I went through my Elton John (music) phase long before I heard this gem from his 1972 album, Honky Chateau. It’s a beautiful love song, dedicated to New York City. It features some of Elton’s best melody while lyricist Bernie Taupin adds some vivid, city-related imagery. Over the years, this has become my favorite Elton John song.
Listen to a song clip here.
Ah yes. This is the song currently being parodied on the new Snickers commercials. Mandy Moore did a nifty cover version of this as well.
FYI, Elton did “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters, Pt. 2″ on his underrated 1988 album, “Reg Strikes Back.” Actually, maybe it’s not underrated; it’s probably not very good at all when taken as a whole. But the harmony-laden closing track, “Since God Invented Girls,” is really lovely; it features Bruce Johnston and Carl Wilson on backing vocals, along with the great chorus, “Now I know what Brian Wilson meant / Every time I step outside / I see what heaven sent / There may be seven wonders / Created for this world / But one is all we need / Since God invented girls.” Okay, so it’s mildly ironic, given what team Elton plays for; the harmonies will make you swoon.
Actually, other than the occasional single, it’s tough for me to listen to anything after 1975’s Rock of the Westies. I really prefer his earlier stuff.
Honky Chateau is definitely my fave album of Elton’s. “Susie (Dramas)” is my favorite song of his, period.
I’ve honestly never heard that song. (Just heard it on iTunes, sounds good.) I keep meaning to go back and listen to all his stuff from the early ’70s, but something always comes up.