With Valentines Day fast approaching, lovers everywhere are going to be scouring for songs that encompass the way they feel about their partners. One of the greatest musicians has constructed a successful career out of composing love songs. Elton John, who emerged on the music scene in 1969, has been the foremost romance balladeer for almost 50 years. In honor of Valentines Day, here is a list of Elton Johns seven greatest love ballads.
I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues
During the 80’s, Elton John abandoned his 70s rock piano shtick, and followed the path many artists took in the 80s. The use of less instruments, and more studio technology. The 80s may have been Elton Johns creative void, but in the midst of dark period came this sweeping ballad reminiscent of the good ole’ days. A beautiful mid-tempo arrangement featuring Stevie Wonder on harmonica. The song is available on his Elton John – Greatest Hits album
Something About The Way You Look Tonight
Technically, this could be considered Elton Johns biggest hit song of all time. It was released as a double A-side with “Candle in the Wind 97″. Therefore, it was the biggest selling song in recorded history. “Something About The Way You Look Tonight” gets over looked because its on the same bill as “Candle in the Wind 97″, but it has the ability to stand on its own. 15 years after both songs were released, “Something About The Way You Look Tonight” is still played on the radio. Candle? Not so much.
Your Song
If there were one song that could define Elton John, it would be this simple serenade. It was Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s formative hit single in the United States. It remains a beloved classic. It achieved more notoriety in the 2001 when it was heavily featured in the hit movie “Moulin Rouge.”
Blue Eyes
A minor hit in the early 80s for Elton John. The song is piano based but sounds more like a Frank Sinatra ballad than and Elton John arrangement. Lyrically, the theme is very bare and straight-forward and doesn’t allow the listener to connect to it unless they happen to adore someone with blue eyes. Still, it’s a graceful classic only slightly tainted by time.
Can You Feel the Love Tonight
Despite being a song about two lions and their fondness for one another and their kingdom, it’s a surprisingly relatable tune. Once the listener can separate the song from the movie “The Lion King” and accept it as its own entity, “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” is really a authoritative tune with a competent message. The words provide encompassment and the chorus is infectious.
Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me
“Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” is not your typical love song. It’s not about reconnecting with love, or sharing life with a lover. But the song is commanding and John’s voice full of passion.
Without Question
This song comes from the “Road To El Dorado” soundtrack and the odds are, you never heard it before. The soundtrack came out in 2000 and was not considered an Elton John album, despite containing 11 original songs. This product showcased an older and wiser Elton John, and was a precursor to his critically acclaimed 2001 “Songs From The West Coast” album. “Without Question” is simple if not somewhat mundane, but the clear message of love is undeniable. The song is only available on Elton Johns “The Road to El Dorado Soundtrack”.
Elton John is just one of many older generations crooners. His peers include Rod Stewart, Sting and Billy Joel. All which have created beautiful masterpieces. But when it comes to love ballads, Elton John is in a league of his own.