Elton John Albums in Order

Elton John’s album discography comprises over 30 studio albums, released in chronological order starting with his debut in 1969. Each album showcases his musical evolution, featuring iconic tracks and collaborations with renowned artists.

A Brief Overview of Elton John’s Album Discography

Elton John’s illustrious career in the music industry spans over five decades, with a remarkable discography consisting of more than 30 studio albums. Elton John’s breakthrough came in 1970 with his self-titled album, which featured the hit single “Your Song.”

This marked the beginning of a string of successes, with subsequent albums like “Tumbleweed Connection,” “Madman Across the Water,” and “Honky Château” solidifying his status as a global superstar.

Throughout his career, Elton John has experimented with various musical styles, pushing the boundaries of pop, rock, and even country genres. His albums have received critical acclaim and commercial success, selling over 300 million units worldwide.

Elton John Albums: 1969-1979

Embark on a chronological journey through Elton John’s impressive discography, with each album capturing significant milestones and achievements throughout his career:

  • “Empty Sky” (1969) – Elton John’s debut album, showcasing his early songwriting and musical talents. The track “Skyline Pigeon” is included in this album.
  • “Elton John” (1970) – Featuring one of his most well-known songs, “Your Song,” this album marked the beginning of his widespread acclaim.
  • “Tumbleweed Connection” (1970) – A concept album with a country-western theme, demonstrating Elton’s willingness to explore various genres.
  • “Madman Across the Water” (1971) – Includes the legendary track “Tiny Dancer,” highlighting Elton’s aptitude for creating iconic songs.
  • “Honky Château”(1972)  A breakthrough album yielding the hit single “Rocket Man” and reaching #1 on the Billboard charts.
  • “Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player” (1973)  Another chart-topping success, featuring the popular singles “Daniel” and “Crocodile Rock.”
  • “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” (1973) – One of Elton John’s most highly acclaimed albums, boasting memorable tracks like “Candle in the Wind” and “Bennie and the Jets.”
  • “Caribou” (1974) – Hosting several hits, such as “The Bitch Is Back” and “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me.”
  • “Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy” (1975) – Debuted at #1 and showcased an autobiographical concept with Bernie Taupin.
  • Rock of the Westies (1975) – Elton’s second album to debut at number one on the Billboard charts, it includes rock-oriented tracks like “Island Girl” and “Grow Some Funk of Your Own.”
  • Blue Moves (1976) – A double album that delves into more introspective and melancholic themes, featuring tracks like “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word” and “Tonight.”
  • A Single Man (1978) – This album marked a departure from Elton’s typical sound, with a more stripped-down and synthesizer-driven approach. It includes the hit single “Song for Guy.”
  • Victim of Love (1979) – Influenced by disco and dance music of the time, this album showcased a new musical direction for Elton. It includes the title track “Victim of Love.”

This list highlights some of Elton John’s early albums, each marking incredible milestones and achievements. As his career advanced, he continued to release successful albums, further solidifying his enduring impact on the music industry.

Elton John Albums: 1980-1997

  • 21 at 33 (1980) – Returning to a more traditional pop sound, it includes the hits “Little Jeannie” and “Sartorial Eloquence.”
  • The Fox (1981) – A mix of pop and rock, this album includes tracks like “Nobody Wins” and “Elton’s Song.” It features contributions from guitarist James Newton Howard.
  • Jump Up! (1982) – A return to a more upbeat and commercially accessible sound, this album includes the hit singles “Blue Eyes” and “Ball and Chain.”
  • Too Low for Zero (1983) – Considered a comeback album for Elton, it features the hit singles “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues” and “I’m Still Standing.” It marked a return to the classic Elton John sound.
  • Breaking Hearts (1984) – Another successful album with hits like “Sad Songs (Say So Much)” and “Who Wears These Shoes?” It showcases a mix of ballads and upbeat pop-rock tracks.
  • Ice on Fire (1985) – This album includes the hit duet with George Michael, “Wrap Her Up,” as well as the emotional ballad “Nikita.”
  • Leather Jackets (1986) – A more experimental album that incorporates elements of pop, rock, and electronic music. It includes tracks like “Heartache All Over the World” and “Slow Rivers.”
  • Reg Strikes Back (1988) – A return to a more personal and introspective style, this album includes the singles “I Don’t Wanna Go On with You Like That” and “A Word in Spanish.”
  • Sleeping with the Past (1989) – Inspired by the soul and R&B music of the 1960s and 1970s, this album features tracks like “Sacrifice” and “Healing Hands.”
  • The One (1992) – A critically acclaimed album that explores themes of love, loss, and introspection. It includes the hits “The One” and “Simple Life.”
  • Made in England (1995) – This album combines elements of rock, pop, and ballads, with tracks like “Believe” and “Blessed.” It received positive reviews from critics.
  • The Big Picture (1997) – A return to a more pop-oriented sound, this album includes the hit single “Something About the Way You Look Tonight” and a re-release of “Candle in the Wind” as a tribute to Princess Diana.

Elton John Albums: 2001-Present

  • Songs from the West Coast (2001) – A critically acclaimed album that marks a return to Elton John’s roots in piano-driven pop and rock. It includes the singles “I Want Love” and “This Train Don’t Stop There Anymore.”
  • Peachtree Road (2004) –This album is inspired by Elton’s experiences in Atlanta, Georgia. It features tracks like “Answer in the Sky” and “All That I’m Allowed.”
  • The Captain & The Kid (2006) – A concept album and a sequel to “Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy,” it reflects on the journey of Elton and Bernie Taupin’s musical partnership. It includes the single “The Bridge.”
  • The Diving Board (2013) –This album showcases a more stripped-down and piano-focused sound, with tracks like “Home Again” and “Oscar Wilde Gets Out.”
  • Wonderful Crazy Night (2016) – A return to an energetic and upbeat sound, this album features tracks like “Looking Up” and “Blue Wonderful.”
  • Regimental Sgt. Zippo (2021): Recorded between 1967 and 1968 but released in 2021, the album showcases a psychedelic sound. Limited copies were released.

Some notable collaboration albums are:

  • Live in Australia with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (1986)
  • Duets (1993)
  • The Union (with Leon Russell) (2010)
  • Good Morning to the Night (with Pnau) (2012)
  • The Lockdown Sessions (2021)

Iconic Tracks

Elton John’s career is filled with iconic tracks that have shaped the musical landscape over the years. These unforgettable songs exemplify his artistic prowess and enduring influence:

  • “Your Song” (1970)  Regarded as one of Elton’s signature songs, this heartfelt ballad from his self-titled album has become a timeless classic.
  • “Rocket Man” (1972)  A futuristic and introspective piece, this hit from “Honky Château” remains a fan favorite, evoking a sense of adventure and self-discovery.
  • “Tiny Dancer” (1971) – A poetic and melodic masterpiece from “Madman Across the Water,” often celebrated for its nostalgic and romantic vibe.
  • “Candle in the Wind” (1974)  Initially a tribute to Marilyn Monroe, it was later adapted to honor the memory of Princess Diana.

Conclusion

Elton John’s extensive album discography spans five decades and demonstrates his incredible talent as a singer, songwriter, and pianist. Iconic tracks such as “Your Song,” “Rocket Man,” and “Candle in the Wind,” along with remarkable collaborations with Bernie Taupin, Kiki Dee, and George Michael, demonstrate the breadth and depth of his artistry.

As we trace Elton John’s chronological journey through his albums, we come to appreciate the enduring impact of his work and celebrate his influential role in the world of music.

Elton John Featured Image by: TheArcadeAddict, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons