Elton John
21 at 33

THE REVIEW

With a contract that obliges you to release at least two LPs a year, it's very easy to get lost in a career that sadly leans towards safe limbos characterized by repeated clichés.

That's what will happen to Elton John for most of the '80s and which is already foreshadowed in some of his somewhat bland works from the '70s. The '80s, which will be lost in the horrible "Ice On Fire" ('85) and "Leather Jackets" ('86), begin with one of the albums with certainly the most curious titles, "21 at 33". The title references the number of LPs released up to that point, twenty-one, and the age of the composer, thirty-three, and it is one of John's most balanced works. Decidedly pleasant and easy to listen to, "21 at 33" immediately becomes enjoyable for some tracks of definite impact that enhance its overall vigor, opening with the brilliant "Chasing The Crown", which is the right start with lively and danceable tones. "Little Jeanie" is the somewhat sugary ballad that almost never disappoints, especially the ending fascinates with the intervention of female backing vocals weaving a delicate sound tapestry. The most impactful track is the magnificent "Sartorial Eloquence" which earns a deserved place among the best songs by the British artist; "Two Rooms at The End Of The World" and "White Lady White Powder" are two other delightful and playful pieces. The rest of the LP remains on enjoyable paths as demonstrated by the intense "Dear God".

Recorded in Nice with a large number of musicians and with lyrics by Taupin and Osborne, "21 at 33" eventually does not disappoint, and Elton John demonstrates that he can open the new decade with a good work capable of anticipating future productions, perhaps with even greater artistic depth. With the subsequent "The Fox" ('81), Elton John will stay on the same level as "21 at 33"; with "Jump Up" ('82), he will create a well-sold but almost uninteresting product, and with the release of "Too Low For Zero" ('83), he will become appreciable again, then the traumatic and at times decidedly embarrassing collapse.