I love this album! I bought the cassette tape in the summer of 1992 the first time I saw it at my local music store (I was 12!). In those pre-internet days, I had heard some rumblings about a new Elton album coming but had no idea exactly when, as he hadn’t put out any new material in over a year. I was so excited. I quickly took it home and listened and I loved it then and still love it now. The Last Song is beautiful, but it’s too sad so I have to be in the mood to listen to that one.
This album is totally excellent. It is the ultimate album to have when you travel. The drumming is no issue for me. Simple life, runaway train and understanding women are standout tracks. His first album sober since 1976. It’s a gem of an album
John, I find myself going back through some of these videos, and I realized I never commented on this one! Here are some thoughts: * I actually like the drumming and production on this one, though I am definitely in the minority among the Elton fans I've spoken with and heard from over the years. It's a product of that late '80s/early '90s production sound that other Adult Contemporary artists were using at the time (Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, and Michael Bolton, for instance). That said, while The One is a very introspective album overall, I think the big drum sound as well as the airy synths that were used on the tracks speaks to the depths of the soul and just how much space there can be inside of us to reflect on our own journeys of reflection and recovery. That, for me, warrants their use. * I've often thought that "Sweat It Out" could have been Elton's one and only attempt at a "rap" song, had he opted to actually rap on it. The vocal delivery is so rhythmic in nature that it could very well have been rapped if he'd wanted to. * Part of the reason "Runaway Train" was a duet with Eric Clapton was that Elton and Eric were planning on touring together that year, but plans fell through on that one. * Liz talked about *Bernie* leaving the North of England, not Elton. Bernie's talking about the fact that he'll always cherish his Lincolnshire roots, but ultimately, he's at home in America. Your theory on the addiction metaphor could definitely apply, even though I don't think that was Bernie's intention in writing it. * With lines like "I could drive to Mexico on understanding women", you might say the song would have done better to be titled "Understanding Bernie" haha. I've never overly enjoyed this one, though I don't skip it. * I absolutely agree that "The Last Song" deserves a score of 10. It moves me every time I hear it. I would love to hear it live more on solo tours, but I know that Elton doesn't play it because he can't get through it without crying, so I totally understand his reasoning.
I absolutely love Sweat it Out, lyrically and Elton’s treatment of it. I think it’s brilliant. He did a similar departure for 16th Century Man from the movie The Road to El Dorado. I love everything about the whole of The One album. Sweat it out is my fave. The title track, Understanding Women and Emily are my next faves.
I must admit that was the one song which went up in my estimation when I re-listened to this album. It does grow on you. I didn't like it when the album came out.
@@eltonmusicfan I can understand how people might not like it and then those, like you, who have it grow on them. I loved it from the first listen and it’s always been my favourite from that first listen. The One was the first album I bought after taking a break for a while. The last album I bought before this was Leather Jackets which I like as well, even though most fans, critics and even Elton and Bernie don’t like it. I saw him 3 times in Australia with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in 1986 and was at the last concert in Sydney which was televised. I was even given a copy of the raw tape of that last concert from absolute beginning to absolute end which all the songs that made it to the various media were taken from. Unfortunately I wore the tape out without making a copy of it but it lasted about 3 years.
It’s a shame that ‘Runaway Train’ was not a massive hit and didn’t get a recognition it truly deserves. One of the best Elton’s collaborations so far. The production is okay for me, maybe ‘Sweat It Out’ can be an example of annoying drum sounds, but it’s still a great album with mature and social orientated lyrics by Bernie.
I can't imagine all the effort you put into this series. Really enjoying it. Thank you so much for sharing. By happenstance I had the pleasure of being seated next to Elizabeth Rosenthal at a luncheon cruise around Manhattan on Elton's 60th, so it's a pleasant memory that I recall when you mention her work. These days it's The Last Song, Runaway Train, The Simple Life and Whitewash County that get my attention on this one. The rest are skipped. I don't think "When stars collide, like you and I, no shadows block the sun" is Taupin at his best. Grates on me as does "You just shine like a beacon on the bay". The likes of "Something borrowed, something blue, ducked in a doorway on 5th Avenue" on the other had is pure gold.
