Tumbleweed Connection 9/10

Tumbleweed Connection 9/10

When people imagine Elton John, they usually imagine a flamboyant piano player dressing in huge glasses and costumes never void of color or variety. One thing they don't think about is him making great music that can be considered along with any classics.


However, there was a time when the singer wasn't a flamboyant pop man. He always did make great music, but people think too much of his image. And sadly, many fans stopped buying his albums after they weren't commercially successful. They are really missing out.

Just because someone has made something not-so good doesn't mean they can't make something better later. People change over time, and so does their music. Tumbleweed Connection is a good example of a non-commercial work of art. By the time he released it, he had made it in big time and had released a fantastic self-titled album, and now the musician was ready to start something new. A country influence. This album is a grower, and it is full of country, rock, and his usual ballads. It is a fantastic piece of music, but it is sadly overlooked.

1. Ballad of a well Known Gun 6/10

So the great TC album gets off to a not-so good start. Although this first song is a rocky, southern-styled piece, it is not memorable or catchy. In fact, in its instrumental, it is very messy. None of the instruments work in proper harmony with each other and ruin what could be a good song. What is great about this song, though, is its lyrics.

2. Come Down In Time 10/10

A haunting, mellow number takes place after the first song. Its great acoustic and harp melodies make it memorable, its slow but steady tune add a mysterious feel. The song is perfected  by orchestra arrangements, and it establishes a stand-out number on the album.

3. Country Comfort  9/10

Tumbleweed Connection is often described as a country album, and a large portion of the country is in this song. Elton put a lot of soul into this song, it has a whole and warm feeling you don't get with most modern songs. The country feel is a little overwhelming at times. However, this is still a great song.

4. Son of your Father 8/10

This is a song of fast paced- rock funk. Though it's not entirely memorable, its chorus is pretty catchy and somewhat motivating. It depicts a fight in wild west times, and is one of the upbeat tracks on the album. It's not the best, but it's not bad.

5. My Father's Gun 10/10

Through the memorable guitar solo intro, haunting lyrics, sweeping chorus, and great instrumentation, My Father's Gun makes a marvelous song. The fantastic intro lets you know something serious is happening, and a lot of the song has a balladic feel to it. It is a slow song, but not overly slow. Its instrumentation is just perfect, the guitars and other instruments add a great feel,  and the chorus is very memorable.

6. Where to Now St. Peter 10/10

The light, moving, and majestic song called "Where to Now St Peter" is a high point of the album. It is slow at first, and has a great sound. However it does get faster, and it is a bit serious. It's hard to describe. But this song will not let you down. Through the piano melodies, watery guitar sound, amazing instrumentation, this song is going to delight and move you.

7. Love Song 10/10

The bright, yet mysterious, acoustic song "Love Song" is the 7th track of the album. It is an awesome, but simple, melody with great effects and singing. The acoustic guitar dominates the haunting, slow track.

Leslie Duncan- writer of Love Song

8. Amoreena 9/10

Amoreena is one of the album's true rockers. It is a love song with a piano intro similar to "Where to Now..." and it is pretty good. It is quite heavy considered to the ones before it, and its melody is fantastic. It captures a more longing lyric, but the song style isn't really longing.

9. Talking Old Soldiers 8/10

The haunting (I used this word a ton of times, but this is the best way I can find of explaining this) lyrics of this song are what are fantastic about this. This is an Elton solo song. The depressing, dramatic, yet slow melody fits the lyrics perfectly. The problem is, the melody isn't really memorable or that exciting. It's a nice ballad to make the second to closing song from though.

10. Burn Down the Mission 10/10

The amazing epic that closes the album. It has a light, bright feel at first, but over time it gets faster. The chorus is extremely memorable, and the song is dominated by a piano. It is a somewhat bluesy song. It has some fast parts that energize the listener, and it is one of the best songs on the album.

 

Basically, Tumbleweed Connection was one of the great albums from 1970. Its country-rock appeal, its amazing story lyrics, and the awesome artwork in the booklet all come together to make a brilliant masterpiece.

