Elton John

Given that his voice combines the nasal sonority of James Taylor with the rasp of Van
Morrison with the slurry intonation of M. Jagger with the exaggerated twang of Leon
Russell; that, in this age during which most everyone seems content to sing unison with
moronic little guitar riffs, he writes attractive melodies; that the lyrics devised by his
songwriting partner appear on first glance to be Genuine Poetry; that, while the... More >

A lot of people consider John a future superstar, and they may be right; I find this overweening (semi-classical ponderousness) and a touch precious (sensitivity on parade). It offers at least one great lyric (about a newborn baby brother), several nice romantic ballads (I don't like its affected offhandedness, but "Your Song" is an instant standard), and a surprising complement of memorable tracks. But their general lack of focus, whether due to histrionic overload or sheer verbal laziness, is a persistent turnoff. (Grade: B)