Greatest Hits - John, Elton (CD 1990)

The Songs that Made Him a Superstar

This summer marks the 30th anniversary of Elton John's first chart appearance, with "Border Song." When I was a kid, I thought a "border song" was a hit that was released too late in the year to make the top 100 of that year--and too early to make the following year's top 100.

Elton's first major hit was with "Your Song," a sincere recording in the singer-songwriter mold of the '70s (i.e. James Taylor, Carole King). This was my personal favorite, and it was strong on both melody and lyrics.

His second top 10 hit came in the summer of 1972, with "Rocket Man." Since I was a melancholy kid, I enjoyed songs like this. For a while I thought this hit was titled, "I Think It's Gonna Be a long long Time."

"Honky Cat" picked up the tempo a bit; this song elicits a lively, smoke-filled tavern at 11 o'clock on a Saturday night. When I was young, I wasn't sure if Elton meant "Get that honky cat" or "Get that, honky cat."

"Crocodile Rock" was Elton's first #1 hit, in February 1973. This was one of those songs that inspired people to get up and dance.

"Daniel" was an anti-war ballad with a sedate yet mournful melody. It talked of a brother who was departing to fight in a war--a brother who was missed. It was one of those rare songs that told of the bonds between siblings.

"Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting" saw him kick out the jams. This was a summer-barbecue sort of hit, and it blasted from many radios in August 1973. The guitar breaks were slamming, and he was having a heck of a good time.

The next single, "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" saw Elton in a reflective mood once again. The song discussed how fame and fortune can be a double edged sword: One's life becomes a lot more complicated. The narrator longs for the simple, agrarian life that he left behind.

"Bennie and the Jets" was Elton's first success on the R&B chart. This showed a hipper Elton who discussed various glitter-rock trends of the era. The hook was irresistible in this track, Elton's second #1 pop hit.

"Candle in the Wind" was originally a cut from his "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album. This was the original version, an ode to Marilyn Monroe, who ironically died at age 36, the same age Princess Diana was when she passed away.

"Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" was a big hit in the summer of 1974. It spoke of desperation and depression--and the need for emotional support.

Elton John had a variety of moods, and all were explored well during the early years of his career. This disc is a good introduction to his early work, though some good songs, like 1971's "Friends" and 1972's "Tiny Dancer" are missing.