The Lockdown Sessions cover

Released 5 years ago this October

The Lockdown Sessions

Elton John · 2021

65 min · 16 tracks · pop rock

A vibrant blend of remixed classics and fresh collaborations that captures the eclectic spirit of Elton John's storied career.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Cold Heart (PNAU remix) Start here — This track revitalizes classic Elton melodies through a contemporary lens, merging dance beats with familiar vocal lines, making it a standout hit and a perfect introduction to the album's theme.
  • →
    Chosen Family — A heartfelt anthem celebrating acceptance and love, this song encapsulates the album's emotional core and resonates deeply with themes of connection during isolation.
  • →
    Nothing Else Matters — This cover transforms the original into a poignant reflection on relationships and vulnerability, showcasing John’s ability to convey deep emotion through reinterpretation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album's blend of remixes and collaborations offers a fresh take on familiar sounds but lacks deep cohesion.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate electronic elements, contrasting with John's traditional piano-driven sound.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • dynamic flow with emotional peaks
  • late-night reflective listening sessions
  • collaborative tracks for shared enjoyment
  • cathartic moments of connection
  • uplifting anthems for togetherness

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek standalone singles only

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Showcases John's adaptability and creativity in a late career phase.
Themes
pandemic isolation· celebrating chosen family· modern nostalgia
Career context
By 2021, Elton John was in a phase of creative resurgence, following his acclaimed 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road' tour. 'The Lockdown Sessions' emerged as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, featuring collaborations with various contemporary artists, marking it as a unique project amidst his extensive discography. This album allowed him to engage with new sounds while reflecting on his legacy.
Stylistic neighbors
David Bowie· Billy Joel· Queen

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Chosen Family

    The narrative shifts from collective experiences to intimate confessions about finding one's true support system.

    This transition amplifies the theme of chosen relationships over biological ties, emphasizing personal connections formed in times of crisis.

Tracklist

  • 1 Cold Heart (PNAU remix) Start here 3:39
  • 2 Always Love You 4:17
  • 3 Learn to Fly 3:31
  • 4 After All 3:28
  • 5 Chosen Family 4:40
  • 6 The Pink Phantom 4:13
  • 7 It’s a sin 4:44
  • 8 Nothing Else Matters 6:35
  • 9 Orbit 3:28
  • 10 Simple Things 4:11
  • 11 Beauty in the Bones 3:50
  • 12 One of Me 2:44
  • 13 E-Ticket 3:18
  • 14 Finish Line 4:24
  • 15 Stolen Car 5:37
  • 16 I’m Not Gonna Miss You 2:56

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata