Music Review: Elton John-Rocket Man: Number Ones

Flamboyantly dressed pop master Elton John has released another compilation of his most prominent songs. A few problems aside, Rocket Man: Number Ones is a good collection of John's best loved hits. Why care about yet another Elton John anthology? Offering 17 songs, this album is more expansive than his 1974 Greatest Hits record, for example. It is not a complete collection, but a useful addition to a personal Elton John collection. Let's further examine the "why care" question.

John's skillful work features intelligent, often poetic lyrics and tasteful, understated instrumentation. Whether singing exuberantly or meditatively, his vocal talent is obvious. His style is rather distinctive. John is like Lapsang Sushong — striking flavor, but not everybody's cup of tea. If you're looking for screaming guitars, you won't find it here. I find the blatant '70s influence on his work unfortunate. I love smoky teas, but John left me craving George Thorogood.

The album spans more than two decades of John's distinguished career. From "Crocodile Rock" to "Tiny Dancer," many of John's best works are featured. Could this be the definitive Elton John collection? Not likely, as clear shortcomings are part of the package. The chief flaw is perhaps a special recording of "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me." This is a lackluster live version, glaringly marred by guest vocalist George Michael and repetitive cheers from fans. I found this to be an asinine bastardization of a once respectable song. In addition, "Honky Cat" was omitted from this CD.

Avid fans may jump on this album and for good reason. Nevertheless, I don't see it as a slam-dunk. For moderate fans who already have John's Greatest Hits album, I see no reason to consider paying for this one. Besides, one cannot ignore the George Michael blunder. This collection is large, but not entirely complete and clearly not immaculate. I find that one or two songs can make a significant difference in an album's worth. This one is strictly for big fans and people who collect CDs compulsively.

It is a large collection. Like a cheap pork chop, there is fat to be trimmed. With 17 songs, the buyer will surely like more than a couple. Other songs will inspire one to depress the "skip" button. The album's breadth is pro as well as con. Even so, Rocket Man-Number Ones is a good buy for the Elton John fan who wants more.