3 top songs (IMO:)

3. Come Down in Time
2. My Father's Gun
1. Where to Now St Peter

If you liked this album, also try Elton John, Madman Across the Water



Review copyright Joshua Curtis

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road 10/10

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road 10/10

Elton John's 1973 album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road is often described as his masterpiece. It is indeed a masterpiece, but not of complicated songs like his previous albums. Elton John had slowly been developing into a pop craftsman over the years. This album is a pop-rock album, and it's stuffed with a large selection of genres within its large amount of 17 songs. Almost all of the songs have hooks, and are quite catchy.

1. Funeral for a Friend/ Love lies Bleeding 10/10

I did say this was one of Elton's more simple albums, but I didn't say all the songs were simple. This is a good example of one of EJ's complex songs. Funeral for a Friend/ Love Lies Bleeding is a soaring 11 minute epic, containing synthesized hauntings, rock, piano ballads, dramatic progression, great vocal harmonies and much more. Its serious fast-paced rock dominates the track with plenty of guitar action, and its slight feel of pop here and there make it so it doesn't go off-balance of the GBYBR feel.

2. Candle in the Wind 10/10

Candle in the Wind is one of the many songs on this album I was super impressed by when I first heard it. It could be described as a touching yet powerful ballad with emotional lyrics and great harmonies by the EJ band. Although it starts out as a mellow piano song, it turns itself into a heavy guitar track. It is a great song.

3. Bennie and the Jets 9/10

Bennie and the Jets can be described as a pop novelty song. It is dominated by EJ's piano, and a fake audience (in which the clapping dominates much of the percussion.) Elton's vocals go very high at times. Although the song may not seem very catchy in its vocal, the piano intro is very memorable. It's a very unique song.

 

4. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road 10/10

This is one of those great, catchy ballads with amazing instrumentals and vocal harmonies.  One of my favorite songs on the album, this pop-rock ballad is definitely a highlight. The chorus has lots of power to it, and the smoothness of this song is some of the best in Elton's catalog.

5. This Song has no Title 9/10

 Not really a memorable song, but with its fast paced-piano playing and operatic singing it is pretty good. It has very good lyrics, and the other synthesizers (this was an all-Elton song.) It is a semi-ballad with very few instruments, and the chorus is pretty upbeat.

6. Grey Seal 10/10

Grey Seal is another highlight of the album. It's fast and power-driven in the similar art-rock form as carried through the album. It's very upbeat, fun, and chaotic at times. Its mad piano and guitar bring it into that type of form.  It can easily be a hit.

7. Jamaica.... 7/10

Well, this song is fun and relaxing, but it isn't really the best on the album. It takes a while to grow on a listener. It is an attempt reggae, the organ playing is great, but it doesn't live up to the rest of the album very well. The other peoples' voices and talking during the song would be great if used to a small amount, but they get extremely annoying at times (there are a couple parts where they repeat the same thing like 10 times) and they completely destroy the mood of the song (they sound like they're fighting with each-other, but the song is supposed to be relaxing and fun.)

8. I've Seen that Movie too 10/10

This is a great and dramatic song filled with the mysterious feel of Elton's playing, amazing guitar solos, orchestration solos, and awesome lyrics. The song starts out pretty slow, but it gets heavy and ambitious. It's another great song.

9. Sweet Painted Lady 8/10

Although 1973 is looked upon as a pop craft year for Elton, there is an air of classiness in a great part of it. It really shows in this song. This is a slow-dancing song, with elegant and classy piano playing. Its jazzy mood gives a whole new genre to the album. It's not really that exciting, and it gets a little tedious upon the first few listens, but it's not a bad song at all. 

10. Ballad of Danny Baily 10/10

This song has an air of ambition to it, and a feel from a 50's movie. The piano playing is great and sharp. The instrumentals in this song are also great, and the vocal harmonies are marvelous. Guitars bring in a groove, and there is an air of drama at some places.

11. Dirty Little Girl 8/10

Dirty Little Girl is the first of four rockers, but it is a little slow for a rocker. Although its not necessarily catchy or memorable, it has huge ambition, power, and great instrumental choice. It brings a strong rock force into the album it didn't have until now.

12. All the Young Girls... 9/10

This fast rocker is put together with catchy guitar parts, ripping percussion, and a very serious feel. It does have some slow parts, but it is usually filled with many instruments and intense guitar harmonies.

