Very Best Of Elton John, The - Elton John

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Sublime
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Outstanding
Value for Money	Excellent

Advantages:	Music for All Ages
Disadvantages:	None

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Love him or hate him the name Elton John is one that we have all heard of at some time in our life.
He has made a multitude of songs spanning over thirty years and has performed with artists all over the world.His record sales worldwide have topped the 100 million mark and out of the 30 plus albums he has made no less than 7 have been consecutive number ones in the usa.
This particular double cd has all the hallmarks of an artist of great standing and his music speaks volumes.His partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin is put together in 2 cd\'s of 30 songs which seem to have their very own genre.Its hard to put it in a catagory but when listened to i see it as mood music.It has ups and downs and depending on how you feel will determine which songs you choose.

I purchased this album a few years ago after knowing a fair few songs of Eltons and was delighted to find that all the ones i like are here on these two cd\'s.
Whether its the foot tapping \'Crocodile Rock\' or the very thought provoking \'Candle In The Wind\' all his best songs are here to enjoy.Released in 1990 this album has surprisingly not been reviewed as yet.I thought i would review it to the best of my ability and maybe persuade some of you out there to maybe buy and enjoy it as much as i do.

The cd Box:

A two cd box with Elton on the front in white jacket and traditional silly hat and dark glasses.
The blue/grey shade that looks slightly like a negative photo is distinctive and the title of \'The Very Best Of Elton John\' is done in the singers own handwriting and written top left of the cover.
The back of the case has the song list and duration of each song as well.
14 songs on cd 1 and 16 songs on cd 2.
Again it has the same blue/grey background with lots of what looks like lyrics scribbled all over it.
Both cd\'s inside are in a nice white,a blue song list and silver lyrics all over it.Done in a mirrored effect its distinctive and looks good.
The inlay booklet has a picture of Eton and Bernie Taupin,a quick foreword and the rest is dedicated to the song lyrics,this i always find helpful as i enjoy a song so much more if i learn the words and sing along.

The Song List cd1

1) Your Song
2) Rocket Man
3) Honky Cat
4) Crocodile Rock
5) Daniel
6) Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
7) Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting
8) Candle In The Wind
9) Dont Let The Sun Go Down On Me
10) Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds
11) Philadelphia Freedom
12) Somebody Saved My Life Tonight
13) Pinball Wizard
14) The Bitch Is Back

Song List cd2

1) Dont Go Breaking My Heart
2) Bennie And The Jets
3) Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
4) Song For Guy
5) Part Time Love
6) Blue Eyes
7) I Guess Thats Why They Call It The Blues
8) I'm Still Standing
9) Kiss The Bride
10) Sad Songs
11) Passengers
12) Nikita
13) I Dont Wanna Go On With You Like That
14) Sacrifice
15) Easier To Walk Away
16) You Gotta Love Somebody

Though i cant tell you what most of the songs relate to im sure you will recognise many of them.
Obviously you have 'Dont Let The Sun Go Down On Me' very well known and later re-released as a duet with George Michael.
'Dont Go Breaking My Heart' sung with Kiki Dee.
'Nikita' A song written about forbidden love in the cold war.
'Candle In The Wind' written about the tragic death of Marilyn Monroe and later re-written and sung at Princess Diana's funeral which tugged at the heart strings of a nation.
'Pinball Wizard' A well known song used in the rock opera 'Tommy'

All in all there are songs on here for everyone and im sure should you buy it you will agree its an album of mood music.

Management...John Reid
Inside cover photo...Herb Ritts
Cover Design...Wherefore Art

Available in all good record shops and price will vary between £5 to £12 pounds.
As this album has been around a while you should be able to get a very good bargain price on it.