When I started to listen to Elton's music back in the 90's, this was my favorite album. I still think it's brilliant. I don't have problems with production. Those kinds of songs needed such production. It's good that his albums sound different - that makes him more relevant and his music more colorful. Big lush production is one of the main reasons that this is one of his most successful albums on charts plus succesful singles. 1. Simple Life - I like this one and the album version has much more interesting rhythm than the single version. It is maybe too long and with time that started to bother me a little, but it's still a powerful song. 8.5/10 2. The One - One of his best ballads. Power ballad actually. Over the top, but it works. I like piano parts... all between piano and at the end, sounds of wind, ocean, etc. Great song, great melody. 10/10 3. Sweat It Out - Yes, it has a great piano solo at the end. It was my least favorite back then, but it's a really musically bold experiment for Elton. Very interesting song. 7.5/10 4. Runaway Train - I really love the dark atmosphere here, forward momentum melody and rhythm. Elton's organ & Eric's guitar works great together. One of his best uptempo songs. 10/10 5. Whiteash County - So massive sounding and melody is really catchy. It's the only song on the album that I think would sound even better with more stripped production and more raw sound - something like 'Birds', but it's still a great and fun song with a great piano solo at the end. 9/10 6. The North - This is one of Elton's favorites since he mentioned it many times. It's also Brandi Carlile's favorite song from this album. I really love the powerful production, brilliant vocals, deep lyrics and such strong ambiental sound that pulls you in the story. Great chords, great piano parts, great melody. 10/10 7. When a Woman Doesn't Want You - a really decent track that sounds to me like something from the 50's for some reason. Is it a waltz? I like it. 7/10 8. Emily - I understand the problem with lyrics and happy sounding melody here, but I think it works really good since it shows the more optimistic side of death... it's like a consolation and even though verses has really beautiful melody, chorus (refrain) is powerful and it sounds almost like Emily is floating in to heaven with angels surrounded by white light (typical NDE experience), so it is actually probably the most powerful and beautiful experience that nobody in this world could experience. It is more a song of hope than a song of death. 9.5/10 9. On Dark Street - Unlike 'Emily', I think the melody really doesn't match the lyrics here. Really sad and pessimistic song about being homeless with such an optimistic, almost summer-ish sounding melody. To this, the lyrics for 'Club at the End of the Street' would fit better. I really like the melody, but the lyrics don't fit. I don't know what Elton was thinking. Probably not much. Even though this song really confuses me, I like the sound of it. 7.5/10 10. Understanding Women - This one has probably the most synthetic sound, but it's nice to have such a song too. I think it's dark, interesting, the guitar part is great, nice synth riff, nice melody. 8/10 11. The Last Song - I don't have much to say about this one except that it's to me one of the most sad songs ever. Simple, yet powerful and unpredictable melody. Brilliant vocals, nice and subtle synth part on 2nd half. One of his best songs ever. 10/10 Bonus tracks: 12. Suit of Wolves - Typical 'The One' track. Ambiantal synth production is quite interesting and powerful, the melody is really good, while the chorus is kinda on the 'safe' side, but the last part of the chorus is really interesting. I like it. 8/10 13. Fat Boys and Ugly Girls - It sounds like a fun and kinda trashy summer pop song with some strange lyrics. It would fit better on 'Ice on Fire'. For sure the weakest from the set, but still listenable. I certainly don't hate it no matter how stupid it may be. 6/10
I can see you are sold on this one. I was surprised by how well this scored. I'm not so excited about The North, and 8 and 9 seem to be melodies to different sets of lyrics, but, on the whole, an enjoyable set of songs.
