Breaking Hearts cover

Released 42 years ago this June

Breaking Hearts

Elton John · 1984

40 min · 10 tracks · pop rock · R&B · soft rock

A vibrant blend of pop rock and glam influences, marked by catchy melodies and introspective lyrics.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo listening experience
  • introspective moments of reflection
  • catchy melodies for sing-alongs
  • vibrant energy for gatherings

Maybe skip if you want

  • need for fast-paced tracks
  • prefer standalone singles only

Where this album fits

Themes
nostalgic reflections· mid-80s glam· heartbreak narratives
Career context
By the time 'Breaking Hearts' was released in 1984, Elton John had already established himself as a global superstar following his iconic albums from the early 1970s. This album came after his commercial peak with 'Too Low for Zero' and marked a continued evolution in his sound during the mid-1980s, experimenting with themes of nostalgia and personal reflection.
Stylistic neighbors
David Bowie· Billy Joel· Queen
Sounds like this from elsewhere
Tonight by David Bowie — Shares mid-80s glam influences and introspective themes of love and nostalgia.
An Innocent Man by Billy Joel — Features catchy melodies and explores themes of love and heartbreak in a vibrant pop-rock style.
Rio by Duran Duran — Combines upbeat pop rock with glamorous aesthetics and lyrical reflections on relationships.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Restless 5:16
  • 2 Slow Down Georgie (She’s Poison) 4:10
  • 3 Who Wears These Shoes? 4:03
  • 4 Breaking Hearts (Ain’t What It Used to Be) 3:47
  • 5 Li’l ’Frigerator 3:25
  • 6 Passengers 3:24
  • 7 In Neon 4:21
  • 8 Burning Buildings 4:02
  • 9 Did He Shoot Her? 3:21
  • 10 Sad Songs (Say So Much) 4:47

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata