Off we go with our continued journey through Elton John's 1980's discography. Yesterday, I went on a very enjoyable trip through 1982's Jump Up!. Skipping over 1983's Too Low For Zero, because I've already played through it, I move on to 1984's Breaking Hearts.
Changes were either already taking effect, or just on the horizon when the album was put together. Gone were the string and horn sections on any track, as was long time unofficial member, Ray Cooper, who did not contribute at all.
Additionally, Breaking Hearts would be the last to feature all core members of the classic Elton John Band lineup. It was also the last recorded album in which John played both piano and keyboards in the studio by himself.
Restless launches the album off, and while it's okay, it certainly didn't draw me in as much as the opening track for Jump Up! Things did pick up a bit more though, with track two's Slow Down Georgie (She's Poison), Who Wears These Shoes.
However, the brakes got slammed pretty hard for the title track, Breaking Hearts (Ain't What It Used To Be). It's a dull piano led ballad that frankly brings the momentum which had been built to a sudden halt. Personally, if I were mixing this album, I would have either closed out side two with this track, or put it as the final track. It just doesn't work where its placed.
Fortunately, this isn't how the remainder of the album plays out, as the tempo immediately picks up with Li'l Frigerator, though its a rather forgettable tune. Passengers fairs a bit better for its more unique sound, but is by far anything I'd call lyrically genius.
Things get dull a bit from there, but oddly pick up with the peppy, but sadistic, Did He Shoot Her? before finishing off with the classic hit, Sad Songs (Say So Much). Overall, Breaking Hearts, while good, didn't hit the high notes that Jump Up! did.
With that, I'm off to my next Retro Spin. Maybe it will be the next of three remaining Elton John albums. Maybe I'll go on to something else. I guess we'll see tomorrow.
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| THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS October 27, 1982 |
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