10 Best Elton John Songs From The 1980s

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Our 10 Best Elton John Songs from the 1980s article takes a look at the second decade of Elton John’s musical career. For many hardcore Elton John fans who grew up in the seventies, this era didn’t seem to have the same artistic impact as the phenomenal run from 1970 to 1976. However, the body of work he released in the 1980s is still special. Elton John released nine studio albums during that time, and most songwriters would give anything just to have one of those albums to their name.

So, in no way is this a putdown of any of the material he released in the 1980s. Being honest, though, if you were an Elton John fan who grew up with albums like Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Don’t Shoot Me, I’m Only the Piano Player, Honky Château, Caribou, and of course Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy, comparing those albums to Breaking Hearts or Ice on Fire—there’s really no comparison.

Nonetheless, this article is not about the ’70s; it’s about what Elton released in the ’80s, and in the end, there’s still a lot of great material to pick from. Since we assume that there will always be hardcore fans reading these articles, as well as people who may not know much about a particular artist’s career, we tried to balance the hits with some deep tracks, and that’s what we did here. We’d love to hear from you: what are your favorite songs from Elton John’s 1980s catalog?

# 10 – White Lady White Powder – 21 At 33

As the first song on our list of the 10 Best Elton John Songs from the 1980s, “White Lady White Powder” from 21 at 33 sets a powerful tone, exploring the dark and dangerous allure of addiction. Co-written with Bernie Taupin, the song offers a raw and honest portrayal of cocaine use, reflecting the darker side of the excesses of fame in the music industry. Released in 1980, 21 at 33 marked a return to form for John, with contributions from former band members Dee Murray and Nigel Olsson, along with collaborations with members of Toto and the Eagles. The song was recorded at Super Bear Studios in Nice, France, adding to its polished, yet emotionally charged sound.

Lyrically, “White Lady White Powder” presents a stark commentary on drug addiction, particularly the grip that cocaine had on the lives of many artists at the time. The lyrics describe a descent into addiction, with phrases like “I’m in love with a wild white lady” serving as both a metaphor and a direct reference to cocaine. The lines “I’ve scraped too much of nothing from your plastic bag” and “High-priced madness pays the tab” paint a vivid picture of the destructive relationship the protagonist has with the drug, giving the listener a glimpse into the toll addiction takes on both the body and mind. The chorus’ refrain, “White powder, white lady, you’re one and the same,” captures the entanglement of allure and destruction.

Musically, the track is driven by a catchy, mid-tempo rock groove, layered with Elton John’s signature piano and punctuated by a powerful horn section. The arrangement complements the theme of excess, drawing listeners in with a deceptively upbeat melody that contrasts with the somber lyrical content. The production, overseen by John and Clive Franks, captures the tension between glamour and despair, making the song a haunting commentary on the cost of indulgence. “White Lady White Powder” stands as a bold opener for this list, offering a candid reflection on the era’s complex relationship with fame, addiction, and self-destruction.

# 9 – Chloe – The Fox

The song “Chloe” from The Fox, the fifteenth studio album by Elton John, is a lush, poignant ballad co-written by John and lyricist Gary Osborne. Released in 1981, The Fox marked an important point in John’s career, being produced by John, Clive Franks, and for the first time, Chris Thomas, who would go on to work with John throughout the 1980s and 1990s. While The Fox didn’t achieve the commercial success of some of his earlier albums, “Chloe” became a standout, especially on the Adult Contemporary charts, where it reached number 16.

“Chloe” paints a picture of unconditional love, vulnerability, and dependency. The lyrics tell the story of a protagonist who is deeply indebted to the titular Chloe for her emotional resilience and forgiveness. Phrases like, “How come you’re so understanding when I tell you all my lies” and “Taking all the pain I give you, loving blindly in return” emphasize the flaws of the protagonist and the selflessness of Chloe. The repeated questioning, “What you gonna do about me?” echoes a fear of abandonment while expressing deep gratitude for Chloe’s unwavering support.