Hooray, 'The One'! As always, posted before watching your reaction: I must confess I haven’t listened to this one a lot, even though it contains one of my Definite Top 10 Tracks. Let’s see. 1 Simple Life. You could have knocked me down with a feather when I read a moment ago that this spent three weeks at #1 in the US. Certainly, it’s a nice song and I love that wailing harmonica-type sound but I wouldn’t have thought of this as #1 material. Apparently the single version is faster so I will find that for the end. For this version, hmm, I don’t love it, so a simple 6. 2 The One. Love this song, love the twinkling shower of piano notes, love the seagulls, love the guitar, love the singing. When the piano takes over at 4:50 it’s just magical. What else can I give it but 1? Only joking, an easy 9. One of the very best. 3 Sweat It Out. I honestly have no memory of this song at all. She devils ruling Britain! ‘Don’t give me Tears For Fears/Give me tears of rage.’ How brilliant is this? Where have you been all my life? That rhythmic hiss in the background! And then there’s brilliant jazz-type piano at the end. I’m sweating at the thought of all the years I’ve been missing this song. 8, maybe 9. 4 Runaway Train. I’m still annoyed at Clapton for cancelling my concert at the RAH this year. Nonetheless, great to hear that familiar guitar. It’s not the greatest song in the world, I’ve always thought that, but it’s a bit of a surprise it didn’t do better as a single. Wikipedia says Clapton takes on the main singing part. Really? Plus, there was a song with Elton and Aretha as a B-side? What? I’m assuming that’s not Aretha Smith from Sidcup. Will have to check that one out too at the end. A runaway 6. 5 Whitewash County. One of my favourites from the album. Looking at the lyrics, I wonder who this is about? I have a degree in American history so maybe I should be able to figure it out. Love the way he sings the line ‘aim to bury the truth’, just a little thing. No whitewash, a clean 8. 6 The North. Another one I don’t really remember, but it’s rather nice. A come-down of sorts after the first five songs but I like the change with ‘The North was my mother’ and the piano is lovely. A northern wind blows a 5. 7 When A Woman Doesn’t Want You. When a listener doesn’t want a song. It’s a bit dull and obvious, isn’t it? I wouldn’t skip it because it has a kind of hypnotic beat but it’s no masterpiece. When a reviewer gives a 4. 8 Emily. Imagine the excitement of all the Emilys when they heard that Elton John had written a song to them! Oh, it’s about an old lady dying. Never mind. But it’s a lovely song, never has a song about death been so pretty. ‘Tonight’s the night they let the ladder down . . . Canary sings to an empty room.’ Maybe could have done without the big guitar finish, just end it prettily. I wonder who Emily was? An 8 for the first 90%, 5 for the finish. So we’ll comprise on an angelic 6. 9 On Dark Street. Is this an escapee from Sleeping With the Past? Left off because of ‘Club At the End Of the Street’ and ‘Blue Avenue’. Too many songs about streets, Elton! Still, very nice, so reminiscent of that album, which, at time of writing, I haven’t reviewed. A bright 7. 10 Understanding Women. I have a feeling Bernie must have been going through some woman trouble at the time of this album. What the matter with women, why don’t they understand me? Nice production, that instrumental break and the whooshing noise. Oh, that’s David Gilmour on guitar, well I never. Should have let him go for one of his big solos. Can’t give it more than an understanding 5. 11 The Last Song. So sad yet so evocative. A kind of tribute to Freddie Mercury, apparently, didn’t know that. Can’t say it’s a favourite as it’s difficult to listen to. But it’s an obviously an 8. I’m pretty sure that’s where my original CD ended. Some extras on the extended version, plus a B-side and a single edit: Suit of Wolves. It’s an okay Elton John song. Nothing really to howl about. And then there’s a howling wolf, honestly. I’d rather stick to ‘Werewolves of London’. A lupine 4. Fat Boys and Ugly Girls. So let me get this straight, fat boys are failures and so are ugly girls, so the best they can do is fall in love with each other, and that’s like springtime and the birds sing? So profound. Thank goodness the original album didn’t finish on this though why it’s worthy of any publication is beyond me. A fat ugly 1. Or have I missed the point entirely? Through the Storm. (with Aretha Franklin) Sorry, Elton, it’s no ‘I Knew You Were Waiting For Me’, George wins this round. It’s okay but doesn’t stand out. A stormy 5. Simple Life (single version). Doesn’t really sound any different to me, such a philistine. Shorter. I prefer the album version but the score’s the same, 6. Pretty good album, pretty poor set of extras!
