Is Elton John's Greatest Hits Volume II a good place to start with Elton John?

Yes, Elton John's Greatest Hits Volume II is recommended as a starting point for new Elton John listeners. A vibrant collection of anthemic pop and rock ballads, blending emotional depth with flamboyant musicality. By the time 'Greatest Hits Volume II' was released in September 1977, Elton John was at the peak of his fame, following the massive success of his earlier hits. This compilation came just after his landmark album 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road' and solidified his status as a pop icon, showcasing tracks from his previous five studio albums.

Who is Elton John's Greatest Hits Volume II for?

Elton John's Greatest Hits Volume II works well if you're into steady mid-tempo sing-alongs, vibrant anthems for gatherings and nostalgic reflections on love.

How many songs are on Elton John's Greatest Hits Volume II?

Elton John's Greatest Hits Volume II has 10 tracks, running approximately 52 minutes.

Elton John's Greatest Hits Volume II

Elton John · 1977

52 min · 10 tracks · pop rock

A vibrant collection of anthemic pop and rock ballads, blending emotional depth with flamboyant musicality.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Bitch Is Back Start here — Opening with a bold proclamation of confidence, this track encapsulates John's unapologetic glam rock persona while resonating with themes of resilience.
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Tiny Dancer — Known for its lush piano melodies and poignant lyrics, this song showcases John's storytelling prowess and has become a beloved classic over the decades.
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Someone Saved My Life Tonight — This deeply personal ballad reveals John’s vulnerability, offering insight into his struggles while highlighting his ability to transform pain into art.
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Philadelphia Freedom — An uplifting anthem celebrating liberation, this track not only reflects John's musical evolution but also captures the spirit of the era's social movements.
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Levon — With its rich narrative and emotional depth, this song stands out for its intricate arrangement and lyrical complexity, making it a staple in John's repertoire.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

56 /100

Foothills

Higher than 47% of albums we've rated

This compilation showcases Elton John's popular hits but lacks a cohesive narrative or flow typical of original albums.

What we noticed

Several tracks include prominent backing vocals and lush arrangements, enhancing the anthemic quality of the music.
The sequencing places the most recognizable hits towards the beginning, creating an immediate impact before exploring deeper cuts.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo sing-alongs
vibrant anthems for gatherings
nostalgic reflections on love
feel-good melodies for road trips
playful energy with emotional depth

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek experimental soundscapes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This compilation solidified Elton John's widespread popularity in the late 1970s.
Themes: California dreams· self-empowerment anthems· tennis star tribute
Career context: By the time 'Greatest Hits Volume II' was released in September 1977, Elton John was at the peak of his fame, following the massive success of his earlier hits. This compilation came just after his landmark album 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road' and solidified his status as a pop icon, showcasing tracks from his previous five studio albums.
Stylistic neighbors: David Bowie· Billy Joel· Queen