Musically, the song is emblematic of John’s balladic style, with its flowing piano lines, emotive string arrangements, and subtle orchestration, creating a reflective and introspective mood. The song’s production, handled by Chris Thomas and John, captures a richness that elevates its heartfelt message. The Fox as a whole is an underappreciated album in Elton John’s vast catalog, but “Chloe” stands out as one of the more memorable tracks, making it worthy of inclusion in this list of the best Elton John songs from the 1980s.

# 8 – Wrap Her Up – Ice On Fire

“Wrap Her Up” is a high-energy track from Ice on Fire, Elton John’s 1985 album, and it features guest vocals from George Michael, making for a powerful collaboration. Produced by Gus Dudgeon, the song features an extensive lineup of musicians, including Elton’s longtime guitarist Davey Johnstone and keyboardist Fred Mandel, alongside a brass section led by Phil Todd. James Newton Howard contributed the lush string arrangements, while Kiki Dee and Katie Kissoon added their voices to the backing harmonies. Despite its lively feel and star-studded production, the song didn’t achieve massive success, though it performed decently on international charts, peaking at number 12 in the UK and number 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

Lyrically, “Wrap Her Up” is playful and celebratory, with Elton John and George Michael delivering lines that compare women to treasures. The recurring refrain of “Wrap her up, I’ll take her home with me” is a cheeky metaphor for admiration and desire, fitting the light-hearted and flamboyant vibe of the song. The lyrics mention iconic female figures, from Mona Lisa to English roses, adding a sense of glamour and extravagance to the narrative. This song offers a fun, irreverent take on infatuation, a marked contrast to the deeper emotional content often found in Elton’s earlier ballads.

Musically, “Wrap Her Up” has an upbeat pop-rock rhythm, with a driving beat and a catchy hook that shows the song’s 80s pop influence. The interplay between John and Michael’s vocals adds an extra layer of excitement and charm, and the brass arrangements give the song a dynamic punch. While Ice on Fire didn’t achieve the same level of success as some of Elton’s previous albums, “Wrap Her Up” stands out as a memorable moment of collaboration and an example of the more playful side of Elton John’s 1980s work.

# 7 – I’m Still Standing – Too Low For Zero

“I’m Still Standing,” from Elton John’s 1983 album Too Low for Zero, is one of the defining songs of Elton’s career in the 1980s. Written by John and his longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin, this track is an anthem of resilience and personal triumph, marking a return to form for Elton both musically and commercially. Released as the lead single in North America and the second single in the UK, the song was propelled to success with the help of its vibrant, MTV-promoted music video, directed by Russell Mulcahy and filmed in Cannes and Nice, France. The video’s upbeat visuals perfectly matched the song’s message of overcoming adversity.

Musically, “I’m Still Standing” is an energetic pop-rock number with catchy hooks and an infectious beat, bolstered by Elton’s piano-driven melody and punchy rhythm section. The song reached No. 1 in Canada and Switzerland, No. 4 in the UK, and No. 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100, solidifying its place as a worldwide hit. The Too Low for Zero album was a key moment in Elton’s 1980s resurgence, featuring his classic band lineup, including Davey Johnstone on guitar and Dee Murray on bass, and was notable for reuniting Elton with Taupin for the entire album.

Lyrically, the song reflects themes of perseverance and strength, with the narrator defiantly standing tall after a tumultuous experience. Lines like “I’m still standing better than I ever did, looking like a true survivor” convey a sense of self-empowerment and recovery, making it a relatable anthem for anyone who’s overcome challenges. With its upbeat tempo and message of endurance, “I’m Still Standing” continues to resonate with audiences as a celebration of personal resilience. It stands as a triumphant declaration in Elton John’s discography and has become a staple of his live performances, cementing its place as one of his most iconic tracks from the 1980s.

# 6 – Sad Songs – Breaking Hearts

“Sad Songs (Say So Much)” is the closing track from Elton John’s Breaking Hearts album, released in 1984. Written by John and Bernie Taupin, this song became an anthem for anyone seeking solace in music during hard times. Its relatable theme of finding comfort in sad songs resonated with listeners, helping it reach No. 7 in the UK and No. 5 in the US. This hit was also a staple on the charts in several other countries, further solidifying its global appeal.

Musically, the song blends Elton John’s signature piano with synthesizers, creating a soft rock sound that was well-suited for the mid-1980s radio landscape. The track is enhanced by a strong rhythm section featuring Davey Johnstone on guitar and Dee Murray on bass, both long-time collaborators. The subtle but effective string and horn arrangements added to the song’s emotional depth, courtesy of James Newton Howard. The song’s production was a reflection of the smooth, polished sound John had embraced during the decade.

Lyrically, “Sad Songs (Say So Much)” reflects on the universal human experience of pain and heartbreak, suggesting that listening to melancholic music can help in difficult times. The chorus, “Turn on those sad songs, when all hope is gone,” strikes a chord with anyone who has turned to music for comfort. The song captures a bittersweet feeling, acknowledging the hurt but also the healing power of music, making it a timeless anthem for emotional resilience. This heartfelt connection between music and emotion underscores the song’s enduring success as one of Elton John’s finest tracks of the 1980s.

# 5 – Little Jeanie – 21 at 33

“Little Jeannie,” the standout track from Elton John’s 21 at 33, is a tender ballad that showcases John’s songwriting partnership with Gary Osborne. Released in 1980, the song became one of Elton John’s biggest hits in the United States, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching No. 1 on the US Adult Contemporary chart. Despite its huge success in the US, it performed modestly in the UK, peaking at No. 33. The song’s smooth blend of pop and soft rock, combined with a saxophone-infused melody, made it one of John’s most memorable tracks of the early 1980s.

Musically, “Little Jeannie” features a lush arrangement, typical of John’s style at the time, with electric piano and a notable saxophone solo. The composition, in B-flat, echoes the musical sensibilities of John’s earlier ballads like “Daniel” from 1973. This song, however, brought a modernized sound to John’s catalog, capturing the softer, more reflective side of his music. The production, overseen by John and Clive Franks, is polished and radio-friendly, which helped it dominate the airwaves during its release.

Lyrically, “Little Jeannie” tells the story of a woman who has experienced hardships but remains full of love and life. The narrator expresses deep affection and a desire to protect Jeannie from those who have mistreated her. The poignant chorus, “I want you to be my acrobat, I want you to be my lover,” speaks to the singer’s admiration and longing for her. The song’s emotional depth and relatable theme of redemption through love contributed to its popularity, making it a timeless hit in Elton John’s discography and a defining song of his 1980s catalog.

# 4 – I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues – Too Low For Zero

“I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues” is one of Elton John’s most enduring hits from the 1980s, featured on his 1983 album Too Low for Zero. The song is a standout not only for its melodic strength but also for the reunion of the classic Elton John Band lineup, featuring Davey Johnstone on guitar, Dee Murray on bass, and Nigel Olsson on drums. Notably, Stevie Wonder adds a soulful touch with his harmonica performance. With lyrics written by Bernie Taupin, this track became a major success, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 5 in the UK, solidifying its place as one of John’s biggest hits of the decade.

Recorded at AIR Studios in Montserrat and produced by Chris Thomas, the song showcases Elton John’s ability to craft a heartfelt ballad that resonates with listeners. The lyrics are poignant and introspective, with Taupin capturing the melancholy of love and longing during times of separation. The refrain, “And I guess that’s why they call it the blues, time on my hands could be time spent with you,” encapsulates the emotional weight of distance in a relationship. John delivers the lyrics with sincerity, his piano arrangement complementing the soulful harmonica lines of Stevie Wonder.

Musically, the song blends pop-rock with soul influences, creating a timeless sound that appeals to a broad audience. The warm harmonies and evocative lyrics set it apart as one of the most emotionally driven tracks on Too Low for Zero. While many of John’s songs from the 1980s explore personal themes, “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues” stands out for its depth of feeling and enduring appeal, making it a perfect addition to any list of the best Elton John songs from the 1980s.

