Elton John, born Reginald Kenneth Dwight in 1947, is an English singer, songwriter, pianist, and composer. He first rose to fame in the 1970s with hits like “Rocket Man,” “Tiny Dancer,” and “Crocodile Rock,” which showcased his unique blend of pop, rock, and theatricality.
John’s music is known for its catchy melodies, soaring vocals, and lyrics that touch on themes of love, loss, and social issues. He has released over 30 albums and sold over 300 million records worldwide, making him one of the most successful and influential musicians of all time.
In addition to his music, John is also known for his flamboyant stage presence, with his elaborate costumes and signature glasses becoming iconic symbols of his career. He has also been active in philanthropic causes, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
John has won multiple Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. He continues to tour and record music to this day, cementing his legacy as one of the most beloved and respected musicians of his generation.
1. Tiny Dancer
This Elton John classic is a timeless piece that has stood the test of time. The song 'Tiny Dancer' boasts beautifully crafted lyrics and instrumentation that never fail to impress listeners. Its graceful melody coupled with John's signature voice will transport you to another world altogether. A surefire hit, Tiny Dancer is undoubtedly one of the best songs in Elton John's illustrious discography.
The song tells a story about a beautiful dancer struggling to make it in LA; yet, her charm and grace are entrancing to those around her. It is no wonder that this song was used in the famous bus scene in Almost Famous. Fun fact: this song was almost never released as a single but gained immense popularity through radio airplay.
Listening to 'Tiny Dancer' today can be described as pure magic, even after all these years since its inception. This masterpiece showcases Elton John's artistry and passion beautifully while painting vivid imagery with his words and music.
There's a reason this tune remains one of his most celebrated classics – "Tiny Dancer" remains an evergreen fan favorite Even so many years later, its emotive depth and incredible storytelling still leaves an indelible mark on audiences worldwide.
Blast off with Elton's interstellar hit, Rocket Man, and boldly go where no piano ballad has gone before.
2. Rocket Man
This classic track from the legendary Elton John is known as one of his greatest hits. 'The Rocket Man' lyrics tell a story of an astronaut who is separated from his family and friends while on a mission in space. The song was released alongside other hits such as "Crocodile Rock" and "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting". Its memorable piano intro and powerful vocals have made it a staple of classic rock radio to this day.
As one of Elton John's most recognizable songs, 'Rocket Man' demonstrates his impressive vocal range and ability to blend pop and rock with heartfelt storytelling. The song has been covered by countless artists, including William Shatner, whose unique interpretation became an online meme sensation. Fans worldwide have held onto the song's themes of isolation, loss, and yearning for connection.
What makes 'Rocket Man' a standout among Elton John's impressive discography are its introspective lyrics that capture the emotions behind the struggles we all face in life. By painting a vivid picture of the depths of loneliness experienced by those who travel through space, this timeless hit reminds us of our humanity at its most vulnerable.
Pro Tip: To get an even deeper appreciation for the song's meaning, try researching its origins – inspired by Ray Bradbury's short story, "The Rocket Man".
Elton's 'Your Song' is like a musical love letter – except instead of handwriting, it's written with angelic vocals and piano chords.
3. Your Song
One of Elton John's most beloved classics would be "Your Song," as it captures the essence of love in a melodic way. This song, composed by both Elton John and Bernie Taupin, was released in 1970 on his self-titled album 'Elton John.' The lyrics were created by Taupin while John added his flair to it with notes that showcased his impeccable piano skills. The track's success helped the artist establish himself as an accomplished singer and songwriter. Its gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics make it an enduring classic in the music industry.
As one of Elton John's most celebrated songs, "Your Song" emphasizes personal connection and often serves as a dedication to one’s beloved. It has also been covered by various artists over several years due to its meaningful lyrics. Even though this is not a typical love song, its message speaks volumes about how simple moments can turn into memories cherished for a lifetime.
