The One [Germany Bonus Track] [Remaster]

Performer: Elton John
Artist: Eric Clapton; Kiki Dee; David Gilmour
Engineer: David Nicholas; Peter Mew
Producer: Chris Thomas; Chris Thomas
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: Personnel: Elton John (vocals, keyboards); Eric Clapton (vocals, guitar); Davey Johnstone, David Gilmour, Adam Seymour (guitar); Mark Taylor, Guy Babylon (keyboards); Pino Palladino (bass); Olle Romo (drums, percussion, programming); Jonice Jamison, Carole Fredericks, Beckie Bell, Kiki Dee, Nigel Olsson (background vocals). Recorded at Studio Guillaume Tell, Paris and Townhouse Studios, London. Digitally remastered by Gus Dudgeon. All songs written by Elton John & Bernie Taupin. Composer: Elton John. Personnel: Elton John (vocals, keyboards); Eric Clapton (vocals, guitar); Davey Johnstone (guitar, background vocals); David Gilmour, Adam Seymour (guitar); Guy Babylon (keyboards, programming); Mark Taylor (keyboards); Olle Romo (drums, percussion, programming); Beckie Bell, Janice Jamison, Kiki Dee, Nigel Olsson, Carole Fredericks (background vocals). Liner Note Author: Peter Manning Robinson. Recording information: Air Studios, London, England; Studio Guillaume Tell, Paris, France; Townhouse Studios, London, England. Photographer: Patrick Demarchelier. Elton John once claimed that he could remember The One among his latter-day albums because it was the first he recorded without drugs or alcohol. If true -- and there's no reason to doubt him -- that could be the reason why this has more character than most of his albums since the early '80s, holding together well in its deliberately measured, mature songcraft by Elton and Bernie Taupin. There's less gloss than on many of his late-'80s records, and John gives a fairly convincing performance throughout this set of pretty good songs. If there's any real problem, it's that the album just doesn't have many memorable songs. Though they're all reasonably melodic and well-crafted, none of the them have memorable musical or lyrical hooks and, if anything, Chris Thomas' production is too evenhanded. Still, even if it isn't memorable, it does represent a meaningful move forward, just because it does sound warmer and more considered than the records that immediately preceded it. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine This is something of a reunion album; after working apart for some time, Elton John and lyricist Bernie Taupin, the wordsmith behind John's biggest '70s hits, come together again. Also on board after a long hiatus are original Elton John Band members Davey Johnstone and Nigel Olsson. Even "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" duet partner Kiki Dee shows up, singing backing vocals on "When a Woman Doesn't Want You" and "Understanding Women" (seems to be a theme there). Highlights include the hit title song and the anti-Thatcher anti-'80s nostalgia piece "Sweat It Out," which includes the memorable line "She-devils were ruling Britain" and gives Elton the opportunity to stretch out with one of his best (and longest) piano solos ever. Elton John once claimed that he could remember The One among his latter-day albums because it was the first he recorded without drugs or alcohol. If true -- and there's no reason to doubt him -- that could be the reason why this has more character than most of his albums since the early '80s, holding together well in its deliberately measured, mature songcraft by Elton and Bernie Taupin. There's less gloss than on many of his late-'80s records, and John gives a fairly convincing performance throughout this set of pretty good songs. If there's any real problem, it's that the album just doesn't have many memorable songs. Though they're all reasonably melodic and well-crafted, none of the them have memorable musical or lyrical hooks and, if anything, Chris Thomas' production is too evenhanded. Still, even if it isn't memorable, it does represent a meaningful move forward, just because it does sound warmer and more considered than the records that immediately preceded it. [The 2001 German reissue contains two bonus tracks, "Suit of Wolves" and "Fat Boys and Ugly Girls."] ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Entertainment Weekly (7/17/92, p.57) - "..remarkably fresh.." - Rating: B

With his outrageous costumes and campy theatricality, the man formerly known as Reginald Dwight typified 1970s rock in all its excess, yet evaded fad-dom with an indomitable spirit, genial persona, and simple genius. From his beginnings as a sensitive singer and pianist through his ascent to superstardom, Elton John has enjoyed one of the longest and most successful careers in rock & roll. While a brief breakup with songwriting partner Bernie Taupin left some scars, John would rebound by the end of the '80s, remaining a constant on the pop charts, the definitive voice of musical eulogy with ever-evolving hit "Candle in the Wind," and a Broadway mover-and-shaker with long-running hits like LION KING, AIDA, and BILLY ELLIOT.

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