Elton John, the name synonymous with flamboyant performances, iconic eyewear, and an unparalleled catalog of hits, has captivated audiences for over five decades. From heartfelt ballads to foot-stomping rock anthems, his music has become the soundtrack to generations. This list dives deep into the discography of Sir Elton, ranking 50 of his most extraordinary songs, celebrating the musical genius that has made him a global icon. Prepare to journey through a dazzling career filled with unforgettable melodies and lyrical masterpieces.
50. Island Girl (1975)
A vibrant and catchy tune from 1975’s Rock of the Westies, “Island Girl” is undeniably joyous. However, the lyrics, exploring themes of cultural exchange with lines like “Island girl, what you wanting with the white man’s world?”, have become a topic of discussion over time. Elton himself retired this single from his live performances in 1990, possibly due to these lyrical complexities. Despite any lyrical controversies, the song remains a testament to Elton’s ability to craft infectious melodies.
49. Part-Time Love (1978)
1978 marked a significant shift in Elton’s songwriting partnership. “Part-Time Love,” from the album A Single Man, was one of the first tracks created during Elton’s six-year break from his long-time collaborator Bernie Taupin. Teaming up with lyricist Gary Osbourne, the song explores themes of fleeting romance. While catchy, it doesn’t quite capture the same lyrical magic that Taupin brought to Elton’s work, signaling a transitional phase in his songwriting journey.
48. Honky Cat (1972)
Released in 1972 on the Honky Chateau album, “Honky Cat” is a lively, brass-infused single that often gets overshadowed by the album’s bigger hit, “Rocket Man.” This track showcases Elton in a playful and exuberant mood, with lyrics like “Time to drink whisky!” injecting a sense of carefree fun. Its distinctive New Orleans-style jazz piano and upbeat tempo make it a standout track in Elton’s early catalog, highlighting his musical versatility.
47. Come Back Baby (with Bluesology) (1965)
Going back to the very beginning, “Come Back Baby” offers a glimpse into Elton John’s pre-fame days. Recorded in 1965 when he was still known as Reg Dwight, a teenager from Pinner, Middlesex, and a classically trained pianist playing in pubs. This track features his youthful rhythm and blues band, Bluesology. It’s a solid early effort, demonstrating his burgeoning talent even before he became the global superstar Elton John. This song is a fascinating artifact for fans interested in the genesis of his incredible career.
46. The Ballad of Blind Tom (2013)
From his later, more minimalist album The Diving Board (2013), “The Ballad of Blind Tom” is a hidden gem. In this song, Elton masterfully evokes the poetic storytelling and intricate piano melodies reminiscent of his early work. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Blind Tom Wiggins, a 19th-century African-American musical prodigy who was blind and autistic. The song is a beautiful and poignant tribute to a unique and often overlooked figure in music history.
45. Please (1995)
“Please,” a touching ballad from the Made in England album (1995), finds Elton in a more reflective and mature role. By this point in his career, having already achieved legendary status, Elton sings with a heartfelt sincerity. The lyrics, pleading “let me grow old with you,” express a desire for lasting love and companionship. This song resonates with a vulnerability and depth that comes from years of experience and personal growth.
44. When Love Is Dying (with Leon Russell) (2010)
“When Love Is Dying,” from the collaborative album The Union (2010) with Leon Russell, is a deeply meaningful track in Elton’s career. Leon Russell played a pivotal role early on, offering vocal tips when Elton supported him for his first US performance. Decades later, this collaboration came full circle. The song itself is a beautiful and melancholic reflection on fading love, enhanced by the combined musical talents of these two iconic artists.
43. Believe (1995)
With the excesses of the 1970s firmly in the past, “Believe” from Made in England (1995) showcases a transformed Elton John. Post throat surgery, his voice had deepened, adding a new layer of gravitas to his performances. “Believe” is a powerful anthem that reflects this maturity, emphasizing themes of faith and inner strength. The song’s message of resilience resonated with audiences and demonstrated Elton’s continued evolution as an artist.
42. Dan Dare (Pilot of the Future) (1975)
“Dan Dare (Pilot of the Future),” from Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (1975), marks Elton’s return to space-themed inspiration, following the success of “Rocket Man.” This time, the muse was the 1950s comic book character Dan Dare. The song is notable for being one of the first to utilize the talkbox, a vocal effects pedal that gives a distinctive, futuristic sound. This quirky and imaginative track exemplifies Elton’s willingness to experiment with sounds and themes.
Elton John performing live at Nippon Budokan, Tokyo, Japan, in February 1974. This performance captures the energy of Elton’s 70s concerts, a period when many of his most iconic songs were created.
41. Blue Eyes (1982)
“Blue Eyes,” a Grammy-nominated single from 1982’s Jump Up!, is a quintessential mid-career Elton John gem. Laden with his trademark melancholy, the lyrics (“Blue eyes … holding back the tears, holding back the pain.”) evoke deep emotions of longing and sadness. The song’s simple yet powerful melody and heartfelt delivery made it a radio favorite and a testament to Elton’s enduring appeal in the 1980s.
40. Grey Seal (1973)
A deeper cut from the iconic Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973), “Grey Seal” is a showcase for Elton’s exceptional piano skills, reminiscent of his energetic rendition of The Who’s “Pinball Wizard.” This track has a vintage 70s ballad feel, perfect for a dramatic, Dr. Martens-stomping moment. While not as widely known as some of his other hits, “Grey Seal” is a favorite among longtime fans for its raw energy and musical complexity.
39. All the Young Girls Love Alice (1973)
“All the Young Girls Love Alice,” also from Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973), is a driving rocker with a somewhat controversial backstory. Originally rumored to be about Alice Cooper, liner notes suggest it was hurriedly rewritten to be about a tragic lesbian schoolgirl sex worker. Regardless of its lyrical origins, the song is a powerful and energetic track that demonstrates Elton’s range beyond ballads, venturing into grittier rock territory.
38. Circle of Life (1994)
From the animated Disney masterpiece The Lion King (1994), “Circle of Life” is a quintessential big ballad. With lyrics by Tim Rice, the story goes that Elton created a “stunning demo” from the written words in an astonishing 90 minutes, highlighting his incredible musical instincts. This powerful and uplifting anthem became instantly iconic, perfectly capturing the grand themes of the film and achieving widespread recognition.
37. Little Jeanie (1980)
Following the critically panned disco experiment Victim of Love (1979), “Little Jeanie” from 21 at 33 (1980) marked Elton’s return to his soft-rock roots. Teaming up again with Gary Osbourne, the song helped Elton regain his mojo and return to the US Top Five. To celebrate his renewed success, Elton famously performed a free concert in Central Park dressed as Donald Duck, showcasing his playful and eccentric personality.
36. Nikita (1985)
“Nikita,” a transatlantic hit from 1985’s Ice on Fire, features one of Elton’s richest and most emotive vocal performances. The song tells a story of a forbidden love with an Eastern European border guard during the Cold War era. While the synthesizer solo might sound dated to modern ears, the song’s core emotionality and Elton’s powerful vocals remain timeless.
35. This Train Don’t Stop There Anymore (2001)
Featured in the film Songs from the West Coast (2001) – which starred Justin Timberlake portraying a glam-rock era Elton – “This Train Don’t Stop There Anymore” is a prime example of a classic Elton ballad. This song evokes a sense of nostalgia and reflection, with its sweeping melody and poignant lyrics. It’s a perfect track for fans who appreciate Elton’s more sentimental and introspective side.
34. Elderberry Wine (1973)
Bernie Taupin’s lyrical genius is usually impeccable, but “Elderberry Wine” from Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player (1973) contains the somewhat clunky line: “You aimed to please me / Cooked blackeyed peas me.” However, lyrical quirks aside, this sax-heavy, piano-thumping retro rocker is undeniably glorious. Its upbeat energy and vintage charm make it a fun and memorable track in Elton’s vast catalog.
33. Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (with George Michael) (1991)
“Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” is a quintessential Elton John ballad about unrequited love. Initially a hit in 1974 from Caribou, it reached even greater heights in 1991 when Elton teamed up with George Michael. Their combined star power resulted in a transatlantic number one hit. This version highlighted the song’s enduring emotional power and its appeal across generations.
32. Skyline Pigeon (1969)
“Skyline Pigeon,” dating back to 1969, marks a crucial point in Elton’s career. It was one of the first songs he wrote with Bernie Taupin after they met through a music advertisement. Elton, playing the harpsichord in the original recording, later re-recorded this stirring, hymn-like song. He has described it as “the first one of ours we got excited about,” signifying the beginning of their legendary songwriting partnership.
