Elton John, one of the most respected musicians worldwide, introduced his music to the world in 1969 with his first album “Empty Sky”. It marked the beginning of a pop star, selling over three million copies worldwide.
This successful start laid the foundation for subsequent legendary albums, solidifying him as a prominent figure in music.
This album does justice to his tremendous talent, as his singing and piano-playing style had not been seen in this way before. Elton John’s childhood of hardship was compensated by the success he would achieve over the years.
What can we listen to?
10 very well-composed and arranged songs, unquestionably a debut that spared no expense on production despite being an emerging artist at that time. Although the album consists of ballads, it is intriguing how the instrumentation in each song changes, while always maintaining the piano as the foundation, perfectly executed by the master Elton John.
It can be inferred that the record label wanted to position Elton John as a rock artist; hence, we frequently hear guitars, bass, and drums belonging to that genre, including guitar riffs as in “Sails”. However, pop predominates in the work-a very good pop. Continuing with the arrangement theme, instruments like the harpsichord in “Val-Hala”, organs in “Western Ford Gateway”, wind instruments in “Hymn 2000”, among others, make the work varied and enjoyable to listen to, as each song has something special.
The guitars in this work are highly appreciated as they sound very much of their time, when Rock was at its peak. The guitars complement the songs with arrangements that clearly indicate the year this work was recorded, for example, the sudden small solos in “The Scaffold” or in “Gulliver/It’s Hay Chewed”, something very reminiscent of the seventies style.
A piano genius
“Empty Sky” showcases Elton John’s brilliance with his instrument. It exemplifies a classical musician breaking free and starting to experiment with other genres. Elton stands out in proposing and arranging the chords; his talent lies mostly in his unconventional phrasing and arranging these melodies with his piano. We can even hear passages of Jazz and Rock N’ Roll in “Gulliver/It’s Hay Chewed”, which is truly complex.
The album shines on its own due to the talent imprinted within it. However, as previously mentioned, the variety in instrumentation makes it dynamic. Elton John doesn’t confine himself to just playing the piano; at times, we hear him with a Rhodes keyboard or an organ. This also speaks volumes about his ability to produce his own songs and propose new sounds.
Influential sound for contemporary pop
We firmly believe that there are two personalities who laid the roots for pop music: first, Paul McCartney, and second, Elton John, who was also influenced by The Beatles, hence his name. He chose to be called ‘John’ in inspiration and tribute to the late John Lennon.
Beyond whether the work is good or bad (as everyone has their own viewpoint), this album is enjoyable to listen to as it takes us back to a time when Elton John was nobody but a young British man with incredible talent and a strong desire to succeed.
What do you think of this album? Leave us your comments!
