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Editorial Reviews
JOHN ELTON EMPTY SKY
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
29 of 32 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Elton John & Bernie Taupin are probably the longest-lasting songwriting duo in history, beating out Rodgers & Hammerstein or even Gilbert & Sullivan, yet definitely on a level of those legends. It's hard to believe the two have been working together for well over 35 years by now & have seen more hits than a birthday pinata. But while some people think "Your Song" was what started Elton & Bernie on their way, it was just their first major success. Before that, they had released an album that was an ambitious debut, but it was clear greater things were in store for them. That album was 1969's EMPTY SKY.
At the time, Elton & Bernie (I mention both at the same time because while Elton may be the one out front, Bernie's songwriting is just as, if not more, important as Elton's showmanship) were barely out of their teens, so for an album like EMPTY SKY to debut with, you'd think the two had been around for a while. But also because of their youth, it's fair to call the album a little too didactic for its own good & sure enough, they can stretch themselves thin on EMPTY SKY. But when they succeed, it's fantastic.
The title track is one of those times, with a Stones-sounding rock tune that would prove to be Elton's stock in trade during the 1970s when he rocked more than crooned. This being 1969, it has more than a slight psychedelic tinge to it (almost like MAJESTIES-era Stones, only better) with the proverbial backwards guitars & false ending. But instead of coming off as dated, it's actually quite endearing & by far one of Elton's most overlooked songs. "Sails" & "Western Ford Gateway" continue the mostly-straightahead rock sound & are good examples of both Elton's way with crafting a melody & Bernie's still-developing lyrical talent.
But EMPTY SKY was probably intended as something more bold & risky, which explains why the album doesn't really fit well into the rock category or even pop. Are there blunders? Sure, but only 3 glaring ones: "Hymn 2000" doesn't work too well, with its futuristic theme coming off as STAR TREK-inspired sci-fi in the end. "Scaffold" & "Lady What's Tomorrow" also suffer from overambitious lyrics that have Bernie still discovering what his style is as a writer.
On the plus side, "Val-Hala" has the feel of a sea shanty with its infectious chorus that dares anyone not to sing along. "Skyline Pigeon" is deservedly the song on EMPTY SKY that has outlasted its otherwise inauspicious parent album, managing a delicate beauty with Elton trading in his piano for a baroque harpsichord (I haven't heard the piano-based outtake that found its way onto 1973's DON'T SHOOT ME I'M ONLY THE PIANO PLAYER as a bonus track, but the lowdown is that it is superior to its released version). The main reason for this song's belated acclaim is Elton having performed "Skyline Pigeon" at the funeral of Ryan White, and its modern-day hymnlike structure makes it perfect not just for the memory of White, but of any departed loved one.
The closing medley of "Gulliver/Hay Chewed/Reprise" ends the album in grand style with the first part being an ode to Bernie's childhood dog; the second part is a jazzy instrumental that shows Elton is one heck of a piano player, which is something that would get less attention over time, then recently see a resurgence; the last part recaps all the previous songs from the album & whether or not that was necessary is in the ear of the beholder. After all, this was the late 1960s, what artist wasn't experimenting like this back then?
The remastered version not only offers better sound & clearer production, but it contains bonus tracks that were among the very first songs Elton ever recorded & again, despite their rather lofty ambitions, it's still clear something special was afoot. "Lady Samantha" might be recognizable to some Elton fans, for it was first recorded by Three Dog Night at about the same time EMPTY SKY came out & while this catchy rocker wasn't a hit for them, it nevertheless helped get Elton's name out to the American public. "All Across The Havens" once again has Bernie trying hard to impress with his lyrics, while "It's Me That You Need" is a kind of straightforward love song which Elton & Bernie would almost neglect until around the 1990s when Adult Contemporary radio became their biggest target. "Just Like Strange Rain" also falls into the ballad category, but with lyrics that point towards the heights Bernie would scale in just a few short years.
The 1960s were ending at the time EMPTY SKY came out & the psychedelic sound the album used in abundance was also starting to lose its freshness. That might be a valid reason why EMPTY SKY didn't sell well originally (it wasn't even released in America until 1975, after Elton became a superstar). Yet it's always interesting to see where a legend first began his body of work & EMPTY SKY is certainly worth a listen to see where Elton John was headed, as well as hear some of the things he'd rarely ever do again (except for "Skyline Pigeon", the songs on this album have been forgotten for the most part). Who knew the two young men making this album would soon change pop music forever?
