Goodbye Yellow Brick Road needs no introduction as it is arguably Elton John's greatest commercial achievement and is seen by many as his most iconic release. There’s certainly no doubt that it is one of the greatest albums ever written and recorded, but I remain hesitant to call it his greatest recording as I feel that undermines the other incredible music he has made throughout his career.
Released in 1973, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, John’s seventh studio album, is a blend of rock, pop, and ballads, combined with Bernie Taupin's poignant lyrics, resulting in a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate listeners. Aside from the music, the album artwork, created by Ian Beck, is amongst John’s greatest. Yes, it’s corny and cliché but in a good way. Some album covers just set the imagination running and if you want to stand out from the crowd and offer music lovers another reason to purchase an album, this incredible cover art is the first step in achieving that goal; especially during an era that was focused on the larger vinyl format.
Sonically, while I’ve been fortunate to have owned the 2014 vinyl reissue and the associated High Fidelity Pure Audio (HFPA) Blu-ray audio release, these days I find the lossless Apple Music stream, an Apple Digital Master, to be exquisite and in every way that matters, a true musical peer to the physical counterpart. Plus, while I always enjoyed the Blu-ray release, I found the vinyl reissue sounded too flat for my liking. The result was a reproduction that was less dynamic than would be ideal. Granted, the Blu-ray release contained the exceptional 5.1 mixes from Greg Penny, along with the same stereo remastering delivered via Apple Music, but I can’t listen to it everywhere and anywhere, hence the stream is more than adequate for the needs of this modern listener. Yes, dear reader, convenience can be a wonderful thing. That said, it would be nice if the surround mix was released on Apple Music et al.
Funeral For A Friend / Love Lies Bleeding has to be one of the greatest lead-off songs in all of recorded music history. Admittedly, this opening tune could be considered as two unique songs but the combining of them, into an epic 11-minute medley, was the work of pure genius as the song seamlessly transitions from a sombre piano-led funeral dirge into a vibrant rock anthem.
Candle In The Wind is a beautiful melancholic ballad that honours the life of Marilyn Monroe and displays John's emotive vocals as well as Bernie Taupin's touching lyrics. Even the 1997 version, altered lyrically for Princess Diana's funeral, is beyond reproach.
Bennie And The Jets is a funk-infused glam rock track with a catchy chorus, but I’ve never appreciated the faux concert element as I feel it is extraneous to the song. That aside, Bennie And The Jets has a distinct style and sing-along nature that has made it a fan favourite over the years.
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road is nothing short of pure perfection. From the first piano bars to John’s emotive vocals and Taupin’s poignant lyrics, to the backing band’s extraordinary playing, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road is a quintessential timeless ballad.
This Song Has No Title follows Goodbye Yellow Brick Road beautifully. It’s a rather simplified composition, but when you have a vocalist like John, sometimes you don't need much more than a piano and a minor musical accompaniment.
Grey Seal has a fantastic introduction, but I must confess that I’ve never really jelled with the song as I find it to be a little all over the place from a compositional standpoint. That said, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road wouldn’t be the same without it.
Jamaica Jerk-Off sounds as though it was left over from another recording session, rather than being part of the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road sessions. It’s an acquired taste and I just don’t feel that reggae and John go well together. Nevertheless, it has a unique style that adds to the variety of recordings found on the album.
I've Seen That Movie Too returns the album to a manner more in line with John’s overall style. It’s a beautiful ballad, a hidden gem, and is one of the greatest tunes John ever recorded. Magnificent!
Sweet Painted Lady is a lovely song with a playful arrangement and vivid imagery that creates an engaging listening experience. It’s musical storytelling at its very best.
The Ballad Of Danny Bailey (1909-1934) is a solid album-only tune and while it continues the narrative style commonly associated with John’s recordings, with some exceptional musical compositions and elements, it is unlikely to be anyone’s favourite tune. It isn’t that it’s bad, it’s just not exceptional.
Dirty Little Girl is a solid rocker with John straining his lyrical pronunciation to great effect. My only criticism is that I feel the song is too long and an increase in tempo would have likely addressed that issue.
All The Girls Love Alice is a killer rock and roll tune. It’s one of John’s many hidden gems with its infectious melody and strong vocal performance contributing to its allure. There really isn’t anything not to like about All The Girls Love Alice, although the ending could have been truncated.
Your Sister Can't Twist (But She Can Rock 'N Roll) is a brief and upbeat track that adds a touch of rockabilly to the album's sonic palette; it’s a fun little tune!
Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting is one of the greatest songs in rock and roll history.
Roy Rogers slows the album down somewhat and sounds as though it would have been better suited to Tumbleweed Connection. That said, it doesn't sound out-of-place on Goodbye Yellow Brick Road as it’s a lovely reflective ballad that relaxes the senses following the intense pace of Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting.
Social Disease is a lively track with a country-rock vibe. I love it!
Harmony closes the album beautifully with a heartfelt ballad that reflects on love, friendship, and finding inner peace. The poignant lyrics, and John's emotive performance, leave a lasting impression and will compel you to spin the album again.
Whichever way you look at it, there is no denying that Goodbye Yellow Brick Road remains an essential record that not only defined John's career but also left an indelible mark on the entire music industry. Its diverse range of musical styles, emotionally resonant lyrics, and John's charismatic delivery make it a timeless masterpiece that continues to enchant listeners across generations.