Apart from the renowned chorus, "Your Song" carries an impeccable instrumental arrangement driven by orchestra and choir at times while still making sure that Elton's iconic piano chords harmonize perfectly with the vocals.
Listening to "Your Song" is sure to evoke memories and emotions, making it ideal for special occasions such as weddings or anniversaries or even just personal reflection.
For those looking to discover new music, listening to "Your Song" along with other tracks from his self-titled album will give you an idea of Elton John’s early musical prowess while transcending you back in time through his nostalgic tunes.
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road: Because who needs a yellow brick road when you can have Elton John's iconic vocals leading the way?
4. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Elton John's classic hit song about the societal pressure of success and finding one's true identity, and the struggles that come with it, is a timeless masterpiece. This beloved track, situated as the fourth on the '10 Best Elton John Songs of All Time' list, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road features strong instrumentation and emotive lyrics that are poignantly reflective. John's signature vocals bring a raw depth to this nostalgic song, making it an all-time fan favorite.
Continuing down the list to number four, we reach the compelling Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – a song that speaks to finding oneself amidst societal pressures. With its iconic piano melodies accompanied by catchy choruses and relatable lyrics, this track has solidified its place as one of Elton John's most critically acclaimed pieces.
It is also essential to note that Goodbye Yellow Brick Road served as both the title track and opening performance of Elton John's 1973 album release – stepping up as one of his most popular albums to date, selling over 31 million copies worldwide.
A true fact: In 2018, The Recording Academy added Goodbye Yellow Brick Road into their Grammy Hall of Fame collection – honoring recordings with lasting qualitative or historical significance.
Move over Beyonce, Bennie and the Jets have the sassiest entrance of all time.
5. Bennie and the Jets
One of Sir Elton John's most popular tracks, the song with a Semantic NLP variation of '5. Bennie and the Jets' is a must-listen for any fan of the artist's music. The funky piano riffs and energetic vocals make it an instant hit. This classic song was released in 1974 and has since been a beloved track amongst fans who have been captivated by its unique style.
Staying true to his exuberant nature, Elton pairs Bradly Green's cool violin melody with electric guitar sounds to create an infectious tune. With lyrics that are often misheard due to their catchy delivery, '5. Bennie and the Jets' gives people all over the world a reason to dance like they're part of the live audience at Madison Square Garden where it was originally performed.
To top off its popularity, this track has appeared in various pop culture references such as movies and commercials, underlining its timeless appeal.
Pro Tip: If you want to hear what it's like to listen to '5. Bennie and the Jets', stick on some headphones and crank up the volume – you won't regret it!
Warning: listening to 'Crocodile Rock' may cause spontaneous dancing and a sudden urge to buy bell-bottoms.
6. Crocodile Rock
This track is a notable hit from the legendary Elton John. It embodies an energetic vibe that could easily captivate its listeners. The creativity of the lyrics combined with the upbeat melody was an instant success when it was first released in 1972.
'Crocodile Rock' brings back nostalgia and reminds us of simpler times where dancing to rock and roll tunes was the norm. Its timeless sound and memorable chorus have made it one of Elton's most beloved compositions. The song's catchy tune, particularly the opening piano riff, is unforgettable.
The song is rooted in the mid-20th century American music genres that were popular during the early years of rock and roll. This throwback theme which encompasses not just a collection of sounds but a way of life in music makes 'Crocodile Rock' stand out among other songs.
It's interesting to know that this song was never intended to be part of Elton John's repertoire, and he only agreed to add it after seeing how well-received it was by audiences while on tour.
Elton John's plea for continued daylight savings: 'Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me'
7. Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me
This classic Elton John song, known as "When the Day is Done," explores the theme of heartbreak and separation. With its haunting piano intro and deeply emotional lyrics, it's no wonder this track is one of Elton John's most beloved songs. The song features soaring vocals and a catchy chorus that are sure to stay stuck in your head long after listening.
