Elton John

Honky Chateau delivered Elton John from singer-songwriter status to pop star, thanks to songs such as "Honky Cat" and "Rocket Man." This is one of Elton's best albums; both he and Bernie Taupin have hit their stride. Casual listeners may opt for any of his Greatest Hits albums, but Honky Chateau should be in every fan's music collection.

Elton John's Honky Chateau is a rich, warm, satisfying album that stands head and shoulders
above the morass of current releases and has now succeeded in toppling the Stones from
the top spot on the charts in only three weeks. Musically more varied, emotionally less
contrived, lyrically more lucid than Tumbleweed Connection, Chateau rivals Elton John as
his best work to date and evidences growth at every possible level. The core of ... More >

John is here transmuted from dangerous poseur to likable pro. Paul Buckmaster and his sobbing strings are gone. Bernie Taupin has settled into some comprehensible (even sharp and surprising) lyrics, and John's piano, tinged with the music hall, is a rocker's delight. Also, he does have a knack for the hook. If like me you love "Rocket Man" despite all your initial misgivings, try "I Think I'm Gonna Kill Myself," about the state of teenage blues, or "Slave," about slavery. (Grade - A-)