Empty Sky

by Elton John

Overview

Although he had made a number of re-recordings of popular songs for a budget record label in the late '60s, Empty Sky was the first true solo album Elton John recorded after leaving Bluesology; it also marked the beginning of his long and fruitful collaboration with lyricist Bernie Taupin. Empty Sky is quite indicative of the post-Sgt. Pepper's era. With its ambitious arrangements and lyrics, it's clear that John and Taupin intended the album to be a major statement. Though it shows some signs of John's R&B roots, most of the album alternates between vaguely psychedelic rock and Taupin and John's burgeoning pop songcraft, capped off by a bizarre reprise of brief moments of all of the songs on the record. There aren't any forgotten gems on Empty Sky, but it does suggest John's potential. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Product Details

Release Date:	02/20/1996
Label:	Mercury
UPC:	0731452815729
Rank:	98792

Tracks

1. Empty Sky
2. Val-Hala
3. Western Ford Gateway
4. Hymn 2000
5. Lady What's Tomorrow
6. Sails
7. The Scaffold
8. Skyline Pigeon
9. Gulliver/It's Hay Chewed
10. Lady Samantha
11. All Across the Havens
12. It's Me That You Need
13. Just Like Strange Rain

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Elton John   Primary Artist,Organ,Piano,Vocals,Keyboards,Harpsichord,Piano (Electric)
Roger Pope   Drums,Percussion
Nigel Olsson   Drums
Tony Murray   Bass,Guitar (Bass)
Caleb Quaye   Drums,Congas,Guitar,Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric)
Graham Vickery   Harmonica
Don Fay   Wind,Flute,Sax (Tenor)
Clive Franks   Whistle (Human)

Technical Credits

Jim Goff   Sleeve Producer
Frank Owen   Engineer
Frank Owens   Engineer
Bernie Taupin   Composer
Steve Brown   Producer,Producer
Elton John   Composer
Gus Dudgeon   Liner Notes
Clive Franks   Tape Operator