Elton John & Leon Russell
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This bluesy album itself sounds very much like it was a labour of love, with both artists taking equal billing
Elton has recently stated that he can no longer compete with today’s crop of artists, and the exposure they get on shows like X Factor. He claims he’ll never go down the route of issuing singles off of albums in the hope of beating Lady Gaga or JLS to the top spot. It’s a wise decision, especially if it means we can get more albums from Elton of the quality of ‘The Union’.
This isn’t just an Elton album though. He’s recorded this collection of 14 songs with someone he toured with 40 years ago, a man whom he thought never quite got the accolades he deserved. That man is Leon Russell, and with this album it’s hoped that he can finally be recognised for his unique talent.
This bluesy album itself sounds very much like it was a labour of love, with both artists taking equal billing. For me I enjoyed the up-tempo songs the most – tracks like Jimmie Rodger’s Dream and Hearts Should Have Turned To Stone are highlights.
On the ballads Leon sounds uncannily like Willie Nelson in places especially on Best Part Of The Day, Never Too Old and Hands Of Angels.
Elton says he wants Leon Russell’s name on everyone’s lips again and hopes he makes it into the Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall Of Fame. On the strength on this album alone I’d say he deserves to be, but perhaps the best justice you can do to an old bluesman like Leon is to go and re-discover what he was doing all those years ago. That really would mean Elton’s attempts at getting him noticed in 2011 have succeeded.