Ha ha, I must say I did not notice the drumming at all! I'm so unmusical. I guess I will have to listen to 'The One' again (such a chore) and listen out for the drum machine. I've listened to 'Sweat It Out' a number of times since I wrote the above and rediscovered it - again, didn't notice the drums. 'Elton leaving the north of England for Los Angeles!' Ha, Pinner is north of London, John, is that what she means? 😊 I DID notice the 'Yesterday' connection, so pleased with myself. I must admit I've stopped doing all the stats on the albums, I get enough of that at work, so I will probably have to sit down and spend an hour or two filling up a spreadsheet. Now, where did those drums go?
I like several songs on this album but as many other people have pointed out, oh my God is it overproduced in that glossy early '90s era fashion. Everything is drenched in reverb lots of synthesizers and more reverb on top of reverb.
In my opinion this album is very special and personal. Very good songs like whitewash county, when à woman....very good voice. Very good but I agree with the sound of programminc drummer criticism.
Bernie Taupin did write in his book that he would take an annual driving trip from Los Angeles to Acapulco back in the 80s, so I’m guessing that’s what he’s referring to here.
I struggle to listen to this album beyond the first two tracks, mostly because of the production. I wonder if The Last Song goes up in your estimation subject to it being a track right at the end without that infernal echoy snare drum! Would it seem so strong elsewhere? (I don't mind the Last Song - but it's a bit too soppy for my liking!). I used to like this album a lot, but the older I've gotten the less notice it's recieved - put it on the other day, got blasted by those drums, and so turned it off!
" I could drive to Mexico on understanding women" my interpretation is...your intention is to work out in your mind what makes women tick. You could drive all the way to Mexico with that on your mind and when you arrive you still don't have an answer.
Thanks John, I have listened to the songs again in conjunction with your review and I largely agree with your scores, except for the "10" that you awarded. I would go for an "8" there. I do agree heartily with your point about the drumming though, it does spoil many of the songs in my opinion and is so unnecessary.
Shame about that production. What were they thinking?
2 года назад
I think The One is an ok album. There are some great songs, but that drum sound makes it lose some points. The piano solo on Sweat it Out is brilliant. I wish Elton put more solos like this one on his records. The One and The Last Song are among the best songs of his entire catalog.
I would echo some of the other comments here. I loved this album when it was first released. Great songwriting,energy and Elton's voice is clear and powerful. However the production Is too much particularly the drum machine that ruins the enjoyment for me and I rarely play it these days. Something like Whitewash County would be a borderline classic with a more organic sound. I still like this album more than The Big Picture, another album which is buried in unnecessary layers of production.
I hear that you are saying. I tried to see past the production when reviewing it, though it was tough on some tracks. I don't think it would sound the same today.
@@eltonmusicfan True and it wasn't an issue for me back when it was released. I know you're not a fan of made in England but that's what I like about that album the production at least to me is miles better than the one or the big picture.
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I love this album! I bought the cassette tape in the summer of 1992 the first time I saw it at my local music store (I was 12!). In those pre-internet days, I had heard some rumblings about a new Elton album coming but had no idea exactly when, as he hadn’t put out any new material in over a year. I was so excited. I quickly took it home and listened and I loved it then and still love it now. The Last Song is beautiful, but it’s too sad so I have to be in the mood to listen to that one.
This album is totally excellent. It is the ultimate album to have when you travel. The drumming is no issue for me. Simple life, runaway train and understanding women are standout tracks. His first album sober since 1976. It’s a gem of an album
Some fine tracks here. Runaway Train is one of my favourites.
