Peachtree Road

Amazon.com
It's relatively easy to launch a comeback. It's far harder to maintain one. The follow-up to 2001's warmly received (by critics, anyway) Songs from the West Coast indicates Elton John is committed to following through on his late career critical renaissance. Entirely self-produced and featuring his trusty band on each song (and have any sidemen been more stalwart than Davey Johnstone and Nigel Olsson?), Peachtree Road's noble ambitions aren't entirely realized. Starting strong with the telling "Weight of the World" ("Happy to play with the weight of the world off my back") and Americana-flavored "Porch Swing in Tupelo," the 12-song set loses momentum as it progresses. Overproduction rears its glitzy head most egregiously in "All That I'm Allowed." Still, the young Elton John who took the singer-songwriter movement to new heights in the early '70s with the likes of Tumbleweed Connection and Honky Chateau is in evidence on Peachtree Road. He's laid the groundwork to totally throw caution to the wind and make a truly great album. Next time, perhaps? --Steven Stolder

Peachtree Road,Elton John,Universal,Adult Contemporary,Pop,Pop/Rock,Rock,Rock/Pop,Singer/Songwriter,Soft Rock

Peachtree Road

Average customer rating:

The Best Album I Have Heard In Years!
John's loving tribute to the southern sound
This has been reissued with bonus tracks
Classic New Elton John
Falling short is always in the cards

Peachtree Road
Elton John
Manufacturer: Umvd Labels
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Songs from the West Coast
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ASIN: B00061X95Q
Release Date: 2004-11-09

Tracks:

Weight Of The World
Porch Swing In Tupelo
Answer In The Sky
Turn Out The Lights When You Leave
My Elusive Drug
They Call Her The Cat
Freaks In Love
All That I'm Allowed
I Stop And I Breathe
Too Many Tears
It's Getting Dark In Here
I Can't Keep This From You

Amazon.com

It's relatively easy to launch a comeback. It's far harder to maintain one. The follow-up to 2001's warmly received (by critics, anyway) Songs from the West Coast indicates Elton John is committed to following through on his late career critical renaissance. Entirely self-produced and featuring his trusty band on each song (and have any sidemen been more stalwart than Davey Johnstone and Nigel Olsson?), Peachtree Road's noble ambitions aren't entirely realized. Starting strong with the telling "Weight of the World" ("Happy to play with the weight of the world off my back") and Americana-flavored "Porch Swing in Tupelo," the 12-song set loses momentum as it progresses. Overproduction rears its glitzy head most egregiously in "All That I'm Allowed." Still, the young Elton John who took the singer-songwriter movement to new heights in the early '70s with the likes of Tumbleweed Connection and Honky Chateau is in evidence on Peachtree Road. He's laid the groundwork to totally throw caution to the wind and make a truly great album. Next time, perhaps? --Steven Stolder

Customer Reviews:

The Best Album I Have Heard In Years!.......2007-06-09

I have always been a fairweather fan of Elton John,meaning I think the only Elton albums you need are his first two Greatest Hits.But,a few years back I saw the video for Turn The Lights Out When You Leave on CMT and was not only surprised they were even playing an Elton John song but that it was the best country song an artist has put out in recent years,in my opinion.So,I resigned to wait until it was available midline priced to buy it.Really,I shouldn't have waited.This is innovative,bold and soulful music,probably recorded on analog equipment(does anyone remember that?)that deserves a fair listen.The only track that I even have the smallest criticism of is All That I'm Allowed,but that's because it is done with a gospel choir and it doesn't really sound like his voice-but it's still a good tune.If your a fan of the Elton at his peak during the 70's,you will probably really enjoy this album.Peace!

John's loving tribute to the southern sound.......2007-02-27

Now that the singer calls Atlanta his home, it is no surprising that a little bit of southern "flava" would filter into his music. Paired with longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin, Elton returns to the ballads that brought him pop acclaim in the 70's and has endured him as one of the true icons of popular music.

"Peachtree Road," named for the historical Atlanta thoroughfare, is a rarity: an album that is contemporary yet nostalgic. The singer sounds stronger and more expressive on an album that has a little bit of everything. Outstanding cuts include the rocking "They Call Her the Cat," the gospel-influenced "Answer in the Sky," the down-home "Porch Swing in Tupelo," the open-to-interpretation "Freaks in Love," the reflective "I Stop and I Breathe," the wondrously-orchestrated/sung "Too Many Tears," and the plaintive "It's Getting Dark in Here."

