Elton John Wonderful Crazy Night

An Elton John fan from the early 1970's, I've lived with much of his music as a backdrop to my life. I have heard ''Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy'' hundreds of times. Same for ''Goodbye Yellow Brick Road'' and several of his other ''early'' albums -- and they still bring joy to me as if I'm hearing them for the first time. I've fathered a son, lost a mother, divorced, run marathons, achieved great career success and drank a fair amount of beer over those years, with Elton's music nearly always in my ears and heart. But I feel like Elton lost his musical (and personal) way from the late 80's, and well into the 90's. At best, that period of his work is spotty. However, no one, even those with the epic talent of Elton John, can sustain genius creative output forever. He is, after all, human, and therefore subject to the mental, emotional, creative and physical erosions that we all go through as we age. I did like ''Songs From The West Coast'' and ''The One,'' but not so much his work with Leon Russell, nor ''Peachtree Road,'' ''The Big Picture,'' or ''Leather Jackets.'' Spotty work, indeed. But I've never held it against him.A few weeks ago, in late 2015, I stumbled upon the video of the ''live'' version of ''Wonderful Crazy Night'' on youtube. Then, I found ''Looking Up.'' Wow! Two songs which seemed to indicate a renewed energy for my almost - favorite rock star from the 1970's (Mick Jagger being the other). A renewed energy, but also fantastic melodies, impeccable production, and a return to ferocious piano playing. That's what I heard on the two initial tracks, and it's what I hear all the way through the entire album. Sure, Elton's voice is deeper, and doesn't have youthful fire anymore, but he consistently sings from the heart throughout the record. He's also developed vocal nuances that he didn't have 40 years ago. More than anything, I hear a ''smile'' in his voice, which I haven't heard in a long time.''Wonderful Crazy Night'' is sort of a return to form, but then comparing it to his early work isn't fair because none of us deserve to be held up to things we did at 29 versus 69. It is possibly more appropriate to say that this album stands on it's own as a superb record by a superb musician and entertainer. Elton John is a survivor. His personal demons have nearly killed him several times, but he's still standing. He's no longer the huge pop star that he was in the 1970's, but he's still working, still creating, still compelling. ''Wonderful Crazy Night'' contains great songs, heartfelt singing, and dazzling musicianship & production. It's his best work since ''Songs From the West Coast.'' I absolutely love this new record. It's a great way to start 2016!

On every level, this magnificent new album is a winner. After repeated listenings, I find that I love every track. Gorgeous melodies, beautifully crafted lyrics, and a soaring, up-tempo vibe make this Elton's finest album since 2001's "Songs From the West Coast." I could wax poetic--I usually do--but in this case, suffice it to say that "Wonderful Crazy Night" is wonderful indeed--a treat from beginning to end.Then again, perhaps I do have something further to add, after all. I'd like to single out the *musicality* of Bernie Taupin's lyrics this time for particular praise. The classic early John/Taupin albums from the 70s consisted of what were essentially Bernie's moody, darkly imagistic poems set to music. This was a formula that worked consistently for a number of years, and produced the songs that became the soundtrack to our lives during those years. However, I read in an interview some time ago that Bernie had taught himself to play guitar, at least a little, and that he would strum along while writing, in an effort to produce texts that were more inherently musical at the outset, even before his songwriting partner had composed the musical settings for them.This latter-day approach to lyric writing has informed all of the Elton John albums of the twenty-first century, but is seems really to have come to fruition on "Wonderful Crazy Night." At first listen, the title track, for example, may seem less densely poetic than an early song like, say, "First Episode at Hienton," or "The Greatest Discovery." Upon closer examination, however, one realizes that the apparent transparency of the words still leaves ample room for vivid, specific images like "Ice cubes on the back of your neck," and "A greasy breeze from the chicken stand/Hearts on fire just one last time,/a wishbone snapping in every hand." (The wishbone snapping in every hand is sheer brilliance.)Another favorite moment, for me, occurs, in the first single, "Looking Up":"You drop a bucket in a wellIt's dark and deep down there.Crank the handle, bring it up--The water's crystal clear."This is a wonderful, and wholly unexpected, metaphor for the clarity that abides in each of us, even amidst our personal darkness. It also suggests the clarity of the songs themselves, and the fact that they seem to be drawn from some deep place. While not precisely poems per se, these are finely wrought song lyrics of a very high order, and must rank among the best of Bernie's mature work."Some things you don't forget, some things just take a hold." Indeed.

Right upfront, I'll admit it. I am not objective when it comes to Elton John. I love it all. In fact, I think even at his "worst" (Victim of Love, Leather Jackets) he's better than most. That being said, Wonderful, Crazy Night is fan-freakin'-tastic! A total 180 in tone, attitude and tempo from The Union and The Diving Board...and the result is this beautiful, dizzyingly, giddy, dance like nobody's watching record we lifelong devotees have longed for...always knowing it was somewhere in that wonderful, crazy man all along. If you're not tapping your feet, clapping your hands, snapping your fingers to the likes of Looking Up, the title track, Guilty Pleasure and England and America...call a doctor! Put it on, crank it up, bite your lip, get up and dance!

New songs!!! Great songs!!!This is the best CD since Songs From The West Coast!!!It's great to know that Elton John is growing old gracefully and enjoying life!!!It's good to know he's not trying to re-write the same old songs!!!There's a feeling of fresh air in these songs. A new taste. A new inspiration!!!It deserve 5 stars!!!What about the "classic years"???.....Well, the "classic years" was a magical period of time when he was simply doing masterpieces!!!We're living in 2016......So many changes along the way......Elton & Bernie are in good form and they're still making great music!!!T-Bone did a good job and the old band is superb!!!This is a great pack of songs. Relax and enjoy!!!

It's taken a full two years for me to buy this latest studio album from Elton John.and yes, it's worth the wait.Elton is a master at blending rockers with smooth ballads,and this is a typical solid offering of such tunes.Working very well with long time lyricist Bernie Taupin - an excellent working effort as always.Looking up;the lead single is a rocking catchy effort and every song is in the good to excellent category,including title track,which seems to document a memorable night,with everything going on (one of many i guess for Elton).Not in the classic album range of Elton John L.p. releases (I could say which one's,but I won't ) - but by no means,and by any stretch of the imagination his worse.With veteran/ legendary producer;T Bone Burnette at the controls (counting crows,Robert plant/Allison krauss amongst others) - can't really go wrong!

I bought this for my wife who is an Elton fan, though Elton does not have the same power to his voice as when he was young, he has adapted his songs to bring out the best of his performance. An enjoyable collection of songs from Elton, my favourite being 'Looking Up' .

I have been a fan for thirty-seven years (relatively recent compared to some) and Elton has rarely let me down with his albums. This one is no exception. Made the hairs stand up on the back of my neck as some of these tracks could flawlessly fit into the classic seventies era. Love it and hope he keeps going. Lyrically and musically flawless in my opinion.

Love this new album it came on time maybe even early ! However there was a crack in the back but that’s ok it still works :) x

Fabulous