This was released in 1975 and was Elton’s ninth studio album. It is also a autobiographical piece about Elton and Bernie’s early years struggling around London, which is the last place that comes to mind when you listen to it – the vibe is straight from mid-west America. The only single from this release is Someone Saved My Life Tonight, which was about Long John Baldry after Elton tried to commit suicide in ’69.
Although not as up tempo as earlier and prior releases, this is just a wonderful record. Bernie’s lyrics are so deep and meaningful – with Elton’s delivery, it’s just perfection. They spent longer on this record than any other before it, and it shows. It’s just a masterpiece and a worthy member of Elton’s golden period. The pictures in the two accompanying booklets are awesome as you see Elton as just an ordinary guy. No individual song reviews here because as a whole it’s just wonderful, and an album I hold dearly.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
