List Of Elton John Songs In Order Of Release

Tracing the musical journey of Elton John through a comprehensive list of Elton John songs in order of release reveals not just a catalog of hits, but the evolution of a songwriting titan. For over five decades, his unparalleled partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin has shaped the sound of popular music, delivering a consistent stream of genre-defining tracks. Understanding this timeline offers a unique perspective on his artistic development, from his early, more intimate recordings to the stadium anthems and collaborative triumphs that defined his later career.

At a Glance: Charting Elton John's Musical Timeline

• Foundation: Explore Elton John’s musical beginnings, from his 1969 debut Empty Sky through his 1970 breakthrough with "Your Song."
• Golden Era: Understand the rapid succession of critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums during the 1970s.
• Evolution: Observe how his sound adapted and evolved through the 1980s and 1990s, maintaining chart relevance.
• Collaboration: Discover how his later career diversified through extensive collaborations and soundtrack work.
• Compilation Nuances: Learn the practical challenges and strategies for compiling a definitive chronological list of releases.
• Listening Pathways: Gain actionable insights for creating your own chronological listening experiences.

The Origin Story: Building a Discography From the Ground Up

Before the superstardom, the flamboyant costumes, and the global anthems, there was Reg Dwight, a talented pianist with a burgeoning ambition. His transformation into Elton John marked the true beginning of a recording career that would redefine the pop-rock landscape. In 1967, his fateful collaboration with Bernie Taupin began, laying the groundwork for what would become one of music's most prolific and successful songwriting partnerships.
Elton's solo journey officially began with his debut album, Empty Sky, released in 1969. This initial offering presented a raw, blues-tinged sound, a testament to his roots in bands like Bluesology. While not an immediate commercial smash, it laid the essential foundation, showcasing his nascent songwriting prowess and distinct vocal style. The album's tracks, though less familiar to mainstream audiences today, are crucial for understanding the genesis of his sound before "Your Song" propelled him to international fame in 1970.

The Breakthrough Decade: A Torrent of Timeless Releases (1970s)

The 1970s marked an unprecedented era of creativity and commercial success for Elton John. It was a decade where he seemingly couldn't put a foot wrong, releasing an average of one to two studio albums each year, each packed with hits that would become permanent fixtures in the popular music canon.
His self-titled 1970 album, Elton John, changed everything. "Your Song," a tender, piano-driven ballad, captured hearts worldwide, becoming his first major hit single. This record, followed swiftly by Tumbleweed Connection and Madman Across the Water, solidified his unique blend of rock, folk, and soulful pop. The rapid output meant fans were constantly treated to new material, witnessing his artistic growth almost in real-time.
The mid-70s saw Elton reach his absolute commercial and critical zenith. Albums like Honky Château (1972), featuring "Rocket Man," demonstrated his ability to craft conceptual pieces while still delivering chart-topping singles. Then came Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973), his best-selling studio album, an epic double-LP boasting classics like "Bennie and the Jets," "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," and "Candle in the Wind." This period also introduced the core of the "Elton John Band"—drummer Nigel Olsson and guitarist Davey Johnstone, forming a stable unit that would back him for decades. The release order here illustrates a rapid-fire progression from rising star to global icon, each album building upon the last's success. Even a concept album like Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (1975) was a massive commercial success, offering a poignant, semi-autobiographical narrative that resonated deeply with fans.

Adapting and Enduring: The 80s and 90s Discography

As musical tastes shifted, Elton John demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt without losing his core identity. The 1980s presented new challenges and opportunities, with synthesizers and MTV playing a larger role in the music landscape. His releases continued to chart strongly, evolving his sound while retaining his signature melodic sensibility.
Hits like "I'm Still Standing" (from 1983's Too Low for Zero) showcased his resilient spirit and knack for crafting upbeat, anthemic pop. "Sacrifice" (from 1989's Sleeping with the Past) proved his continued mastery of heartfelt ballads, topping charts around the world. These songs, released years after his 70s peak, underscored his enduring appeal and willingness to experiment with contemporary production while maintaining the lyrical depth provided by Taupin.
The 1990s brought further diversification. Beyond his solo albums, Elton made significant contributions to film, most notably composing music for Disney's The Lion King in 1994 with Tim Rice, which earned him an Academy Award. This period also saw the release of The One (1992) and Made in England (1995), continuing his prolific output. The decade culminated in one of the most significant releases of his career: "Candle in the Wind 1997." This re-recording, performed at Princess Diana's funeral, became the best-selling single of all time, a poignant, singular release that touched millions globally and stands apart in its release context.

