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 | Title : Elton John - Greatest Hits 1970-2002
Author : John, Elton
Release Date : 20021112
Binding : Audio CD
Regular Price : $24.98
Amazon.com Price : $19.99
(20
%) VISIT AMAZON.COM'S PAGE | Editorial Reviews : This is the first attempt to consolidate all of Sir Elton's hit singles, from three labels, in one collection. It once would've required at least four CDs to own the best stuff here. Many think the legendary performer was at his best in the early to mid-'70s, and the incredible string of singles that ran from 1970's 'Your Song' through 1977's 'Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word' remains mighty impressive. But in retrospect, as they're presented here, '80s hits like 'I'm Still Standing' and 'Sad Songs' add much to an already amazing legacy. Three Disney tunes, the lush 'The One,' and two from Songs from the West Coast, which was hailed as a return to those '70s golden days, represent the later years. Collectively, these tracks reinforce the notion that, despite Michael Jackson's later proclamations, John was once the closest thing post-'60s music had to a genuine king of pop, respected by hipsters and the mainstream alike. This limited-edition version comes with a bonus CD that serves up a live recording of 'Candle in the Wind,' plus duets with George Michael, Luciano Pavarotti, and Alessandro Safina.
Buyer Reviews : With all due respect to Michael Jackson, I always believed that Elton John is more deserving of the title 'King of Pop.' Both performers have endured their share of artistic and personal ups and downs, but while Jacko has recently morphed into self-parody, Sir Elton still churns out freshly-crafted pop (as evidenced on his excellent 'Songs from the West Coast'). I'm excited as the next Elton fan that we now have a double-disc greatest hits album spanning his entire career, but let's be honest: it's not as comprehensive as it could have been. There are enough omissions on this recording to warrant a third disc: 'Blue Eyes,' 'Empty Garden,' 'A Word in Spanish,' 'In Neon,' 'Kiss the Bride,' and so forth. Also, the disc completely ignores the albums 'Victim of Love' and 'Leather Jackets,' which is a smart move since both records were easily among his least inspired. But moving on, the material that DOES surface on this collection is, for the most part, mind-blowingly good. Disc 1, which covers the 1970s, is utter perfection, a snapshot of classic, vintage Elton in peak form. 'Your Song,' 'Daniel,' 'Tiny Dancer,' 'Somebody Saved My Life Tonight,' and 'Rocket Man' form ample evidence that Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin were among the best songwriting teams of the 1970s. Disc 2 (which covers 1980-2002) has some good stuff, but it's easily the lesser disc which has some decent tunes as well as a handful of not-so-great ones. 'I'm Still Standing' is still a winning tale of perseverence, while 'Sad Songs,' 'I Guess That's Why They Call it the Blues,' and 'Little Jeannie' also stand out, too. However, I wasn't a big fan of his work for 'The Lion King,' and personally wasn't fond of 'Can You Feel the Love Tonight' and 'Circle of Life.' However, this disc closes on a great note with 'I Want Love' and 'This Train Don't Stop Here Anymore,' which are from 2001's 'Songs from the West Coast.' The limited edition has 4 tracks; the best of which is the live version of 'Candle in the Wind' (NOT the tribute to Princess Diana) and his duet with George Michael 'Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me.' Overall, I'm impressed with this hits collection, which comes with some really cool liner notes and nice photographs from his early years. For a one stop guide to Elton's work, 'Greatest Hits 1970-2002' is the way to go, warts and all.
(by Rich)
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