John, I find myself going back through some of these videos, and I realized I never commented on this one! Here are some thoughts:
* I actually like the drumming and production on this one, though I am definitely in the minority among the Elton fans I've spoken with and heard from over the years. It's a product of that late '80s/early '90s production sound that other Adult Contemporary artists were using at the time (Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, and Michael Bolton, for instance). That said, while The One is a very introspective album overall, I think the big drum sound as well as the airy synths that were used on the tracks speaks to the depths of the soul and just how much space there can be inside of us to reflect on our own journeys of reflection and recovery. That, for me, warrants their use.
* I've often thought that "Sweat It Out" could have been Elton's one and only attempt at a "rap" song, had he opted to actually rap on it. The vocal delivery is so rhythmic in nature that it could very well have been rapped if he'd wanted to.
* Part of the reason "Runaway Train" was a duet with Eric Clapton was that Elton and Eric were planning on touring together that year, but plans fell through on that one.
* Liz talked about *Bernie* leaving the North of England, not Elton. Bernie's talking about the fact that he'll always cherish his Lincolnshire roots, but ultimately, he's at home in America. Your theory on the addiction metaphor could definitely apply, even though I don't think that was Bernie's intention in writing it.
* With lines like "I could drive to Mexico on understanding women", you might say the song would have done better to be titled "Understanding Bernie" haha. I've never overly enjoyed this one, though I don't skip it.
* I absolutely agree that "The Last Song" deserves a score of 10. It moves me every time I hear it. I would love to hear it live more on solo tours, but I know that Elton doesn't play it because he can't get through it without crying, so I totally understand his reasoning.
Hey John!!! Hope you're doing well man. Love your reviews, keep it up!!
Thanks!
I absolutely love Sweat it Out, lyrically and Elton’s treatment of it. I think it’s brilliant. He did a similar departure for 16th Century Man from the movie The Road to El Dorado.
I love everything about the whole of The One album. Sweat it out is my fave. The title track, Understanding Women and Emily are my next faves.
I must admit that was the one song which went up in my estimation when I re-listened to this album. It does grow on you. I didn't like it when the album came out.
@@eltonmusicfan I can understand how people might not like it and then those, like you, who have it grow on them. I loved it from the first listen and it’s always been my favourite from that first listen. The One was the first album I bought after taking a break for a while. The last album I bought before this was Leather Jackets which I like as well, even though most fans, critics and even Elton and Bernie don’t like it. I saw him 3 times in Australia with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in 1986 and was at the last concert in Sydney which was televised. I was even given a copy of the raw tape of that last concert from absolute beginning to absolute end which all the songs that made it to the various media were taken from. Unfortunately I wore the tape out without making a copy of it but it lasted about 3 years.
It’s a shame that ‘Runaway Train’ was not a massive hit and didn’t get a recognition it truly deserves. One of the best Elton’s collaborations so far.
The production is okay for me, maybe ‘Sweat It Out’ can be an example of annoying drum sounds, but it’s still a great album with mature and social orientated lyrics by Bernie.
I can't imagine all the effort you put into this series. Really enjoying it. Thank you so much for sharing. By happenstance I had the pleasure of being seated next to Elizabeth Rosenthal at a luncheon cruise around Manhattan on Elton's 60th, so it's a pleasant memory that I recall when you mention her work. These days it's The Last Song, Runaway Train, The Simple Life and Whitewash County that get my attention on this one. The rest are skipped. I don't think "When stars collide, like you and I, no shadows block the sun" is Taupin at his best. Grates on me as does "You just shine like a beacon on the bay". The likes of "Something borrowed, something blue, ducked in a doorway on 5th Avenue" on the other had is pure gold.
When I started to listen to Elton's music back in the 90's, this was my favorite album. I still think it's brilliant. I don't have problems with production. Those kinds of songs needed such production. It's good that his albums sound different - that makes him more relevant and his music more colorful. Big lush production is one of the main reasons that this is one of his most successful albums on charts plus succesful singles.
