Diamond Moments: Elton and Bernie in the 1980s

We offer our 2nd Diamond Moment to celebrate the November 10th release of Elton’s ultimate greatest hits collection, ‘Diamonds’.

Pre-order “Diamonds” in the store now.

Six of Elton and Bernie’s singles from the decade can be found on the upcoming ‘Diamonds’ greatest hits collection, with an additional two available on the Deluxe version:

★  I’m Still Standing (1983) – One of Elton’s most popular up-tempo numbers. Reaching #4 on the UK singles chart, this track, and its host album Too Low For Zero, reunited his classic 1970s band of Dee Murray (bass), Davey Johnstone (guitar) and Nigel Olsson (drums).

★  I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues (1983) – This concert favourite was a Top 5 single in both the US and UK and, thanks to an idea by producer Chris Thomas, features Stevie Wonder on harmonica.

★  Sad Songs (Say So Much) (1984) –  Elton intentionally composed music that offset Bernie’s “ballad” lyrics on this first single from Breaking Hearts, which reached the Top 5 on eight charts worldwide, including #1 on Canadian Adult Contemporary.

★  Nikita (1985) – One of Elton’s more popular songs across the globe and one of two from Ice On Fire to feature George Michael on vocals. The distinctive fretless bass line on this song is by David Paton of the band Pilot.

★  I Don’t Wanna Go On With You Like That (1988) – Reaching #1 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart this song became Elton’s biggest US hit of the 1980s and featured one of his more extended piano solos on a single.

★  Sacrifice (1989) – Released as a single twice in the UK and, lyrically, a virtual bookend to 1970’s Your Song, this ballad from Sleeping With The Past became Elton’s first solo #1 single in his home country in June 1990.

★  Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny) (1982) – Evoking Elton’s November 1974 concert at New York City’s Madison Square Garden, at which John Lennon played three songs, Bernie’s lyric gave his songwriting partner the words he had been looking for to pay tribute to the slain Beatle.

★  Kiss The Bride (1983) – The third single from Too Low For Zero, featured a video directed by Kevin Godley and Lol Creme, members of the 1970s band 10cc, whose 1975 hit I’m Not In Love was a particular favourite of Elton’s.