Rocket Man - Number Ones

I don't think I have to tell you how amazing Elton is. Skip it...we all know he's incredible. But this CD has all the best of his songs in one place...all the number one's and you won't be disappointed that you bought it.

This release coincided with Elton's 60th birthday in March of 2007. And while there have been many greatest hits collections over the years, this one offers pretty much the best of the hits. All of the big hits from the 70s hey day are represented here. Bennie, Philadelphia Freedom, Crocodile Rock, Daniel, etc. And the always endearing duet with Kiki Dee (Don't Go Breaking My Heart) is included as well.

Sadly, however, there has yet to be an attempt to repackage some of Elton's great 80s and 90s work. While his music may have changed and he became more adult contemporary, that's expected with anyone who's had such a long career. Sure, Sacrifice and I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues are here but what about the Top 20 Healing Hands, from '89's Sleeping With The Past? Or any number of other truly great pop songs he's recorded? His most recent single, Tinderbox, from the underrated Captain and The Kid album, shows up here only as a video, again, another wasted opportunity (it should have been included with the rest of the music).

Interestingly enough, the liner notes of this release practically dare you to compare these hits with other lost gems from other albums. For instance, the liner notes read: "If you enjoy Philadelphia Freedom, check out Where Have All The Goodtimes Gone from '82 Jump Up album." While it's nice to see an actual reference to Jump Up, why not take a chance and include it so the public might actually be exposed to it (who knows, they might like it! I do!)

But these are small quibbles. If you don't have these songs in another hits collection, it makes for enjoyable listening. How could it not? I just sense the marketing of Elton John relies on the old hits instead of taking some chances.

And speaking of taking chances, the bonus DVD show several clips from his Vegas show. And while it showcases the older songs as well, they are packaged in a unique concert viewing experience that is well worth the money for this release. The show is quite a spectacle and I'm glad it's included here.

All in all, a worthy collection that captures what makes Elton John an icon.

the cd is a very good selection
but it similar to many others greatest hits.
i bought it cause incluide a dvd with some videos.

This is an economical way to get 17 Elton John hits. It is not a comprehensive collection of his hits and it leaves out some of his songs that I prefer and includes others that I am less fond of. But it does include some good selections of his music and all of the selections sound familiar and as I am used to hearing them. This is an advantage over some of his other greatest hit compilations which include selections that were not hits and in order to get all of the hits on one album you have to receive some songs that were not hits. I have not viewed the DVD yet and I was not particularly interested in getting it. Someday I will view it when I get around to it.

The Good
All twelve of Elton John's U.S. #1's are here. Some are obvious, "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," "Bennie & The Jets," "Daniel," "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me "and" Can You Feel the Love Tonight." Others may puzzle you; "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds," "Island Girl," and "Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word." In addition John's top singles (and to fill out the album a little more), he's included five more favorites; "Your Song," "Tiny Dancer," "Rocket Man," "Candle in the Wind," and "Saturday Night's Alright." There is apparently a bonus DVD (which I didn't get) with five live performances from Elton's "The Red Piano" concert, plus five music videos.

The Bad
It's a little sad when you realize that after all those years in the music business, Elton has only had 12 number one songs in the U.S. Compared to the others who have released "Number Ones" albums, it's not many songs at all. I'm still scratching my head that "Candle in the Wind" wasn't a number one song. Also, Elton John has released numerous greatest hits packaged over the years. I really don't see the need to isolate the number ones.

The Verdict
This is a decent sampling from the pop-rock icon, but there are so many favorites that are missing. Some of Elton's best work never reached number one in the U.S. For the most Elton John for your buck, Elton John's Greatest Hits 1970-2002 would be a much better investment. Number Ones is merely a quick cash-in, with minimal packaging, and absolute minimal information in its booklet.