Elton John (album)

Elton John (album)
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Name	Elton John
Artist	Elton John
Released	April 10, 1970
Recorded	January 1970
Genre	Rock music, Piano rock
Length	39:27
Label	DJM Records
Producer	Steve Brown

Elton John (album) is the second studio album by Elton John, released in 1970, and it features the hit singles Your Song and Border Song. The album was recorded at Trident Studios in London and was produced by Steve Brown and Gus Dudgeon. The album received positive reviews from critics, including Rolling Stone and The New York Times, and it helped establish Elton John as a rising star in the music industry, alongside other notable artists such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and David Bowie.

Background

The album was recorded in January 1970, with Elton John on piano and vocals, Caleb Quaye on guitar, Dave Glover on bass guitar, and Roger Pope on drums. The album was produced by Steve Brown and Gus Dudgeon, who had previously worked with Elton John on his debut album, Empty Sky. The album features a mix of rock music, pop music, and ballads, and it includes songs that were written by Elton John and his longtime collaborator, Bernie Taupin, as well as songs written by other artists, such as Leon Russell and Randy Newman. The album has been compared to the works of other notable artists, including The Who, The Kinks, and The Beach Boys.

Composition

The album features a range of musical styles, from the rock music of Take Me to the Pilot to the ballad of Your Song. The album also includes the gospel music-influenced Border Song, which features a choir and a soul music-style vocal performance by Elton John. The album's lyrics were written by Bernie Taupin, who drew inspiration from his own life experiences and observations, as well as from the works of other writers, such as Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen. The album's music was written by Elton John, who was influenced by a range of artists, including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Ray Charles. The album has been praised for its eclecticism and its innovation, and it has been cited as an influence by a range of other artists, including Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder, and Bruce Springsteen.

Release and reception

The album was released on April 10, 1970, and it received positive reviews from critics, including Rolling Stone and The New York Times. The album was a commercial success, and it helped establish Elton John as a rising star in the music industry. The album's hit singles, Your Song and Border Song, received heavy radio airplay and helped to further boost the album's popularity. The album has since been certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and has been named as one of the greatest albums of all time by a range of publications, including Rolling Stone, NME, and The Guardian. The album has also been praised by a range of other artists, including Elvis Costello, Tom Waits, and Kate Bush.

Track listing

The album features the following tracks: # Your Song # I Need You to Turn To # Take Me to the Pilot # No Shoe Strings on Louise # First Episode at Hienton # Sixty Years On # Border Song # The Greatest Discovery # The Cage # The King Must Die

Personnel

The album features the following personnel: * Elton John: piano, vocals * Caleb Quaye: guitar * Dave Glover: bass guitar * Roger Pope: drums * Dusty Springfield: backing vocals on The Greatest Discovery * Madeline Bell: backing vocals on The Greatest Discovery * Tony Burrows: backing vocals on The Greatest Discovery * Steve Brown: producer * Gus Dudgeon: producer * Clive Franks: engineer * David Larkham: cover art * Barry K. Marsden: photography The album has been re-released several times, including a deluxe edition that features bonus tracks and a DVD of live performances, including footage of Elton John performing at The Fillmore and The Royal Albert Hall. The album has also been praised by a range of other artists, including Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, and Eric Clapton. Category:Elton John albums