It's hard to be an icon like Elton John. In the 1970s, the British singer and songwriter Bernie Topin became famous in the music world and remain so to this day. Together, they have sold over 300 million albums worldwide, making them one of the most successful songwriters of all time.
The magazine "songstoriesmatter" singled out the 10 most colorful songs from Elton John's rich repertoire, relying on their cultural influence and personal preferences.
10. "I'm still standing"
They started the chart with the song that marked the return of John to the scene in the 80s, "I`m still standing". Bernie Toppin wrote the lyrics to a song about kissing his ex-girlfriend goodbye, although many people think it's about Elton John's perseverance in a world of adversity and problems. The song is accompanied by a lively video that is arguably more famous than the song itself.
9. "Bennie and the Jets"
While I'm all huge Elton John fans, he and Topin are fans of the fictional sci-fi group “Bennie and the Jets”…or so the song makes us think. In fact, Topin wrote the lyrics of the song mocking the music scene of the 70s. It's not clear whether the fictional group should be adored or mocked, but regardless, the song is outstanding.
8. "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me"
Elton John released the song "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" as part of the eighth studio album "Caribou" (1974). The original release of the song was a commercial success, but the song itself became popular after a duet with George Michael in 1991. In both cases, the song turned out beautiful, but its album version remained understated.
7. “Candle in the Wind” (original)
This song is famous because it pays tribute to icons such as Marilyn Monroe (in the original) and Princess Diana (1997 version). Although Elton's performance at Diana's funeral is more than impressive, many critics prefer the original version of the song. Either way, “Candle in the Wind” became one of the best-selling singles of all time.
6. "Levon"
The song "Levon" was released in America as the first single from Elton John's fourth studio album "Madman Across the Water" (1971). The song, like the second single of the album "Tiny Dancer", did not have a great commercial success. But over the years, thankfully, both singles have received the recognition they deserve.
5. "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road"
We're already at number five on the chart, which means that any of the following songs could be number one, starting with “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”. Topin wrote a text about leaving the glamorous life of a rock star and starting an ordinary life. The song was released as part of the album of the same name, which most fans consider his masterpiece.
4. "Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding"
The song "Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding" is an absolute favorite among Elton fans. The spectacular song lasts more than 11 minutes and is a mix of two different songs. This single opens Elton's seventh studio album “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”. Additionally, it is considered one of the best album opening tracks of all time.
3. "Your Song"
When John Lennon says your song is the first new thing to happen after The Beatles, you know you've written a good song. Although Bernie Topin described the song's lyrics as something naive and innocent, it is not even a little debatable that "Your Song" is one of the most beautiful songs that anyone has ever written.
2. "Tiny Dancer"
“Tiny Dancer” is another Elton crowd favorite. Topin wrote this song, which is about a lady from Los Angeles in denim jeans, with which he alludes to his first girlfriend, Maxine Feibelman. Both Topin and Elton confirmed this information in the 70s, and then changed their position and said that the song was "about the spirit of Los Angeles". Regardless, this Elton single is one of the most beautiful among the rest.
1. “Rocket Man”
If one of your songs becomes your middle name, the name of your publishing house and the name of your documentary film, it must be your best song. The lyrics of the song "Rocket Man" were inspired by the short story of the same name by Ray Bradbury. It discusses the life of an ordinary astronaut who is not as pious as others think. This song is simply alien, that's why it takes the first place on this chart.
Bonus video:
