When a singer/songwriter sells over 200 million records in a career which spans nearly four decades, it’s appropriate to call him a legend.
For Elton John’s latest release The Captain and the Kid, the legend has a new story to tell. John collaborates with his usual songwriting partner, the talented lyricist Bernie Taupin. The duo serves to relay John’s (the captain) and Taupin’s (the kid) musical journey as they worked and traveled together. It’s designed to be a throwback to the cinematic ’60s and ’70s style rock ‘n’ roll John is famous for.
A great Elton John record is marked by the following: versatile instrumentation with the piano as the staple; personal, intimate lyrics; emotional vocals – all featured on a mix of deep ballads and catchy pop tunes. The Captain and the Kid provides all of this. The album is John’s version of comfort food: It’s familiar and filling.
The opening song, “Post Cards from Richard Nixon,” is filled with John’s funky piano melodies and tongue-and-cheek lyrics which describe John and Taupin’s initial culture shock when moving to Los Angeles.
There’s a great contrast between a bouncy melody and lyrics that criticize the way the government manipulates the American people. John thoughtfully sings Taupin’s perceptive words as if they were his own: “In open arms we put our trust/They put us on a big red bus/Twin spirits soaking up a dream/Fuel to feed the press machine/After years that were long and lean/We’re finally on our way.”
John continues assembling his finger-snapping sounds with the ’50s rock piano styling featured on “Just Like Noah’s Ark.” The way John tickles the ivory is reminiscent of Jerry Lee Lewis. His voice is soulful, and the song is equipped with bridges that showcase John’s talent for musical arrangement and production.
The fifth track, “And the House Fell Down,” is a song that could easily be featured on Broadway. It certifies John’s status as a fantastic performer with a stage-ready vocal range. The upbeat song references John’s dark days as a drug addict. Just another example of John and Taupin cleverly contrasting music to lyrics to stimulate the ears and mind.
The Captain and the Kid‘s first single, “The Bridge” is a classic John piano ballad. It’s a coming of age story about leaving one’s comfort zone. The words are soul-penetrating: “And every one of us has to face that day/Do you cross the bridge or do you fade away?/And every one of us that ever came to play/Has to cross the bridge or fade away.”
Other standout cuts on The Captain and the Kid include “Wouldn’t Have You Any Other Way” and “Tinderbox.” Both of these are key reasons the album is a solid effort. “Wouldn’t Have You Any Other Way” is John’s sentimental tribute to New York City. “Tinderbox” has a beautiful harmonic chorus, well-constructed guitar rhythms and intimate lyrics that chronicle the struggles and conflicts between Taupin and John while dealing with their mutual success.
Despite delivering a musical feast throughout the bulk of the album, there are songs in which John falters.
The title track is rather weak musically because it is a cliche ballad. It is tedious and boring to listen to. “Blues Never Fade Away” is also the typical ballad with a repetitive sound. But luckily, wherever John lacks, Taupin is right there to pick up the slack.
Although these songs have mundane melodies and instrumentation, the lyrics are stimulating. “The Captain and the Kid” elaborates on John and Taupin’s long relationship, and “Blues Never Fade Away” questions existence while paying homage to the victims of AIDS.
The Captain and the Kid is your standard Elton John record. Luckily for his fans, John’s standards are extremely high. Though he experiments little, The Captain and the Kid is a strong album that should satisfy any Elton cravings.
Contact reporter Alex Rush diversions@dbk.umd.edu.
