Elton John, the iconic pianist and singer-songwriter, has gifted the world with a treasure trove of songs spanning decades. From boisterous rock anthems to heart-wrenching ballads, his music has become the soundtrack to countless lives. This list dives into 50 essential Songs By Elton John, ranking them based on their musicality, lyrical depth, cultural impact, and overall brilliance. Get ready to explore the phenomenal catalog of one of music’s greatest legends.
50. Island Girl (1975)
“Island Girl” bursts with an infectious, joyful energy, characteristic of Elton John’s upbeat tunes. However, the lyrics, pondering an “Island girl” and her fascination with the “white man’s world,” haven’t aged gracefully, leading to its retirement from live performances after 1990. Despite lyrical missteps, the song remains a testament to Elton’s ability to craft undeniably catchy melodies.
49. Part-Time Love (1978)
Marking a temporary shift, “Part-Time Love” emerged during Elton’s six-year hiatus from his long-term songwriting partner Bernie Taupin. Teaming up with lyricist Gary Osbourne, the song explores themes of fleeting romance. While not reaching the heights of his collaborations with Taupin, it’s a solid entry showcasing Elton’s consistent musicality.
48. Honky Cat (1972)
“Honky Cat,” a vibrant single from the album Honky Chateau, often finds itself overshadowed by the album’s mega-hit, “Rocket Man.” This track, brimming with brassy instrumentation, reveals Elton in a playful mood, highlighted by the memorable line, “Time to drink whisky!” It’s a spirited and jazzy tune that showcases his versatility beyond ballads.
47. Come Back Baby (with Bluesology) (1965)
A fascinating glimpse into Elton’s early career, “Come Back Baby” was recorded when he was still Reg Dwight, a teenager honing his skills as a pub pianist. This rhythm and blues number with his youthful band Bluesology reveals his foundational musical roots and talent even in his formative years. It’s a great example of early songs by Elton John before he became a solo superstar.
46. The Ballad of Blind Tom (2013)
From his later, minimalist album The Diving Board, “The Ballad of Blind Tom” is a poetic gem. Elton masterfully evokes his early piano styles and lyrical depth in this insightful song about Blind Tom Wiggins, an African-American musical prodigy. It’s a testament to his enduring artistry and ability to create moving narratives through music.
45. Please (1995)
“Please,” a heartfelt track from the album Made in England, presents a more mature and reflective Elton John. In this tender song, he adopts the role of an elder statesman, expressing a simple yet profound desire for enduring love, pleading, “let me grow old with you.” It’s a touching ballad that resonates with sincerity.
44. When Love Is Dying (with Leon Russell) (2010)
“When Love Is Dying,” a collaboration with the legendary Leon Russell from The Union album, carries a special significance. Leon Russell, who supported Elton’s first ever US performance and offered him vocal advice, joined forces with Elton decades later. This beautiful song poignantly explores the melancholic theme of love fading away, enriched by their combined musical prowess.
43. Believe (1995)
Post throat surgery and shedding the flamboyant excesses of the 70s, Elton John delivers “Believe.” This song from Made in England utilizes his deepened vocal range and mature gravitas to full effect. It’s a powerful anthem that speaks to faith and resilience, showcasing his evolution as an artist.
42. Dan Dare (Pilot of the Future) (1975)
Inspired by the 1950s comic book character Dan Dare, “Dan Dare (Pilot of the Future)” revisits the space theme three years after “Rocket Man.” This track is notable for being among the first to incorporate the talkbox, a distinctive sound effect pedal, adding a futuristic and quirky dimension to the song. It shows how songs by Elton John could explore diverse themes and sounds.
Alt text: Elton John captivating the audience at Nippon Budokan, Tokyo, in a 1974 concert, showcasing his dynamic stage presence during his peak era of songs.
41. Blue Eyes (1982)
“Blue Eyes,” a Grammy-nominated highlight from his mid-career, is steeped in Elton’s signature melancholy. The lyrics, “Blue eyes … holding back the tears, holding back the pain,” encapsulate the song’s poignant and emotional core. It’s a beautifully crafted ballad that resonates with raw emotion.
40. Grey Seal (1973)
A hidden gem from the iconic Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album, “Grey Seal” spotlights Elton’s exceptional piano skills, reminiscent of his rendition of The Who’s “Pinball Wizard” for the film Tommy. This vintage 70s ballad carries a powerful, stomping energy, making it a standout deep cut.
