ELTON JOHN: 100 DEEP CUTS. This post: 1985. More tomorrow.

Elton John boasts a catalogue of mega-selling and critically lauded albums. His songs are ubiquitous on the radio. We are all familiar with the signature hit songs such as “Candle In The Wind”, “Tiny Dancer”, “Rocket Man”, “I’m Still Standing”, “Daniel”, “Crocodile Rock”, “Your Song” and “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me”. Elton’s songbook is so rich, further exploration reveals a treasure trove of gems just as deserving of attention. Caffè Lattè presents 100 deep cuts -compiled in chronological order- spanning the decades, from 1969 to the present. These tracks may be underrated or unfamiliar, but are further evidence of the talent possessed by Elton John.

Check out the playlist on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/00gJaraNGKRmragRB2viV5?si=d6aa014acca94561

100 ESSENTIAL ELTON JOHN

DEEP CUTS

ACT OF WAR & ICE ON FIRE {1985}

Elton recorded a duet with R&B vocalist Millie Jackson. “Act Of War” was issued between albums ‘Breaking Hearts and 1985’s ‘Ice On Fire’. The latter saw Gus Dudgeon back as producer. “Nikita” became the LP’s major hit. The disc was recorded at the Sol Studio in England. Among the guests on the album were Queen’s Roger Taylor and John Deacon and Sister Sledge.

62 Act Of War

This collaboration with Millie Jackson featured Nik Kershaw on guitar. Gus Dudgeon contributed Simmons Drums. It was included on the 1990 box set ‘To Be Continued…’ and was later added to re-issues of ‘Ice On Fire’.

63 Soul Glove

James Newton Howard arranged the strings on this catchy soul-drenched track. Kiki Dee contributed backing vocals.  

64 Wrap Her Up

Vocal duties were shared by Elton with George Michael (who also contributed to “Nikita”). The track namechecks a series of women, including Kiki Dee (who added her backup vocals to the track), Joan Collins, Princess Caroline of Monaco, Marilyn Monroe, Vivien Leigh, Katherine Hepburn and Mata Hari.