"Greatest Hits" concentrates most on 1972-74, with Elton's almost uncanny series of classic pop singles ("Honky Cat," "Crocodile Rock," "Candle In The Wind," "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road") These hits prove that few performers used pop culture touchstones (Marilyn Monroe, the 50s, the French quarter, doo-wop), musically and lyrically, as well as Elton and Bernie Taupin. The release also complements Elton's best band (Davey Johnstone, Nigel Olsson, the late Dee Murray) and the outstanding engineering skills of Ken Scott and Gus Dudgeon.

The playing has never sounded brighter, Elton's piano (electric and acoustic on "Honky Cat") more up-front, or the pop arrangements and harmonies stronger (hear the previously muzzled strings on "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road") than here. This collection does everything a greatest hits collection should do, and effortlessly. Thus, it remains essential to any pop collection.


The Greatest Collection Ever   September 25, 2001
Barry
12 out of 13 found this review helpful

Elton John was to the 70's what The Beatles were to the 60's. He was the undisputed king of the 70's. This brilliant and timeless collection proves why. You get a huge chunk of Elton's first batch of hits from the early to mid 70's. You get the gorgeous ballads like "Your Song", "Daniel", "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road", and the overlooked "Border Song". Then there's the uptempo rockers like "Crocodile Rock", "Bennie And The Jets", "Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting" and more. Elton showcases his brilliant genius of melodies and chords. Bernie Taupin, as Elton's lyric writer, is one of the best lyricists ever. Some people I've come across say "Crocodile Rock" is silly and weightless. Is that supposed to mean something?. Is that supposed to actually matter?. Of course not. It's catchy, bouncy, fun, and has fun lyrics. You don't need more than that. It's no surprise that this collection is one of the top 10 highest selling albums of all time. It should be. Greatest Hits 2 and 3 are also top choices to check out. Elton John is, and always will be, the true king of pop.


Every song a classic   June 10, 2000
Candace Scott (Lake Arrowhead, CA, USA)
10 out of 11 found this review helpful

This is one of the best Greatest Hits packages released by any artist. Every song is a genuine classic. The titles here represent the best of the early Elton years when his voice was at its apex and Bernie's lyrics spoke to your heart and soul.

"Daniel" remains one of the great songs written in the last thirty years. You can listen to this song 10,000 times and never weary of it. None of these songs are dated, they stand up beautifully through the years. If you are a teenager or someone who has never sampled Elton's early work, this is *the* CD to purchase, it will confirm to you that Elton John was a genius!


Greatest Hits, Greatest Songs   June 13, 2000
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

This compilation is definitely the best of Elton John. Though later albums are enjoyable, nothing comes close to these classics and being digitally remastered make them all the more better.


THE VERY GREATEST GREATEST HITS   February 4, 2000
9 out of 10 found this review helpful

This is the greatest of all greatest hits cds I've ever heard. Every song is a classic, and ever-lasting. This cd could make music lovers out of anyone. Daniel, Your Song, Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me, Rocket Man, Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting...These are some of the greatest songs every created.