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This is a remarkably underrated and underappreciated album and era for Sir Elton. Just a magnificent pairing of two legendary heavyweights and it came at a low point in Elton's career. Played this album last night. I'd forgotten how much I love this music. Such an interesting sound for Elton, in full Philly soul mode. I love the way the vocals were recorded....especially Three Way Love Affair. Granted, there's tons of repetition throughout, and the lyrics to these songs won't be studied by scholars, but it all has a great flow nonetheless. Any love here for this?

70s pop/soul flashback: "Mama Can't Buy You Love" by Elton John (recorded in 1977,released in 1979)

These songs were recorded in 1977 but plans for the prospective album were cancelled.Elton heard the final mixes and decided that the music was "overproduced" and that the music was too saccharine.A second recording session was cancelled.

However,a few years later,John's record company finally decided to release the recordings on an EP called the Thom Bell Sessions and it became a hit.The single "Mama Can't Buy You Love" became John's biggest hit in three years,selling more than a million copies.

One track "Three Way Love Affair" also appeared on the Bell andd James debut album,also released in 1979.Those guys wrote the song and recorded their own version for their album.

One of my favorite albums, from Elton.

it was an interesting project for Elton,who was clearly a fan of the Philly Sound.His earlier hit "Philadelphia Freedom" sounds like a homage to that sound.

SoulAlive said:

it was an interesting project for Elton,who was clearly a fan of the Philly Sound.His earlier hit "Philadelphia Freedom" sounds like a homage to that sound.

Perfect point. Elton always had soul in his sound, no matter what he touched. I just love that smooth Philly soul style he would pay homage to. This project represents his definitive "soul" moment, IMHO.

Can you imagine if,back in the 70s, Elton had done an entire album produced by Gamble and Huff? It would have been really interesting! I think he could have pulled it off,too

SoulAlive said:

Can you imagine if,back in the 70s, Elton had done an entire album produced by Gamble and Huff? It would have been really interesting! I think he could have pulled it off,too

Most def! No question about it. It would've been a head-busting project for both worlds.

Not sure if it was remixed but "are you ready for love" was a huge UK hit for Elton about 10 years ago.