Description
Elton John – Diamonds – Double 180 Gram Vinyl Records
Diamonds is a definitive greatest hits compilation from Sir Elton John, released on November 10, 2017, by UMC (Universal Music Catalogue) to celebrate Elton John’s 50-year songwriting partnership with Bernie Taupin, one of the most iconic and enduring collaborations in music history. Spanning more than five decades of work, Diamonds offers a sweeping, chronological overview of Elton John’s career, presenting many of his most beloved and commercially successful tracks in a carefully curated collection. It’s not only a celebration of Elton’s longevity and adaptability but also a testament to the emotional and cultural resonance of his music across generations.
From early ’70s glam-pop to soulful ballads, synth-laced ’80s anthems, and ‘90s adult contemporary chart-toppers, Diamonds captures Elton’s vast musical range, signature flamboyance, and timeless songwriting.
Among the highlights are tracks that have become cornerstones of popular music. The set includes classics like “Your Song” (1970), the track that first launched Elton to international acclaim with its tender vulnerability and poetic lyricism. “Rocket Man” (1972), with its dreamy melodies and space-age metaphor, remains one of the most iconic pieces of early ’70s soft rock. “Tiny Dancer”, once a deep cut, gained a second life in pop culture and now stands as one of his most streamed songs. Then there are powerhouse hits like “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”, “Bennie and the Jets”, and “Candle in the Wind”, each one a lyrical and melodic milestone that showcases the duo’s mastery at crafting emotionally resonant songs with cinematic sweep.
Diamonds also includes essential tracks from the 1980s, such as “I’m Still Standing”—a defiantly upbeat anthem of survival and resilience that has become one of Elton’s signature songs—and “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues,” which blends bluesy influences with soulful pop production. From the sleek pop sheen of “Sad Songs (Say So Much)” to the gospel-inflected “Sacrifice”, the set captures how Elton navigated changes in musical styles while maintaining his distinctive voice and piano-driven sound.
The compilation does not shy away from his later material either. Tracks like “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”, from The Lion King soundtrack, reflect his mainstream renaissance in the 1990s and his expanding role in film music. Also included is the record-breaking 1997 version of “Candle in the Wind,” rewritten in tribute to Princess Diana. Though some versions of Diamonds include the original 1973 version instead, both versions symbolize Elton’s emotional reach and cultural presence.
One of the most remarkable things about Diamonds is how it underscores the strength of the Elton John–Bernie Taupin partnership. Their songwriting chemistry—Taupin’s elliptical, emotionally intelligent lyrics and Elton’s gift for melody—has produced songs that are not only hits but part of the cultural lexicon. From introspective ballads to theatrical glam-rock epics, their songs reveal a consistent human touch, often exploring themes of love, loss, self-discovery, and resilience.
Diamonds has been praised for its breadth and the quality of its remastering. It offers both casual listeners and lifelong fans a high-quality anthology of Elton John’s finest work. It also served as a precursor to his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour and the subsequent 2019 biopic Rocketman, reintroducing his catalog to a new generation and reinforcing his status as one of the most influential and enduring figures in pop music history.
In essence, Diamonds is not just a collection of hits—it’s a musical autobiography, mapping Elton John’s evolution as a performer, songwriter, and cultural icon. It celebrates his glittering legacy with clarity, reverence, and enough musical sparkle to justify its title.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Your Song
Tiny Dancer
Rocket Man (I Think It’s Going To Be A Long, Long Time)
Crocodile Rock
Daniel
Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Producer – Gus Dudgeon
Candle In The Wind
Producer – Gus Dudgeon
Bennie And The Jets
Someone Saved My Life Tonight
Don’t Go Breaking My Heart
Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
Song For Guy
Blue Eyes
I’m Still Standing
I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues
Nikita
Sacrifice
George Michael And Elton John – Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me
Can You Feel The Love Tonight
Are You Ready For Love?
