Artist: Elton John Album: Elton John

Year: 1970
Duration: 51:06

A Critical Look at Elton John's Self-Titled Album: A Masterpiece or Overrated?

Elton John is undoubtedly one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century. His career has spanned over five decades and he has released countless hits that have become iconic. In 1970, he released his self-titled album which was a huge commercial success and helped solidify his place in the music industry. While this remains one of his best-selling albums to date, opinions on its quality remain divided. In this critical review, we'll take a look at the music genre of the album, the best songs, the most innovative parts and a critic to the album.

Elton John's self-titled album falls into the genre of rock music with elements of pop and country. It has a classic rock sound that was popularized in the 70s. The album's music style has a unique mix of sound with traditional rock instruments such as distorted guitar and drums, and the addition of piano and horns sections that give it a more polished sound. It is evident from the opening track Your Song that the album is going to be a mix of ballads and upbeat tracks.

The best songs on the album include Your Song, Take Me to the Pilot, and Border Song. Your Song is a timeless classic that showcases Elton John's songwriting abilities. Its beautiful melody, lyrics, and piano arrangement make it an unforgettable tune that has won the hearts of millions. Take Me to the Pilot is another standout track that features a heavy bass line throughout, which keeps the energy high. The horns section on Border Song adds a lively, gospel sound that makes for a great listening experience.

One of the most innovative parts of the album is the use of backing vocals. Elton John's vocals on this album are impressive enough, but the addition of harmonies and backing vocals elevates the sound to another level. This is especially evident on tracks like Sixty Years On, where the harmonies give the song a haunting and emotional sound.

Despite the album's many strengths, there are a few criticisms to be noted. One of the main criticisms is that the album can be too slow and lacks diversity. Many songs on the album follow a similar formula - start slow, build up, and end on a high note. While this works well for some songs, it can make the album feel repetitive. Also, while Elton John's vocals are great, they can sometimes become monotonous.

Overall, Elton John's self-titled album is a classic and a great starting point for anyone looking to get into his music. While it has its drawbacks, the album's strengths - beautiful melodies, great instrumentation, and Elton John's songwriting abilities - outweigh them. The album's sound may seem somewhat outdated by today's standards, but it still holds up well and stands the test of time. Elton John's self-titled album is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates rock music with a touch of pop and country. It's a masterpiece that should be celebrated and remembered.