Of course the songs bear similarities to Elton John classics and that's their appeal for those of us old enough to remember him musically in his peak years.

In a time when musicians with nary an ounce of talent are continuing to top the charts, real artists like John are overshadowed on the airwaves. But, fortunately, we, his fans, will be there to support him.

And we Georgians, especially, will be there behind one of our sons, whether they be native or not.

This has been reissued with bonus tracks.......2006-12-26

Peachtree Road has been reissued with three bonus tracks. The new version has a picture of Elton on the cover wearing a cowboy hat. If you plan on buying this CD, be certain to purchase the new one.

Classic New Elton John.......2006-11-15

Throughout the entire album EJ hinted at his classic sound of the early 70's, and it is very refreshing to find him playing this great sound in his 2004 release.
Memories of "Don't shoot me I am only the Piano player", Caribou, Captain Fantastic or Rock of the Westies are all in this fresh new album. Not to mention that EJ and Taupin are like inseparable twins, which I totally agree.
Great album, great sound; I own 15 albums for EJ and I believe that this album is really one of his best. I am having a hard time removing it from my CD player.
Put this album on your CD player; play it 5 times in a row; you will see what I mean.
If you are an EJ fan this album deserves 5 stars +. if not; 4 stars
Highly recommended.

Falling short is always in the cards.......2006-09-30

Peachtree Road is Elton John's 2004 follow-up to his classic, stripped down 2001 album Songs From The West Coast. Unfortunately, it doesn't continue in that album's footsteps, and contains mostly overproduced, uninspired songs with sappy, maudlin lyrics. Peachtree Road is the kind of album you put on, and a few minutes later you forget there's music playing.

Other reviewers have compared Peachtree Road to Elton's 1970 album Tumbleweed Connection, and I can certainly see the similarities- both albums are laid back affairs with strong country music infusions. But the latter has a creative spirit and strong songwriting, both of which the former lack. Peachtree Road is more comparable to the syrupy ballads that characterized a lot of Elton's output in the late 80's and 90's.

The opener "Weight of the World" is nice and mellow, with good, evocative lyrics. But the album never picks up steam- literally the only song that doesn't sound like a funeral dirge is "They Call Her The Cat," and no surprise it's the best song here. But the lyrics, oh my- "Now they call her the cat / And that's a stone fact / They took a little of this / She got a little of that." I think I know why the lyrics aren't printed in the liner notes. There's not much else worth mentioning on the album, and it doesn't help that I can't really tell the difference between "All That I'm Allowed," "I Stop And I Breathe," "Too Many Tears," etc.

Elton followed this album up with the sparser, more vivacious The Captain And The Kid, which while not quite a masterpiece is definitely a step in the right direction. Go for that one instead of Peachtree Road, which is really only for fans.

Average customer rating:

The Definitive Version of Elton John's "Peachtree Road"
Strooling Down The Road
Great CD/DVD combo!
Excellent!! A More Mature Elton!
After one year, he is getting five stars!

Peachtree Road
Elton John
Manufacturer: Umvd Labels
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0009VJWPE
Release Date: 2005-11-15

Tracks:

Weight of the World
Porch Swing in Tupelo
Answer in the Sky
Turn the Lights Out When You Leave
My Elusive Drug
They Call Her the Cat
Freaks in Love
All That I'm Allowed (I'm Thankful)
I Stop and I Breathe
Too Many Tears
It's Getting Dark in Here
I Can't Keep This from You
Letter [*]
Merry Christmas Maggie Thatcher [*]
Electricity [*]

Tracks:

Weight of the World [DVD][Live]
Porch Swing in Tupelo [DVD][Live]
Answer in the Sky [DVD][Live]
Turn the Lights Out When You Leave [DVD][Live]
My Elusive Drug [DVD][Live]
They Call Her the Cat [DVD][Live]
Freaks in Love [DVD][Live]
All That I'm Allowed (I'm Thankful) [DVD][Live]
I Can't Keep This from You [DVD][Live]

Album Description

Special repackaged version of 2004 album with 3 bonus tracks from the hit musical Billy Elliot. plus a DVD (PAL/Region 0) with 9 songs from the album recorded live at The Tabernacle in Atlanta, Georgia. Peachtree Road easily rivals the best work of Elton's illustrious career and the album features 12 brand new John/Taupin songs. Recorded in Atlanta and produced for the first time by Elton himself, Peachtree Road is heavily influenced by the sound of the American South, at times incorporating a choir, pedal steel, acoustic guitar as well as his trademark piano virtuosity. Longtime band members Davey Johnstone and Nigel Olsson are aboard. Showcasing a voice that's gotten deeper and richer with age, John wisely sticks to a set that is predominantly made up of ballads. *Please note you will need an All Code DVD player to view. Universal. 2005.

