Elton John Music:

Editorial Review:
This melancholy 1976 release includes what would be EJ's last Top 10 hit for three years ("Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word") and is loaded with numbers reflecting the ennui and burnout both John and Taupin were experiencing at the time ("Between Seventeen And Twenty," "If There's A God In Heaven [What's He Waiting For?]"). Elsewhere, John and Taupin write songs in tribute to Edith Piaf ("Cage The Songbird") and a depressingly debilitated Elvis Presley ("Idol"). Despite the inclusion of these and other heart-wrenching compositions like "Tonight," John's irrepressible upbeat attitude comes to the fore on tracks such as the Caleb Quaye instrumental "Your Starter For..." and "One Horse Town," a peppy song about life in the rural South. Most gratifying is a collaboration with the Reverend James Cleveland and his Southern California Choir on the funky "Boogie Pilgrim. Mercury. 2004.

Blue Moves Reviews:
Great elton disco songs!
2008-08-08 - "CRAZY WATER" is, I believe, one of Elton's greatest and most under-appreciated songs! I never tire of listening to that track!

Moody and Arty
2007-06-22 - Almost eight years into an extraordinary career, Elton John and Bernie Taupin had about had enough. There was tension, fatigue and substance abuse, and they were feeling the strain. "Rock of the Westies," while quite successful in its own right, was the least successful Elton John album since "Honky Chateau." They were both still chafing from the fact that critical acclaim seemed elusive, and "Blue Moves" was a bid to be taken seriously. Even the cover art begged the question, instead of the gaudy covers and glamour shots of old, Patrick Proctors' moody "The Guardian Readers" graced the folded sleeve.

But MCA seemed reluctant to really get behind another double album, Elton had announced his first "retirement," and then this ambitious album was a low-key, morose collection. Elton was trying to be a Gershwin, but he was trying to be something he wasn't quite capable of yet. That's not to say "Blue Moves" is lacking great songs; it is loaded with some amazing material. But is is also bloated, and unlike "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," filler abounds.

But as you listen to the dynamic opener, "Your Starter For...Tonight," a lot can be forgiven. Same for the "One Horse Town," which captures the energy of Elton at his finest. James Newton Howard and Paul Buckmaster's orchestral arrangements on these two songs alone provided a glimpse at what Elton was aiming for; they are absolutely brilliant songs. The songs dedicated to Edith Piaf, "Cage The Songbird," features Graham Nash and David Crosby on background vocals, and is a strong companion to "Candle In The Wind."

Problem is, the songs are all morose and depressing. Only "Boogie Pilgrim" and the funky "Bite Your Lip" push the smiles, and it is one of "Blue Move's" detractions. The weighty themes ("If There's A God In Heaven, (What's He Waiting For?)"), the instrumentals and the lack of an obvious single (even if "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word" has become a classic), coupled with the over-saturation of Elton on the airwaves, all factor into "Blue Moves" initial reception. Had Elton and Bernie been willing to treat this as a single album (the original CD was trimmed of a few songs), they might have been able to keep on target. As it stands, however, it's gained luster over the years. Make sure to get the remastered version, because it brings out the magic of the arrangements that Elton and company were striving for.