Elton John:

Tumbleweed Connection:(1970)

Madman Across The Water:(1971)

Blue Moves:(1976)

I'm not the type of Elton John fan who digs everything he's done, but early records are where it's at for me. In particular, Tumbleweed Connection, and Madman Across The Water. Now, it's hard to talk about Elton John, especially early Elton John, without also talking about Bernie Taupin. His lyrical prowess is so high, and unusual that to me it makes these records. Of course without Elton's propulsive work on the keys. Madman Across The Water to me is a perfect Elton John record. By the time of Blue Moves, this is where I start drifting away, as thing got too poppy for my taste. The only reason I keep this record is the song, Sorry Seems to Be The Hardest Word. That said, once hearing Ray Charles cover that song, the original sounds light.