With his fourth studio album, Elton John may not have become a household name quite yet, but he did make a hard pivot toward pop music.

To record the album (at the suggestion of his producer), he kept his own band at home and brought in session players. Davey Johnstone would become a mainstay in his band going forward, and the songs here would become staples in his live show for decades. It may not be his best album, but it’s a fascinating transitional record. My only complaint is that the songs seem a bit too stretched out at times, but considering how good the best material is, that’s a minor complaint.

Featured tracks include:

Tiny Dancer

Levon

Razor Face

Madman Across the Water

Indian Sunset

Holiday Inn

Rotten Peaches

All The Nasties

Goodbye         

November 1971 - Billboard Charted #8