Elton John

This album is Mastered for iTunes. Elton John’s eponymous 1970 sophomore album was also his first released in the United States. And since his debut album (Empty Sky) wouldn’t surface in America until 1975, this is commonly assumed to be his first. The pensive, piano-based opener “Your Song” was a breakthrough hit that set a timeless tone not only for the album but also for the then burgeoning singer/songwriter era of pop music. The haunting ballad “First Episode at Hienton” makes use of an eerie theremin, which adds to the song’s foreboding narrative before lush string arrangements pour in. Co-songwriter Bernie Taupin penned some odd lyrics for “Take Me to the Pilot”, though it’s the harder blues boogie, sing-along melody, sweeping orchestral accompaniment and backing gospel vocals that make this one a golden standout. John and Taupin infuse a little more gospel to the uplifting “Border Song”, the album’s first proper single.