I was 21 when this album was first released (I'm showing my age), and I was blown away by the first single, "Nobody Wins". It was a magnificent, soaring piece of electronic-pop that was sweeping and dramatic. It sounded like the title track to a James Bond film. It was also released in Europe, with EJ singing the vocals in French, under the name of "J'Veux De La Tendresse".

The highlight of the album, is the majestic instrumental "Carla/Etude", which is just his piano with the London Symphony Orchestra (you can find a "live" version of this track on his "To Be Continued" box set). It is just beautiful. And as a second single, "Chloe" is just breathtaking.

Other highlights include "Breaking Down Barriers", with sweeping piano maneuvers; "Just Like Belgium", which is an ode to travel and adventure; and "Elton's Song", which touches on the uncomfortableness a young gay man feels while noticing a friend and developing feelings.

The one drawback to the remastering is that they did NOT include any bonus tracks (as they have with many of his other releases). They blew it here, because they could have included "Fools In Fashion" (B-side to "Nobody Wins"), "J'Veux De La Tendresse" ("Nobody Wins" performed in French) and even the promo-only club mix of "Nobody Wins"...which is extremely rare.

But in the final analysis, the remastering is superb and breathes new life into one of Elton John's most under-rated and under-appreciated albums of his long, wonderful career.


This Remastered Version Makes A Huge Difference!   July 15, 2003
Marty From SF (San Francisco, Ca.)
9 out of 10 found this review helpful

This collection from 1981 has nearly gone unnoticed, probably due to the lack of input from Bernie Taupin. It is filled with great uptempo, complex arrangments like, "Breaking Down Barriers" and"Fascist Faces". "Just Like Belgium" is one of Elton's most upbeat romantic songs since the mid-seventies and "Carla/Etude/Fanfare" (which runs into) "Chloe" is a testament to Elton John's creativity. However, the best song on the album and the only single, "Nobody Wins" beats out the rest for arrangment, lyrics and heartfelt tearjerking. Amazingly, this single is omitted from all collections. I wish someone would explain this mystery to me.


The Fox: A Sly, Slick, Underrated Elton John CD.   September 9, 2003
James J. Peters (Orlando, Florida, United States)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

This CD, originally released in 1981, is easily one of my favorites of all time. And this comes from an Elton John fan who never wavered during the 1980s when others did. This underrated and ambitious CD is a rewarding listening experience. The hit single, "Nobody Wins," a treatise of divorce, is a standout that begs to be noticed. Other winning gems include the hard-rocking "Fascist Faces," up-tempo songs with undeniable hooks (such as "Breaking Down Barriers" and "Just Like Belgium"), haunting ballads (such as "Chloe"), and the mesmerizing instrumental, "Carla/Etude/Fanfare." The latter arrangement is alone worth the purchase price.

With The Fox, Elton John succeeds with his ambitious juxtaposition of hard-rockers and sweet ballads. Despite the list of impressive highlights already mentioned, the song that moves me most, the one I will always remember, the one that always elicits an emotional response from me is "Elton's Song," a paen to unrequited love. This subject has often been explored in pop music, but Elton's treatment here with his lone release to include his name is exceptional. I highly recommend this CD; you'll tap your feet and dab at your eyes. Prepare to be entertained and moved!


One of his best underrated albums   November 5, 2005
Antonio M Vazquezpausa (Miami, Fl United States)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Great album that generated disappointing sales and reviews,yet a gem where Ej teamed up with Taupin,Tom Robinson & Gary Osborne among others.The result still resonates in beautiful CHLOE,brave ballad ELTON's SONG,former French hit NOBODY WINS ,up tempo yet mellodic JUST LIKE BELGIUM and the Bernie penned autobiographical title track.


Remastered, yeah, but not dramatically improved   February 27, 2005
eric_the_redder (Los Angeles)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

My opinion is a bit different from other reviewers. I think this remastering job sounds different, but not necessarily better. The remastered album has a somewhat LOUDER sound, but not necessarily BETTER I would say. Actually, during "Hearts In The Right Place" I noticed the hiss level pumping a bit more, and I wonder if a bit of digital clipping is going on.

As this album is imported, it differs from the classic album remasters. Those are actually remixed, with the balance of different instruments readjusted by original producer Gus Dudgeon. I don't see any note about remixing on this disc, and it does not sound remixed. The remastering is not by the same person/facility.

I really don't know which I prefer; I'll have to think about it. Look at the Marketplace listings and you'll see what I decided :-)

As for the album, it starts off with a bang. "Breaking Down The Barriers" is a great rocker I'd love to hear Elton play live. The song selection is odd, but for me somehow fits together, and I still listen to it lo these many years later.