Elton John
Jump Up!

THE REVIEW

Jump up, Sleeping with the past, Duets, Aida, The Union. These are the 5 titles missing on the Debasio of Elton John's 33 studio albums. And so, after completing the Opera Omnia of Pooh, I am preparing to fill the gaps in Reginald from Pinner's discography as well. Let's start with this Jump up! from 1982, produced by Chris Thomas and recorded at Air Studios in Montserrat, as well as Pathe Marconi Studios in Paris. The lineup accompanying Elton consisted of Jeff Porcaro on drums, the late Dee Murray on bass, James Newton Howard on keyboards, and Richie Zito on guitars. In the song Ball and chain, the guest star guitarist is Pete Townshend, honoring the bond with Elton established in 1975 with the musical Tommy. Ten songs for a good-level album, but according to critics and the public, the product is below both 21 at 33 and The Fox. In simple terms, Elton's golden years here are already far, to excuse the pun, light years away. Among the songs that have remained in the collective memory, certainly Blue Eyes, curiously written not by trusty Bernie Taupin but by Gary Osborne, stands out. A simple but effective song, alongside Little Jeannie among the great successes of the odd couple formed by Elton and Gary. The other track that has withstood the test of time is the moving Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny), dedicated to John Lennon two years after his passing. Among the others, Legal Boys is noteworthy, the first song where Elton utilizes the collaboration of Tim Rice, who would later write both the soundtrack for The Lion King and Aida. Five singles were released: besides Blue Eyes and Empty Garden, Ball and chain, Princess, and All quiet on the western front were also proposed. The final result is a 3 stars on the rise. A product not among Elton's best, but still a good sign, as with the subsequent Too Low For Zero, Elton would not only return to stable commercial success but also to a stable partnership with Bernie.