Description
Elton John – Elton John – 180 Gram Purple with White Splatter Vinyl Record
Limited Edition Splatter Colored Vinyl
Elton John’s self-titled second album, Elton John, released on April 10, 1970, is widely considered the record that launched him into international stardom, thanks largely to its iconic hit “Your Song.” Though his actual debut album (Empty Sky, 1969) had gone mostly unnoticed outside the UK, Elton John was a quantum leap forward—both in ambition and in execution. It introduced the world not only to Elton’s commanding vocal and piano presence, but also to his enduring collaboration with lyricist Bernie Taupin, whose poetic, emotionally rich lyrics helped define the sound and soul of the album.
Produced by Gus Dudgeon and arranged by Paul Buckmaster, the album merges orchestral pop, folk rock, and baroque balladry, showcasing Elton’s gift for melodic songwriting and theatrical flair. The lavish string arrangements, courtesy of Buckmaster, give many of the tracks a cinematic sweep—an unusual but bold choice for a still-unknown artist. The result is a record that feels both intimate and grand, a delicate balance of raw vulnerability and pop sophistication.
The opening track, “Your Song,” is not only one of Elton’s most beloved compositions, but also one of the great love songs in modern pop. Its disarming sincerity, combined with a simple yet elegant melody and Taupin’s heartfelt lyrics, made it an immediate classic. The single reached No. 8 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and helped catapult Elton into the spotlight, especially after a breakthrough performance on The Troubadour stage in Los Angeles later that year.
Beyond “Your Song,” the album is filled with emotionally textured gems. “I Need You to Turn To” and “First Episode at Hienton” are steeped in English pastoral melancholy, while “The Greatest Discovery” tells the touching story of a child witnessing the birth of a younger sibling. “Take Me to the Pilot”, with its gospel-meets-blues swagger, and “Border Song”, a spiritually-charged anthem of unity and alienation, showcase Elton’s emerging ability to blend genres effortlessly. Notably, Border Song also became his first song covered by Aretha Franklin, a major endorsement of his musical credibility.
The album was well received and quickly identified as something special. The intricate arrangements, sophisticated lyricism, and emotional depth stood in contrast to the more raw, blues-driven rock dominating much of the late ’60s and early ’70s. While still evolving as a performer, Elton’s voice already carried emotional authority, and his piano playing—dynamic, soulful, and often virtuosic—became the cornerstone of his sound.
In the broader context of Elton John’s career, this album marks the true beginning of his “classic period,” which would run from 1970 through the mid-1970s. It laid the groundwork for subsequent masterpieces like Tumbleweed Connection, Madman Across the Water, and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. But even on its own, Elton John is a deeply affecting and musically ambitious record that has stood the test of time.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed
Track Listing
Your Song
I Need You To Turn To
Take Me To The Pilot
No Shoe Strings On Louise
First Episode At Hienton
Sixty Years On
Border Song
The Greatest Discovery
The Cage
The King Must Die