"Don't Let The Sun Go Down on Me" became a massive hit for Elton John in 1974 after being re-released with revised lyrics. John's passionate delivery of the ballad has cemented this song as one of his finest works ever recorded. Its powerful message about not letting love die and fighting to keep it alive resonates with listeners all over the world.
Did you know that "Don't Let The Sun Go Down on Me" was co-written by Bernie Taupin? Taupin wrote many of Elton John's most iconic hits, including "Tiny Dancer" and "Rocket Man." This partnership helped craft some truly unforgettable music that still resonates with fans decades later.
Pro Tip: Make sure to turn up the volume when listening to "Don't Let The Sun Go Down on Me" so you can fully appreciate the intricate piano work that makes this song so special.
Daniel, the other famous Englishman who kept his sunglasses on indoors and still looked cool.
8. Daniel
This section talks about one of the best Elton John Songs of All Time, which has been titled as '8. Daniel'. The song is unique in its composition and storytelling that talks about a Vietnam veteran, who returns home to a world full of controversy and separation. 'Daniel' was released in 1973 and was an instant hit among fans for its soulful music and deep lyrics.
The song encapsulates the feeling of isolation experienced by many veterans during the time, making it an exceptional track both emotionally and musically. The lyrics of 'Daniel' are penned masterfully by Bernie Taupin while Elton delivers his signature vocals backed by rich instrumentation.
A crucial feature of this amazing song is the fact that it doesn't delve into violent or political issues; instead, it more humanizes soldier's experiences returning home after warzones. This makes Daniel very relatable to wider audiences not just limited to war survivors.
What makes 'Daniel' stand out from other compositions of Elton John is how much impact the song has had on listeners globally. Bringing attention to those that have gone through traumatic events alone and giving them a platform to feel understood among others struggling with similar experiences.
Elton John may have lost his hair, but he's still standing strong on our list of top hits.
9. I’m Still Standing
Elton John's 'I'm Still Standing' is a timeless classic that was released in 1983. The upbeat tempo and motivating lyrics make it an instant mood-booster and a perfect song for those who are going through tough times. It is considered one of his career-defining hits. Throughout the song, Elton John sings about rising above adversity and coming out stronger on the other end.
The energetic melody accompanied by the catchy chorus makes this track stand out among Elton John's vast collection of songs. It became an international hit and peaked at number 1 in Canada and Switzerland. In addition, it reached top ten positions in various countries including the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, Australia, and more. Many consider 'I'm Still Standing' as a metaphor for Elton John's own journey towards sobriety.
Interestingly, this song almost did not make it to the final tracklist of his album 'Too Low For Zero'. It was only after creative differences with his former lyricist that he was able to produce something on his own that made him feel proud.
According to Billboard, "I'm Still Standing" has earned over 442 million on-demand streams in America alone.
This enduring classic will continue to inspire future generations with its resilient message. Even Marilyn Monroe shed a tear listening to this one, and she's been dead for over 50 years.
10. Candle in the Wind
This song is a profound masterpiece that was initially written as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe and later rewritten for Princess Diana. The lyrics are poignant, touching, and evocative, and the melody is equally hypnotic, making it one of Elton John's most recognizable songs. Despite its melancholic content, the momentous wordplay encapsulates human compassion and celebrates life's beauty in the face of adversity.
The song became even more popular after Princess Diana's tragic death in 1997, and has since been synonymous with honoring people who have passed away too soon. This iconic classic is among the most commercially successful songs ever recorded by Elton John.
Additionally, the live version performed at Princess Diana's funeral remains one of the most memorable moments in music history. The way it impacted people transcended national borders and cultures, emphasizing how music can touch souls beyond language barriers.
This legendary track has inspired numerous covers by some of the world's greatest musicians. Its universal appeal lies in its capacity to connect with audiences from different backgrounds and ages on an emotional level.
Listeners seeking solace or anyone interested in exploring one of music's timelessly emotional treasures should not ignore this fantastic piece. "Candle In The Wind" demonstrates how a powerful composition can immortalize sentiments forever.
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.