1. Simple Life - I like this one and the album version has much more interesting rhythm than the single version. It is maybe too long and with time that started to bother me a little, but it's still a powerful song. 8.5/10
2. The One - One of his best ballads. Power ballad actually. Over the top, but it works. I like piano parts... all between piano and at the end, sounds of wind, ocean, etc. Great song, great melody. 10/10
3. Sweat It Out - Yes, it has a great piano solo at the end. It was my least favorite back then, but it's a really musically bold experiment for Elton. Very interesting song. 7.5/10
4. Runaway Train - I really love the dark atmosphere here, forward momentum melody and rhythm. Elton's organ & Eric's guitar works great together. One of his best uptempo songs. 10/10
5. Whiteash County - So massive sounding and melody is really catchy. It's the only song on the album that I think would sound even better with more stripped production and more raw sound - something like 'Birds', but it's still a great and fun song with a great piano solo at the end. 9/10
6. The North - This is one of Elton's favorites since he mentioned it many times. It's also Brandi Carlile's favorite song from this album. I really love the powerful production, brilliant vocals, deep lyrics and such strong ambiental sound that pulls you in the story. Great chords, great piano parts, great melody. 10/10
7. When a Woman Doesn't Want You - a really decent track that sounds to me like something from the 50's for some reason. Is it a waltz? I like it. 7/10
8. Emily - I understand the problem with lyrics and happy sounding melody here, but I think it works really good since it shows the more optimistic side of death... it's like a consolation and even though verses has really beautiful melody, chorus (refrain) is powerful and it sounds almost like Emily is floating in to heaven with angels surrounded by white light (typical NDE experience), so it is actually probably the most powerful and beautiful experience that nobody in this world could experience. It is more a song of hope than a song of death. 9.5/10
9. On Dark Street - Unlike 'Emily', I think the melody really doesn't match the lyrics here. Really sad and pessimistic song about being homeless with such an optimistic, almost summer-ish sounding melody. To this, the lyrics for 'Club at the End of the Street' would fit better. I really like the melody, but the lyrics don't fit. I don't know what Elton was thinking. Probably not much. Even though this song really confuses me, I like the sound of it. 7.5/10
10. Understanding Women - This one has probably the most synthetic sound, but it's nice to have such a song too. I think it's dark, interesting, the guitar part is great, nice synth riff, nice melody. 8/10
11. The Last Song - I don't have much to say about this one except that it's to me one of the most sad songs ever. Simple, yet powerful and unpredictable melody. Brilliant vocals, nice and subtle synth part on 2nd half. One of his best songs ever. 10/10
Bonus tracks:
12. Suit of Wolves - Typical 'The One' track. Ambiantal synth production is quite interesting and powerful, the melody is really good, while the chorus is kinda on the 'safe' side, but the last part of the chorus is really interesting. I like it. 8/10
13. Fat Boys and Ugly Girls - It sounds like a fun and kinda trashy summer pop song with some strange lyrics. It would fit better on 'Ice on Fire'. For sure the weakest from the set, but still listenable. I certainly don't hate it no matter how stupid it may be. 6/10
I can see you are sold on this one. I was surprised by how well this scored. I'm not so excited about The North, and 8 and 9 seem to be melodies to different sets of lyrics, but, on the whole, an enjoyable set of songs.
Excellent revue. I agree with your ratings
Hooray, 'The One'! As always, posted before watching your reaction:
I must confess I haven’t listened to this one a lot, even though it contains one of my Definite Top 10 Tracks. Let’s see.
1 Simple Life. You could have knocked me down with a feather when I read a moment ago that this spent three weeks at #1 in the US. Certainly, it’s a nice song and I love that wailing harmonica-type sound but I wouldn’t have thought of this as #1 material. Apparently the single version is faster so I will find that for the end. For this version, hmm, I don’t love it, so a simple 6.
2 The One. Love this song, love the twinkling shower of piano notes, love the seagulls, love the guitar, love the singing. When the piano takes over at 4:50 it’s just magical. What else can I give it but 1? Only joking, an easy 9. One of the very best.
