Elton John’s 1992 album, “The One,” arrives at an interesting crossroads in his extensive career. While adorned with the era’s typical production sheen and occasionally dipping into sentimental lyrical territory, the album’s core strength lies in the undeniable songwriting prowess of Sir Elton. Despite some dated elements, “The One” showcases a craftsman still capable of constructing compelling songs, even if the overall package isn’t his most groundbreaking work.
Critics at the time noted a mixed reception, pointing out production choices and lyrical content that sometimes missed the mark. Tracks like “Emily,” with its overtly sentimental tone and saxophone flourishes, and Bernie Taupin’s lyrics, deemed by some as leaning towards greeting card sentiments, drew criticism. Even “The Last Song,” penned as a tribute to Freddie Mercury and benefiting AIDS research, was considered musically weaker compared to Elton’s earlier ballads like “Candle in the Wind.” However, dismissing the album entirely based on these critiques overlooks its fundamental merit: the enduring strength of Elton John’s musical compositions.
Strengths of “The One”: Genre Exploration and Solid Songwriting
Where “The One” truly shines is when Elton John ventures beyond the confines of Adult Contemporary. These moments reveal an artist willing to experiment within his established sound. “Runaway Train,” a duet with Eric Clapton, stands out as a bluesy, almost rollicking track that injects energy into the album. Similarly, “Whitewash County” embraces a country boogie vibe, creating a sense of fun and showcasing the band’s musicality, notably featuring a prominent piano sound.
The album also delivers powerful ballads. “When A Woman Doesn’t Want You” embodies a big, blunt power ballad, reminiscent of the anthemic style Peter Cetera popularized. “On a Dark Street,” despite its potentially melancholic lyrical theme (“I feel your pain”), is undeniably catchy and well-structured, driven by a strong melodic hook that prevents the sentimentality from becoming overwhelming. These tracks demonstrate Elton’s enduring ability to write songs that are, at their core, well-crafted and memorable.
A Pivotal Moment in Elton’s Career: Songwriter First
While “The One” might not reach the heights of Elton John’s most celebrated albums, it reveals a significant shift in his artistic trajectory. By 1992, Elton, newly sober and entering his mid-forties, was evolving as an artist. The album subtly suggests that his songs were beginning to outgrow the necessity of his own voice as the primary vehicle. The subsequent success of “The Lion King” soundtrack, featuring Elton’s songs performed by other vocalists, solidified this transition.
“The One” can be seen as a preface to Elton John’s “second act,” where his songwriting became increasingly central to his artistic output. Projects like “Aida” and “Billy Elliot,” and collaborations with diverse singers, further cemented his legacy as a songwriter whose compositions could transcend his own performances. Listening to “The One” in retrospect prompts reflection on this pivotal period. It raises the intriguing question of what might have transpired if Elton had fully embraced the role of bandleader and songwriter, akin to a modern-day Paul Shaffer, leading a band from his piano and featuring guest vocalists.
While the world has benefited immensely from Elton’s diverse contributions – his philanthropy, his personality, and even his sometimes-questionable fashion choices – “The One” serves as a reminder of his foundational talent: his enduring ability to write songs. It’s an album that, despite its imperfections, highlights the consistent craftsmanship of Elton John, the songwriter, at a crucial juncture in his iconic career.