Album Details

2005 Re-released Edition of John's 2004 Ode to Atlanta that Includes Three Bonus Tracks: "The Letter", "Merry Christmas Maggie Thatcher" and the Single "Electricity" as Well as a Bonus Dvd with Live Tracks Recorded at the Tabernacle.

Customer Reviews:

The Definitive Version of Elton John's "Peachtree Road".......2006-10-28

Elton John's second 21st Century CD, "Peachtree Road", is a slightly more satisfying, extremely soulful, collection of songs than his "Songs from the West Coast". Better yet, the tone of Elton's music and Bernie Taupin's lyrics, is far more upbeat and spiritual in tone than most of the songs from "Songs from the West Coast" (The latter's "Wasteland", a bluesy, rocking ode to blues pioneer Robert Johnson, is a song which could have appeared on "Peachtree Road".). Indeed, as a concept album, it comes closest in spirit to "Sleeping with the Past", Elton's and Bernie's splendid late 1980's tribute to Motown. And yet musically, "Peachtree Road" sounds more like an updated version of "Honky Chateau", with elements thrown in from "Tumbleweed Connection", "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" and "Caribou" for good measure, than any of his recent CDs with new songs, with the notable exception of "Songs from the West Coast". In "Peachtree Road", Elton John and Bernie Taupin have wrought a compelling elegy to Southern rock and roll, blues and country, which long-time Elton John fans and popular music critics alike will compare favorably with "Tumbleweed Connection", their early 1970's tribute to the Western Americana.

This deluxe version of "Peachtree Road", released last year, should be regarded as the definitive version since it includes finally, at long last, the lyrics to the original songs on the album which weren't included in the album's initial release. There are also three additional songs from the hit London musical "Billy Elliot" for which Elton composed the music. There's also the additional DVD featuring live concert performances of most of the songs from the original version of "Peachtree Road" which were recorded during the 2004 "Peachtree Road" tour. Without question, the DVD is a splendid visual historical record of that tour, emphasizing the excellent background vocal singing of the "Voices of Atlanta" choir and the splendid musicianship shown by Elton and his long-time bandmates in the current version of the Elton John Band, most notably from guitarist Davey Johnstone and drummer Nigel Olsson.

At least a half dozen - probably more like nine - songs on "Peachtree Road" are potential singles, and all of these compare favorably with those from "Honky Chateau", "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road", "Sleeping with the Past", "Made in England", and of course, "Songs from the West Coast", to name but a few. My personal favorites are "Weight of the World", "Turn the Lights Out When You Leave", "My Elusive Drug", and "Too Many Tears", all of which are compelling ballads steeped in blues and country, which Elton sings and plays the piano with great conviction. Another favorite is the CD's first North American single, "Answer in the Sky", which is a powerful ballad on personal redemption and salvation (I am quite impressed with Guy Babylon's string arrangement, which seems reminiscent of Paul Backmaster's, and featuring a studio session string ensemble with lyrical bluegrass/country violin playing of the kind I've appreciated from the likes of Jay Ungar and my friend Dotty Moore.). "All That I'm Allowed" - released as the CD's first single elsewhere around the globe - is a joyful anthem of thanksgiving which has more in common with George Michael's songs, than any earlier Elton John hit. The second North American single should be "Turn the Lights Out When You Leave", which is a compelling country/western ballard, featuring former band member John Jorgenson's pedal steel guitar playing. "Freaks in Love" is a doo wopish elegy to misfits in love, while "They Call Her the Cat" is a beautiful, uptempo rocker harkening back to "Honky Cat". "It's Getting Dark in Here" features some of Elton's finest singing and elegant solo piano playing. "Porch Swing in Tupelo" is a musical travelogue from Bernie Taupin's visit there which pays homage to the young Elvis Presley. "I Stop and I Breathe" may be the weakest song on this CD, but it is still an effective rhythm and blues ballad which may cause listeners to remember fondly "On Dark Street" from "The One". And last but not least, "I Can't Keep This from You" is a bluesy, elegant little song quite reminiscent of "Harmony" from "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road".

