A Single Man

by Elton John

Overview

After a dozen albums with lyrical collaborator Bernie Taupin, A Single Man (1978) represents Elton John's first full-length release away from their decade-long partnership. John's initial intent was to complete work on a Taupin-era remnant that had been on the back burner, titled Ego. However, he found himself with some interesting melodies and eventually teamed up with former Vigrass & Osborne member Gary Osborne. Also contributing to this album's different approach is producer Gus Dudgeon -- who had worked with John as far back as his debut long-player, Empty Sky (1969). The infusion of new musical associates takes notable effect on songs such as the opener, "Shine on Through," which John had previously worked up during the Thom Bell Philly soul sessions that produced the hit "Mama Can't Buy You Love." (That version is available as one of three previously unissued sides on the Complete Thom Bell Sessions EP.) Among the other standouts are the gospel-tinged "Georgia," the lengthy blues-rocker "It Ain't Gonna Be Easy," and the ultra campy, if not lightweight, "Big Dipper." The single "Part-Time Love" only made a nominal chart impact despite its catchy and danceable melody. ~ Lindsay Planer

Product Details

Release Date:	09/02/2022
Label:	Emi Records / Mercury / Umc
UPC:	0602445961993
Rank:	50956

Tracks

1. Shine On Through
2. Return to Paradise
3. I Don't Care
4. Big Dipper
5. It Ain't Gonna Be Easy
6. Part-Time Love
7. Georgia
8. Shooting Star
9. Madness
10. Reverie
11. Song for Guy

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Elton John   Primary Artist,Organ,Piano,Vocals,Clavinet,Polymoog,Harmonium,Keyboards,Mellotron,Synthesizer Strings,Vocals (Background)
B.J. Cole   Guest Artist,Guitar,Guitar (Steel)
Ray Cooper   Guest Artist,Congas,Shaker,Timpani,Percussion,Rhythm Box,Tambourine,Vibraphone
Henry Lowther   Trumpet
Paul Buckmaster   Cello
Tim Renwick   Guitar,Mandolin,Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric)
Clive Franks   Bass,Vocals,Percussion
Gary Osborne   Vocals
Chris Thompson   Vocals,Vocals (Background)
Vicki Brown   Vocals
Davey Johnstone   Guitar,Vocals,Synthesizer,Vocals (Background)
Steve Holly   Horn,Drums
Herbie Flowers   Bass,Bass (Acoustic)
Patrick Halcox   Trumpet
Stevie Lange   Vocals,Vocals (Background)
John Crocker   Wind,Clarinet,Sax (Tenor),Fender Rhodes,Piano (Electric)
Joanne Stone   Vocals,Vocals (Background)
Jim Shepherd   Trombone

Technical Credits

Ray Cooper   Wind Chimes
John Tobler   Liner Editor
Clive Franks   Mixing,Engineer,Producer
Gary Osborne   Composer
Peter Mew   Engineer
Bernie Taupin   Composer
Stuart Epps   Mixing,Engineer
David Costa   Sleeve Design
Alex Foster   Coordination
Elton John   Composer,Producer
Ian Cooper   Mastering
Gus Dudgeon   Digital Remastering
Phil Dunne   Mixing,Engineer
Mike Gill   Supervising Producer
Joanne Stone   Arranger
Mike Storey   Graphic Design
Chris White   Liner Notes