Elton John Album by Album (Hardback)

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Elton John has had a remarkable, incredible career spanning more than 50 years. His music was some of the soundtrack to my childhood, with my sister’s Greatest Hits cassette cranked high in our 1980 Honda Civic, windows rolled down, singing Crocodile Rock at the top of our lungs.

This book is a deep dive into the 36 albums Elton John released over the course of his career. Even though I read John’s autobiography, listened to Bernie Taupin’s memoir and saw the movie, Rocketman, I was still in the dark about the overall process of how these two men created so many intensely wonderful songs.

Taupin would write the lyrics to a song in maybe an hour. Elton would then take those lyrics and come up with the music in maybe half an hour. ??!!! They co-wrote more than 400 songs over the course of their partnership. I won’t bore you by reciting them, but Your Song, Daniel, Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting, Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Bennie and the Jets, Rocket Man, Tiny Dancer and Candle in the Wind are just part of their repertoire.

This book is very detailed about the making of the albums and includes all the artists and performers who contributed to the albums, including greats like Stevie Wonder, the Tower of Power horns, and the Eagles, who are also some of my favorites. There’s also an analysis of one song per album that’s very music theory heavy. I appreciated these sections even though most of what I learned about major chords and progressions has long been forgotten.

This book is a must-have for serious Elton John fans. Highly recommend!

NetGalley, Jennifer J

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Elton John Album by Album by Dale DeBakcsy is a must book for Elton John's fan or new fan's. This book was packed with everything you need to know about this excellent musician and one of the greatest musicians out there today. Back in In 1969, Elton John and Bernie Taupin came together and gave the world Empty Sky, which was a heady mix of rock, folk, rhythm and blues, jazz, psychedelia, and classicism that announced the arrival of one of the most potent creative teams in the history of popular music.
Now, fifty-five years since it was released, Elton John is still going strong and still producing fantastic music for everyone to enjoy. He had recorded over 32 excellent albums, nine plus soundtrack albums, and three collaboration albums has enchanted new generations, and this list is still growing! Plus, we have all heard of the Lion King he did the famous soundtrack "Cold Cold Heart" which is amazing.

Every Album Elton John has made it takes you on a guided journey through from the very first song till the end. Genius. . . . His music just takes my breath away. So this book is excellent and you will learn so much about him.

Elton John Album by Album by Dale DeBakcsy is a great book for your coffee table to look at and read now and then. Even though you may of read it, It is a book that is great to come back to again and again. Hence why I said it is a great coffee table book.

NetGalley, Nessa Thompson

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This was a new author to me and I loved the cover and the blurb.
I was looking for an easy and entertaining read and this was just the thing.

I loved the insights and learned so much.

I really enjoyed this and would absolutely read more by them.

Highly recommend.

NetGalley, Maria Martignetti

Back in 1969, Elton John and Bernie Taupin burst onto the music scene with Empty Sky, a genre-blending debut packed with rock, folk, jazz, R&B, psychedelia, and classical influences. Little did the world know, this dynamic duo was just getting started. Over the past 55 years, Elton has built an awe-inspiring discography—31 studio albums, nine (or ten, if you count Lestat!) soundtracks, and three collaboration albums—each adding to his legendary status. His music has become a generational bridge, passed down like a treasured heirloom. Grandparents who first fell in love with Your Song and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road introduced their kids to Sacrifice and The One, and now those kids are sharing the magic with their own children, who belt out The Lion King soundtrack and stream Cold Cold Heart remixes on Spotify.

Elton John: Album by Album is a deep dive into this vast musical legacy, guiding fans through all 44 of his albums with a mix of history, behind-the-scenes insights, and musical analysis. Whether you've been a fan since the Lady Samantha days or discovered Elton during the Rocketman resurgence, this book has something for everyone. It unpacks the artistry behind his iconic songs, answering the questions you never knew you had—like how Ray Cooper made a gong sound like a spaceship, why Ego is in Lokrian mode, and just what exactly the Pilot is (and why anyone would want to be taken there). This is more than just a track-by-track rundown; it’s an invitation to rediscover Elton’s genius through new ears.

NetGalley, Alejandra Martin

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The most gorgeous guide to all of Elton albums album by album. So interesting and informative for fans of one of the worlds most legendary entertainers of all time.

NetGalley, Jill Speedman