3 Sweat It Out. I honestly have no memory of this song at all. She devils ruling Britain! ‘Don’t give me Tears For Fears/Give me tears of rage.’ How brilliant is this? Where have you been all my life? That rhythmic hiss in the background! And then there’s brilliant jazz-type piano at the end. I’m sweating at the thought of all the years I’ve been missing this song. 8, maybe 9.
4 Runaway Train. I’m still annoyed at Clapton for cancelling my concert at the RAH this year. Nonetheless, great to hear that familiar guitar. It’s not the greatest song in the world, I’ve always thought that, but it’s a bit of a surprise it didn’t do better as a single. Wikipedia says Clapton takes on the main singing part. Really? Plus, there was a song with Elton and Aretha as a B-side? What? I’m assuming that’s not Aretha Smith from Sidcup. Will have to check that one out too at the end. A runaway 6.
5 Whitewash County. One of my favourites from the album. Looking at the lyrics, I wonder who this is about? I have a degree in American history so maybe I should be able to figure it out. Love the way he sings the line ‘aim to bury the truth’, just a little thing. No whitewash, a clean 8.
6 The North. Another one I don’t really remember, but it’s rather nice. A come-down of sorts after the first five songs but I like the change with ‘The North was my mother’ and the piano is lovely. A northern wind blows a 5.
7 When A Woman Doesn’t Want You. When a listener doesn’t want a song. It’s a bit dull and obvious, isn’t it? I wouldn’t skip it because it has a kind of hypnotic beat but it’s no masterpiece. When a reviewer gives a 4.
8 Emily. Imagine the excitement of all the Emilys when they heard that Elton John had written a song to them! Oh, it’s about an old lady dying. Never mind. But it’s a lovely song, never has a song about death been so pretty. ‘Tonight’s the night they let the ladder down . . . Canary sings to an empty room.’ Maybe could have done without the big guitar finish, just end it prettily. I wonder who Emily was? An 8 for the first 90%, 5 for the finish. So we’ll comprise on an angelic 6.
9 On Dark Street. Is this an escapee from Sleeping With the Past? Left off because of ‘Club At the End Of the Street’ and ‘Blue Avenue’. Too many songs about streets, Elton! Still, very nice, so reminiscent of that album, which, at time of writing, I haven’t reviewed. A bright 7.
10 Understanding Women. I have a feeling Bernie must have been going through some woman trouble at the time of this album. What the matter with women, why don’t they understand me? Nice production, that instrumental break and the whooshing noise. Oh, that’s David Gilmour on guitar, well I never. Should have let him go for one of his big solos. Can’t give it more than an understanding 5.
11 The Last Song. So sad yet so evocative. A kind of tribute to Freddie Mercury, apparently, didn’t know that. Can’t say it’s a favourite as it’s difficult to listen to. But it’s an obviously an 8.
I’m pretty sure that’s where my original CD ended. Some extras on the extended version, plus a B-side and a single edit:
Suit of Wolves. It’s an okay Elton John song. Nothing really to howl about. And then there’s a howling wolf, honestly. I’d rather stick to ‘Werewolves of London’. A lupine 4.
Fat Boys and Ugly Girls. So let me get this straight, fat boys are failures and so are ugly girls, so the best they can do is fall in love with each other, and that’s like springtime and the birds sing? So profound. Thank goodness the original album didn’t finish on this though why it’s worthy of any publication is beyond me. A fat ugly 1. Or have I missed the point entirely?
Through the Storm. (with Aretha Franklin) Sorry, Elton, it’s no ‘I Knew You Were Waiting For Me’, George wins this round. It’s okay but doesn’t stand out. A stormy 5.
Simple Life (single version). Doesn’t really sound any different to me, such a philistine. Shorter. I prefer the album version but the score’s the same, 6.
Pretty good album, pretty poor set of extras!
Ha ha, I must say I did not notice the drumming at all! I'm so unmusical. I guess I will have to listen to 'The One' again (such a chore) and listen out for the drum machine.
I've listened to 'Sweat It Out' a number of times since I wrote the above and rediscovered it - again, didn't notice the drums.
