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Rating: The 1980s of Sir Elton John, not thrilling, quite the opposite (considering episodes like Ice on Fire and Leather Jackets), end on a high note, with a product that marks the artistic revival of the Author. The product in question is Sleeping with the Past, which manages to replicate the success of the previous Reg Strikes Back, a programmatic title that indeed represented a rebirth compared to the mediocre works of the mid-decade. The album was recorded in Denmark, at Puk Studios in Randers, and was dedicated to Bernie Taupin, as well as being a tribute to soul music and artists like Marvin Gaye and Otis Redding. These artists are mentioned in one of the best tracks of the album, Club at the End of the Street. In general, there is extensive use of electronics, in line with the 1980s pop music that was predominant. If Rock of the Westies was "the first cocaine album," according to Elton himself, Sleeping with the Past will be the last album to see Elton dependent on alcohol and drugs. In fact, in 1990, through drastic detoxification treatment, Elton freed himself from all dependencies. The most important track of the album, which achieved, not immediately, great success and the first position on the Official Singles Chart, was Sacrifice, which was coupled with Healing Hands. With this album, Elton celebrates 20 years since the worldwide success of Your Song and returns to the throne of international pop music. The sales results achieved were not seen since his bestselling album ever, the 1974 Greatest Hits. The album also became platinum, a privilege that had not been achieved by an album of the pianist since 1978, the year of A Single Man. The songs that have remained popular more than thirty years after the release include the already mentioned Sacrifice, Club at the End of the Street, Whispers, and Blue Avenue, but especially the title track, a perfect pop song that would bring luck to Our Guy in subsequent years. Sleeping with the Past earns 3 and a half stars: alongside Too Low for Zero, the highest achievement of the decade.
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
07 Sacrifice (05:08)
It's a human sign
When things go wrong
When the scent of her lingers
And temptation's strong
In to the boundary
Of each married man
Sweet deceit comes callin'
And negativity lands
Cold, cold heart
Hard done by you
Some things look better baby
Just passin' through
Chorus:
And it's no sacrifice
Just a simple word
It's two hearts living
In two separate worlds
But it's no sacrifice
No sacrifice
It's no sacrifice at all
Mutual misunderstanding
After the fact
Sensitivity builds a prison
In the final act
We lose direction
No stone unturned
No tears to damn you
When jealousy burns
Cold, cold heart
Hard done by you
Some things look better baby
Just passin' through
Repeat Chorus
Cold, cold heart
Hard done by you
Some things look better baby
Just passin' through
Repeat Chorus
No sacrifice at all (5x)
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