Album Info
| Artist: | Elton John |
| Album: | Greatest Hits Volume II |
| Released: | Australasia |
Tracklist:
| A1 | The Bitch Is Back | 3:39 |
| Backing Vocals - Clydie King, Dusty Springfield, Jessie Mae Smith, Sherlie Matthews | ||
| Bass [Phased Pignose] - Dee Murray | ||
| Brass - Tower Of Power Horn Section | ||
| Soloist, Tenor Saxophone - Lenny Pickett | ||
| Written-By - E. John/B. Taupin | ||
| A2 | Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds | 5:57 |
| Featuring - Reggae Guitars Of Dr. Winston O'Boogie | ||
| Gong - Ray Cooper | ||
| Mellotron, Harpsichord - Elton John | ||
| Sitar - Davey Johnstone | ||
| Written-By - J. Lennon/P. McCartney | ||
| A3 | Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word | 3:45 |
| Vibraphone - Ray Cooper | ||
| Written-By - E. John/B. Taupin | ||
| A4 | Don't Go Breaking My Heart | 4:23 |
| Written-By - A. Orson/C. Blanche | ||
| A5 | Someone Saved My Life Tonight | 6:43 |
| Electric Guitar [Leslie] - Davey Johnstone | ||
| Electric Organ, Synthesizer [A.s.e.] - Elton John | ||
| Shaker, Cymbal - Ray Cooper | ||
| Written-By - E. John/B. Taupin | ||
| B1 | Philadelphia Freedom | 5:20 |
| Arranged By [Orchestral] - Gene Page | ||
| Maracas - Ray Cooper | ||
| Written-By - E. John/B. Taupin | ||
| B2 | Island Girl | 3:43 |
| Acoustic Guitar - Caleb Quaye | ||
| Congas, Marimba - Ray Cooper | ||
| Guitar [Ovation], Electric Guitar [Slide], Banjo - Davey Johnstone | ||
| Synthesizer [Arp], Mellotron [Solo] - James Newton Howard | ||
| Written-By - E. John/B. Taupin | ||
| B3 | Grow Some Funk Of Your Own | 4:16 |
| Backing Vocals - Ann Orson, Kiki Dee | ||
| Backing Vocals, Electric Guitar - Caleb Quaye | ||
| Castanets, Bell Tree [Bell-tree], Vibraphone - Ray Cooper | ||
| Written-By - E. John/B. Taupin | ||
| B4 | Bennie And The Jets | 5:11 |
| Organ - Elton John | ||
| Written-By - E. John/B. Taupin | ||
| B5 | Pinball Wizard | 5:11 |
| Written-By - Peter Townsend |
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Description
Assembling a “Greatest Hits” album is often a challenge for artists of lesser caliber, but for legends like Elton John, the real challenge lies in what to omit. Following the immense success of his first compilation, Elton returned with "Greatest Hits Volume II," a stellar collection encapsulating his inexhaustible genius from the mid-70s to early 80s.
The album, released in 1977, begins with the perennial favorite, "The Bitch is Back." It’s an assertive, swagger-filled rock number that perfectly captures the era's energy. This track not only showcases Elton’s signature piano riffs but also his ability to craft anthemic choruses.
"Dont' Let the Sun Go Down on Me" takes a more solemn turn, exuding heartfelt emotion. This ballad, characterized by its sweeping orchestral arrangements and Elton's soul-stirring vocals, is a testament to his prowess in capturing human sentiment in song.
"Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word" is another introspective piece, touching upon the complexities of relationships and the challenges of admitting one's mistakes. It’s a minimalistic composition, focusing primarily on Elton’s emotive vocals and delicate piano.
On the flip side, "Philadelphia Freedom" offers an upbeat, celebratory vibe, paying homage to Billie Jean King and her tennis team. This track, complete with lively strings and a catchy chorus, embodies the spirit of freedom and the cultural renaissance of the 70s.
One cannot review this album without mentioning "Someone Saved My Life Tonight." An autobiographical narrative, it speaks to a dark period in Elton's life, conveying the emotional tumult he experienced. The song, with its intricate instrumentation and profound lyrics, stands as one of Elton's most personal compositions.
Another standout, "Island Girl," weaves reggae influences into its melody, highlighting Elton’s versatility in blending genres. Its catchy chorus and lively rhythm make it an unforgettable number.
"Greatest Hits Volume II" concludes with the timeless "Candle in the Wind," Elton's poignant tribute to Marilyn Monroe. This song, later reworked for Princess Diana, is a masterclass in songwriting, touching upon themes of fame, tragedy, and fleeting beauty.
The curation of this compilation is impeccable. While it houses chart-toppers, it also offers a deeper dive into Elton's psyche, showcasing both his flamboyant and introspective sides.
Bernie Taupin's lyrical contributions shine throughout, painting vivid stories that perfectly complement Elton's compositions. Their partnership, evident in this collection, stands as one of the most iconic in music history.
The production quality, primarily managed by Gus Dudgeon, is pristine. Each track has been polished to perfection, ensuring that Elton's music is presented in its purest form.
In summary, "Greatest Hits Volume II" isn't merely a collection of popular songs; it's a sonic journey through a significant period in Elton John's illustrious career. It highlights the evolution of an artist who, despite the weight of fame and personal challenges, continued to produce music that resonated deeply with audiences worldwide.
For fans and newcomers alike, this compilation offers a glimpse into the genius of Elton John – a musician whose contributions to the music world are unparalleled, and whose legacy continues to inspire generations.