Elton John
 

An absolutely *FANTASTIC* melodist, one of the best melody writers of all time who could dabble in virtually any style of popular music. Often overlooked by younger music fans (like myself if mid-20s is young) these days due to the lack of the cool factor. I personally had not listened to him for years and knew of his music through my dad, who grew up with it. But I heard some of those classics again recently and he really is an unbelievably good melodist. In fact the sound itself is pretty unique from the standpoint of the early 70s, in that it is more piano-driven pop rock as opposed to the more usual guitar rock format that was all the rage at the time. The arrangements are pretty great too.

Here's one of his best:

I have Honky Chateau and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road which are both great albums. I think people overlook him past his popular songs.

Actually, I think a lot of "overlooking" was actually prejudice, or so my father says. I wasn't alive when Elton was making his bones, so I don't know the story, but I'm told that it was always something like the Queen phenomenon. Men simply didn't want to listen to a *** singer, no matter how talented he was. Bit unfortunate really, because I can't begin to imagine how many artists remain undiscovered due to this unfair stigma.

That's a very good point, earlier when I first read the thread of was thinking, I wonder if part of the reason Elton does not consistently get considered among the best songwriters ever is because people sort of dismiss him as "that flamboyant *** guy" like a lot of casual listeners do.

Do people think that? I think he's too general most of the time to fit into anyones genre and he's safe as far as music goes so its not as if he'd fit into any one scene.

I think his genrelessness is more of a factor than his homosexuality which to me is just a non-issue. I mean, I am more put off by Becks Scientology than John's homosexuality.

Even his absolutly campy (croc rock) and coked out (I'm still standing) songs are great. But the one that, despite making the first best of, is still too underrated for my liking is Border Song.

If you listen to one song you've never heard before today, make it Border Song.

I agree about Border Song; a fantastic song.

Even though it's not hip to say so, I do like Elton; he wrote some great pop tunes and was a good enough vocalist to make Taupin's lyrics seem passable.

I wonder if above all it is what TheBigWhateverYowLongA$ssNameIsDog is getting at: Elton just doesn't fit into any niche scene hence why those of our general ilk and disposition just don't take notice. Too much of a blatantly mainstream celebrity pop songwriter for music geeks to care.

Which is a pity really because there's an awful lot of good in his songs. Aside from the often inspiring quality of the music itself and the melodies, Bernie Taupin's lyrics are often great too. Really imaginative, thoughtful stuff. Serious talent going on there altogether, and like Seltzer points out, it doesn't stop with the singles - there are some album gems too.

Have to get round to Yellow Brick Road after that video Rainard. Love the arrangement... and that kind of sound I would never have associated with him, like you say, because of his popular songs.
It reminds me of early Paul McCartney, just unconvential pop-songcraft, really playful but solid.

Hating me is old hat. I was saying exactly that, but certainly not condoning it.

Elton John is amazing. I saw him in concert 14 years ago and it still remains in my top 3 concerts of all time. I have seen at least 100 concerts since then. Even his less popular newer albums are amazing. I listen to his "Songs from The West Coast" every couple of months and it is just as good as the stuff he was making in the 70's. Border Song is great, but I also love Gray Seal, Someone Saved My Life Tonight, Don't Go Breakin' My Heart, and Harmony. There are very few of his tracks that don't have many playings on my Itunes. His music single-handedly got me through a seven month time away from the U.S. I would listen to his stuff while waiting to fall asleep every night.

I personally get sick of the people who just hate him because of his being a little eccentric and too be honest a little b1tchy. I would still see him over almost any artist I can think of.