Elton John is a legendary singer, songwriter, and pianist who has captivated audiences for over five decades with his incredible music. Born in England in 1947, John’s unique sound, flamboyant stage presence, and powerful vocals have made him one of the most recognizable and beloved figures in popular music.
With over 50 top 40 hits, 300 million records sold, and countless awards, Elton John has an extensive catalog of music that has touched the hearts of millions of fans around the world. In this article, we will be exploring the 10 best Elton John songs of all time. From his early hits like “Rocket Man” and “Tiny Dancer” to his later classics like “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” and “Circle of Life,” we will take a deep dive into some of the most iconic and memorable tracks from this legendary musician’s career. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering Elton John’s music for the first time, this list is sure to showcase some of the very best songs from one of the greatest artists of all time.
1. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” is a classic song by Elton John, released in 1973 as the title track of his seventh studio album. The song is an upbeat, catchy tune that tells the story of a young man who dreams of leaving his simple life behind and heading for the big city. With its memorable melody, catchy lyrics, and powerful piano riffs, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” quickly became a fan favorite and has remained one of Elton John’s most beloved songs to this day.
The song’s lyrics are filled with vivid imagery and metaphors, which have been interpreted in many different ways by fans and critics alike. Some see the song as a reflection on the pressures of fame and success, while others interpret it as a commentary on the changing social and political landscape of the 1970s. Whatever your interpretation may be, there is no denying that “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” is a timeless classic that continues to inspire and entertain fans all around the world.
2. Tiny Dancer
“Tiny Dancer” is one of Elton John’s most iconic songs, released in 1971 as part of his album “Madman Across the Water.” The song has become a staple of classic rock radio and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. “Tiny Dancer” is a heartfelt ballad that tells the story of a lonely, aspiring actress in L.A. and the emotional rollercoaster she experiences as she pursues her dreams.
The song’s lyrics are beautifully written, with Elton John’s powerful vocals backed by a simple yet elegant piano melody. The chorus is particularly memorable, with its sing-along quality and soaring harmonies. “Tiny Dancer” has become synonymous with the free-spirited, bohemian lifestyle of the 1970s, and its themes of love, loss, and hope still resonate with audiences today. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Elton John or just discovering his music for the first time, “Tiny Dancer” is a must-listen track that showcases the timeless appeal of this legendary musician.
3. Levon
“Levon” is a song by Elton John released in 1971 as part of his album “Madman Across the Water.” The song is named after Levon Helm, the drummer for The Band, and its lyrics tell the story of a man who has grown old and is reflecting on his life. The song has a distinctive folk rock sound, with a catchy melody and strong vocals.
“Levon” is known for its powerful lyrics, which explore themes of loss, regret, and the passing of time. The chorus, with its memorable refrain of “He shall be Levon,” has become an iconic part of the song, and the song’s driving beat and upbeat rhythm make it a favorite among fans. Whether you’re a longtime Elton John fan or just discovering his music for the first time, “Levon” is a must-listen track that showcases the timeless appeal of this legendary musician.
4. Daniel
“Daniel” is a song by Elton John that was released in 1973 as part of his album “Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player.” The song tells the story of a soldier returning home from the Vietnam War, and his struggle to readjust to civilian life. With its haunting melody and powerful lyrics, “Daniel” has become one of Elton John’s most beloved songs.
The song’s lyrics are filled with emotion, as Elton John sings about the soldier’s longing for peace and his reluctance to discuss his experiences in the war. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Daniel my brother, you are older than me,” adds to the song’s emotional depth and has become an iconic part of the track. “Daniel” has been covered by numerous artists over the years and remains a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today.
5. Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me
“Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” is a ballad by Elton John, released in 1974 as part of his album “Caribou.” The song is a heartfelt plea from a man to his lover, asking her not to leave him and to stay by his side. With its emotional lyrics and soaring melody, “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” has become one of Elton John’s most enduring and beloved songs.
