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Rating:
It seems that, willingly or not, I almost always find myself writing about the derelicts of pop music. It must be some mental distortion of mine that turns me, in the role of reviewer, into a kind of philanthropist for artists who are decayed or in decline. In this specific case, Elton John is almost a fallen star.
Yet, at the time of this album's release (1992), he had just risen from his troubles with health, alcohol, and cocaine. Just a few years earlier, in 1988, he had released the vastly underrated "Reg Strikes Back," which for me was a sort of soundtrack to my early adolescence. Just enough time to rise again, and the decline began for Elton, relentless, up until the latest insubstantial albums and concerts. But "The One" remains an album worth listening to, to understand how great his talent was.
The album was carried by the enormous success of the title track, a romantic ride that remains among the best pieces the artist has ever written. Nevertheless, the work presents several interesting aspects, starting with the faithful Taupin on lyrics, in one of his last decently substantial trials.
"Runaway Train" is a convincing crescendo track written and sung with none other than Eric Clapton, who is, of course, also present on the electric guitar. In the dark "Understanding Woman" we even find David Gilmour, probably in a trial phase for the recording of "The Division Bell": a cameo that didn't fully succeed, but is still of great class.
The album actually benefits from the contribution of a remarkable array of expert instrumentalists, including Pino Palladino on bass and Olle Romo on drums, therefore even the weaker tracks are always of good quality. However, Elton John's writing ability goes beyond the hit single and prestigious collaborations: listen to "When A Woman Doesn't Want You" and you'll understand why this Englishman is considered one of the greatest pop authors on the planet. Similarly, even easier tracks like "On Dark Street" and "Whitewash County" are compositions that, in a period like this, lacking in strictly pop musical insights, would delight any record label.
In conclusion, although the years of the Lion King and Princess Diana are very close, this album is a mature proof that presents us with an Elton John in top form, still capable of inspiring and writing memorable songs. My advice, beyond personal taste, is not to forget the great artists and, given the prices of CDs, to search through the offer shelves for truly beautiful things. "The One," if you search well, is definitely among them.
Tracklist Lyrics and Samples
03 Sweat It Out (06:38)
Music by Elton John
Lyrics by Bernie Taupin
No ceiling on hard living
Peace keepers keep on breathing
Can't deny eye for eye
It's open season.
Dictate to my reason
She devils ruling Britain
Hey girl stick it in your purse
Call it treason.
Band aids on dead doorways
No heroes in the Bat Cave
Don't give me Tears For Fears
Give me tears of rage.
Fires burn with black smoke
Oil slicks put us on the ropes
Man it's hard to handle
When the bank's broke
Don't kow-tow, don't bow down
Loosen up, get the lead out
Backs up let them shout
Backs up sweat it out
When your back's up
Sweat it out
Backs up
Sweat it out....
Hope froze in the cold weather
No ice on a greasy river
Liberty and John Doe
Stand and Shiver.
War waits when the lines form
The baby sitter in a uniform
Knocking down your door
For your rice and corn.
No ceiling on hard living
Peace keepers keep on breathing
Can't deny eye for eye
It's open season.
Dictate to my reason
She devils ruling Britain
Hey girl stick it in your purse
Call it treason.
But don't kow-tow, don't bow down
Loosen up, get the lead out
Backs up let them shout
Backs up sweat it out
When your back's up
Sweat it out
Backs up
Sweat it out....
But don't kow-tow, don't bow down
Loosen up, get the lead out
Backs up let them shout
Backs up sweat it out
When your back's up
Sweat it out
Backs up
Sweat it out....
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