stations thought the song was too long to play over the air.  In later years its popularity grew, appearing in movie and TV soundtracks like Friends, this song has become a cult favourite. It was resurrected in the movie Almost Famous when it leads to the characters having a sing-a-long. This ability to unite people with music is a common feature of Elton’s music that we love. The instruments also take centre stage in this song with the piano and orchestral rock band having plenty of solo time.

Elton John’s music spans five decades and multiple generations.  Whether it is a childhood memory of Disney, or a fond love of his glam rock star persona, there is something in Elton’s music for everyone.  As an entertainer and a brilliant musician we can’t get enough of his music. His Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour started in 2018, but still continues on until February 2021, which means that there is still time to see his genius live.