Amy E. Barker 2008-08-26

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

I'm not a huge fan of a lot of Elton John's music. I've mostly enjoy his ballads. This a good collection of some of his ballads from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.

ol' nuff n' den sum 2008-02-12

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

The Elton John compilation Love Songs (1996) isn't really all love songs, but it is a quaint, thoughtfully assembled collection of unique songs from Elton's long and varied music career. I originally bought this for the two songs from Disney's The Lion King (Can You Feel The Love Tonight, Circle Of Life). It was a nice surprise to find the live version of Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me (w/ George Michael) here, too. It's a great song, and this version is a lot of fun and sounds great. Of course, Your Song is here, and it's one of my favorite songs by EJ. It's a simple little tune, but it's perfect in it's simplicity. The somber Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word and Someone Saved My Life Tonight are both here, and even though they're hardly "love songs", I like them, too. Daniel and Candle In The Wind aren't "love songs" either, but they're both EJ classics so their inclusion here isn't a problem, either, they just add depth to the collection. Blessed, Blue Eyes, Believe, and The One represent some of the best of Elton's 1980s and 1990s recordings, and they're all here, too. The production and sound of these songs is quite different from Elton's earlier work, and that contrast gives the album a wide range of texture and adds energy to the set. There are also two new songs, You Can Make History (Young Again) and No Valentines. In all, Love Songs is a nice mix of well produced and mature love songs (mostly) from over 25 years in the fabulous career of a great entertainer.

Feride Pinar Zeybek 2008-01-27

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

who doesn't like "love songs"? these love songs of John are elegantly selected and they are not the types of boring love songs.. they are affective, sensitive, spiritual.. and of course boosted by a great voice!

Tim Brough 2007-07-04

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

Calling this "Love Songs" is something of a misnomer. I would be hard pressed to call "Daniel" or "Candle In The Wind" love songs as much as they are romantic ballads. But as a collection of Adult Contemporary hits from Elton John, this is a good greatest hits. Elton and Bernie Taupin were always masters of popcraft, and when they took aim at a ballad, they were often the best of their time.

"Love Songs," released by MCA just before Elton switched labels to Island Records, covers material from 1970 ("Your Song") to 1985 ("Blessed"). There were two so-so new songs, also the hits from "The Lion King." (Saving you from buying the lackluster soundtrack.) What "Love Songs" doesn't do is present the full spectrum of Elton; instead of "Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting," you get "Blue Eyes." If all you want is Elton's pleasantries, this will do fine. Otherwise, I'd suggest "Rocket Man: Number Ones," "Elton John - Greatest Hits 1970-2002" or even "To Be Continued...."

Matthew G. Sherwin 2007-06-04

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

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.