Top 10 Elton John Songs

It was the summer of 1984, the end of the summer concerts. Motley Crue was on its way to town, but sadly, the band's show was sold out when we went to get tickets. With only Elton John's show left to choose, we decided to give it a try.

The tickets were very cheap, and upon arrival, we found ourselves in the very top row of Hilton Coliseum in Ames, IA. At least there would be nothing to obstruct our view, not even the support pillar rising to my immediate left. We settled in not expecting much from the Elton John -"Breaking Hearts" tour, I mean come on, it's Elton John. All we knew were the basic pop radio songs of the 1970's, but at least we could sing along.

The lights dimmed, the show began, and we were treated to the best concert I have ever been witness to. Three full, non-stop hours of power pop rocking from one grand piano, one guitar (played feverishly by Davey Johnstone), and one phenomenal drum set (played by Ray Cooper).

The next day, I purchased my first Elton John album, followed by another until I had amassed every Elton John album recorded (available in the U.S.). I have since discovered that this artist goes far beyond "pop" music, though this will be the genre Elton John will be remembered for.

Choosing ten Elton John songs of the thousands he and Bernie Taupin have co-written was a daunting task, indeed. The following songs made the final cut.

10.) Blue Eyes - Love Songs (1996) - I caught my mother slow dancing by herself while dusting the house one Sunday morning, the song's slow bluesy beat moving her along. It was the last time I saw her dance, she passed away of Cancer in 1999.

9.) Burn Down the Mission - Tumbleweed Connection (1971) - I thought that I was the only one who knew about this song, until Sir Elton broke it out at a later concert and the entire crowd went nuts. Another blues hit with more than a touch of gospel.

8.) Grey Seal - Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973) - This was the most popular album for Elton John/Bernie Taupin, and rightfully so. Loaded with pop radio hits, it also contained a few wonderful little secrets for true fans.