39. All the Young Girls Love Alice (1973)
“All the Young Girls Love Alice,” a driving rocker also from Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, carries a controversial backstory. Initially rumored to be about Alice Cooper, the lyrics were hastily rewritten to depict a tragic story of a lesbian schoolgirl involved in sex work. Regardless of its origins, it’s a compelling and edgy track.
38. Circle of Life (1994)
“Circle of Life,” a quintessential big ballad from Disney’s animated masterpiece, The Lion King, features lyrics by Tim Rice. Rice recounts Elton’s incredible speed and talent, creating a “stunning demo” from the written lyrics in just 90 minutes. It’s a testament to Elton’s professionalism and ability to create iconic songs for film.
37. Little Jeanie (1980)
Following the disco detour of Victim of Love, “Little Jeanie” marked Elton’s return to his soft-rock roots, thanks to new songwriting partner Gary Osbourne. This song propelled him back into the US top five, celebrated with a memorable free concert in Central Park where Elton famously dressed as Donald Duck, highlighting his playful persona.
36. Nikita (1985)
“Nikita,” a trans-Atlantic hit, features one of Elton’s most soulful vocal performances. The song narrates a tale of forbidden love with an Eastern European border guard. While the synthesizer solo might sound dated today, the song’s emotional depth and Elton’s vocal delivery remain timeless.
35. This Train Don’t Stop There Anymore (2001)
Featured in the film Songs from the West Coast, which starred Justin Timberlake portraying Elton’s glam rock era, “This Train Don’t Stop There Anymore” is a quintessential Elton ballad. It’s a poignant and reflective song perfect for introspective moments, showcasing his enduring strength in crafting emotional ballads.
34. Elderberry Wine (1973)
While Bernie Taupin is celebrated for his lyrical genius, “Elderberry Wine” contains a rare lyrical stumble: “You aimed to please me / Cooked blackeyed peas me.” Despite this, the song from Don’t Shoot Me, I’m Only the Piano Player is a glorious retro rocker, complete with saxophone and piano flourishes, making it a fun and energetic track.
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 signature ballad about unrequited love. Initially a hit in 1974, it reached new heights in the 90s with a powerful duet featuring George Michael. Their combined star power propelled it to transatlantic No. 1 status, cementing its place as an iconic anthem.
32. Skyline Pigeon (1969)
A pivotal moment in Elton’s career was meeting Bernie Taupin through an advertisement, leading to a decades-long songwriting partnership. “Skyline Pigeon,” featuring Elton on harpsichord, is an early stirring, hymn-like song they created together. Elton has described it as “the first one of ours we got excited about,” marking the beginning of their legendary collaboration and many great songs by Elton John.
31. Can You Feel the Love Tonight? (1994)
Another collaboration with Tim Rice for The Lion King, “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” was initially sung by comedic characters in the film. Elton recognized its potential beyond comedy and recorded his own version, which became a hit, earning him an Oscar and a Grammy. It highlights his ability to transform a song into a mainstream success.
30. Border Song (1970)
“Border Song” holds the distinction of being the first Elton John song to chart in the United States. This gospel-infused spiritual, though initially charting modestly, was later covered by Aretha Franklin. The 1993 TV duet between Elton and Aretha remains a memorable performance, showcasing the song’s broad appeal and soulful nature.
29. I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues (1983)
After a six-year hiatus, Elton and Bernie reunited and returned in style with “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues” from Too Low for Zero. Featuring Stevie Wonder on harmonica, this song marked a rejuvenated period for Elton. It’s a bluesy and heartfelt track that resonated deeply with audiences.
28. Sad Songs (Say So Much) (1984)
Elton’s penchant for emotional songs is evident throughout his discography. “Sad Songs (Say So Much)” is a radio staple and a timeless anthem celebrating the strangely uplifting power of melancholic music. Its enduring popularity speaks to the universal comfort found in sad songs.
27. I’m Still Standing (1983)
While Elton’s 80s output is sometimes overshadowed by his 70s classics, “I’m Still Standing” is an undeniable signature tune. This piano-driven celebration of resilience has become an anthem of endurance. Its iconic status is even humorously marked by “I’m Still Standing” branded merchandise, showcasing its cultural impact.
26. Madman Across the Water (1971)
Elton describes the album title track “Madman Across the Water” as featuring “one of Bernie Taupin’s eeriest lyrics.” Written from the perspective of someone experiencing insanity, this musically complex song is indeed unsettling and unique. It’s a testament to their willingness to explore darker and more complex themes in songs by Elton John.
25. I Want Love (2001)
“I Want Love” gained viral fame with a stunning one-take video featuring a post-rehab Robert Downey Jr. This Beatles-esque ballad from Songs from the West Coast, exploring themes of love and recovery after addiction, carries a palpable sense of personal experience and raw emotion from Elton.