13. Your Sister can't Twist 8/10

This song has a very Beach Boys-like feel, and it seems like an ultra fast version of the upcoming song at first. It is very upbeat and catchy, and even contains a carnival organ solo. The fast speed of it really helps make it danceable, and the 60's feel is something very noticeable about it.

14. Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting 10/10

After the perfect transition between these two songs, you get an amazingly catchy rock song. It is very fast, and the guitar sound dominates the song. It is fun and upbeat, but not extremely upbeat. It is a favorite for lots of EJ listeners, and a great song too.

15. Roy Rogers 10/10

A peaceful country-inspired song of Elton. It's dominated by piano and strings, and it allows lots of guitar time. It is pretty memorable. It has a warm, touching feeling. It reminds me of EJ's Captain Fantastic album.

16. Social Disease 8/10

This number is pure country. I don't mean country like Tumbleweed Connection, but I mean pure hillbilly/redneck. It does get louder over time, and has a great saxophone solo. It has rocky parts, and the majority of the song is pretty upbeat. The banjo sound is very recognizable. 

17. Haromony 10/10

GBYBR finishes off with a memorable track, the catchy and classy Harmony. The vocal harmonies (no pun intended) are great, the melody is fantastic, and the lyrics are amazing too. Harmony is unforgettable.

Copyright Joshua Curtis 2010

Madman Across the Water

Madman Across the Water 9.8/10

Madman Across the Water is one of my favorite Elton John albums. The songs are usually light and mellow, with strong orchestra arrangements. There are a few rockers here and there, balanced out between haunting epics. Madman Across the Water is indeed a great album.

1. Tiny Dancer 10/10

The album starts off with the soaring love ballad called "Tiny Dancer." Although it is pretty mellow, it does have some heavier parts and a little country flavor brought by guitars. This good-spirited song is pretty good to begin with, but really got me was the chorus. It is catchy, and in a way, motivating. The orchestra really adds a smooth effect to the song, and so, Madman gets off with a great start.

2. Levon 10/10

Levon is a beautiful, moving song. Although it is usually mellow and bright, it does have some serious parts that bring a foggy mood into view. This mood will be brought into full effect a few songs later, but for now we'll concentrate on this song. The mood makes the song better instead of worse, and the song is brought to perfection by a powerful and bright orchestration after the chorus.

3. Razor Face 8/10

Even though the album depicts a serious mood, there are a few songs on here which are more fun and rock-inflicted. Razor Face is one of those. Razor Face isn't a bad song- it just pales in comparison to the two before it. The song has a tiny bit of country appeal with the guitar riffs (which add a strong hook), and a more serious feel does come into play at parts. The song is a bit messy at parts though.

4. Madman Across the Water 10/10

Madman Across the Water is a haunting epic. This song isn't really concentrated on the melody- more the mood and dramatic effects brought in. It is pretty serious, and has a great rock progression. The intro melody is great and adds a mysterious feel. The orchestration by Paul Buckmaster is great, and effects of illusion can be seen quite often. Madman Across the Water is a great song.

5. Indian Sunset 10/10

In my opinion, Indian Sunset is one of the biggest highlights on the album. It is a soaring epic, aggressive but emotional. It is quite touching at parts, quite vigorous at others. The progression is fantastic and the dramatic instrumentals give it a more vigorous feel than the mellow, sad parts do. Indian Sunset is fantastic.

6. Holiday Inn 10/10

In my opinion, Holiday Inn is another one of the highlights of the album. It is pretty upbeat, and contains one of the most unique instrument arrangements. It is about traveling and definitely has a travel feel. Its extensive string/ guitar/ mandolin selection and Celtic feel give it a memorable approach, and it has great piano choruses. Holliday Inn is one of those great songs that make the album what it is.

7. Rotten Peaches 9/10

Rotten Peaches can easily be compared to the previous "Tumbleweed Connection." It is a country/rock/gospel song. It is pretty upbeat, and catchy at many parts. It's not the most powerful song on the album, but its bluesy piano riffs, gospel organ, and choir make it very good. Let's not forget the catchy singing during the outro.

