Elton John One Night Only CD

The President of Pop has a history of highly esteemed live albums, from the bare-bones 11-17-70 to the far more elaborate LIVE IN AUSTRALIA with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. So ONE NIGHT ONLY, drawn from a two-night stand at New York's famed Madison Square Garden, has a lot to live up to.

Fortunately for Sir Elton's fans, the album does not disappoint. The track list reads like a greatest hits package, including highlights from various phases of Elton's career. It doesn't hurt matters that the singer decided to breathe new life into chestnuts through the addition of some hotshot guest artists. R&B diva Mary J. Blige adds soul to "I Guess That's Why They Call it the Blues," and old pal Kiki Dee reprises her role as Elton's duet partner on the '70s hit "I've Got the Music in Me." The elder statesman of pop comports himself with both dignity and unbounded enthusiasm throughout this energetic live recording.

It's hard to imagine the wondrous spectacles that were Elton John shows in the `70s. Decked out in the kind of campy dress that would make a drag queen call the fashion police, Elton pranced and danced across the stage like he owned it -- because he did. But, alas, the `80s and a monstrous coke habit came calling, and when they left John was never the same performer or singer again. What was once fun and camp somehow became tacky and the singer seemed hopelessly out of it. This CD, taken from a sold out weekend stand at Madison Square Garden in October 2000, is his bid to capture that old live magic for the younger types who missed it the first time around. Through the course of 17 tracks the artist huffs, puffs, wheezes, sputters, and does everything in his power to find that once unbridled energy. Does he? No, not really. But he does play nearly every major hit he's had in the process which, when you realize how many there are and how good they are, is one hell of a consolation prize. The cover, which depicts John decked in a white suit and surrounded by bananas and the like, doesn't do much to nix the tacky tag, but the music is, thankfully, better than its packaging. He also pulls several rabbits out of his hat in the form of Bryan Adams (who guests on "Sad Songs"), Mary J. Blige (who duets on "I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues"), and, most amazingly, Kiki Dee, who rips into "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" in a way that Rupaul could only dream of. No, he hasn't recaptured that `70s magic, but the melodies are still great and you'll still know every word. [The Australian release includes two bonus tracks: "Daniel" and "The Bitch Is Back."] ~ Steve Kurutz

Recorded live at Madison Square Garden, New York, New York on October 20 & 21, 2000 and Right Track Studios, New York, New York. Includes liner notes by John Tobler.

Live Recording

Personnel: Elton John (vocals, piano, keyboards); Davey Johnstone, John Jorgenson (vocals, guitar); Nigel Olsson (vocals, drums, percussion); John Mahon (vocals, percussion); Bob Birch (vocals); Guy Babylon (keyboards); Curt Bisquera (drums); Ken Stacey, Billy Trudell (background vocals).

Audio Mixers: Andrew Felluss; Ryan Smith ; Jason Stasium.

Recording information: Madison Square Gardens, New York, NY (10/20/2000-10/21/2000); Madison Square Gardens, NY (10/20/2000-10/21/2000).

Directors: Keith Bradley; Bob Halley.

Publisher: Jim Doyle.

Personnel: Elton John (vocals, piano); Bryan Adams, Anastacia, Mary J. Blige, Ronan Keating, Kiki Dee (vocals); Davey Johnstone, John Jorgenson (guitar, background vocals); Guy Babylon (keyboards); Bob Birch (bass, background vocals); Nigel Olsson (drums, percussion, background vocals); John Mahon (percussion, background vocals); Ken Stacey, Billy Trudel (background vocals).

NME (Magazine) (12/9/00, p.45) - 6 out of 10 - "...24-carat gold winners....you can't really complain....Buy this for an elderly relative and make them happy..."