Wonderful Crazy Night
Elton John
(Island)
Three stars
Elton John puts some pep in his pop on Wonderful Crazy Night, a more upbeat, natural-sounding album than his other recent efforts.
Driven by distinctive piano riffs and benefiting from the energy provided by the return of longtime drummer Nigel Olsson and guitarist Davey Johnstone, the 10 tracks, including lead single, Looking Up, shine without gimmicks.
Lyricist Bernie Taupin and percussionist Ray Cooper also lend their talents to Elton’s 33rd studio album, the third in a row produced by enigmatic Svengali T Bone Burnett.
While Elton and Taupin have collaborated on autobiographical albums and songs in the past, they don’t seem to be revealing too much this time around.
Taupin's images are more worldly, but no less fervent — such as the title track's "ice cubes on the back of your neck" or "you're an open chord I'm gonna play all day". A Good Heart or Blue Wonderful could fit on Elton's albums from decades ago, boosted now by a freshness in his voice he didn't always have back then.
Wonderful Crazy Night may not be as colourful as its cover, but it's a lively, classy effort.