8. All the Nasties 9/10

All the Nasties is a typical Elton John piano song. It has a definite gospel influence, and it focused mainly on Elton's playing and vocals. It's not necessarily downbeat, more jazzy. It does get a little repetitive at times, but the progression keep it from that.  It is pretty soft for the most part, unlike Rotten Peaches or Razor Face. Elton's piano playing is great on this song.

9. Goodbye 9/10

Goodbye is the last song on the album. It is very melancholy with beautiful (but depressing) piano playing. A notable thing about this song is the lyrics. They are some of the most impressive on the album, and although the song is short, it ends the album on much more of an ending note than it would have regularly.

Captain Fantastic: 9.3/10

When Elton John released Captain Fantastic in 1975, he was one of the most well-known musicians. 

Captain Fantistic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy is basically an autobiography about Elton's career. Every song on this album is different than the other, which adds a nice variety. On this album, there are ballads, rockers, country-flavored songs, and just regular things you'd expect from Elton. It is a very complex album, there is barely anything wrong with it. He uses a very big range of instruments (including tubular bells which add good effect) and if you're a fan of Elton's 1973 and  1974 works, you're almost guaranteed to love this album.

Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy 9/10
The title track of the album. It has a nice little country appeal to it, with a nice catchy intro. It does start pretty slow, but gains speed. A lot of percussion instruments are used, sometimes a bit too many. The song does have a fast rock chorus, and there is definitely  progression in this song. The chorus does has a heroic feel to it somehow. It is a pretty good song, easy going but ambitious at the same time.

Tower of Babel 10/10
Tower of Babel is a ballad with a depressing feel to it. The song might not seem that catchy at first, but it is perfected by guitar riffs. The chorus is also very catchy, and powerful. This song makes a pop-rock feel while also maintaining a sad tone.

Bitter Fingers 9/10
Getting down to it, Bitter Fingers is pretty simple. It is pop, but it has a kind of sad feel to it also. It is perfected by the squishy piano sound and catchy guitar melody, but it's not the best song on the album. It does have a catchy fast-moving chorus, and great backing-vocals too.

 Tell me when the Whistle Blows   8/10
A source of groove and funk, while maintaining a semi-complex feel at the same time. Tell me when the Whistle Blows is a memorable song due to how different it is from the rest of the songs. A symphonic vibe is created by an orchestra, which comes strong during the chorus (which is for sure the best part of the song.)

Someone Saved My Live Tonight 10/10
This is the big hit from the album. It is smooth and relaxing , with great vocals. For the most part, it's very memorable. It gets really powerful at times, especially at the chorus. It is one of the more complex numbers on the album. It's an amazing and touching song with a definite hook.

Gotta Get a Meal Ticket 8/10

After a slow, peaceful number what do you get? A heavy rocker. It contains a fun tone, but it does have a serious one at times. Although it's not one of the most memorable song, it is good. In my opinion, the best part is the fast and instrumental "And I've gotta get a meal ticket."

Better off Dead 9/10

A somewhat-operatic song. You've got to appreciate Elton's piano-work on this song. In some ways, this song goes back to his self-titled "Elton John" album with its mysterious feel. It is somewhat fast. Another thing that makes this song good is the percussion. The percussion in this song is what gives it a driving tone.

Writing 10/10
Writing is a catchy, fun song. It is a bit fast, but it's relaxing at the same time. The percussion and guitar work is some of the greatest on the album. This song is very upbeat, especially when compared to the next song on the record.

We All Fall in Love Sometimes 10/10

This is a sad, touching song with some of Bernie Taupin's best lyrics. and Elton's best piano work. It is similar to the album "Blue Moves" which would come out soon after the year was over. The chorus was very moving and memorable, and was a little beatlesque. Elton's voice was prime in this song. It also contains some of the best instrumentation in the album.

Curtains 9/10

Curtains is a slow ballad with some of the most powerful and touching lyrics in the album. It isn't very memorable at first, but it gets there once the full instrumentation comes in. There is a very bittersweet tone in this song. It makes a great closing to the album.



Review copyright Joshua Curtis


If you enjoy this album, you might also like Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and Don't Shoot me I'm Only The Piano Player.

How I got started

I got my first Elton John album in May, 2010 when I was 13. This album was Captain Fantastic. Over time, I got more albums and this is where I will review them.