24. Daniel (1973)
“Daniel” remains one of Elton’s most beloved and popular ballads. This tender song, with its iconic “Daniel, you’re a star!” vocal flourish, is a staple in his discography and a fan favorite for its melodic beauty and emotional resonance.
23. Don’t Go Breaking My Heart (with Kiki Dee) (1976)
“Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” a duet with Kiki Dee, is a playful and affectionate track. Kiki Dee’s line, “Baby you’re not my type,” adds a cheeky charm to this song, released in the year Elton publicly came out as bisexual. Two years later, he performed this, his first British No. 1, on The Muppet Show with Miss Piggy, further cementing its lighthearted appeal.
Elton John and Kiki Dee
Alt text: Elton John and Kiki Dee performing their hit duet “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” a classic example of popular songs by Elton John that showcased his collaborative spirit.
22. Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding (1973)
“Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding” is an 11-minute instrumental and song suite from Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. In this ambitious piece, Elton delves into prog-rock influences. Interestingly, it inspired the band name of Welsh post-hardcore rockers Funeral For a Friend, demonstrating the song’s unexpected reach and impact.
21. Step Into Christmas (1973)
“Step Into Christmas” is undeniably one of the catchiest Christmas hits. Hailing from an era when festive glitter and glam rock Christmas songs dominated, it stands out as a timeless holiday classic, showcasing Elton’s ability to create upbeat and universally appealing tunes for any occasion.
20. Ego (1978)
By the late 70s, Elton was facing personal struggles, including health issues and career turbulence. “Ego,” a Queen-esque track, captures this tumultuous period. Whether it’s a reflection on Elton’s own ego or a jab at David Bowie remains debated, but its wired energy makes it a dramatic musical document of the tensions and pressures at the top of fame.
Alt text: Energetic performance shot of Elton John rocking out in Australia in 1986, illustrating his powerful stage presence and enduring appeal across different eras of his songs.
19. The Bitch Is Back (1974)
Elton’s legendary temper tantrums are well-documented, and one particular outburst inspired “The Bitch Is Back.” Bernie Taupin’s then-wife, Maxine Feibelman, exclaimed the now-iconic phrase, which Bernie turned into this hard-rocking anthem. Featuring John Lennon on tambourine and the Tower Of Power horns, Elton playfully acknowledges, “I suppose it’s my theme song.”
18. Crocodile Rock (1972)
“Crocodile Rock” is an upbeat, nostalgic rocker where Elton sings, “I remember when rock was young, me and Susie had so much fun.” This playful homage to the rock and roll era that inspired him is both touching and fun, capturing the spirit of early rock music with Elton’s signature flair.
17. Levon (1971)
Producer Gus Dudgeon believed “Levon,” a song about escape, was inspired by Levon Helm of The Band, whose Music From Big Pink album greatly influenced Elton and Bernie. However, Bernie insists he “just liked the name.” Elton’s personal connection to the name is evident as he named his first son Zachary Levon Furnish-John, highlighting the song’s personal significance.
16. Rotten Peaches (1971)
Between 1970 and 1975, Elton and Bernie were at their creative peak, producing an extraordinary number of exceptional songs. “Rotten Peaches,” a lesser-known track from Madman Across the Water, tells the poignant story of a prisoner longing for home. It’s an underrated gem in their vast catalog, demonstrating the depth of songs by Elton John even beyond the hits.
15. Someone Saved My Life Tonight (1975)
“Someone Saved My Life Tonight” is a dark, seven-minute hit that revisits Elton’s suicidal feelings in the late 1960s during a difficult engagement. The “someone” in the song is musician Long John Baldry, who offered crucial advice. Ironically, shortly after its release, a stressed Elton took 60 Valium pills and dramatically declared, “I’m going to die!”
14. Sacrifice (1989)
“Sacrifice” showcases a haunting maturity in Elton’s later work. While initially flopping upon release, it became his first British solo No. 1 in 1990. A personal favorite of Elton and Bernie, this sublime ballad acts as a poignant counterpart to “Your Song.” It portrays a couple married and drifting apart, exploring the complexities of long-term relationships.
13. Philadelphia Freedom (1975)
While David Bowie shifted from glam rock to “plastic soul” with Young Americans, Elton made a similar move with “Philadelphia Freedom.” This strings-laden homage to Philly soul, also nodding to the Philadelphia Freedoms tennis team, became his fourth US No. 1, showcasing his versatility and embrace of different musical styles.