31. Can You Feel the Love Tonight? (1994)
Another collaboration with Tim Rice for The Lion King (1994), “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” was initially sung by the comedic duo of a meerkat and a warthog in the film. However, Elton recognized its potential beyond comedy and recorded his own version. His rendition became a massive hit, earning an Oscar and a Grammy, solidifying its place as one of his most beloved songs.
30. Border Song (1970)
“Border Song,” from Elton’s self-titled 1970 album, holds the distinction of being his first song to chart in the United States. This gospel-influenced spiritual track, while not a massive initial hit, was later covered by Aretha Franklin, elevating its status. The 1993 TV duet between Elton and Aretha is a must-watch, showcasing the song’s soulful depth and cross-genre appeal.
29. I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues (1983)
Following a six-year creative drought after 1978’s Too Low for Zero, Elton and Bernie reunited in style with “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues” from Too Low for Zero (1983). Featuring Stevie Wonder on harmonica, this song marked a rejuvenated period for Elton. The lyrics and melody perfectly capture the bittersweet essence of the blues, making it a standout track from his 80s output.
28. Sad Songs (Say So Much) (1984)
As this list demonstrates, Elton John has a penchant for emotionally resonant songs. “Sad Songs (Say So Much)” from Breaking Hearts (1984) is a radio staple and a timeless anthem celebrating the strangely uplifting power of melancholic music. Its singalong chorus and relatable theme have made it a lasting favorite for those who find solace in sad songs.
27. I’m Still Standing (1983)
Elton’s 1970s output was so prolific that his 80s hits sometimes get overlooked. However, “I’m Still Standing,” from Too Low for Zero (1983), is an undeniable signature tune. This piano-bashing celebration of resilience and endurance has become an anthem of survival. Its iconic status is cemented by the fact that “I’m Still Standing” branded underpants have even been sold, showcasing its cultural impact.
26. Madman Across the Water (1971)
“Madman Across the Water,” the title track from the 1971 album of the same name, is described by Elton as having “one of Bernie Taupin’s eeriest lyrics.” Written from the perspective of someone who has lost their sanity, the song is musically complex and lyrically intriguing. It’s a darker and more enigmatic track, showcasing a different side of Elton’s artistry.
25. I Want Love (2001)
“I Want Love,” from Songs from the West Coast (2001), gained viral fame thanks to a stunning one-take video featuring a post-rehab Robert Downey Jr. This magnificent, Beatles-esque ballad about finding love after addiction is deeply personal and emotionally resonant. Many believe it comes straight from Elton’s heart, reflecting his own journey and experiences.
24. Daniel (1973)
“Daniel,” from Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player (1973), is another beautifully crafted ballad and one of Elton’s biggest and most enduring hits. The iconic vocal flourish “Daniel, you’re a star!” is instantly recognizable and adds to the song’s emotional impact. The song’s lyrical ambiguity and poignant melody have contributed to its lasting popularity.
23. Don’t Go Breaking My Heart (with Kiki Dee) (1976)
“Baby you’re not my type,” quips Bradford singer Kiki Dee in “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” from Blue Moves (1976), a playfully cheeky line released in the year Elton came out as bisexual. This duet with Kiki Dee became Elton’s first British number one. He even performed it on the Muppet Show with Miss Piggy, adding to the song’s lighthearted and fun-loving image.
Elton John and Kiki Dee performing “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”. Their on-stage chemistry and vocal harmonies made this duet an instant classic and a fan favorite.
22. Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding (1973)
“Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding,” from Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973), is an epic 11-minute instrumental and song suite. It showcases Elton’s unexpected foray into prog rock influences. The instrumental “Funeral for a Friend” seamlessly transitions into the powerful “Love Lies Bleeding.” Welsh post-hardcore band Funeral for a Friend even took their name from this track, highlighting its lasting musical impact.
21. Step Into Christmas (1973)
“Step Into Christmas,” a non-album single released in 1973, is one of the catchiest Christmas hits of all time. Hailing from an era when Slade and Wizzard dominated the festive charts with glitter-laden anthems, “Step Into Christmas” perfectly captures the joyful spirit of the season with its upbeat tempo and singalong chorus.
20. Ego (1978)
By the late 1970s, Elton was facing personal and professional turmoil. “Ego,” from Single Man (1978), released during a period marked by bulimia, seizures, and substance abuse, is a Queen-esque track that reached number 34. Opinions differ on whether the song addresses Elton’s own megalomania or is a dig at David Bowie. Regardless, its wired energy and dramatic tension make it a fascinating document of a turbulent period in Elton’s life.