This is the first CD since "Made in England" which Elton has produced (However, he co-produced "Made in England" with Greg Penny, so this is indeed his first solo effort.), and it is a fitting musical tribute to original Elton John producer Gus Dudgeon (The album is dedicated to him and his wife, both killed tragically in an automobile accident a couple of years ago.), featuring Dudgeon's prominent positioning of the piano, guitars and vocals (Though I wish Davey Johnstone's solo guitar work would shine through a bit more than it does on this CD.). Unlike "Songs from the West Coast", this CD features the entire Elton John band on every song, and marks the first time since "Breaking Hearts" that Davey Johnstone and Nigel Olsson have appeared on an entire CD (Speaking of Nigel, his drumming is absolutely impeccable, showing why he is one of rock and roll's greatest drummers.). Elton may be getting older, but neither he nor Bernie Taupin have lost their brilliant talents in writing compelling melodies and lyrics. Along with "Songs from the West Coast", I regard "Peachtree Road" as Elton's best CD since "Made in England", and truly one which compares well with his best from the 1970's (Editorial Note: Since writing this comment originally back in 2004 in my Amazon.com customer review of this album's original version, I believe that "Peachtree Road" isn't nearly as satisfying an artistic creation from the John/Taupin songwriting team as "Captain and the Kid", which is their best album from this decade; "Peachtree Road" now ranks third, behind "Songs from the West Coast".). I have no doubt that this splendid CD will be regarded eventually as one of Elton John's essential CDs.

Strooling Down The Road.......2006-07-27

There are so many times where a good artist, doesn't actually make a good record at times. This past year that has happened with performers like Michael Bolton and his tribute to Frank Sinatra, Patti LaBelle with her cover record Classic Moments, and so many other acts. That also sometimes happens when a album that misses the mark, tries to spice up the feeling with additional tracks added on. For Elton John, that has been the case with his 2004 record Peachtree Road. Although the original version of that record was adequate, it just didn't have the appeal his earlier records did, and now it is re-packaged and reformated here.

Elton John's 2005 re-release of Peachtree Road adds on new tracks from his music Billy Elliot with songs like Electricity, and The Letter, to a already mixed record. The album includes all the tracks from before as well including Answer In The Sky, the country-felt diddy Turn The Lights Own When You Leave, and the somber All That I'm Allowed. The album also plays itself out by adding a DVD of Elton performing live From Georgia. The DVD perfomance doesn't actually add up within the record, but it still nevertheless brings out the appeal and the feeling Elton made the record out originally.

All in all, if you've bought Elton John's Peachtree Road before, you might want to consider passing this record up in its reissued format. Still, if you are a die hard fan of Elton's music, and you haven't heard this record before, than it is still worth listening to for the first time.

Album Cover: B-

Songs: C+

DVD: B-

Price: B

Remastering: B

Overall: C 1/2+

Great CD/DVD combo!.......2006-03-23

I bought this cd after seeing Elton on his Peachtree tour. I loved the concert. Elton hasnt received the best reveiws for this cd which I believe he produced. But I loved it, as I love all of his albums.What a talented Team. With Bernie's lyrics and Elton's soothing sound this album is destined to be a classic.So sit back and enjoy!

Excellent!! A More Mature Elton!.......2006-01-11

Elton John has said that " I am disapointed at the sales of Peachtree, But I know we gave it our all and are very happy with it" He knows that he will probably never have a #1 album again. His records will continue to sell long after anyone who reads this is gone. That is a fact. PeachTree Road is a mature CD that allows the listener to travel through the south while enjoying a variety of songs that relate to Love, Lost Love & Freaks In Love. Hearing the songs live made them even better upon listening to the CD again. I know Elton is in the news nowadays for what he does and says outside of music more than he is for music (Although his concerts continue to sell out all over the world to rave reviews)But he is and will be relevant in the grand scheme for years to come. So what if he gets cranky sometimes,we all have our moods. Question to "Fed up" Did you even listen to the CD? My guess would be no. If you didnt like EJ before, it is unlikely this will be the CD to bring you around. George Michael & Elton have made up, Madonna lives in her own lipsyncing world (this I have witnessed)... Luv her but she is too much. Note to Madge, time to start wearing more clothes in your videos. Anyways I digress, The Bonus DVD is nice, but I also wish the whole Tabernacle show was on it. God Bless ya EJ, Keep on Keepin On!

