Artist: Elton John Album: The One

Year: 1992
Duration: 0:0-1

Our Take on Elton John's The One Album: A Critical Review

Elton John, the British pop-rock legend, has had an illustrious career spanning over five decades. He has given us timeless classics like Rocket Man, Tiny Dancer, and Candle in the Wind, among countless others. His voice, piano, and songwriting have become iconic in the music industry. The One is the twenty-third studio album by Elton John, released in 1992. It marked his return to the music scene after a four-year hiatus. Today, we will be critically reviewing this album – the genre, history, best tracks, and overall innovation.

Elton John has had a long career, starting in the 70s with the glam rock aesthetic and evolving to a pop-rock genre in the 80s. Similarly, The One is an album that stands out because of its pop-rock aesthetic. It leans more towards the pop genre, which may disappoint fans more interested in John's rock style, but it also brings a breath of fresh air to his music. John's songwriting and piano skills still shine through the pop-rock production, which means the album has catchy hooks and memorable melodies without losing the essence of what makes Elton John's music unique.

The album's title track, The One, is unquestionably one of the best songs in the album. It has an infectious hook and lyrics that ooze with romanticism. Throughout the album, John's songwriting is emotive, soulful, and reflective. Runaway Train and The Last Song are other highlights in the album. Both songs showcase a different side to John's music, with the former's upbeat tempo and the latter's poignant lyrics.

The One is also an album that demonstrates growth and innovation from Elton John. It was released after a four-year hiatus during which John got sober and rehabilitated from drugs and alcohol addiction. This period reflects in John's songwriting as he reflects on past mistakes and growth. The album is introspective, and John's voice has a depth that might not have been present in previous releases. He grasps his vocal range and is in control of the emotion of each lyric.

To give a fair critical review of The One, it is not an album without flaws. The production and instrumentation of Something About the Way You Look Tonight leans too heavily towards the soft-rock genre, which detracts from the appeal of a potentially fantastic pop-rock track. Similarly, Simple Life feels like a recycled version of I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That, which was a hit single from his 80s album Reg Strikes Back. Despite these drawbacks, the album still stands as a testament to the longevity and relevance of Elton John's music.

In conclusion, The One is an album that is distinct from the rest of John's discography in terms of its pop-rock genre. Although not perfect, it showcases John's growth from his hiatus and brings a new sound to his music. The One remains a significant piece in Elton John's musical legacy and is undoubtedly worth a listen for fans and newcomers alike.