Is The Very Best of Elton John a good place to start with Elton John?

Yes, The Very Best of Elton John is recommended as a starting point for new Elton John listeners. A sweeping collection of timeless ballads and upbeat anthems showcasing Elton John's rich vocal delivery and intricate piano arrangements. By the time 'The Very Best of Elton John' was released in October 1990, Elton John had already established himself as a global superstar with a career spanning over two decades. This compilation album followed his successful 1989 studio album, 'Sleeping with the Past,' and celebrated his extensive catalog, highlighting tracks that defined his early glam rock days through to his more polished pop hits.

Who is The Very Best of Elton John for?

The Very Best of Elton John works well if you're into nostalgic sing-alongs with friends, dynamic collection of hits and heartfelt ballads for reflection.

How many songs are on The Very Best of Elton John?

The Very Best of Elton John has 30 tracks, running approximately 138 minutes.

The Very Best of Elton John

Elton John · 1990

138 min · 30 tracks · pop rock

A sweeping collection of timeless ballads and upbeat anthems showcasing Elton John's rich vocal delivery and intricate piano arrangements.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Your Song Start here — This track serves as a quintessential love ballad that encapsulates John's heartfelt songwriting style, featuring simple yet profound lyrics paired with melodic piano lines.
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Rocket Man (I Think It’s Going to Be a Long, Long Time) — An iconic reflection on isolation and fame, this song combines science fiction imagery with emotional depth, showcasing John's unique ability to blend genres.
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Goodbye Yellow Brick Road — This song stands out for its poignant lyrics and lush arrangement, representing a peak in John's artistic evolution during the early 1970s.
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Candle in the Wind — Originally written as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe, this track's later adaptation for Princess Diana's funeral showcased John's capacity for capturing public sentiment within his music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

This compilation highlights Elton John's hits but lacks a cohesive narrative or flow.

What we noticed

Several songs feature prominent piano arrangements that serve as the backbone for his vocal performances.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

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

nostalgic sing-alongs with friends
dynamic collection of hits
heartfelt ballads for reflection
party anthems for celebration
wave-like pacing for varied moods

Maybe skip if you

seeking cohesive long-form pieces
prefer instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Starting Point — A comprehensive collection ideal for introducing new listeners to his music.
Themes: celebrity disillusionment· nostalgic ballads· personal reflection· cultural icons
Career context: By the time 'The Very Best of Elton John' was released in October 1990, Elton John had already established himself as a global superstar with a career spanning over two decades. This compilation album followed his successful 1989 studio album, 'Sleeping with the Past,' and celebrated his extensive catalog, highlighting tracks that defined his early glam rock days through to his more polished pop hits.
Stylistic neighbors: David Bowie· Billy Joel· Queen