The 10 Best Elton John Songs of All Time

It’s hard to find a performer who is more iconic than Elton John. The British singer, together with lyricist Bernie Taupin, took over the music world in the 1970s, and remained atop ever since. Together the collaborators sold over 300 million albums worldwide, making them one of the most successful songwriting partners of all time. To celebrate Elton John’s rich repertoire, I’ve handpicked his 10 ‘best’ songs, based on cultural impact, and personal preference. Let’s dive into it!

10. I’m Still Standing

I start this list with Elton’s 80s comeback hit “I’m Still Standing”. Bernie Taupin wrote the lyrics of the song as a “kiss-off to an old girlfriend”, although many people perceive the song to be about Elton’s perseverance in the face of adversity. The song was released with a vibrant music video, which is arguably more iconic than the song itself.

Read more: The Story Behind “I’m Still Standing” by Elton John

9. Bennie and the Jets

While we are all massive Elton John fans, Elton and Taupin themselves admire the fictional sci-fi group “Bennie and the Jets”. At least, that’s what the song makes us believe. In reality, Taupin wrote the lyrics to mock the music scene of the 1970s. Whether the fictional group is to admire or to mock, the song is amazing.

8. Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me

Elton John released “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” on his eighth studio album Caribou (1974). The initial release had commercial success, but the song only rose to great heights once a duet with George Michael was released in 1991. I find both the album version and the George Michael version beautiful, but I’ve decided to go with the album version, because I feel it’s underrated.

7. Candle in the Wind (Original)

For number 7 I’ve picked “Candle in the Wind”. The song is known for honoring the legacy of two iconic women: Marilyn Monroe (original), and Princess Diana (1997 version). Although Elton’s performance at Diana’s funeral was beyond impressive, and the single became one of the best-selling singles of all time, I personally prefer the original version over the 1997 version.

Read more: The Story Behind “Candle in the Wind” by Elton John

6. Levon

“Levon” was released as the first US single on Elton John’s fourth studio album Madman Across the Water (1971). The song, just like the album’s second single “Tiny Dancer”, knew little commercial success. But over the years, luckily, both songs gained the recognition they deserve.

5. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

We’re reaching a point where any song left on this list could’ve been number 1, starting with “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”. Taupin wrote the lyrics about leaving the glamourous rockstar life, and going back to a simpler life. The song was released on the album with the same name, which many consider to be Elton’s masterpiece.

4. Funeral for a Friend / Love Lies Bleeding

“Funeral for a Friend / Love Lies Bleeding” is an absolute fan favorite, and rightfully so! The spectacular song is over 11 minutes long, and is a medley of two separate songs. The song opens “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” and is surely one of the greatest opening tracks of all time.

3. Your Song

When John Lennon calls your song “the first new thing that’s happened since The Beatles happened” you know you’ve written a good song. And although Bernie Taupin later called the lyrics ‘naive’ and ‘innocent’, it’s indisputable “Your Song” is one of the most beautiful songs ever written.

Read more: The Story Behind “Your Song” by Elton John

2. Tiny Dancer

For number 2 I’ve picked yet another fan favorite: “Tiny Dancer”. Taupin wrote the song about a blue-jean-wearing lady from LA, which refers to his first girlfriend Maxine Feibelman. Both Taupin and Elton confirmed this in the 70s, although both later changed their minds and said the song was about the ‘spirit of LA’. Whatever the song’s origin is, “Tiny Dancer” is undoubtedly one of Elton’s finest tracks. But it is something to think about while waiting for the song’s never-arriving chorus.

Read more: The Story Behind “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John

1. Rocket Man

If a song becomes your nickname, the name of your record label, and the name of your biopic, it has to be your best song. “Rocket man’s” lyrics were inspired by a short story ‘The Rocket Man’ by Ray Bradbury. They discuss the life of an ‘ordinary astronaut’ who isn’t as ‘godly’ as the crowd perceives him to be.

I don’t want to make a dad joke but… This song is out of this world! And ranks number 1 on my list of best Elton John songs.

So, that wraps up this list of the ‘best’ Elton John Songs! I surely forgot to mention some of your favorite songs. What are they? What songs would you include? What’s your personal top 10? Please let me know in the comments down below!