Album Info
| Artist: | Elton John |
| Album: | The Complete Thom Bell Sessions |
| Released: | Worldwide, Aug 2023 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Nice & Slow | |
| Written-By - B. Taupin, E. John, T. Bell | ||
| A2 | Country Love Song | |
| Written-By - J. Jefferson | ||
| A3 | Shine On Through | |
| Written-By - E. John, G. Osborne | ||
| B1 | Mama Can't Buy You Love | |
| Written-By - C. James, L. Bell | ||
| B2 | Are You Ready For Love | |
| Written-By - C. James, L. Bell, T. Bell | ||
| B3 | Three Way Love Affair | |
| Written-By - C. James, L. Bell |
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Description
Elton John's "The Complete Thom Bell Sessions" is a fascinating chapter in the artist's storied career. Originally recorded in 1977, this collection showcases a unique collaboration between Elton John and legendary producer Thom Bell, known for his work in the Philadelphia soul genre. The sessions marked a departure from Elton's usual style, as he explored the lush, orchestrated sound that Bell was famous for. However, the project faced challenges and was initially shelved, with only a few tracks seeing the light of day at the time. It wasn't until 1989 that the full sessions were released as "The Complete Thom Bell Sessions", giving fans a chance to appreciate this intriguing experiment in its entirety.
The album features six tracks, including the standout single "Mama Can't Buy You Love", which became a hit and earned Elton a Grammy nomination. The song's infectious groove and heartfelt lyrics exemplify the seamless blend of Elton's pop sensibilities with Bell's soulful arrangements. Another highlight is "Are You Ready for Love", a track that gained renewed attention decades later when it was remixed and re-released in 2003, becoming a chart-topping hit in the UK. The remaining tracks, such as "Three Way Love Affair" and "Nice and Slow", further demonstrate the chemistry between Elton and Bell, with lush string arrangements, smooth rhythms, and Elton's emotive vocals.
While the sessions were not without their difficulties—Elton reportedly struggled with relinquishing creative control to Bell—the resulting music is a testament to the power of collaboration. The Philadelphia soul influence brought a fresh dimension to Elton's sound, and Bell's production added a layer of sophistication and warmth. Listening to the album, one can hear the mutual respect and artistic synergy that underpinned the project, even if it was not fully appreciated at the time.
"The Complete Thom Bell Sessions" holds a special place in Elton John's discography. It represents a moment of artistic exploration and a willingness to step outside of his comfort zone. For fans of Elton John and lovers of soul music alike, this album is a gem that deserves recognition for its artistry and the unique fusion of styles it represents.