Elton John rocking out in Australia in 1986. This image captures Elton’s dynamic stage presence and his ability to command massive audiences even years into his career.
19. The Bitch Is Back (1974)
Elton is known for his legendary tantrums, and one particularly memorable outburst inspired “The Bitch Is Back” from Caribou (1974). Bernie Taupin’s then-wife, Maxine Feibelman, exclaimed, “Uh-oh, the bitch is back!” Bernie loved the phrase and turned it into this hard-rocking anthem. Featuring John Lennon on tambourine and the Tower of Power horns, Elton himself jokingly refers to it as his “theme song.”
18. Crocodile Rock (1972)
“Crocodile Rock,” from Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player (1972), is an infectiously playful and uptempo rocker. With lyrics like “I remember when rock was young, me and Susie had so much fun,” the song is a fun and touching homage to the early days of rock ‘n’ roll that inspired Elton. Its retro vibe and catchy melody made it an instant hit.
17. Levon (1971)
“Levon,” from Madman Across the Water (1971), has an intriguing backstory. Producer Gus Dudgeon claimed it was inspired by Levon Helm, the drummer from The Band, whose album Music From Big Pink greatly influenced Elton and Bernie. However, Bernie Taupin insists he “just liked the name.” Elton clearly shares the sentiment, naming his first son Zachary Levon Furnish-John. The song itself is a gritty and evocative track about escape and identity.
16. Rotten Peaches (1971)
Between 1970’s Elton John and 1975’s Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy, Elton and Bernie were on an unparalleled creative streak. “Rotten Peaches,” from Madman Across the Water (1971), is a lesser-known gem from this period. This poignant story of a prisoner longing for home is an underrated masterpiece that deserves more recognition within Elton’s extensive catalog.
15. Someone Saved My Life Tonight (1975)
“Someone Saved My Life Tonight,” from Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (1975), is a dark and intensely personal seven-minute hit. It revisits Elton’s suicidal feelings in the late 1960s when he was a struggling musician engaged to be married. The “someone” in the song is musician Long John Baldry, who offered crucial advice. Ironically, shortly after the song’s release, a stressed Elton took 60 Valium pills and jumped into a pool, reportedly yelling, “I’m going to die!”
14. Sacrifice (1989)
“Sacrifice,” from Sleeping with the Past (1989), showcases a haunting maturity in Elton’s later work. Despite initially flopping upon release, it became his first British solo number one in 1990. A personal favorite of both Elton and Bernie, this sublime ballad about a marriage falling apart acts as a poignant bookend to his early hit, “Your Song,” depicting a relationship that has evolved and ultimately fractured.
13. Philadelphia Freedom (1975)
While David Bowie was rightly lauded for his “plastic soul” phase with Young Americans, Elton John explored similar territory with “Philadelphia Freedom” from Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (1975). This strings-laden homage to Philly soul (and the Philadelphia Freedoms tennis team) became his fourth US number one. It demonstrates Elton’s ability to seamlessly blend genres and styles.
12. Are You Ready for Love (remix) (2003)
“Are You Ready for Love,” originally recorded with Stylistics producer Thom Bell, was a fantastic disco track from Elton’s Philly soul period. However, it flopped upon its initial release in 1979. Years later, in 2003, DJ Ashley Beedle remixed and shortened the eight-minute song, giving it a contemporary club feel. This remix gave Elton an unexpected fifth British number one, proving the timeless appeal of the original track.
A chocolate effigy of Sir Elton John displayed at Madame Tussauds in 2015. This whimsical representation speaks to Elton’s enduring pop culture status and his iconic image.
11. Candle in the Wind (1974)
Ubiquity should not diminish the innocent purity of “Candle in the Wind” from Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1974). This haunting ballad about Marilyn Monroe, as seen through the eyes of a distant admirer, is incredibly moving. Twenty-three years later, Elton famously rewrote and performed the song at Princess Diana’s funeral. This version became the biggest-selling UK single of all time, further cementing the song’s emotional power and cultural significance.
10. Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny) (1982)
Elton famously performed “Whatever Gets You Through the Night” with John Lennon at Madison Square Garden in 1974. “Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny),” from Jump Up! (1982), was written eight years later, after Lennon’s tragic shooting in 1980. The “garden” symbolizes Madison Square Garden, now empty without Lennon. This affecting ballad is a poignant tribute to his friend, and Elton continues to perform it live as a testament to their bond.
