Artist: Elton John Album: Leather Jackets

Year: 1986
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Review of Elton John's Leather Jackets Album

Elton John is a British music icon, known for his impressive vocals, piano skills, and songwriting abilities. The music artist has been in the industry for over five decades, and his discography is filled with classic hits that have stood the test of time. One of his albums that are often overlooked but deserves special attention is Leather Jackets. Released in 1986, the album is a unique blend of pop, rock, and new wave genres. In this blog post, we will critically review the Leather Jackets album, talk about its music genre, highlight the best songs, talk about the innovative parts, and provide a critical analysis of the album.

The Leather Jackets album is best described as experimental but failed to achieve the same level of commercial success as Elton John's previous albums. The album is a clear departure from Elton John's signature sound - the piano ballads and the catchy pop hits. Instead, the album features a much more electronic-driven sound. The album is a collaboration with legendary producer Gus Dudgeon, who had previously worked with Elton John on some of his biggest hits.

The best songs from the album include Slow Rivers, a duet with the legendary Cliff Richards that features acoustic guitar and string arrangements, and Heartache All Over the World, a catchy pop hit that's consistent with Elton John's classic work. Don't Trust That Woman is another standout track, featuring funky guitar and a driving beat. Leather Jackets is also worth mentioning, with its moody synthesizers and guitar work.

The most innovative part of the album is the use of electronic instruments, such as the synthesizer, which is prominent in several songs. The album was recorded during the height of the new wave genre, which was known for its use of electronic instruments and experimentation. Leather Jackets is a fusion of several musical styles, each one with its own unique sound. The album's failure to reach commercial success is perhaps a testament to its departure from Elton John's usual sound, but it's also possible that it simply failed to capture the attention of the audience at that time.

Overall, the Leather Jackets album is a mixed bag. Although it was a brave departure from Elton John's usual sound, the album suffered from weak tracks and a lack of cohesion. The album was also released at a time when the new wave genre was rapidly waning in popularity, which may have been another reason for its commercial failure. While there's no denying the innovation and creativity put into the album, it lacks the consistency and coherence of some of Elton John's other classic albums.

Despite the Leather Jackets album's failure to achieve the same level of success as other Elton John albums, it's still worth a listen. The album is a testament to Elton John's versatility and willingness to experiment with new sounds and genres. The album's blend of pop, rock, and new wave music creates a unique sound that's distinct from Elton John's other work. While the album may not be one of his best, it's still an important part of his discography and worth exploring for any true Elton John fan.