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Music > Albums > Elton John - 21 at 33 (2003) Retail CD
added on April 15, 2007, at 17:52 by allcdcovers

This was one of Elton John's many "comeback" albums. After the critical apathy bestowed upon 1977's sprawling double album, "Blue Moves", a similar reaction followed to the frankly half-baked "A Single Man" in 1978. Written without Bernie Taupin the latter album was as directionless as it was lyrically uninspired. 1979 saw a completely disastrous attempt to "go Euro disco" with the Moroder-influenced Electro-pop nonsense of "Victim Of Love". By 1980 the time was right for Elton John to "rediscover himself". He did just that with this, his 21st album (including Greatest Hits etc) recorded at the age of 33. Trouble was, hardly anybody really noticed. Music was in the grip of post-punk dabbling in ska rhythms and attitude, white reggae and power pop. The world didn't really need yet another Elton John album. However, the results are not at all bad. Bernie Taupin was back, notably on the "my drugs hell" anthem, "White Lady White Powder", which is one of the album's best cuts. Punk favourite son Tom Robinson collaborated on the sumptous "Sartorial Eloquence" and "Never Gonna Fall In Love". Other standouts are "Dear God" and the semi-hit single "Litle Jeannie" with it's "Daniel" style melody. The final track has EJ still in disco mode but we'll forgive him that one. All in all the album, although somewhat short, is an appealing blend of rocky/funky workouts, sensitive ballads and trademark lyrical brilliance. It made absolutely no impact either critically or commercially whatsoever, which was a shame. Still, you can always buy it now to make up for it, I'm sure EJ needs the money !

front 791 x 800 px