CORPORATE LINE: Peachtree Road is, almost astonishingly, his 43rd album, yet the quality, enthusiasm and passion that he, his lyrical partner Bernie Taupin and his newly invigorated band bring to the project are as fresh and untainted as if it were their debut. Building on the back-to-basics blueprint of 2002’s multi-platinum selling Songs From The West Coast, Peachtree Road is Elton devoid of studio trickery or embellishment. As with his last album, Peachtree Road allows these astonishing twelve songs to speak for themselves. Who would have thought that, over three decades into his incredible career, Elton would be turning out some of the finest music of his career? His spirit is often taken for granted, his talent forgotten in his A-list public profile. But as he sings himself on ‘Turn The Lights Out When You Leave’: “I aint gonna die. I aint gonna cry. I will wear my heart out on my sleeve.” Elton’s musical life is marked by a startling resilience, openness and refusal to let his talent simmer.
THE GREAT:
“It’s Getting Dark In Here” – Elton connects by being Elton.
THE AVERAGE:
“Answer In The Sky” – Elton says its not religious—however it does sound like he’s been getting into a little gospel. It has some heart however it doesn’t stick with you.
“My Elusive Drug” – It’s hard to forget that this is Elton John singing. His voice still screams pop singer but this is not a pop song.
“Porch Swing In Tupelo” – Bluesy and Elton sounds great—however there isn’t much to get excited about.
THE BAD:
Nothing.
FRANKLY: Elton John is a genius. Peachtree Road isn’t. With a mixture of country, gospel, blues, and some other things thrown in for good measure, Peachtree Road settles well but never feels right. Give him credit for trying something out of his norm—however it’s a shame that most of these songs will be forgot not long after listening. Sorry, but I’m not buying Elton as a southern soul singer.
+ Rae Gun
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.