The Diving Board
Threaded through with nostalgia and elegant instrumentation, Elton John’s 30th studio album is a showcase for his resonant voice, self-assured piano playing, and the lyrics of collaborator Bernie Taupin. Moments of palpable musical joy abound. “A Town Called Jubilee” is a gorgeous homage to the pioneers of the American West, featuring loose-limbed slide guitar licks and church-revival harmonies. And when Elton sings, “The solitary eye I’ve been looking through/Committed to connecting the old ways with the new,” on the gentle ballad “Voyeur,” he seems to suggest that returning to his roots can be a magnificent way to move forward.
Perhaps in a few years, via the wonder of hindsight, this could be regarded as up there with Elton's early '70s LPs. For now, let's just say it's surprisingly strong.
Check out our album review of Elton John's 'The Diving Board' on Rolling Stone.com.
Album review: Clash covers Elton John's 30th studio LP, 'The Diving Board', which finds the songwriter continuing his creative renaissance.
Elton John's stripped-back 30th solo album evokes his bluesy sound of the mid-70s, writes <strong>Molloy Woodcraft</strong>
Elton John has been known for his flamboyant, over-the-top nature, so there’s something refreshing in hearing him using a more reflective tone.
Elton John's latest is a thoroughly conservative singer-songwriter album, but a terrifically good one nonetheless, writes <strong>Caroline Sullivan</strong>
Bernie Taupin takes his pardner into new lyrical terrain, but Americana still works best. CD review by Jasper Rees