After one year, he is getting five stars!.......2005-12-04

Well, I criticised to original pR release as to conventional with lite risk.

I think this still holds true, but it is also true that the songs grow on you...
Combined with this better package, I give it two thumbs up now. Especially important: Bernie's lyrics are now available, what a shame that was to hae cut them out in original release. To me Bernie's lyrics have ALWAYS been a big part of Elton's songs, so finally he gets his justice.

To the songs now after 1 year hearing:
Weight of the world: great song, also bernie in top form.
Porch Swing and Answer are equally good, but turn the Lights appears a bit dull by comparison...(?)
Then a real first highlight: Elusive Drug shows EJ & BT at their introverted best, their honesty goes really down the spine. Here is an EJ song where can sense he has a really important story to tell, aka Bob Dylan. Amongst his best, but a better one still follows:
Freaks in Love: It doesn't get any better even by EJ's standard. Right up there with a Boy in the Red Shoes or Madman... Bernie's lyrics at their chilling best.
I skipped Call her the Cat...
All that I Allowed - goes into your ear, but more for easy listening rather really engaging by music or lyrics..
Stop and I Breathe - medium rare, not bad though...
Too many Tears - Yeah, very dylanesque, that one is one to remeber as well!
Then my absolute favorite: Getting Dark in Here: Wow! What a soulful song! Rocket Man, Candle in the Wind, Don't let the Sun... - you name it, this one is right up there! With a very autumnal feel to it. The Atlanta chorus is doing great! Why is this not a single?
Can't keep... - Medium rare again...

Bonus tracks: I really love the lyrics to that Maggie Tatcher song! My oh my!!! Is that one censored in Great Britain???

In summary: Next time a bit more risk, more life from the solists during their individual parts, but this is nevertheless one of the best EJ albums around. Buy the special edition, for the concert is decent as well. Pity though that they did not show the entire Atlanta show...

Average customer rating:

Still Uninspired in SACD
A Worthy Successor
Lovely music but recording needs to be decided
Where are Taupin's Lyrics?
Amazing sound makes me warm and fuzzy...

Peachtree Road
Elton John
Manufacturer: Umvd Labels
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Honky Chateau
Elton John
Tumbleweed Connection
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Captain Fantastic

ASIN: B00061X960
Release Date: 2004-11-09

Tracks:

Weight Of The World
Porch Swing In Tupelo
Answer In The Sky
Turn The Lights Out When You Leave
My Elusive Drug
They Call Her The Cat
Freaks In Love
All That I'm Allowed
I Stop And I Breathe
Too Many Tears
It's Getting Dark In Here
I Can't Keep This From You

Customer Reviews:

Still Uninspired in SACD.......2006-12-30

I am a huge fan of Elton John. I have dozens of his albums and CDs. I have seen the best and I have seen the worst. I was quite pleased with Elton's releases in the 90s. "Songs from the West Coast" returned Elton to the style that made him famous in the early 70's. Unfortunately, the string of releases that culminated in "Songs from the West Coast" also raised my expectations for this release; expectations that were just a bit too high.

Taken as a whole, the lyrics are generally good. Bernie Taupin continues to churn out the words that Elton has always been so able to match with his music. Some of the lyrics are a bit cheesy ("They Call Her the Cat," as an example, which is goofy as well), and some are weird ("Freaks in Love"), but others are evocative and interesting ("Weight of the World"). As has always been typical of most Elton John albums, the lyrics are a mixed bag. However, it has always been Elton's music that turns Bernie Taupin's words into magic. Unfortunately, the magic has failed to turn Taupin's straw into gold on this CD. I was also disappointed that the lyrics were not included with the album so I had to go find them on the internet.

There are good songs on this album; not great, but good. I enjoy "Weight of the World," which matches weary lyrics with weary music to give you the feeling that Elton has accepted his life and his age. This music compares favorably with Elton's early 70's music, when he was at his commercial peak (remember seven #1 albums in a row?). I think "All That I'm Allowed" has some nice pop riffs and good vocals.

"Porch Swing in Tupelo" has good music, but the lyrics are weak compared to similar early songs such as ""Border Song" and "Burn Down the Mission." "Answer in the Sky" is in the same category. The music is good and the lyrics are okay, but the songs are so bland and middle-of-the-road that I feel as though I am listening to another album. In the other direction is "I Stop and I Breathe." This song has good lyrics, but the music is weak and the vocals sound strained.