The Modern Era: Collaborations and Continued Creativity (2000s-Present)

The 21st century has seen Elton John embrace new collaborations, further expanding his musical reach and demonstrating his relevance to new generations. While continuing to release solo studio albums, a significant portion of his recent discography has involved working with a diverse array of artists.
His collaboration with Tim Rice continued into the 2000s with the Broadway musical Aida. Later, Elton would team up with artists spanning genres and generations. His 2021 album, The Lockdown Sessions, is a testament to this collaborative spirit, featuring duets with artists like Stevie Wonder, Stevie Nicks, and Damon Albarn. More recently, tracks like "Cold Heart" (with Dua Lipa in 2021) and "Hold Me Closer" (with Britney Spears in 2022) reintroduced his music to contemporary pop charts, blending his iconic vocals and melodies with modern production. These recent releases highlight his adaptability and willingness to engage with current trends, proving that his creative well is far from dry even as he completed his farewell touring.

The Challenge of Compiling a Definitive Chronological Release List

Creating an exhaustive list of Elton John songs in order of release isn't as straightforward as it might seem. The sheer volume of his work, combined with various release formats and regional differences, presents a fascinating challenge for fans and researchers alike.
Consider the nuances:

• Studio Album Tracks: The most obvious category, released as part of official albums.
• Singles: Many songs were released as singles before their accompanying album, or sometimes as standalone tracks. "Don't Go Breaking My Heart," his 1976 duet with Kiki Dee, was a standalone single not initially included on a studio album.
• B-sides: Often unique tracks that accompanied singles but weren't on albums. These can be goldmines for completists.
• Soundtrack Contributions: Tracks written or performed for films (e.g., The Lion King) or musicals (e.g., Aida) are distinct releases.
• Collaborations/Guest Appearances: Songs where Elton features on another artist's album, or duets released under joint billing.
• Live Albums: Official live recordings feature unique performances and sometimes unreleased material.
• Compilations/Re-recordings: While often repackaging old material, some compilations feature new tracks or significant re-recordings (like "Candle in the Wind 1997").
  For a comprehensive look at the sheer breadth of his songwriting partnership with Bernie Taupin, including unreleased tracks and deep cuts, refer to our main guide: Elton John's written songs. That resource delves into the entire compositional output, providing context beyond just official releases. Here, we're zeroing in on the order of release to understand his public-facing musical journey.

Decoding Release Order: A Practical Framework for Fans

To truly appreciate the evolution of Elton John's sound, charting his releases chronologically is invaluable. Here's a practical framework to navigate his extensive catalog and build your own ordered listening experience:

1. Prioritize Official Studio Albums: These are the backbone of his discography. Start by listing his 32 studio albums in their original release order. This provides the fundamental timeline.

• Empty Sky (1969)
• Elton John (1970)
• Tumbleweed Connection (1970)
• Madman Across the Water (1971)
• Honky Château (1972)
• Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player (1973)
• Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973)
• Caribou (1974)
• Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (1975)
• Rock of the Westies (1975)
• Blue Moves (1976)
• ... (and so on, through to The Lockdown Sessions in 2021)

2. Integrate Key Standalone Singles and EPs: Some of his most famous songs were not originally tied to a specific studio album or were released significantly ahead of one.

• Example: "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" (with Kiki Dee) was a standalone single in 1976.
• Example: "Candle in the Wind 1997" was a charity single not part of a new studio album.

3. Weave in Major Soundtrack Contributions: Tracks released as part of film or musical projects.

• Example: "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" (from The Lion King, 1994).
• Example: Selections from Aida (2000).

4. Include Prominent Collaborations: Where Elton John is a featured artist or the collaboration is a major release in itself.

