This is a seriously great album, recorded in late 1969,his second album, where he was a no one when recorded but the album made him star. Songs like Border Song, Take me to the Pilot, The King is dead and Your song are his best and completely free of the over the top frippery in some of his latest albums. Hes got violins, and rockabilly on one album and the whole thing flows seamlessly.

Does anyone else like this piece of post hippy, sit down piano vocal music. This to me is real music and I think its possible to like this and Prince
Its Elton at the same time, Prince was at the time of Prince.

Easily the best sophomore album ever made does anyone agree.

I second that

'take me to the pilot' is positively SMOKING.....

total genius of an album, amazing for someone at his ge to have nailed a record this GREAT, and to then continue with an output that has not been matched, i mean 17 albums in 5 years, while being on top of the charts and touring nonstop. This album is always one of my favorites from him and probably the best from the 70's recordings though he has others that come close. Tracks like "i need you to turn to" and "the greatest discovery" and all the others mentioned. Everyone should RUN out and get the remastered double version of this masterpiece. This further proves the 70's were responsible for the best artists. Furthermore this album, has amazing production, done by gus dudgeon, the lyrics of course by Taupin, the melodies and all music by Elton, and the amazing string arrangements by paul buckmaster.

John's talent was clearly displayed on this album. Beautifully crafted.

lastdecember said:

Excellent reply, but the album was actually recorded in Aug -Oct 1969 and released in January 1970, really making it a late 60s album, yet I see your point, the 70s (well to 76 anyway) were Eltons Prime. And he really became big in the USA after that Troubador appearance in August 1970 playing material off this album. Also Your Song only became a hit when re released in early 1971. But it was recorded in 1969. Grooveee!!!

DiminutiveRocker said:

And yet it hasn't dulled, seeing him this year, he still has the magic and the drive, the man is a living treasure, a Caucasian version of Prince

Eventually,I'm gonna finish collecting all of Elton's 70s albums.

tane1976 said:

Elton doesnt get the props he deserves, and neither does Bernie Taupin. These two together are just as important as Lennon/McCartney, and to me even more, because Lennon and McCartney was just a "title" they almost never collaborated as writers, Elton and Taupin split the duties of lyrics and music, and to me its a combo that cant be topped in this genre.