Elton John Album: “Greatest Hits 1970-2002 [Bonus Disc]”

Yes I realize there is always considerable consternation among collectors about the plethora of "Best of" and "Greatest Hits" packages that are put on the market every year. Some artists simply don't warrant a "Greatest Hits" collection while the music of more important and prolific performers is constantly being repackaged. But if you are someone like me "Elton John Greatest Hits 1970-2002" is a fine value. This collection replaces 3 previous vinyl "Greatest Hits" albums I now own. I will be keeping those vinyl LP's for the tunes that were not included in this particular package.

I must say that Universal has done an outstanding job with the series of anthologies they have released in the past couple of years. This collection offers up 34 of Elton Johns' biggest and best. There is no doubt that everyone will probably quibble about a few of the tracks that were included as well as those that failed to make the cut. But overall, I am quite pleased with this one. Just about all the big ones you would expect to find are included. Among the hits that did not make it are 1979's soulful "Mama Can't Buy You Love" and 2 hits from 1982 "Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny)" and the wonderful "Blue Eyes". The collection comes in a very attractive package that includes a nicely done 40 page booklet. One of the unique features of the booklet is a fold-out section showing all 41 album covers from Elton Johns' fabulous career. The remastering on these tracks is also first rate. Again, if the price of this collection was $29.99 I would be much more critical. But the price is quite reasonable for a collection you are sure to enjoy for years to come. Highly recommended.

I admit...I'm ashamed of myself ! As long as I've collected music...I've ALWAYS researched before making a purchase...whether it's a new release...or an anthology. For Elton John's "Greatest Hits 1970-2002...I didn't...and my recommendation is that if you're a devoted Elton John fan....bypass this one ! It's incomplete in every area you can think of ! Refer to reviews here by people like Robert Hrycay and Dave O...I share their opinions as well !

Here's my list of problems .You have important hits missing here from the 70's and 80's...the sound quality isn't that great....and they fade out of songs that ended "cold" origionally...for example..."Daniel" ! I almost fell out of my chair....maybe an overreaction...but you don't physically alter classic songs (like the edited version of "Come Sail Away" by STYX that still "sails" around on radio occasionally)! Oh...and forget the so called "bonus disc"...I call it the "bogus disc"...that should have been used to make a more complete collection !

The less devoted Elton John fan will likely find this collection suitable...and the booklet included is nice...but we "diehards" should take Robert Hrycay's advice here and "burn" our own collection...or buy "To Be Continued" that you'll find on this site. You can even expand THAT collection on your own if you like. Fortunately I have some friends who like Elton's music enough to take this set off of my hands !

This 2CD plus bonus mini-CD set, released in a second straight Christmas season dominated by comprehensive classic rock reissues, aspired to be the final definitive statement on Elton John's 30-year reign atop the pop charts.

But despite a well-written essay and photographs, and an extra disc featuring duets with Luciano Pavarotti and Alejandro Safina (an unbelievably overwrought "Your Song") , this collection fails against Elton's three previously released best-ofs.

Elton's first such collection from 1974 remains one of pop/rock diamonds. He, songwriting partner Bernie Taupin, producer Gus Dudgeon (who with John coordinated this set) mixed fast and slow, hard and soft, pulling pop music and cultural influences left and right to create one of music's most fertile, creative five year success runs. Repeated here, songs from that collection are missing ("Border Song") or truncated ("Daniel" and "Saturday Night's All Right For Fighting") Moreover, "Friends," among Elton's beloved songs, is missing and would have been a great value-add.

His second volume from 1977 chronicled his three years as the world's most popular singing star. Yet two #1 radio hits from that collection missed this set, his bombastic "Pinball Wizard" and his audacious, reggae-tinged take on the Beatles "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds." Elton made those tracks from respective rock superstars his own, sealing his dominance of the era.

Elton's 1976-86 greatest hits collection, released by two different labels, covered his resurgent 80s career linked closely to the return of his piano-ballad style and acknowledgement from artists he influenced (everyone from George Michael to Guns n' Roses). Yet some remarkable songs from even that set (especially "Blue Eyes" and 1979's Thom Bell-produced "Mama Can't Buy You Love") are noticeable by their absence. Any would have formed a more compelling third disc than, say, 1990's flaccid Elton-Michael duet on "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me."

Even the artwork looks slipshod. The cover recreates a 70s pencil-style drawing on white cover, with dates (1970-2002) indicating a short life, not a long career Elton defiantly announced was "To Be Continued" on his 4CD box set. Yet its hard arguing with the songs here, most correctly chronicling Elton's gradual shift from camp rocker to soft rock balladeer to Broadway and film composer/ classical collaborator. This set is recommended for casual fans or those wanting one spot for Elton's biggest hits. But fans wanting to dig deeper into Elton John's music and the pop culture he epitomised are better served by the three individual sets.

Ok...I admit it. I have every one of these songs on other CDs and yes, even other compilations...but I bought it anyway. And I am happy, but not surprised to say, that this collection of hits still comprises the best "new" CD out there...no competition. What a great experience to listen to these songs one right after the other. It really is a stunning achievement for Elton and Bernie. Unlike so many of his contemporaries, Elton's hits just sound so fresh...the poetic, timeless lyrics paired with one of the greatest voices in rock and roll, not to mention astounding piano player.

I also confess that I reflect on the song selection much like the selection played at an Elton John concert. I love what he plays, but am always convinced that he could have executed an equally powerful and satisfying performance if he played all the songs he chose not to play at the concert. So there are, in my opinion, many greatest hits not included in this 2 disc set: "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds," "Healing Hands," "Club at the End of the Street," "The Last Song," "Simple Life," "Empty Garden," "Blue Eyes," "Pinball Wizard," "Wrap Her Up" (with George Michael),"Candle in the Wind 1997," "Take Me to the Pilot," "Amoorena," "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters"...and the list goes on and on...but then again, if all of these were included, you'd be putting a box-set together, which already exists.

Truth is, Elton John's 32 year catalogue is inexhaustible. That being said, this collection is stellar. What is striking is that the second CD, taken mainly from the 80's through present day, is as strong as the first, which contains all the 70's hits. Unfortunaltey, it is rarely ever said that Elton's later works are just as important as his earlier works. Side by side, song by song, this CD makes that point crystal clear. The beauty of "Daniel" is equally matched by the sweetness of "Nikita"; we can hop and bop to the "Crocodile Rock" and snap our fingers and mean it to "I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That"; we soar into outer space with "Rocket Man," and glory in the orchestral intensity of "Believe".

There's no talent equal to Elton John. Listen for yourself!

When I got this CD, I got everything I was expecting and more! This has all of Elton John's greatest hits covering a 30 year span.....it's simply amazing. I listen to this CD everyday and recommend any Elton fan to buy this asap. The only drawback to it, and not major one at that by any means, is that it doesn't have one of my personal favorite songs on it, Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters, but is terrific addition to any CD collection!