Artist: Elton John Album: Tumbleweed Connection

Year: 1970
Duration: 1:00:13

A journey through the country music influence on Elton John's Tumbleweed Connection

Elton John is one of the biggest and most influential artists of the 20th century. His music bridges the gap between rock, pop, and other genres. However, it wasn't until 1970 that he released Tumbleweed Connection, an album that paid homage to American roots music, which he credits as one of his most significant influences. In this review, we will take a deep dive into the album to see how Elton John succeeded in expressing his love for country music while staying true to his own style.

To fully understand Tumbleweed Connection, we have to take a look at where Elton John was when he released it. He was coming off a wildly successful self-titled album and was under pressure to deliver another hit. Instead, he decided to take a risk and produce an album that was a complete departure from his previous work. He got together with lyricist Bernie Taupin, and the two set out to create a tribute to the American frontier days.

The album is a blend of different styles, with a heavy country influence. Songs like Country Comfort and Amoreena are filled with storytelling lyrics and twangy guitar riffs. However, Elton John didn't stop at just mimicking country music. He put his own spin on it with his distinctive piano playing and unique vocal style. The result is a seamless blend of two distinct styles that work together perfectly.

The best songs on the album are Burn Down the Mission and Come Down in Time. Burn Down the Mission is a seven-minute epic with grand instrumentation and an impressive choir. It evokes imagery of a frontier town being burned down in a blaze of glory. On the other hand, Come Down in Time is a softer, more introspective tune that showcases the vulnerability in Elton John's voice.

The most innovative part of the album is how Elton John and Bernie Taupin take the themes and sounds of country music and make them their own. They don't simply copy what's been done before; they inject their personalities and experiences into every song. They prove that country music is not just for those born in a small town in the southern United States but can also resonate with people all around the world.

However, this album isn't perfect. Some of the songs drag on a bit too long, and at times, the storytelling can come off as a bit heavy-handed. My Father's Gun is a prime example of this. While it's a decent song, it could have benefited from some editing to make it more concise.

In conclusion, Tumbleweed Connection is a classic album that showcases Elton John's growth as an artist. By incorporating elements of country music into his already impressive repertoire, he proved that music genres can be merged to create something wholly unique and beautiful. While it's not without its flaws, it's still a must-listen for any music fan who wants to fully understand the impact of Elton John on the music industry.