It seems to me he lives his life like a candle in the wind. Elton John’s new album brings what you expect, and he delivers it in a very confident way. After obscure Oceans Away, Elton has returned to more light Dixieland tunes. Wonderful Crazy Night has a colorful cover for a reason.
All American music styles are put through the pop structure and blessed with energetic nerve. We have got a cheerful 42-minute album with big choruses and interesting piano passages. It still seems like Elton could write a marvelous piano song with his left leg and make it sound better than overly produced Lady Gaga’s trash.
The album was recorded with a band who knows what their boss expects, so it sounds like a glorification of mainstream pop music. There are almost no weak spots. Every song could be a single, and every song can be played on concert followed by standing ovation. Overall, it is pop omusic – few accords, three minutes, verse, chorus, solo. Do not have prejudices towards mainstream or Elton John. The man knows how to put a smile on your face.
I expected more from the title song. The first half of the record sounds like warm up for the second half. Guilty Pleasure is my favorite track here and it probably describes my feelings for Wonderful Crazy Night in the best way possible. For me, this is a huge art – to be able to be so predictable and special at the same way.
What a master! Maestro! I mean, to be so disciplined to deliver new songs for 50 years without any major flops deserves your respect.