• Example: "Cold Heart (PNAU Remix)" (with Dua Lipa, 2021).
• Example: "Hold Me Closer" (with Britney Spears, 2022).

5. Address Live Albums and Compilations with New Material: While many compilations re-package, some, like Duets (1993), featured entirely new recordings and should be placed chronologically. Official live albums, such as 17-11-70 (1971), offer a snapshot of his performance history.

Practical Playbook: Crafting Your Own Chronological Journey

Building a definitive list of Elton John songs in order of release allows for a truly immersive experience. Here’s how to do it efficiently:

1. Start with a Reliable Discography Site: Websites like Wikipedia, AllMusic, or dedicated fan sites (e.g., Eltonography.com) often provide detailed discographies including release dates for albums and singles. Cross-reference a few sources to ensure accuracy, especially for early singles and regional variations.
2. Utilize Streaming Platform Filters: Most major streaming services (Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music) allow you to sort an artist's discography by "release date" or "album (chronological)." While this usually handles albums well, remember to search for individual singles that might not be on initial album lists.
3. Create Custom Playlists: Once you have your ordered list, create a "master" chronological playlist. Start with Empty Sky and add albums sequentially. Then, insert standalone singles, B-sides (if available on streaming), and collaborations into their correct chronological slots.
4. Pay Attention to Single Release Dates: Often, a lead single from an album will be released months before the album itself. For a strict "order of release," the single should be placed first. For example, "Tiny Dancer" was released as a single in 1971, but its parent album, Madman Across the Water, followed later that year.
5. Consider Different Regions: Occasionally, a song or album might have had different release dates in the UK versus the US. Decide which region's timeline you want to prioritize for consistency. Typically, the primary market (often the UK for initial singles, then global for albums) is used.
6. Don't Forget Deep Cuts and B-Sides: While not always easy to find on standard streaming platforms, many deluxe album reissues include B-sides, demos, and unreleased tracks. These can offer fascinating insights into his creative process at specific points in time. These are often best integrated within the context of the album or single they accompanied.
   Pitfalls to Avoid:

• Compilation Albums: Don't mistakenly place compilation albums (like Greatest Hits) into your chronological list unless they contain truly new, previously unreleased material.
• Re-recorded Versions: Be mindful of re-recorded versions or live renditions that appear on later albums. For strict release order, stick to the original studio version's debut.
• Unofficial Releases: Focus only on officially released material to maintain accuracy and quality.

Quick Answers: Unpacking Elton John's Discography

How many songs has Elton John recorded?
Elton John has recorded a total of 464 songs throughout his career, a testament to his prolific output with Bernie Taupin and various other collaborators.
What was Elton John's first released song?
His first officially released song as Elton John was "I've Been Loving You" in March 1968, though it wasn't a major hit. His debut album Empty Sky followed in 1969, featuring tracks like the title track and "Lady Samantha."
What is Elton John's most famous song?
While subjective, "Your Song" (1970) is widely considered his breakthrough and one of his most beloved classics. "Candle in the Wind 1997" is his best-selling single of all time. Other highly famous songs include "Rocket Man," "Tiny Dancer," and "Bennie and the Jets."
How many studio albums does Elton John have?
Elton John has released 32 studio albums over his career, from Empty Sky in 1969 to The Lockdown Sessions in 2021.
What was Elton John's last original studio album (excluding collaborations)?
Wonderful Crazy Night, released in 2016, is his most recent studio album composed primarily of new, solo material. The Lockdown Sessions (2021) was largely a collaborative album featuring other artists.

The Ever-Unfolding Legacy: A Continuous Journey

Tracking the list of Elton John songs in order of release is more than just an exercise in discography; it's a profound journey through the landscape of modern music. Each release, whether a groundbreaking album or a standalone single, serves as a timestamp, marking not only his personal and artistic growth but also reflecting the broader cultural shifts of the past five decades. From the intimate piano melodies of his debut to the vibrant collaborative pop of his recent work, Elton John’s continuous output has consistently entertained, moved, and inspired millions. Dive in, and experience the remarkable chronology of a true musical legend.