'Elton leaving the north of England for Los Angeles!' Ha, Pinner is north of London, John, is that what she means? 😊
I DID notice the 'Yesterday' connection, so pleased with myself.
I must admit I've stopped doing all the stats on the albums, I get enough of that at work, so I will probably have to sit down and spend an hour or two filling up a spreadsheet.
Now, where did those drums go?
We are not too far apart on the marks. Thanks for reminding me about the Aretha Franklin duet. I must revisit that one.
@@markharris1125 There's nothing like a good spreadsheet.
i love that album !
Topic: tracks Elton should try again and maybe upgrade or rework. What ya think?
I believe the North is like a God/Higher Power. Coke was definitely Elton’s Higher Power and the album was dedicated “to my Higher Power”
That's one open to a lot of interpretations. Like most good songs.
Suit of wolves was on here as a add on I LOVE it it reminds me of procal harlem w the organ or whiter shade of pale B Side
I like several songs on this album but as many other people have pointed out, oh my God is it overproduced in that glossy early '90s era fashion. Everything is drenched in reverb lots of synthesizers and more reverb on top of reverb.
The north a 3?!! :) ouch! I love it! A dark gorgeous moody piece. For me an 8. Enjoyed this review. Agree drum machine totally out of control.
In my opinion this album is very special and personal. Very good songs like whitewash county, when à woman....very good voice. Very good but I agree with the sound of programminc drummer criticism.
I was delighted with Elton's piano in Sweat it out. Didn't like the sound treatment of this record.
I could drive to Mexico on understanding women is like I wouldn’t drive to Mexico and that’s about how I feel about understanding women.
Interesting. Quite an obscure line open to different interpretations.
Bernie Taupin did write in his book that he would take an annual driving trip from Los Angeles to Acapulco back in the 80s, so I’m guessing that’s what he’s referring to here.
I struggle to listen to this album beyond the first two tracks, mostly because of the production. I wonder if The Last Song goes up in your estimation subject to it being a track right at the end without that infernal echoy snare drum! Would it seem so strong elsewhere? (I don't mind the Last Song - but it's a bit too soppy for my liking!). I used to like this album a lot, but the older I've gotten the less notice it's recieved - put it on the other day, got blasted by those drums, and so turned it off!
Soppy is fine with me! Such a shame about the drums. A re-mastered version is overdue.
" I could drive to Mexico on understanding women" my interpretation is...your intention is to work out in your mind what makes women tick. You could drive all the way to Mexico with that on your mind and when you arrive you still don't have an answer.
That could be the meaning. Thanks.
Thanks John, I have listened to the songs again in conjunction with your review and I largely agree with your scores, except for the "10" that you awarded. I would go for an "8" there.
I do agree heartily with your point about the drumming though, it does spoil many of the songs in my opinion and is so unnecessary.
It's hard to see how The Last Song could be improved, though I accept some people find it too obvious.
This album could have had two 10 out of 10s, if the drums on the one were a little more dynamic
Shame about that production. What were they thinking?
I think The One is an ok album. There are some great songs, but that drum sound makes it lose some points. The piano solo on Sweat it Out is brilliant. I wish Elton put more solos like this one on his records. The One and The Last Song are among the best songs of his entire catalog.
Yes, a great piano solo. It really lifts that track.
I would echo some of the other comments here. I loved this album when it was first released. Great songwriting,energy and Elton's voice is clear and powerful. However the production Is too much particularly the drum machine that ruins the enjoyment for me and I rarely play it these days. Something like Whitewash County would be a borderline classic with a more organic sound. I still like this album more than The Big Picture, another album which is buried in unnecessary layers of production.
I hear that you are saying. I tried to see past the production when reviewing it, though it was tough on some tracks. I don't think it would sound the same today.
@@eltonmusicfan True and it wasn't an issue for me back when it was released. I know you're not a fan of made in England but that's what I like about that album the production at least to me is miles better than the one or the big picture.
*1992
Thanks. I have corrected this now.