Artist: Elton John Album: Blue Moves

Year: 1976
Duration: 0:0-1

A Deep Dive into Elton John's Blue Moves Album: A Critical Review

Elton John has been a music icon and a household name since the 1970s. With his flamboyant style and soulful voice, he has captivated audiences and left an indelible mark on the music industry. His albums have been both critically acclaimed and immensely popular, and one of his lesser-known albums that deserves a closer look is Blue Moves. Released in 1976, it was a double album that showcased John's artistry and versatility as a musician. In this blog post, we'll take a deep dive into the album, including its history, genre, best songs, most innovative parts, and a critical review.

Elton John began his music career in the late 1960s and quickly gained fame with his debut album, Empty Sky. He continued to release hit after hit throughout the 70s, and Blue Moves was released during the peak of his career. The album was a divergence from his previous works, which were heavily influenced by rock and pop. Instead, Blue Moves leaned more towards soul, jazz, and even classical music. This experimental approach was a bold move by John and demonstrated his artistic range and creativity.

The album had a total of 18 tracks, and some of the standout songs were Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word, Tonight, and Cage the Songbird. Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word is one of John's most famous ballads, and its emotive lyrics and haunting melody offer a glimpse into the vulnerability of love. Tonight is another highlight, with its smooth jazz-infused sound and upbeat tempo. Cage the Songbird, on the other hand, showcases John's ability to break down complex emotions, as he sings about a soulful bird that cannot be tamed.

One of the most innovative parts of the album is that John collaborated with classical conductor James Newton Howard. The result was a lush and sophisticated orchestral sound that elevated John's songwriting to new heights. Blue Moves was also a double album, which was unusual for its time. It gave John more room to experiment and showcase his range, but it also meant that some of the songs were not as strong as the others. However, in hindsight, the double album format makes this work all the more deserving of our continued attention.

Finally, it's time for the album's critical review. Blue Moves is not John's most universally beloved album, but it is one of his most interesting and creative. There are certainly moments where the songs feel too long or the experimentation doesn't quite work, but overall the album remains a fascinating listen, even over four decades later. It's a mature and introspective work that shows John exploring new musical territories and taking chances with his sound.

In conclusion, Blue Moves is an album that deserves to be remembered for its ambition, experimentation, and artistry. While it may not have been as commercially successful as some of John's earlier albums, it remains an essential part of his discography and one that fans should revisit. Its fusion of styles and genres is a testament to the versatility and range of this legendary artist. Whether you're a long-time fan of Elton John or a newcomer to his music, Blue Moves is an album that's worth a listen.