Matthew G. Sherwin 2007-06-04
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This CD of just a few of Elton John's love ballads gives us a collection of some of the very best love songs of all time. When Elton sings these songs, you listen--and you listen closely, too, because only Elton could deliver these rich and stunning numbers with a flair all his own.
The CD track set begins with "Can You Feel The Love Tonight;" this ballad is from the soundtrack to the movie The Lion King. Elton's voice is rich, warm and full of masculine sensitivity. Elton's piano playing leaves nothing to be desired; and the lush musical arrangement features a sublime backup chorus, too. "The One" celebrates the joy Elton feels when he has found the perfect lover for him; again the musical arrangement glistens like gold. The overall effect of both "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" and "The One" produces a heavenly effect that I rarely enjoy from any singer. Great!
Then there's the classic Elton John ballad, "Daniel." "Daniel" gives Elton the opportunity to sing about the sadness he feels when his man has left him. The percussion enhances the beauty of this number; and Elton's voice is in top form here as it is throughout the CD. "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" changes gears as Elton now sings about how relieved he feels to realize--before it's too late--that his love affair will never bring him true happiness. The lyrics reflect great judgment and Elton's voice exudes a type of sensitivity that showcases his remarkable talent.
"Your Song" is probably my favorite love ballad on his CD; the straightforward lyrics require no interpretation and Elton sings this straight from the bottom of his heart. The musical arrangement stuns you with its beauty; and the piano and strings are well used in the musical arrangement. "Your Song" always moves me deeply.
Other golden nuggets on this album include the marvelous live duet Elton does with George Michael entitled "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" and the sublime "Blue Eyes" which deals with the sadness Elton's woman feels when he needs to go away from her for a while. "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word" explores the heartbreak Elton feels as he realizes a love he wants so badly will never exist. There is a live recording of "Candle In The Wind," too; this song deals with misunderstanding other people using Marilyn Monroe as an example. Excellent!
"You Can Make History (Young Again)" stuns me with its beauty; and the CD ends fittingly with "Circle Of Life" from the movie entitled The Lion King. "Circle Of Life" provides the album with an especially strong ending.
The liner notes give you the lyrics and the song credits; and the cover picture of Elton is excellent, too.
Elton John possesses the ability to take words and music, fuse them together, give them a special injection of passion as only he can and finally perform these ballads with great panache and pure elegance. Elton blesses us with his artistry; and I can only hope that if we're lucky Elton will continue to perform for many years to come.