Description
Elton John – The Complete Thom Bell Sessions – 180 Gram Vinyl Record
Elton John – The Complete Thom Bell Sessions is a fascinating and often overlooked chapter in Elton John’s sprawling discography. Originally recorded in 1977 and partially released in 1979 as a three-track EP simply titled The Thom Bell Sessions, the project was a bold stylistic departure for Elton. It paired him with Thom Bell, the legendary Philadelphia soul producer and one of the architects of the “Philly Sound,” best known for his work with The Delfonics, The Stylistics, and The Spinners. The full set of six tracks—later released as The Complete Thom Bell Sessions—offers a unique glimpse into a musical meeting point between one of the biggest pop/rock stars of the era and one of soul music’s most refined craftsmen.
The sessions represented a deliberate pivot from Elton’s glam rock and piano ballad roots toward the lush, orchestrated grooves of Philadelphia soul. Bell’s production was known for its sophistication: string arrangements, smooth horns, layered harmonies, and emotionally rich textures that emphasized romanticism and introspection over bombast. For Elton, this collaboration wasn’t about chasing a hit—it was about exploring new emotional and musical territory, and perhaps seeking a deeper sense of authenticity in his sound during a transitional period in his career. The result was a deeply soulful, nuanced collection of tracks that still sound fresh today, even if they were misunderstood or underappreciated at the time of their release.
The most famous song from the sessions is “Mama Can’t Buy You Love,” which became a surprise hit in 1979, reaching No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. It’s a gentle, mid-tempo groove with falsetto backing vocals (courtesy of The Spinners) and a charming message about love not being transactional. The song’s warm production and Elton’s restrained, heartfelt vocal performance reveal a different side of him—more vulnerable, more relaxed, more embedded in the ensemble. “Are You Ready for Love”, another standout, is now perhaps the most enduring track from these sessions. Although it didn’t make much noise on its original release, it was reissued in 2003 and surprisingly hit No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart. The track exemplifies the Bell-John synthesis: a slinky rhythm, elegant orchestration, gospel-tinged backing vocals, and Elton’s voice melting into the groove rather than dominating it.
Other tracks like “Three Way Love Affair”, “Country Love Song”, and “Nice and Slow” further showcase Bell’s delicate touch and Elton’s willingness to adapt his style. The songs are filled with lyrical introspection, smooth melodies, and subtle modulations, more in line with The Stylistics than with Elton’s typical 1970s fare. Thematically, the songs often explore romantic disillusionment, longing, and quiet joy, reflecting the emotional sophistication Thom Bell brought to all his productions. For fans accustomed to Elton’s theatrical flair and sweeping piano lines, this smoother, more soul-inflected version of him may have seemed understated—but that’s part of the project’s charm. These tracks don’t try to dazzle; they aim to seduce and soothe.
The original 1979 release of just three tracks was a commercial compromise, but the eventual release of the complete sessions in 1989 allowed listeners to appreciate the project’s full scope. It also helped to rehabilitate its reputation among fans and critics, many of whom have since come to see The Complete Thom Bell Sessions as a bold artistic experiment. It’s a rare case of an artist at the peak of his fame stepping back to learn, to adapt, and to collaborate—without ego. Elton surrenders control to Bell’s guiding hand, and in doing so, taps into something profoundly soulful.
In the broader arc of Elton John’s career, The Complete Thom Bell Sessions represents both a diversion and a revelation. It’s one of the few times he allowed himself to be guided so completely by another producer’s vision, and it stands as a testament to his musical curiosity and versatility. The record also highlights the richness of Bell’s approach to arrangement and his underappreciated influence beyond the core Philly soul canon. Together, the two artists created something intimate, stylish, and timeless—an album that, while brief, pulses with elegance and heart.
Recorded Autumn ’77, Remixed January ’79
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Nice & Slow
Country Love Song
Shine On Through
Mama Can’t Buy You Love
Are You Ready For Love
Three Way Love Affair
