Elton John is an English singer-songwriter, pianist, and composer who has become one of the most successful and iconic musicians of the 20th century. Born Reginald Dwight in 1947 in England, he began playing piano at a young age and went on to study at the Royal Academy of Music. He started his music career as a session musician before releasing his debut album, Empty Sky (1969).
Elton John’s music is characterized by his distinctive voice, piano skills, and flamboyant stage presence. He has penned some of the most memorable hits of the last five decades, including “Rocket Man,” “Tiny Dancer,” and “Your Song.” He has released over 30 studio albums, sold over 300 million records worldwide, and won numerous awards for his music, including an Academy Award and five Grammy Awards.
In addition to his music career, Elton John is also known for his philanthropic work, particularly in the areas of HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. He has been honored with numerous awards for his music and humanitarian efforts, including knighthood in 1998.
Elton John’s influence on music and popular culture cannot be overstated, and he has inspired countless artists with his unique sound, flamboyant style, and songwriting talent. His music continues to be celebrated by fans around the world, and his legacy as a true icon of music and entertainment lives on.
1. Tiny Dancer
Elton John's "Tiny Dancer" is a timeless classic that portrays his musical acumen. This song perfectly captures the essence of emotional depth, and its soulful music makes it a fan favorite. "Tiny Dancer" is admired for its piano riffs, Elton John's impeccable vocal performance, and an impactful chorus that leaves a lasting impression. Its lyrics revolve around the story of an aspiring actress who struggles to find fame in the city but overcomes her failures and eventually gets her big break.
Listeners can easily relate to the message of perseverance and determination conveyed through this melody. The song has been critically acclaimed worldwide because it highlights Elton John's expertise in creating a balance between melancholic undertones with upbeat tunes – resulting in an incredible piece of art that stands the test of time.
One of the notable aspects of “Tiny Dancer” is its underrated arrangement which features background harmonies, acoustic guitars, classical strings alongside John’s iconic piano playing. These elements make "Tiny Dancer" an incredibly touching experience for the listener.
You cannot afford to miss out on listening to this masterpiece by Elton John if you are a true fan of music! Feel free to indulge in the mellifluous tune that continues to enchant audiences all over the world – bringing them under its spell with every listen.
Move over Beyoncé, Bennie and the Jets have taken over as the ultimate divas.
2. Bennie and the Jets
Elton John's classic hit about a fictional band, 'Bennie and the Jets', is an iconic tune that has stood the test of time. The song features John's signature piano riffs and is known for its enigmatic lyrics, which have left fans guessing for decades. The track was released in 1974 as part of the album 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road' and became an instant hit. Its unique sound and catchy chorus have made it a staple of classic rock radio to this day.
'Bennie and the Jets' is renowned for its distinctive opening chords, which are often imitated by other musicians. The song's mysterious lyrics have led to various interpretations over the years, with many fans believing it to be about a real-life band or performer. John's powerful vocals combine with the driving piano melody to create an upbeat and infectious tune that has become one of his best-loved songs.
What sets 'Bennie and the Jets' apart from other Elton John hits is its unusual structure; rather than following a traditional verse-chorus format, the song features a repeating chorus that gives it a hypnotic quality. The track also showcases John's talent for creating memorable hooks – once you've heard 'Bennie and the Jets', you're unlikely to forget it any time soon.
According to Rolling Stone magazine, 'Bennie and the Jets' was originally inspired by John's fascination with futuristic music; he envisioned Bennie as a kind of space-age rocker leading an intergalactic band. While this vision may never have been fully realized, the song remains one of Elton John's most enduring hits today.
Don't worry, Elton, we've all had those nights where someone saves our life…by buying us another round at the bar.
3. Someone Saved My Life Tonight
This powerful song about being saved by someone is the number three hit on our "10 Best Elton John Songs of All Time" list. The lyrics are emotional and honest, telling the story of a person who was rescued from a dark place. Elton's heartfelt vocals and passionate piano playing bring the message home. The song offers hope and inspiration, reminding listeners that even in their darkest moments, there may be someone who can save them.
In addition to its musical qualities, "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" also serves as an important commentary on mental health and suicide prevention. It encourages people to reach out for help when they need it and reminds us of the power of human connection. This makes it a timeless classic that remains relevant today.
