Description
Elton John – Sleeping With The Past – 180 Gram Vinyl Record
Released on August 29, 1989, Sleeping With the Past is Elton John’s 22nd studio album, and it marked a significant return to form after a turbulent period in his career. This album is notable for being a loving tribute to the classic R&B and soul music of the 1960s, which had a profound influence on both Elton John and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The album also holds historical importance as it became Elton’s first No. 1 album in the UK, propelled by the massive success of Sacrifice.
Unlike the synth-heavy pop sound of Elton’s mid-’80s work, Sleeping With the Past embraces a warmer, more organic production style, influenced by the Motown, Stax, and Philly soul sounds of the 1960s and 1970s. The album is filled with smooth grooves, gospel-tinged melodies, and emotional ballads, with Taupin’s lyrics focusing on love, longing, and personal reflection.
Key Tracks and Highlights
Sacrifice – The album’s biggest hit and one of Elton’s most beloved ballads, this song is a heartfelt meditation on the pain of failed relationships. It became his first solo No. 1 hit in the UK.
Healing Hands – A gospel-influenced, uplifting anthem, featuring soaring vocals and a powerful chorus, it was a major Top 20 hit in both the US and UK.
Club at the End of the Street – A fun, nostalgic track, capturing the essence of early rock and R&B clubs, with a doo-wop-inspired groove and lively piano work.
Whispers – A haunting, emotionally rich ballad that showcases Elton’s deeper vocal register and masterful storytelling.
Amazes Me – A slow-burning, bluesy love song, reminiscent of Otis Redding and Sam Cooke, filled with soulful melodies and lush instrumentation.
Durban Deep – The album’s most unexpected track, featuring a driving, rhythmic beat and socially conscious lyrics about South African gold miners.
Blue Avenue – A beautifully melancholic closing track, showcasing Elton’s signature ballad style, with heartfelt lyrics and a cinematic arrangement.
Sleeping With the Past received positive reviews, with critics praising its warm production, heartfelt lyrics, and strong performances. It became a massive commercial success, topping the UK Albums Chart and eventually being certified Platinum in multiple countries.
The album’s biggest moment came in 1990, when Sacrifice and Healing Hands were re-released as a double A-side single in the UK. This propelled Sacrifice to No. 1, making it Elton’s first solo chart-topper in Britain, solidifying Sleeping With the Past as one of his most significant late-career albums.
Sleeping With the Past is a deeply personal, musically rich album that pays homage to the soul legends that influenced Elton John and Bernie Taupin. Its combination of elegant ballads, classic R&B grooves, and emotionally charged lyrics makes it one of Elton’s finest works of the late ‘80s. For fans looking for a more mature, introspective side of Elton, this album remains a must-listen, filled with timeless melodies and heartfelt storytelling.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed
Track Listing
Durban Deep
Healing Hands
Whispers
Club At The End Of The Street
Sleeping With The Past
Stone’s Throw From Hurtin’
Sacrifice
I Never Knew Her Name
Amazes Me
Blue Avenue
