Of course, once I had enough loose change I bought the album and promptly proceeded to play the first side about five times as often as I flipped it over and played side two; having the CD Across the Water" was a seminal album in my life. I seriously started listening to FM radio in the early Seventies because means I tend to listen to the whole thing all the way through. I would argue that "Tiny Dancer," "Levon," "Razor Face," and "Madman Across the Water" equals the best side of any Elton John record. I also used the title track as part of a poetry unit for English class (ah, those liberal days of yore). The movie "Almost Famous" has made "Tiny Dancer" popular again, but anybody who listens to this CD is going to find out there are some other great songs too, from the somber "Indian Sunset" to the catchy "Rotten Peaches."

Ironically, "Levon" made its way onto the third volume of Elton John's greatest hits collection. Just another example of the cherished memories of our youth exploited by the commercial interests of some soulless giant company.


Excellent Early Elton   May 4, 2005
Lonnie E. Holder (Columbus, Indiana, United States)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

This album was Elton John and Bernie Taupin's sixth album in three years. During that time Elton explored a variety of sounds, trying to find his sound. "Madman Across the Water" was the cusp of the quest that would be fully realized on Elton's next album, "Honky Chateau". However, while seeking his sound, Elton managed to demonstrate an incredible potential that was broadly manifested on this album.

The first five songs particularly show a wonderful range of styles and compositions ranging from the solid pop of "Tiny Dancer" and "Levon" to the heavily orchestrated "Madman Across the Water" and "Indian Sunset". While the lyrics were occasionally murky and often misquoted, there was a lot of power in the piano and the backing arrangements were incredible. The still maturing voice of Elton was new and different at the time, and appealed to a broad array of audiences trying to find stability after the psychedelic and turbulent 60s.

One interesting feature of some of Elton's early music is the periodic influence of gospel or soul music, most strongly seen on this album in "All the Nasties". The influence would not last much longer as Elton went down a musically more cohesive path for the next few years.

Over time Elton played keyboards of various types, but on his album "Songs from the West Coast" he returned to the piano once again, recalling the relative innocence of this early music, though with the maturity of a talented, seasoned artist. I think it is a tribute to the power of this early music that Elton has returned to it stylistically in "Songs from the West Coast."

Music of this type has an incredible amount of power and appeals as much to emotion as it does to the ear. Listen again to an artist that made popular on the power of his music and not the over-polished commercial pop that is hyped on many FM stations today. Truly a solid album for any collection.



Elton's finest album   August 10, 2008
Johnny Boy (Hockessin, DE)
What can be said that hasn't been said about Sir Elton's 1971 masterpiece 'Madman Across the Water'? Well, I will say this much, there is no better Elton album than 'Madman.' This was the album that introduced me to Elton all those years ago, and I've been a fan ever since.

An incredible followup to his 1970 masterpiece 'Tumbleweed Connection,' 'Madman' was the album that really kickstarted Elton's career. Featuring the massive hit 'Tiny Dancer' and plenty of fan favorites, this is Elton at his finest.

The other great highlights here are 'Levon,' 'Rotten Peaches,' the title track, 'All The Nasties,' and of course my personal favorite "hotel anthem" 'Holiday Inn.'

I will say this: I don't care whether you like Elton's latter material or you are a strict fan of his "classic" years (1968-1976) or you like both, you must own 'Madman Across The Water.' This is, by a long shot, Elton's best album. And I own at least ten of his albums.

This is highly recommended for any Elton John fan. Sir Elton really shines here. This is Elton at his finest!

Highly recommended for any Elton John fan. A masterpiece. One of the best albums of the 1970s and definitely Sir Elton's best.

ENJOY!!!