Elton John
Elton John (Needledrop)
Label:   
Date:  8/1970
Format:  FLAC
Genre:  Pop Rock
    Track Listing:
      1.  
      		 Your Song    4:03
      2.  
      		 I Need You To Turn To    2:35
      3.  
      		 Elton John    3:49
      4.  
      		 No Shoe Strings On Louise    3:36
      5.  
      		 First Episode At Hienton    4:55
      6.  
      		 Sixty Years On    4:34
      7.  
      		 Border Song    3:23
      8.  
      		 The Greatest Discovery    4:14
      9.  
      		 The Cage    3:30
      10.  
      		 The King Must Die    5:13
      Empty Sky was followed by Elton John, a more focused and realized record that deservedly became his first hit. John and Bernie Taupin's songwriting had become more immediate and successful; in particular, John's music had become sharper and more diverse, rescuing Taupin's frequently nebulous lyrics. "Take Me to the Pilot" might not make much sense lyrically, but John had the good sense to ground its willfully cryptic words with a catchy blues-based melody. Next to the increased sense of songcraft, the most noticeable change on Elton John is the addition of Paul Buckmaster's grandiose string arrangements. Buckmaster's orchestrations are never subtle, but they never overwhelm the vocalist, nor do they make the songs schmaltzy. Instead, they fit the ambitions of John and Taupin, as the instant standard "Your Song" illustrates. Even with the strings and choirs that dominate the sound of the album, John manages to rock out on a fair share of the record. Though there are a couple of underdeveloped songs, Elton John remains one of his best records.

      Elton John Piano, Harpsichord, Keyboards, Vocals
      Bernie Taupin Lyricist
      Madeline Bell Vocals, Vocals (bckgr)
      Paul Buckmaster Arranger, Cello
      Tony Burrows Vocals, Vocals (bckgr)
      Robin Geoffrey Cable Engineer
      Frank Clark Guitar (Acoustic), Bass, Guitar
      Roger Cook Vocals, Vocals (bckgr)
      Terry Cox Drums
      Brian Dee Organ, Keyboards
      Lesley Duncan Vocals, Vocals (bckgr)
      Kay Garner Vocals, Vocals (bckgr)
      Jim Goff Sleeve Producer
      Colin Green Guitar, Spanish Guitar
      Roland Harker Guitar
      Tony Hazzard Vocals, Vocals (bckgr)
      Clive Hicks Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar, Guitar (Rhythm), Guitar (12 String)
      Les Hurdie Guitar (Bass)
      Skaila Kanga Harmonica, Harp
      David Katz Violin, Orchestra Contractor
      David Larkham Art Direction
      Diana Lewis Synthesizer, Moog Synthesizer
      Dennis Lopez Percussion
      Barbara Moore Vocals, Choir, Chorus
      Barry Morgan Drums
      Tex Navarra Percussion
      Alan Parker Guitar (Rhythm)
      Caleb Quaye Guitar
      Dave Richmond Bass, Guitar (Bass)
      Gus Skinas Editing
      Stowell Stanford Photography
      Alan Weighall Bass, Guitar (Bass)