Elton John

On Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player, Elton John and Bernie Taupin cover a variety of musical styles, and at first, the album sounds a bit scattered. But whatever the style, the duo succeeds -- thanks in part to lavish string arrangements and heavy-handed production. This album marks Elton's glitzy showbiz entrance and should be in every fan's collection.

Visually, musically, and in every other way, Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player is an
engaging entertainment and a nice step forward in phase two of Elton John's career, the
phase that began with Honky Chateau. The essence of Elton's personality, on record and in
performance, has always been innocent exuberance, a quality intrinsic in most of the best
rock 'n' roll of the Fifties and early Sixties. Elton's only major problem after the s... More >

Dear Elton: If you're trying to claim it's all Bernie's fault, just hold on. One half of a songwriting team can always bail the other out of rock and roll as competent and (not counting that new sexist streak) unexcessive as this, as each of you proved on Honky Chateau. Maybe Bernie refuses to outgrow his pistol envy. But that's no reason for you to make the music not-with-a-bang-but-a-whimper. (Grade - C+)