Greatest Hits

Elton John has always fancied himself a big-theme album artist, but because even his finest albums are spotty, his best moments, with few exceptions, have been singles. Greatest Hits collects nine of them from '70 to '74, plus one of those exceptions, the stirring faux-gospel "Border Song." If you overlook the weightless "Crocodile Rock" and the contrived "Your Song," this album shows why John is a superstar, especially on the big ballads, where collaborator Bernie Taupin supplies some interesting lyrics for his impeccable melodic hooks. The ethereal "Rocket Man" is a marvel despite its goofy premise, and "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" remains the greatest pop moment of John's career. --David Cantwell

• Elton John's Greatest Hits, Vol. 2
• Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
• Greatest Hits, Vol. 3 (1979-1987)
• Rocket Man: Number Ones (Eco-Friendly Packaging)
• Elton John - Greatest Hits 1970-2002 (Limited Edtion+
• Elton John - Greatest Hits 1976-1986
• Billy Joel Greatest Hits, Vol. 1 & 2
• Diamonds [2 CD]
• Elton John: Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy
• Rocketman (Music From The Motion Picture)