Elton John knows how to sell a few records. The British version of Billy Joel (before you hate me, that is a joke; Joel is the American John and both are great) has sold 300 million records, with his revamped single of "Candle in the Wind 1997" selling 33 million units alone.
That single proved how many fans Princess Diana had, of course, but the track was familiar because of the wonderment of the original. It is easy to make magic based on a song that was already magical.
But one truth about Elton John that has always been underrated is the strength of his albums, especially the early ones. People can get distracted by the, at times, fluffy singles. The proof of a musical great is the depth of their deep dives, which the five albums below have.
5 albums by Elton John that are worthy of multiple listens
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973)
Arguably Elton John's best album, it showcases his blossoming from piano and voice to a full-on rock star. He was never truly a singer-songwriter because he didn't play the guitar and he didn't play the guitar. He was more 1950s balladeer than James Taylor.
Except for the irritating drone of "Bennie and the Jets," a song that had no business being as popular as it was, the double-LP work is brilliant. How can one not love the title track, "Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting," and the epic "Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding."
Madman Across the Water (1971)
The strength of this album is based on its beauty. Maybe the strings are a bit too 1970s at this point, but they are still good enough to elevate the material. And let's be real, like with every great John tune, the material is the pianist's ability to craft a great melody.
Any album that features "Tiny Dancer" and "Levon" is bound to be somewhat good, but most of the tracks here are worthy listens, including the underrated "Indian Sunset."
The Diving Board (2013)
The best John record after the early '70s and the reason is clear: The album sounds like those songs. John has a stripped-down sound here with just piano, bass, and drums. His voice and the piano drive every track. Most songs are lovely, and only a few feature guitar or a horn section.
Elton John could make great tracks with a full band, of course, but his best LPs have come from the knowledge that ultimately, we just need him singing Bernie Taupin's lyrics and playing the piano.
Tumbleweed Connection (1970)
This album is likely the greatest example of Elton John the artist. There were intentionally no obvious singles. Instead, there are just a vast number of tracks that should be appreciated by any true music lover, even if the mass pop audience is not accepting of a song or two.
There are several gems, and they seemingly remain hidden among John's catalog for no reason. "My Father's Gun" is brilliant and achy, and "Burn Down the Mission" should be staples on one's playlist. Oddly, this was the first Elton John album to sell a million units, even though it lacks the singles of others.
Honky Chateau (1972)
The singles on this record don't do justice to how excellent the overall work is. Not to detract from "Rocket Man," which is a great tune, but "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" is better and brilliant. "Honky Cat" is basically drivel, but "Susie (Dramas)" is wonderful.
The album is probably the best example that while John can sell individual songs, he also knows his true fans will dive deep into records.