Elton John
The Diving Board

I now have the definitive proof, despite the saints and the moralists, the years have been kind to Elton John. The King of Pop lives and thrives, fortunately for all those who loved him, but especially for those who, forgiving him an infinity of hair-raising media situations and quite a few mediocre artistic attempts, still love him. Yes, despite everything, Elton John is still himself, you can call it a miracle if you believe in such things, for me, it's simply confirmation; when you truly become passionate about an artist, especially a fascinating and complex figure like Sir Reginald Dwight, you discover many interesting things, many details and facets that allow you to look well beyond the clichés and preset image given by the media. Elton John has never really been part of the star system, despite actually being part of it, well yes, there's no other explanation for the caricatural image many associate with him, his naivety in managing a cumbersome character. Elton John is not Sting, he is not Bono Vox, he is not Mick Jagger nor Keith Richards, fortunately, showbiz may have taken his public persona, often it has also taken his music, but in the end, Elton has managed to re-emerge as a true winner, a winner who has found his most precious treasure, his art.

After the wonderful "The Captain And The Kid", an album that, for the messages and retrospectives contained within, could easily have been interpreted as a farewell, after the fascinating experience of "The Union", born almost by chance, the flame in EJ reignites, he feels he can still give something, and thus "The Diving Board" is born. Elton and his piano, Bernie Taupin's lyrics, some "American-like" atmosphere inherited from "The Union", simplicity, depth, and good taste, and a voice that still sounds wonderful; sweet, warm, expressive, with that timbre recognizable among a thousand. Behind that made-up appearance, behind those round, smokey glasses, there are still two eyes that shine, there is a true Artist, there is a beautiful album. Songs piano and voice, the most classic of combinations, less elaborate than "The Captain And The Kid" but perfectly balanced, perfect, inspired by experience. "The Diving Board" is simply perfect, much more interesting, captivating, and successful than the mediocre and overrated "Peachtree Road", with which it nevertheless shares musicality, showing much higher levels of pathos and charisma. Elton John doesn't have to prove anything to anyone, he simply needs to be himself to be wonderful, to give life to songs that, together, convey a great sense of tranquility, a sense of comforting fulfillment and satisfaction, just slightly veiled by a touch of melancholy. All of this while transitioning through lighter moments and others a bit more troubled, with a hint of gospel, soul, and R'n'B, these are the ingredients for an album that is elegantly crafted to perfection, coherent in atmospheres and musicality, where several instant classics stand out, songs that are nothing different from what has already been heard in the past, but that demonstrate a wisdom rarely associated with the best qualities of EJ. The twilight serenity of the classic "Oceans Away", the straightforward liveliness of "Take This Dirty Water", gospel choruses and electric guitar phrases in a strong, beautiful, and bold melody like "A Town Called Jubilee", the unease and epic breath of episodes like "The Ballad Of Blind Tom" and "Oscar Wilde Gets Out", great examples of storytelling signed Bernie Taupin, and of course the unchanged charm of his inimitable ballads, "The New Fever Waltz", "Home Again", and "My Quicksand".

So yes, whether you like it or not, Elton John is still number one, history says it, emotions say it, so do his many mistakes and missteps. I like to think that after "The Big Picture" and especially the infamous "Candle In The Wind 1997", the lowest point of his artistic journey, someone said to him "What are you doing, you're better than this!", perhaps the Eltonian renaissance did not begin just like that, but in any case, it has given life to the artist that anyone who digs a bit beyond appearances and clichés has today the fortune to know. At this point, nothing can be taken for granted anymore, I don't believe that "The Diving Board" will be his swan song, but today it is a worthy conclusion for a melody genius as fragile as he is stubborn and unyielding, for the most beautiful and fascinating story in Pop. And so let the superficial detractors be silent, the youngsters and those who say "good the first albums but then no more", hush everyone, Elton John sings.