Elton John Album: “The Big Picture”

Description :

Personnel: Elton John (vocals, piano, organ); Davey Johnstone, John Jorgenson (guitar); Paul Carrack (organ); Matthew Vaughan (keyboards, percussion); Guy Babylon (keyboards); Bob Birch (bass); Charlie Morgan (drums, percussion); Paul Clarvis (tablas); Carol Kenyon, Jackie Rawe (background vocals); East London Gospel Choir, Angel Voices Choir. <p>Recorded at Townhouse Studios, London, England. <p>As true as the Rolling Stones have remained to their blues beat, Elton John, who's been around nearly as long, has stayed true to his pop muse; and perhaps more than the Stones, he's retained his pop craft. THE BIG PICTURE is a simple album at heart, a collection of melancholy love songs beefed up with million-dollar pop arrangements and rocked up every now and then with Davey Johnstone's electric guitar. The sentiments are basic enough: in "The End Will Come," he's ready to swear there ain't no mountain high enough to stop his love, while in "Love's Got A Lot To Answer For," he's ready to admit that no matter how he climbs there's just going to be another mountain around the bend. <p>Lyricist Bernie Taupin provides these basics, and John adds the incredible melodic weight that the best of these songs have. "Long Way From Happiness" is haunting blue-eyed soul; "The End Will Come" is a true anthem that showcases a Stevie Wonder-like conviction in the power of music to overcome reality. "If The River Can Bend" serves as teasing proof that the rock flame behind such early John showstoppers as "Burn Down the Mission" is far from out.

Elton John is my favorite singer of all-time and I love all his albums. The Big Picture is no exception. I listened to all the songs on this and I loved each and every one. If I had to pick my favorite song, it would have to be "Live Like Horses" which contains brilliant lyrics and a beautiful string arrangement. Other standouts include "Love's Got A Lot To Answer For", "I Can't Steer My Heart Clear Of You", and "Recover Your Soul". If you're a fan of Elton John then you should definitely get this one.

Picture this! In the title track on this album,Elton John tells about a potential career in Hollywood(Do I have a shot at the big part?). Hits from this album are SOMETHING ABOUT THE WAY YOU LOOK TONIGHT(the first when this album was released in September 1997) and RECOVER YOUR SOUL. This album was finished before Elton's close friend Princess Diana of Wales was killed in a car crash nearly a month before this album was released. Also just before this release and immediately after Diana's death,Elton recorded and released CANDLE IN THE WIND '97 as a single with the same music as the original 1973 version from GOODBYE YELLOW BRICK ROAD but with different lyrics. It's also known as "Goodbye,England's Rose". Great album!

I've owned and loved this album for over a year, now. The Elton just gets better with age. Those of you looking for him to do the falsetto capering of his youth, maybe you'll be disappointed, but as for me, I find in his present singing a richness and depth (both vocally and emotionally) that make The Elton remain my Captain Fantastic.