200 MOST RECOMMENDED ALBUMS : #34. Continues next week.

THE CAFFE` LATTE`

200

MOST RECOMMENDED ALBUMS

Some are the best selling, while others may be obscure, but the albums listed here are all worthy of a listen. No compilation/ best of sets. Only exceptional live albums included. This is a personal listing of the albums I enjoy the most to this day.

#34

ELTON JOHN: ELTON JOHN 

 

 [1970] 

Elton John's 2nd studio album was the self-titled LP that saw him breakthrough around the world. Buoyed no doubt by the sublime hit single "Your Song", it's no wonder this proved to be successful. The progress from debut effort 'Empty Sky' is obvious. John would continue to evolve on subsequent releases, but the potential is hinted at on the songs contained herein. Opening with "Your Song" was a clever strategy, drawing in new listeners at the time. The next track, "I Need You To Turn To", is a minimal ballad that lets its delicate lyrics shine. Paul Buckmaster adds a distinct character to the ballad and others, including "Sixty Years On" and "First Episode At Hienton". At times, his strings recall centuries past. Buckmaster manages to keep the arrangements in check so that John's vocal and piano work is always centre stage. "The Greatest Discovery" is a tender song dealing with the arrival of a new baby in the family, seen through the eyes of his young sibling. "Border Song" adds gospel to John's musical caché. Aretha Franklin later covered the song and infused it with even more gospel while endorsing Bernie Taupin's often underrated lyrics. "Take Me to the Pilot" is a light relief among the ballads. Here, John demonstrates his versatility at the keyboard. The music he added to Taupin's words give the song a shot of fun. "The Cage" and "The King Must Die" are worthy tracks to complete the LP. The only weak exception is "No Shoe Strings On Louise", where Taupin's Americana theme is conveyed via John's country style that is unconvincing. 'Elton John' made its namesake an emerging new talent, initiating a prolific and lucrative period for both Taupin and John.

Highlight tracks: Your Song; I Need You To Turn To; The Greatest Discovery & Sixty Years On.