I hate his sappy 80's and 90's output, but I have heard that some of his 70's output is great. Could anyone recommend me some albums to start with?

One of the best albums of the 1970s.

hey i quite like Reg Strikes Back and Sleeping With The Past. One's from 87 and the second is from 89 but they are kinda cool albums. they are right b4 he went all Lion King on us.

But if you want 70s go for Yellow Brick Road, Captain Fantastic or Blue Moves.

Actually, I think most of his 80s stuff is really underrated. Stylistically diverse, and sometimes even funky. Particularly, the albums Jump Up, Too Low for Zero, Breaking Hearts, Ice on Fire, Reg Strikes Back, and Sleeping with the Past.

But if you're looking for the 70s albums, you can't go wrong with Elton John (the self titled album), Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Caribou, Captain Fantastic, and Blue Moves.

Start with Goodbye Yellow Brick Road...Essential. If you like it go to...

Honkey Chateau, Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player, Tumbleweed Connection, and Madman Across the Water. All are Elton at his peak imo. Real gems.