Elton John's Top Songs & Favorites: A Deep Dive
Could one truly encapsulate a musical legacy spanning decades, inspiring generations, and captivating audiences worldwide? Sir Elton John, the British pianist and singer, has not only achieved this feat, but has also become one of the best-selling musicians of all time, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of popular music.
His songs, etched into the collective consciousness, have become anthems for millions, transcending geographical boundaries and cultural divides. In an interview with the BBC Radio 2 show 'Tracks of My Years' back in 2019, he offered a glimpse into the influences that shaped his musical journey. John's unmistakable vocal technique, a powerhouse of sound emanating from his diminutive stature, sets him apart. He effortlessly blends technical prowess with raw emotion, creating a sonic experience that is both technically brilliant and deeply moving. He also shared insights into his own work, revealing which of his songs hold a special place in his heart and, interestingly, which ones he'd rather not revisit during an appearance on 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert'. His performance at Glastonbury in 2023 marked the end of his touring career, yet his passion for music continues to burn brightly, influencing him throughout the years.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sir Elton Hercules John (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight) |
| Born | March 25, 1947 (age 77) Pinner, Middlesex, England |
| Genres | Pop rock, glam rock, soft rock, piano rock |
| Instruments | Vocals, Piano, Keyboards |
| Years Active | 1962present |
| Labels | DJM Records, MCA Records, Mercury Records, Rocket Records |
| Notable Albums |
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| Awards |
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| Official Website | www.eltonjohn.com |
Celebrating a wide range of musical influences on BBC Radio 2's 'Tracks of My Years', Elton John singled out Elvis Presley's 'Heartbreak Hotel' as a pivotal moment, the song that fundamentally altered the trajectory of his life. Last week, music enthusiasts and readers were invited to share their preferences by voting for their favorite Elton John songs of all time. In a separate interview, he reflected upon his journey. "John Peel played the music from Big Pink on his show, and I was a religious follower of," he recalled. He mentioned that 'Tiny Dancer' is a song he holds dear to his heart. "I was blown away to see this song at 20," he said. "Philadelphia Freedom should be in the top 5 easily. I could listen to it all day."
Responding to a specific musical comment during a recent interview, he reacted with a candid "Oh, for f 's sake". Elton John's collaboration with Metallica for the 30th anniversary of the "Black Album" was a moment that he fondly described in an interview on The Stern Show, elaborating on his desire to work on the project. A retrospective look at Elton John's work inevitably includes a list of his very best songs, a testament to his consistent output. Even though his more recent work hasn't garnered quite the same chart success as his iconic 1970s records, Elton John has consistently released quality albums since the dawn of the millennium, solidifying his standing within the musical world.
These are undoubtedly some of Elton John's best songs, meticulously ranked. "Rocket Man" and "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" are, of course, included among the must-haves. See what else made the list. In a reflection on his listening habits, Elton John also unveiled his favorite songs of 2023, introducing listeners to the work of Boygenius, Mitski, and others. The pop icon highlighted his picks for 2023's best, a fantastic year for both new artists and great songs. The Associated Press, in Los Angeles, reported on November 9, 2022, on the significance of Elton John's work. With his biographical movie, 'Rocketman,' becoming a major success and his chart success into his 70s, along with headlining at Glastonbury, what better reason to revisit his greatest ever songs?
In Elton John's 75 years, over 50 have been dedicated to creating the most memorable songs in pop and rock music from "Tiny Dancer" to "Rocket Man" to "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road." He revealed a list of his favorite songs and, intriguingly, also his least favorite. Here are Elton John's top 10 favorite songs, a glimpse into the musical world that shaped him. One fan, sharing a lifelong appreciation, noted, "I have been an Elton John fan all of my life. The first time I saw Elton John was in 1972 at the Rosegarden Portland Oregon. Very, very, very interesting show; the Eagles were the back-up band... who knew? At any rate, I have all of Elton John's albums; I have listened to all of his songs probably more than 2000 times. I have seen him 34 times, and the very last time I took my wife who is from Israel... good."
Even a music icon can have his moments of initial hesitation. Elton John remembered that it took some convincing before admitting he was a fan of certain songs. In 2019, the "Rocket Man" revealed which song changed his opinion and remains his favorite song of theirs to this day: "We Can Work It Out." He admitted it took him longer than most to warm to the Beatles' classic. He explained his enduring appreciation for this song, stating, "Honestly, not sure any song will ever beat it for me." He revealed other strong contenders including "Skyline Pigeon, Harmony, Funeral for a Friend, Where to Now St Peter, New Fever Waltz, Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters, and pretty much the whole second half of Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy."
In between some of the biggest milestone moments of his career, Elton John also consumed new music in 2023. Here are 15 of Elton Johns favorite songs of 2023. He mentioned in an interview, "John Peel played the music from Big Pink on his show, and I was a religious follower of." If Sir Elton Johns career had only spanned the 1970s, he would still be a music legend, an icon of glam and progressive rock. Fortunately, he continued to evolve, segueing into each new era of rock. The question, though, remains: What are the best Elton John songs? Elton John has released dozens of studio albums, contributed to the soundtracks and scores for films and Broadway. If there's one thing Elton doesn't like about playing live, it's performing certain hits over and over again.
Rolling Stone magazine asked him to make a list of the 50 best Elton John songs and annotate them. That feature just posted to their site. "It was a lot of work, involving a lot of research. And it was a lot of fun," he said. Elton John was his first favorite musician, a testament to the power of his music. In 1972, at the Rosegarden in Portland, Oregon, The Eagles were even a backup band, highlighting an interesting moment in his early career. Having seen him 34 times and listened to his albums more than 2000 times, the fans continue to celebrate his legacy and music.
