Is The Diving Board a good place to start with Elton John?

Yes, The Diving Board is recommended as a starting point for new Elton John listeners. A reflective blend of soft rock and poignant storytelling, underscored by Elton John's signature piano melodies. Released on September 13, 2013, The Diving Board marks Elton John's 30th studio album, following the critically acclaimed The Union. By this time, John was in a phase of artistic resurgence, focusing on his songwriting roots with collaborator Bernie Taupin after years of commercial pop success. The album reflects a return to the more introspective themes that characterized his earlier works.

Who is The Diving Board for?

The Diving Board works well if you're into reflective moments of vulnerability, steady pacing for deep listening and narrative flow with emotional weight.

How many songs are on The Diving Board?

The Diving Board has 15 tracks, running approximately 57 minutes.

The Diving Board

Elton John · 2013

57 min · 15 tracks · pop rock

A reflective blend of soft rock and poignant storytelling, underscored by Elton John's signature piano melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Oceans Away Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Oscar Wilde Gets Out — This track uniquely blends literary reference with modernity, capturing John's theatrical style while offering a reflective commentary on fame and identity.
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Can't Stay Alone Tonight — With its emotive lyrics and haunting melody, this song encapsulates the album's theme of loneliness and longing in an intimate manner.
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The Diving Board — As the title track, it serves as a powerful culmination of the album's themes, merging rich imagery with a sweeping musical arrangement.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production but doesn't fully stand out in John's extensive catalog.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
Several tracks utilize a recurring motif of dreams, with interludes titled 'Dream #1', 'Dream #2', and 'Dream #3' that create thematic continuity.
The instrumentation prominently features piano, with orchestral arrangements that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics.

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: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

reflective moments of vulnerability
steady pacing for deep listening
narrative flow with emotional weight
thoughtful background for introspection

Maybe skip if you

seeks instant gratification tracks
prefers upbeat party atmospheres

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows continued artistic vitality and a return to reflective songwriting.
Themes: historical storytelling· piano-driven nostalgia· longing for connection
Career context: Released on September 13, 2013, The Diving Board marks Elton John's 30th studio album, following the critically acclaimed The Union. By this time, John was in a phase of artistic resurgence, focusing on his songwriting roots with collaborator Bernie Taupin after years of commercial pop success. The album reflects a return to the more introspective themes that characterized his earlier works.
Stylistic neighbors: David Bowie· Billy Joel· Queen