CAFFE` LATTE` TOP 2000 TRACKS

THE TOP 100

#23 DANIEL

ELTON JOHN

(1973)

Writers: Bernie Taupin & Elton John
 

"Daniel", 1 of Elton John's most popular ballads, is also 1 of his most misunderstood songs. The track was lifted off the musician's 1973 album 'Don't Shoot Me, I'm Only The Piano Player', which reached #1 in the USA, Britain, Australia, Europe and Canada. 
Lyricist Bernie Taupin dismissed speculation that "Daniel" refers to his older brother. While such a sibling exists, his name is not Daniel and Taupin maintains that the song is not named after anyone he knew. The original demo contained more verses than the song we have today. John deleted the extra verses, arguing that it made the song too long. Among the verses that were removed, were lyrics which explained that Daniel was a war veteran.  
Taupin was inspired to write the song after reading about soldiers that had returned from the Vietnam War in a "Newsweek" article while recording the parent album in the Chåteau d' Hérouville in France.
"Daniel" was produced by Gus dudgeon and issued as the follow-up single to John's 1st American #1 "Crocodile Rock". The ballad proved to be a wise choice. It reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, as well as the top of the Adult Contemporary Chart. In Canada, the disc also made the top. "Daniel' peaked in the Top 10 on charts in Britain, Australia and some European countries.

This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites. 
Each week, 2 new songs from the remaining Top 100 are added, while another 2 are also included from positions 1501-2000 on the other weekdays. Check back here  for an update of the 2000.