What sets this song apart from others on the list is its personal touch – it was written about an actual experience Elton had with suicide and the friend who saved him. This adds an extra layer of depth to both the lyrics and melody, making it all the more impactful for listeners. It's no wonder why this song continues to be a fan favorite decades after its release.
To fully appreciate this memorable tune, we suggest listening to it alone with headphones in a quiet space. Taking time to fully immerse oneself in the music and lyrics can lead to a deeper understanding of what makes it such a standout hit. Alternatively, consider sharing it with someone you care about who may benefit from its message of hope and salvation.
Elton John's 'Your Song' proves that sometimes the simplest melodies can leave the biggest impression, unlike my attempts at humming.
4. Your Song
This iconic ballad, originally released in the early 70s, is undoubtedly one of Elton John's most beloved hits. It tells a story of expressing love through words, set to a beautiful piano melody. "Your Song" has since transcended time and has been covered countless times by other artists. The song's sentimental value has made it a popular choice for wedding dances and other significant moments.
One reason for its mass appeal is the simplicity of its lyrics. Instead of relying on elaborate metaphors or grandiose expressions, Elton John opts for an honest and direct approach that anyone can relate to. The song's opening line "It's a little bit funny, this feeling inside" sets the stage for the rest of the track.
What differentiates "Your Song" from many other ballads is Elton John's soaring vocals during the chorus, accompanied by beautiful strings that enhance the overall emotional impact of the song. Elton's masterful piano playing also shines throughout the track.
Pro Tip: Play this timeless classic at your next special occasion to create an intimate and romantic atmosphere and bring joy to your guests' hearts.
Blast off into space with Elton's iconic hit, "Rocket Man", but be warned, you might need a helmet to contain your mind being blown.
5. Rocket Man
Elton John's 'Rocket Man' is one of his most iconic and beloved songs. The beautiful yet haunting melody captures the feelings of isolation and distance remarkably well. Elton John's brilliant songwriting and vocal performance have made this song a timeless classic for generations to come.
The lyrics describe an astronaut's life in space, his longing for home, and the isolation he feels despite being in a populated area. It is expertly crafted with vivid imagery and metaphors that perfectly convey the emotions of the subject matter.
In addition to its incredible musical performance, 'Rocket Man' has been covered by numerous artists, further cementing its place as one of Elton John's greatest hits.
The instrumental accompaniment combines various instruments like bass guitar, analog synthesizers and mellotron which complements each other beautifully.
If you want to experience this masterpiece in its full potential, try listening to it with headphones on while closing your eyes. The gentle waves of sound will take you on a literal journey through space.
Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy: Elton John's version of Bonnie and Clyde, but with more pianos and less bank robbery.
6. Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy
Elton John's masterpiece, a narrative album chronicles the story of two musicians who made their mark in the music industry. 'Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy' is a fusion of creativity and storytelling, with lyrics that portray Elton's struggles as an aspiring artist. One of the most admired works by Elton John, this album has revolutionized rock music with its experimental concepts and melodies.
The album begins with the song 'Captain Fantastic', where Elton talks about his journey as a novice musician. The poems express his passion for music, his hopes, dreams and aspirations. 'Tower of Babel' presents a criticism of society constructed on illusions and delusions. 'Someone Saved My Life Tonight' is centered around Bernie Taupin coming to save Elton from making a terrible mistake; these songs challenge social norms and set new standards for rock music.
This album revolves around introspection, determination, success and makes powerful social commentary that resonates with every generation. Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy have remnants that exceed time boundaries that contribute to it being one of Elton John's eternal classics.
It is said that while touring in 1975 songwriters Bernie Taupin and Elton John talked about their early career trials that resulted in this concept album was created as an ode to those days.
Elton John bid farewell to convention and went off the beaten path with 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road' – proving that sometimes the best way to find yourself is to get lost.
7. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Elton John's masterpiece, a tribute to his roots and an ode to the journey of life that we all have to tread upon: 'The Goodbye Yellow Brick Road' is a timeless classic. This song encompasses the feeling of yearning for something more than the mundane and setting out on a quest towards self-discovery. The lyrics evoke emotions of nostalgia and bittersweet memories of a life once lived. The fusion-style melody flows seamlessly with Elton's raw voice, giving it an authentic feel. 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road' has rightfully earned its position as one of Elton John's best songs.
In line with Elton's signature music style, 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road' features creative instrumental arrangements and captivating lyrics that speak directly to the heart. Released as the title track from his 1973 album, this song traces Elton's musical journey from wanting fame and fortune to realizing that material possessions don't bring lasting happiness – something that he beautifully encapsulated in his lyrics.