Elton and Bernie have tried country-flavored songs several times in the past. "Turn out the Lights When You Leave" is reasonably serviceable with acceptable lyrics and music. Most of Elton's albums have had at least one blues song. "My Elusive Song" is a good blues song that seems a lot like "Mellow" from "Honky Chateau." "Freaks in Love" is also bluesy, though the lyrics are a bit off-beat.

It is possible that something about "Too Many Tears" strikes an emotional chord with me. This music reminds me a lot of the music from "Jump Up" and "The Fox." The music is catchy and matches the mellow lyrics well. I count this song as one of the better songs on this CD. Just after this song is "It's Getting Dark in Here." It is possible that the proximity to "Too Many Tears" influences my feelings about this song, but I enjoy the harmonies, which feel so much like Elton's 70's music. I count "It's Getting Dark in Here" as another of the better songs on this CD. I love the strong piano bridge also.

After the previous two songs, I was hoping for a bang up finish to this album. I dislike the opening to "I Can't Keep this from You," but when the song hits its stride it is a decent song with reasonably good power. I also enjoy the harmonies on this song. This song is a bit better than the average song on this CD.

Now is the quandary; what is my recommendation? With about half a dozen reasonably good songs, this CD is a valuable addition to someone who considers themselves more than a typical Elton John fan. Unfortunately, the songs that are on cruise control distract from the better tracks and prevent me from recommending this album to casual fans.

I am always encouraged when a musician I like releases a new CD, but I would have been even more encouraged had Elton built on "Songs from the West Coast." I have added this CD to my extensive collection of Elton John music, but I will be listening to many of Elton's other albums many times before this particular album makes it back into rotation again. Perhaps my opinion of this album will mellow with time; I hope it will because Elton John remains one of my all-time favorite singers.

Note that this version of "Peachtree Road" is in hybrid SACD. Okay, the sound is better. However, better sound just means that you can hear the same music with more definition. If you already have "Peachtree Road" and wonder whether you should get the SACD version, my answer is that you should get this version only if you absolutely loved the original.

Enjoy!

A Worthy Successor.......2005-12-18

Beautiful and meaningful lyrics and Sir Elton`s magical voice makes this an awesome record to have. Now I know it may not be everyone's cup of tea but if you know a thing or two about music, you should give this CD a try, Especially in SACD format (one of the best sounding around).

Lovely music but recording needs to be decided.......2005-01-28

The first time I listened to this album was when I was flying to Asia through the airline's music channel. Even in the noisy engine background, I could still make out the distinguish music that Elton is known to put out. What caught my attention was that he is teaming back with Bernie which is one of the pleasant surprises in this album. With Davey and Nigel in the band, it feels like the good old team is back. There are quite a few good songs in this album with good melody and Elton's musical style that he acquired in his more recent albums. However, to my disappointment Elton's piano is more of a background accompaniment and not the leading instrument in most of the songs.

One thing that could be improved on this album is the recording quality. Vocals are not as focused as other SACDs I've heard, for example, Ray Charles' "Genius Loves Company". As expected the SACD when compared to the CD version has smother highs and better overall soundstage presentation. Overall, I think you'll like this album.

Where are Taupin's Lyrics?.......2004-11-25

This album DOES NOT contain Bernie Taupin's lyrics, this is a big disappointment to me. Just like getting a big raise and then finding out your employer is going to lay you off.

Amazing sound makes me warm and fuzzy..........2004-11-18

A new album of ballads from Elton John? This is too good to be true. This new album from Elton John is a continuation of the great songwriting from his previous album "Songs from the West Coast". The lyrics are very reflective and mature and his singing is very emotional and heartfelt. Not every song on this album feels like a classic to me yet, but perhaps with more listenings, it will get better. For now, there are 5 standout songs that are "single" quality, although the rest are still better than, say, EJ's mid-80's output.

The sound is very similar to the SACDs of his older albums, which I've started to review. The sound is a little richer, as you would expect, but a little more diffused. I think the older albums had a more distinct tone for each instrument whereas on this album there's more of a blend.

I am thrilled that this was a day and date new release on SACD, and someone in the Elton John camp is clearly a fan of SACD, and that's great for SACD fans!