The song’s powerful chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Don’t let the sun go down on me,” has become an iconic part of the track, and Elton John’s soulful vocals bring an added depth and emotion to the song. “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” has been covered by many artists over the years, but none have been able to capture the raw emotion and power of the original. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Elton John or just discovering his music for the first time, “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” is a must-listen track that showcases the timeless appeal of this legendary musician.
6. Rocket Man
“Rocket Man” is a classic song by Elton John, released in 1972 as part of his album “Honky Château.” The song is an upbeat, yet melancholic tune that tells the story of an astronaut who is facing the loneliness and isolation of space travel. With its unforgettable melody and powerful lyrics, “Rocket Man” has become one of Elton John’s most enduring and beloved songs.
The song’s lyrics are filled with vivid imagery and metaphors, capturing the alienation and disconnection that comes with being so far away from home. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “And I think it’s gonna be a long, long time,” has become an iconic part of the track and is instantly recognizable to fans around the world. “Rocket Man” has been covered by many artists over the years, but none have been able to capture the magic and emotion of the original. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Elton John or just discovering his music for the first time, “Rocket Man” is a must-listen track that showcases the timeless appeal of this legendary musician.
7. Your Song
“Your Song” is one of Elton John’s most iconic songs, released in 1970 as part of his self-titled album. The song is a heartfelt love ballad that tells the story of a man expressing his love for his partner. With its memorable melody and emotional lyrics, “Your Song” has become a staple of classic rock radio and has been covered by numerous artists over the years.
The song’s simple yet powerful lyrics, combined with Elton John’s beautiful piano playing and soulful vocals, make it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “How wonderful life is while you’re in the world,” has become an iconic part of the track and is instantly recognizable to fans around the world. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Elton John or just discovering his music for the first time, “Your Song” is a must-listen track that showcases the enduring appeal of this legendary musician.
8. Bennie and the Jets
“Bennie and the Jets” is a classic song by Elton John, released in 1974 as part of his album “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.” The song has a distinctive sound, with its driving beat and catchy melody, and its lyrics tell the story of a fictional band named “Bennie and the Jets” and their wild, over-the-top performances.
The song’s chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Bennie, Bennie and the Jets,” has become an iconic part of the track and is instantly recognizable to fans around the world. Elton John’s vocals and piano playing are at their best in this song, and the addition of cheering crowds and other sound effects only adds to the energy and excitement of the track. “Bennie and the Jets” has become a staple of classic rock radio and has been covered by many artists over the years, cementing its status as one of Elton John’s most beloved songs.
9. Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy
“Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy” is the title track of Elton John’s ninth studio album, released in 1975. The song is a nostalgic look back at the early days of Elton John’s career, before he became a worldwide sensation. The lyrics describe the struggles and triumphs that he and his longtime collaborator, lyricist Bernie Taupin, faced on their journey to success.
The song features Elton John’s trademark piano playing and strong vocals, and its melody and lyrics have a wistful, reflective quality. “Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy” is a celebration of Elton John’s roots and the hard work and determination that propelled him to stardom. The track has become a fan favorite and remains a testament to the enduring legacy of this legendary musician.
10. Someone Saved My Life Tonight
“Someone Saved My Life Tonight” is a song by Elton John, released in 1975 as part of his album “Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy.” The song is a deeply personal track, inspired by Elton John’s own experiences with depression and suicidal thoughts. The lyrics tell the story of a man who was saved from a suicide attempt by a friend, and the gratitude he feels towards that person.
The song’s lyrics are filled with emotion and vulnerability, and Elton John’s powerful vocals and piano playing add to its impact. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Someone saved my life tonight,” has become an iconic part of the track, and the song’s message of hope and redemption has resonated with fans for decades. “Someone Saved My Life Tonight” is a must-listen track that showcases the enduring appeal of this legendary musician.
Darren Jamison is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
