Joining the discussion is Rob Sheffield, a celebrated writer for Rolling Stone known for his sharp insights into music and pop culture. He and Louie dive into Elton John's multifaceted career, exploring his comeback in the '80s and the emotional depth of his hits. They discuss the cultural significance of songs like 'Philadelphia Freedom' and his iconic collaborations with contemporary artists. Sheffield also reflects on John's impact on LGBTQ representation in music and the lasting legacy of his innovative artistry.
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insights INSIGHT
Elton's Bold Queer Authenticity
Elton John flaunted traits like balding and wearing glasses that typical pop stars hid, making him uniquely authentic and stylishly provocative.
His song "The Bitch Is Back" was audaciously self-referential and queer-coded, pushing boundaries boldly in the 1970s.
insights INSIGHT
Mixed Quality of Classic Period
Elton's "classic period" albums vary in quality, with "Captain Fantastic" and "Rock of the Westies" loved while "Blue Moves" is widely considered poor.
"Captain Fantastic" is a serious autobiographical record purposely made to avoid commercial radio hits.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Elton and Lennon’s Final Concert
Elton made a bet with John Lennon that a song would hit number one; when it did, Lennon appeared on stage for the last live performance of his life.
This event was Elton’s tribute to his hero and a landmark moment connecting two generations of music icons.
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A Single Man is the twelfth studio album by Elton John, released in 1978. It marked a stylistic shift for John, featuring more experimental arrangements and introspective lyrics. This was his first album without Bernie Taupin. It includes the singles 'Part-Time Love' and 'Song for Guy.' A Single Man received mixed reviews but showcased John's willingness to explore new musical directions. It is remembered for its unique sound within his discography. The album themes are loneliness and change.
Victim of love
Victim of love
John Marsh
Victim of Love is the thirteenth studio album by Elton John, released in 1979. It marked a significant departure from his signature style, as it was a disco album. The album was critically panned and is often considered one of the weakest in his discography. Victim of Love failed to produce any major hits. The album marked a low point in Elton John's career. It is primarily remembered as an experimental misstep.
The Captain and the Kid
Danford Chamness
The Captain and the Kid, released in 2006, is singer-songwriter Elton John's twenty-ninth studio album. It's a sequel to his 1975 autobiographical album, Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy. The album revisits the themes and characters from the original. It reflects on John and Bernie Taupin's journey. The Captain and the Kid received positive reviews for its nostalgic storytelling. The album didn't produce major hits but is praised by fans.
Peachtree Road
Peachtree Road
Anne Rivers Siddons
Peachtree Road, released in 2004, is singer-songwriter Elton John's forty-second studio album. The album is named after the iconic Peachtree Road in Atlanta, where John has a home. It reflects his connection to the city and his life there. Peachtree Road features a mix of ballads and upbeat songs with themes of love, memory, and personal reflection. The album received generally positive reviews and was praised for its heartfelt lyrics. The album showcases John's mature songwriting.
Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy
No subtitle available
Elton John
Bernie Taupin
Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy is the ninth studio album by Elton John, released on May 23, 1975. It is an autobiographical account of the early musical careers of Elton John and Bernie Taupin. The album was a commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and staying there for seven weeks.
Rolling Stone’s Rob Sheffield returns to Pop Pantheon for the second and final part in our Elton John series. Rob and Louie pick up on Elton’s career after his initial run of hits in the 1970s at the tail end of his imperial phase. They then discuss his prolific career from 1975’s autobiographical Captain Fantastic to his poorly received disco record in 79, Victim of Love, and his comeback via 1983's Too Low for Zero. Next, they tackle later era Elton, from his Disney hits to his work on Broadway, 1997's re-recording of "Candle in the Wind" and his collabs with pop ingénues like Dua Lipa. Finally, they rank Elton John in The Official Pop Pantheon.
Pop Pantheon 
