Elton John Vinyl Records – Classic Albums & Reissues on Vinyl

Elton John's run from 1970 to 1976 is one of the greatest hot streaks in rock history — seven years, eleven albums, and a catalogue of songs that became part of the fabric of popular music. The partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin produced an astonishing body of work: melodically rich, lyrically ambitious, and performed with a flamboyance that disguised just how good the musicianship was.

On vinyl, the early albums sound magnificent. These were analogue recordings made by Gus Dudgeon with some of the finest session musicians in the world. The warmth, the piano tone, the string arrangements — it all comes alive on a good pressing. This is music that was made for vinyl and sounds best on vinyl.

Best Elton John Albums on Vinyl

Elton John (1970) The self-titled second album and the one that broke him worldwide. "Your Song" is the centrepiece — one of the most beautiful ballads ever written. "Border Song" and "Take Me to the Pilot" show the range from the start.

Tumbleweed Connection (1970) A country-rock concept album about the American West, written by two Englishmen who'd never been there. "Burn Down the Mission," "Come Down in Time," and "Country Comfort" — Taupin's storytelling at its finest. Criminally underrated.

Madman Across the Water (1971) "Tiny Dancer," "Levon," and the epic title track — the arrangements are lush and the songwriting is exceptional. One of the great album-rock records of the early 70s.

Honky Chateau (1972) The first album with the classic band lineup. "Rocket Man," "Honky Cat," and "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" — looser and funkier than the earlier records. The start of the imperial phase.

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973) The masterpiece. A double album with "Bennie and the Jets," "Candle in the Wind," "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting," and the devastating title track. Essential vinyl for any collection.

Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (1975) Autobiographical — the story of Elton and Bernie's early struggles. "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" is one of his greatest songs. The first album ever to enter the US charts at number one.

If You Like Elton John vinyl records, check these out:

Carpenters Vinyl Records – Close to You, A Song for You & Essential Albums on Vinyl Carpenters Duran Duran Vinyl Records – Rio, Seven and the Ragged Tiger & Essential Albums on Vinyl Duran Duran Frankie Goes to Hollywood Vinyl Records – Welcome to the Pleasuredome on Vinyl Frankie Goes to Hollywood Neil Diamond Vinyl Records – Hot August Night, Greatest Hits & Essential Albums on Vinyl Neil Diamond Simple Minds Vinyl Records – New Gold Dream, Once Upon a Time & Essential Albums on Vinyl Simple Minds

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