SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: ELTON JOHN – DIAMONDS

Elton John
Diamonds
Universal Music Enterprises

Glitzy and emotional, Elton’s newest album Diamonds is a compilation of his greatest hits spanning an impressive, culturally significant career. To take full advantage of this easy and fun to consume material, fans can purchase the new album in four physical ways (1 CD, 2 CD, 3 CD limited-edition box set and 2LP gatefold vinyl) in addition to standard digital downloads. Ranging a total of 51 classic tracks, the album is a fantastic tribute to a man whose musical life has been bright like a diamond for years. It’s also somewhat of an homage to Elton’s musical writing partner of 50 years, Bernie Taupin.  This musical duo has spanned the ages with countless hits and an everlasting friendship to boot.

One thing that will strike the listener immediately is the way Elton’s music has attached itself to memory- not just personal memories but societal ones.  For example, “Tiny Dancer” makes it easy for many to picture Kate Hudson in her bare feet gliding across an empty concert hall a la Almost Famous. For others, “Candle in the Wind” stirs up emotions surrounding the historic death of Princess Diana and for still others; “The Circle of Life” is a direct tie to The Lion King and feelings of childhood.

The full 3-CD compilation of Diamonds hits on all the career highlights like “Your Song”, “Rocket Man” and party anthem “Bennie and the Jets” while also throwing on some hits you don’t hear on the radio all the time like “Nikita”, the beautiful “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” and even “Little Jeannie”. While there’s no time to get into each track when it comes to a compilation like this, a quick glance at the list speaks volumes about Elton’s wide range of work influenced by all genres from country and rock to pop and rockabilly- almost all on the backdrop of Elton’s iconic piano.

Worth noting are the wealth of tracks featuring Elton alongside other talented performers. This compilation boasts the likes of George Michael (“Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me”), Kiki Dee (“Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”) and even Stevie Wonder (featured on the track “That’s What Friends are For” with Dionne Warwick and Gladys Knight). This star-studded career is boasted across the album with rich, deep-cut tracks featuring a handful of talented and respected artists willing to perform with Elton. Who wouldn’t?

Fans and newbies alike will love this vast collection of Elton John’s work. Spanning his full career, it’s a testament to a musical life dappled with poetic lyrics, sound instrumentals, musical friends and beautiful songs.

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