Empty Sky – ELTON JOHN****

Empty Sky/Val-Hala/Western Ford Gateway/Hymn 2000/Lady What’s Tomorrow/Sails/The Scaffold/Skyline Pigeon/Gulliver-Its Hay Chewed-Reprise

Empty Sky was a solid debut album from singer songwriter Elton John who would become one of the mega-stars of the next decade. It only reached the charts after re-release in 1975. (US:6)

"With this album began the era of one of the most popular artists of our time. This album shows some signs of Elton's talent. The best song is without doubt Skyline Pigeon, which is today still one of his most beautiful songs. There are also some good rock songs, especially Western Ford Gateway and Sails while Empty Sky is too long, but still good. This album isn't one of his best, but it is for everyone who likes music of 60s and who is a big Elton fan like me."

"Solid first album from Elton. Most of the songs are pleasant to listen to and all of them are at least somewhat memorable. Lady What's Tomorrow stands out because of it's catchy hooks and simple song structure, but Skyline Pigeon and Empty Sky are also great songs. There's no absolute standout hits as the album is geared more to the singer/songwriter genre, so it might not please casual Elton John listeners, but fans should still enjoy this album."

"Empty Sky, Elton John's introductory 1969 release, briefly provides a glimpse forward to his signature piano based sound, which he would soon master over the course of his next two albums. The harpsichord featured here somewhat lightens the melancholy mood evident in many of the songs."

"It has still a couple great songs in it - Skyline Pigeon, which is a masterpiece and can be compared with Elton's later great ballads. Another one which is my special favourite is Val-Hala, a really nice song after the rocking beginning of the title track."

"It clearly shows his potential, and it's a good album that surprisingly doesn't sound too dated. The songwriting is not quite up to the standard of the next few years. The end track is just rubbish, who need a reprise of parts of all the tracks?"

"Elton was still trying to discover his sound, and there are places where blues, jazz, and even a bit of country flavour these songs. Indeed, it can be difficult to classify this album because the influences are broad."