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Empty Sky is the album that first introduced Elton John and his lyricist Bernie Taupin to the world (except for the US where the album wasn't released until 1975). When I first heard it, I was less than impressed, but on repeated listenings, I've learned to appreciate it more. It's crude, dark, with overly pretentious lyrics from the usually great Bernie Taupin, and Elton has told stories of how the piano he recorded with was out of tune. However, you've got to start somewhere. You can hear the promise of what was coming on Elton's very next effort, the self-titled ELTON JOHN. These songs began as poems that Bernie wrote before he ever met Elton. Their early efforts at writing pop songs produced some largely forgetable songs,and Steve Brown (I think) suggested they try using Bernie's poems. That's why these songs seem as disjointed as they do. "Skyline Pigeon" is my favorite track (although like so many have said, I prefer the piano version which was the B-side of "Daniel" and available on the
remastered DON'T SHOOT ME, I'M ONLY THE PIANO PLAYER). "Valhalla" and "Lady, What's Tomorrow" are also worthy
of note. The bonus tracks are a very welcome addition. The
orchestral arrangements of "It's Me That You Need" make up for
the sappy, simplistic lyrics. (Sorry, Bernie)
I'm a huge fan of the John/Taupin team, and I would say it's worth the price of admission to hear how these great songwriters got their start.
remastered DON'T SHOOT ME, I'M ONLY THE PIANO PLAYER). "Valhalla" and "Lady, What's Tomorrow" are also worthy
of note. The bonus tracks are a very welcome addition. The
orchestral arrangements of "It's Me That You Need" make up for
the sappy, simplistic lyrics. (Sorry, Bernie)
I'm a huge fan of the John/Taupin team, and I would say it's worth the price of admission to hear how these great songwriters got their start.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Empty Sky is the debut album from Elton John. It is a very solid effort, lacking in spots, but shows the immense potential that would be fully realized on future albums. The title track is a good rocker that opens up the album. "Val-hala" is the best song from the album with it's mystical Bernie Taupin lyrics and Mr. John's harpsichord gives it the baroque sound that would permeate his second album. "Sails" and "Skyline Pigeon" are good songs as well. The closing medley of "Gulliver/It's Hay Chewed/Reprise" is an interesting way to close the album. The middle section is an instrumental with touches of jazz and the reprise is made up of pieces of songs from the rest of the album. "Lady Samantha" and "Just Like Strange Rain" are the best of the bonus tracks on the album.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Ejs 1st is good
I really like this album. I was pretty disappointed to find out that not alot of people, especially in the U.S.,didnt really pay attention to this album. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Alex R
Guess I have been spoiled...
Since I am a fan of Elton John and believe his voice and talent have grown and matured over the years, I received a gift of this album. Read more
Published 1 month ago by An Educated Consumer
Recommendations 4 U - Based on your EJ taste.
Don't know if this was the original cover since there were two with the same recording, but the music I highly recommend. Read more
Published 4 months ago by AlphaKid42
Surpasses mediocrity. How did he do it?
You know what to expect from Elton John, some nice, lush ballads, a few uptempo numbers and a little bit of rock. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Tnahpellee
a fantastic beginning
You know, I've had several people tell me to avoid Elton John's Empty Sky because, according to them, Elton's songwriting lacked focus since it's just an early effort that should... Read more
Published 21 months ago by B. E Jackson
surprisingly good
Once you advance beyond the notion of thinking that if none of these songs were hits it can't be good, then you can realize how good this album is. Read more
Published 21 months ago by bob turnley
A mediocre debut album.
Elton John's debut album Empty Sky can best be described as pretentious. Although many of the songs are good, nothing stands out as a classic. Read more
Published on September 23, 2009 by Alex H. Eskin
Awesome
This album is simply awesome. It is uncut, un "prettied up," un "pop-produced," and simply raw. the opening track is awesome, with a solid, driving bass guitar/drum rythm and... Read more
Published on August 25, 2009 by C. Moorer
First Effort
For Elton's first effort, it's great. From the rockin' title track, which is worth the whole album, to "It's Me That You Need" the single. Read more
Published on April 6, 2008 by Keith D. Christenson
(3.5 stars) The Great Lost EJ Album
Much better than you've heard, assuming that you've heard of it at all - with a couple exceptions, anyway (the jam-till-you-drop title track; the closing medley; weak Beatles... Read more
Published on November 22, 2007 by finulanu
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