While there are many popular hits by Elton John, this song stands out for its unique blend of pop, rock, country music, and blues – a perfect mix representing both the old roots and new expressions.
Elton John wrote this song at a time when he was struggling with his identity and struggling to find meaning in life beyond fame and money. It is said that inspiration struck him while traveling on an airplane when he saw someone break open their suitcase full of fancy clothes only to reveal a drab personality beneath it all – something every one of us would relate to in today's times.
Therefore, 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road' is not just another classic tune; it represents a universal truth – that true wealth lies in finding oneself rather than seeking external validation through wealth or status.
Daniel may have been gone for 37 years, but this haunting ballad proves that Elton John's talent is still alive and kicking.
8. Daniel
This track, originally released in 1973, was written for Elton John’s friend, who was leaving to start a new life on his own. 'Daniel' features a unique blend of country music and rock, marking it as one of John's most versatile songs. The song's story is set in the time of the Vietnam war and features unique instrumentation, including string arrangements by Del Newman.
The song 'Daniel' marks a shift towards more sophisticated musical stylings and introspective lyrics for Elton John. What sets this song apart from his others is its unique musical styling that wasn't typical of John's style during that era.
Interestingly, despite the somber nature of the song's story and instrumental components, 'Daniel' has an uplifting and optimistic feel due to its acoustic-guitar-led chorus melody. This goes on to show how skillfully Elton and Bernie Taupin crafted their blended sound throughout their careers.
Pro Tip: Listen to 'Daniel' carefully to fully grasp the nuances behind it.
Elton John reminds us that it's better to let go of toxic relationships before they burn us out like the sun in 'Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me'.
9. Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me
One of Elton John's most iconic songs is the masterpiece often referred to as 'The Sunset Song'. Its original title, 'Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me', holds a hauntingly beautiful melody and poignant lyrics that perfectly capture the essence of love and heartache. The song has become a classic due to its brilliant composition and soul-stirring vocals.
'Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me' was co-written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin in 1974. It quickly became a hit after being performed live, featuring on various albums, including Greatest Hits Volume II and Love Songs. It topped charts worldwide and won critical acclaim for its emotional depth and superb musicianship.
This song remains one of Elton John's most beloved ballads because it speaks to listeners on an emotional level. As he sings about the fear of loss, regret, loneliness and despair, the audience is moved by his powerful voice that conveys genuine passion and vulnerability.
It’s impossible not to be captivated by the heartfelt lyrics intertwined with gorgeous piano arrangements that complement the overall mood of the song flawlessly. Inevitably people ended up falling in love with both versions- original version released in 1974 as well as duet version with George Michael released in 1991.
If you're looking to experience one of Elton John's standout tracks that impacted music history, make sure you do not miss out on listening to 'The Sunset Song' or 'Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me'. You will find yourself getting lost in its beauty every time it comes on!
Levon may have been a simple man, but he sure had great taste in hats.
10. Levon
Elton John's 1971 hit "Levon" remains one of the acclaimed artist's best songs to date. The tune intricately describes a man's life and times through a tale weaving reflective imagery of an American civil war veteran, his family, and their struggles. With captivating storytelling, the song comes alive with its engrossing piano riffs, guitar strumming, and distinctive beat drop. Elton John's unique vocal interpretations make "Levon" an all-time classic beloved by many.
As one of Elton John's most lyrically complex tracks, "Levon" delves into themes that explore aging, familial dynamics, and the American Dream. Written by Bernie Taupin and Elton John himself, the song has been covered by various musicians over the years since its release. In addition to fascinating lyrics and vocals, listeners are made to visualize Levon's story through masterful production techniques executed seamlessly in this timeless piece.
A particularly interesting part of "Levon" is its coalescence of seemingly opposing elements like faith and rebellion or love and estrangement in a way that does not come off as disjointed but flows delivering poignant messages. All these elements, mixed with musical genius at work make "Levon" an essential track from Sir Elton John’s music repertoire that cannot be missed.
If you love good music- thoughtful lyrics backed up with multi-instrumental mastery- then you shouldn't miss out on "Levon." Its uniqueness makes it stand out among other classics from Elton John so you may want to add it into your musical rotation-and pass it on for new generations to experience it too!
Edward Tomlin 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.