12. Are You Ready for Love (remix) (2003)
“Are You Ready for Love,” originally recorded with Stylistics producer Thom Bell, is a superb disco-infused track from Elton’s Philly soul phase. Despite initially flopping in 1979, DJ Ashley Beedle remixed and revitalized it with a contemporary club feel in 2003. This unexpected remix gave Elton his fifth British No. 1, demonstrating the song’s timeless appeal when rediscovered.
Alt text: A detailed chocolate sculpture of Sir Elton John displayed at Madame Tussauds in 2015, highlighting his iconic status and cultural recognition through artistic tributes.
11. Candle in the Wind (1974)
“Candle in the Wind,” despite its ubiquity, retains its innocent purity as a haunting ballad about Marilyn Monroe. Twenty-three years later, Elton rewrote and performed it at Princess Diana’s funeral, a deeply emotional moment that resonated globally. This rewritten version became the biggest-selling UK single ever, solidifying the song’s powerful emotional impact 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)” is a poignant tribute to Lennon after his tragic death in 1980. The “empty garden” symbolizes the void left by Lennon’s absence, making it one of Elton’s most affecting ballads, which he still performs as a tribute.
9. Song for Guy (1978)
“Song for Guy” stands out as Elton’s most unusual hit. Penned as he imagined looking down at his own dead body, the very next day, he learned about the death of his 17-year-old messenger boy, Guy Burchett. The mostly instrumental piece, with the haunting lyric “Life isn’t everything,” is set to one of his most heartbreaking melodies.
8. Sorry Seems To Be the Hardest Word (1976)
“What do I have to do to make you love me?” opens “Sorry Seems To Be the Hardest Word,” perhaps the most disconsolate opening line in Elton’s career. Reflecting the toll of touring and drug use in the mid-70s, this song about dying love, co-lyricized by both Elton and Bernie, is as beautiful as it is sorrowful, capturing deep emotional vulnerability.
7. Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters (1972)
Surprisingly, “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters,” one of Elton’s personal favorites, was never released as a single. The dazzling wordplay captures Bernie’s observations of New York City’s crime and characters. Lines like, “Subway’s no way for a good man to go down / Rich man can ride and the hobo he can drown,” paired with an exceptional melody, make it a standout track.
6. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973)
Elton’s forte is grand, wistful ballads, and “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” the title track of his 31 million-selling double album, is among the best. Fueled by Bernie’s childhood memories of The Wizard of Oz, the song expresses disillusionment with a lavish lifestyle and a yearning for simpler comforts, resonating with themes of authenticity and escape.
5. Bennie and the Jets (1974)
Elton initially considered “Bennie and the Jets,” with its staccato piano and unique sound, too unconventional for a single release. However, support from soul and R&B stations in the US propelled it to No. 1. Bernie’s vivid lyrics, envisioning a “futuristic rock’n’roll band of androids fronted by some androgynous, Helmut Lang-style beauty,” are strikingly imaginative and ahead of their time.
4. Your Song (1970)
“Your Song,” one of Elton’s most universally loved songs, began as a humble B-side to “Take Me to the Pilot.” Radio stations flipped the single, and it ignited the golden run of hits that transformed Elton into a global superstar. Its simple yet profound message of love has resonated for decades, becoming a timeless declaration of affection.
3. Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting (1973)
While Elton is primarily known for ballads, “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting” proves his rock prowess. This stomping classic from Goodbye Yellow Brick Road is an instant crowd-pleaser, driven by Davey Johnstone’s unforgettable guitar riff. It perfectly captures the energy of a weekend ready for rock and roll and good times.
2. Rocket Man (I Think It’s Going To Be a Long, Long Time) (1972)
Despite the line “I’m gonna be high as a kite by then” seeming to foreshadow Elton’s later struggles, “Rocket Man” is a magnificent space travel anthem from the 70s. Inspired by a night sky sighting by Bernie, it metaphorically reflects Elton’s own extraordinary journey from a music-obsessed schoolboy to a stratospheric pop icon.
1. Tiny Dancer (1971)
“Tiny Dancer” surprisingly flopped as a single in the US initially, but it became one of Elton’s most beloved songs after its prominent feature in Cameron Crowe’s 2000 film Almost Famous. Now ubiquitous in popular culture, referenced in songs and advertisements, it’s become an anthem. Its anthemic melody and Bernie’s evocative lyrics depicting free-spirited California girls of the 70s capture a timeless yearning for freedom and liberation, making it the quintessential Elton John song.
Tiny Dancer: official video