9. Song for Guy (1978)
“Song for Guy,” from A Single Man (1978), is Elton’s most unusual hit. He penned it while imagining his own death and looking down at his body. The very next day, he learned that his 17-year-old messenger boy, Guy Burchett, had been killed in a bicycle accident 24 hours prior. The mostly instrumental track, with the sole words “Life isn’t everything,” is built around one of Elton’s most heartbreaking and haunting melodies.
8. Sorry Seems To Be the Hardest Word (1976)
“What do I have to do to make you love me?” This opening line of “Sorry Seems To Be the Hardest Word” from Blue Moves (1976) is arguably the most disconsolate in Elton’s entire catalog. By the mid-70s, the pressures of touring and drug use were taking their toll. This song, with lyrics contributed by both Elton and Bernie, poignantly captures the pain of a dying love, making it as beautiful as it is heartbreaking.
7. Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters (1972)
Mystifyingly, “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters” from Honky Chateau (1972), one of Elton’s personal favorites, was never released as a single. The dazzling wordplay in the lyrics vividly depicts the crime, hustlers, and characters Bernie Taupin encountered in New York City. Lines like “Subway’s no way for a good man to go down / Rich man can ride and the hobo he can drown” paint a stark picture of urban life. The melody is undeniably one of Elton’s finest.
6. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973)
Huge, wistful ballads are Elton John’s forte, and “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” the title track from his 1973 double album that sold over 31 million copies, is a prime example. Bernie Taupin’s childhood memories of The Wizard of Oz inspired the lyrics, which express disillusionment with a lavish “penthouse” lifestyle and a yearning for simpler comforts. This song perfectly encapsulates the album’s themes of escape and self-discovery.
5. Bennie and the Jets (1974)
Elton initially felt “Bennie and the Jets” from Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1974), with its staccato piano and unconventional structure, was too avant-garde to release as a single. However, unexpected support from soul and R&B radio stations in the US propelled it to number one. Bernie Taupin’s sharply observed lyrics (“electric boots, a mohair suit”) envision a “futuristic rock’n’roll band of androids fronted by some androgynous, Helmut Lang-style beauty,” a description that eerily foreshadows artists like Janelle Monáe.
4. Your Song (1970)
“Your Song,” from Elton John (1970), one of Elton’s most beloved songs, began as a humble B-side to “Take Me to the Pilot.” Radio stations flipped the single, and “Your Song” ignited a golden run of hits that transformed Elton into a global superstar. Decades later, countless couples have embraced its romantic sentiment, taking his advice to “tell everybody, this is your song.” It remains a timeless declaration of love.
3. Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting (1973)
Elton is primarily known as a balladeer, but “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting” from Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973) proves he can rock with the best of them. Davey Johnstone’s iconic guitar riff ignites this stomping classic, perfectly capturing the energy of a weekend ready for raucous fun. With lyrics like “It’s 7 o’clock and I wanna rock, want to get a belly full of beer,” it’s an anthem for letting loose and enjoying the night.
2. Rocket Man (I Think It’s Going To Be a Long, Long Time) (1972)
“Rocket Man (I Think It’s Going To Be a Long, Long Time),” from Honky Chateau (1972), is a quintessential 70s space travel anthem. While the line “I’m gonna be high as a kite by then” might seem to foreshadow Elton’s later struggles with addiction, Bernie Taupin has stated the song was inspired by a sighting in the night sky, not drug use. The song also seems to prefigure Elton’s own trajectory from a shy, music-obsessed kid to a glam rock icon conquering the pop stratosphere.
1. Tiny Dancer (1971)
“Tiny Dancer,” from Madman Across the Water (1971), initially underperformed as a single in the US. However, its inclusion in Cameron Crowe’s 2000 film Almost Famous sparked a resurgence in popularity. Now, “Tiny Dancer” is ubiquitous in popular culture, referenced by artists like David Guetta and Lana Del Rey, covered by Dave Grohl, and even featured in a John Lewis Christmas advert. Ed Sheeran’s lyric about “driving at 90 down those country lanes” with “Tiny Dancer” playing in the car perfectly captures its anthemic, liberating spirit. Bernie Taupin’s poignant depiction of free-spirited California girls in the 1970s, combined with the song’s timeless melody, speaks to our enduring desire for freedom and connection.