# 3 – Cold as Christmas (In the Middle of the Year) – Too Low For Zero

“Cold as Christmas (In the Middle of the Year)” is one of the deeper cuts from Elton John’s 1983 album Too Low for Zero. Written by Elton John and his longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin, the song is a haunting exploration of emotional distance within a marriage that no longer holds warmth, despite its tropical setting. This melancholic ballad contrasts the physical heat of a tropical paradise with the coldness between two people who are emotionally estranged, making it a compelling and relatable metaphor for relationships in decline.

Recorded at AIR Studios in Montserrat, “Cold as Christmas” captures the essence of John’s return to his classic sound from the 1970s, reuniting with the core members of his band: Davey Johnstone on guitar, Dee Murray on bass, and Nigel Olsson on drums. Produced by Chris Thomas, the song’s lush instrumentation blends John’s piano with subtle synthesizer work, creating a reflective atmosphere that mirrors the lyrical themes. The juxtaposition of summer heat with emotional frigidity is reflected in the lyric “It’s July but it’s cold as Christmas in the middle of the year,” which encapsulates the bitterness of a relationship that has lost its spark.

Critically, the song stands out for its thoughtful lyricism and subtle arrangement, emphasizing the thematic content over the upbeat, chart-driven material found elsewhere on Too Low for Zero. While it was not a major commercial hit, “Cold as Christmas” resonates with listeners due to its introspective tone and poignant depiction of love gone cold. Its emotional weight adds a layer of depth to the album, making it a notable entry in John’s 1980s discography, especially for those seeking more reflective moments in his music.

# 2 – Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny) – Jump Up

“Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny)” is a profoundly emotional tribute written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, dedicated to John Lennon, who had been tragically murdered 15 months before its release. Appearing on Elton John’s 1982 album Jump Up!, this song stands out as one of the most heartfelt and personal tracks in his catalog. The song’s deeply reflective nature and poignant lyricism captured the grief shared by Lennon’s friends, family, and millions of fans around the world, making it an unforgettable anthem of loss and remembrance.

Recorded at AIR Studios in Montserrat, the song features John’s iconic piano work, accompanied by delicate guitar and orchestral arrangements, producing a melancholy yet powerful sound. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of an “empty garden” where a beloved figure once tended, symbolizing Lennon’s life, legacy, and his senseless departure. Taupin’s metaphor of a gardener who “weeded out the tears and grew a good crop” alludes to Lennon’s impactful contributions to music and society, with the line “a gardener like that one no one can replace” acknowledging the irreplaceable void left in his absence.

Critically, “Empty Garden” garnered significant praise for its sincerity and John’s emotional vocal delivery, though it did not achieve commercial success on the scale of some of his other hits. The single reached number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and found moderate success in the UK, peaking at number 51. Nevertheless, its importance lies not in chart performance but in its intimate connection to Lennon’s memory and the collective mourning that followed. Elton John would go on to perform the song in live tributes to Lennon, and it remains one of his most poignant expressions of loss.

# 1 – Sacrifice – Sleeping with the Past

Sleeping With the Past by John, Elton (1989-08-29)

“Sacrifice” stands as one of Elton John’s most memorable ballads from the 1980s, written alongside his longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin. Released as the second single from Sleeping with the Past in 1989, the song didn’t initially achieve significant commercial success, but by 1990, it found new life and became John’s first solo number-one hit in the UK. The song explores themes of emotional distance and disillusionment in relationships, portraying how mutual misunderstandings and temptations erode the foundations of love. The deep introspective lyrics challenge the conventional notion of sacrifice in marriage, suggesting that sometimes the dissolution of a bond can occur without any grand or intentional harm.

Musically, “Sacrifice” is a soulful ballad that leans on Elton John’s iconic piano melodies, combined with lush production. It stands out not only for its beautiful arrangement but for its mature and subdued tone. The song’s release coincided with a shift in John’s career, where he embraced a more reflective and introspective songwriting style compared to the more pop-driven hits of the earlier 1980s. The track was produced by Chris Thomas, with John’s unmistakable vocals delivering the poignant story of love and loss. The lyrical brilliance of Taupin shines here, with lines like “cold, cold heart” and “some things look better, baby, just passing through” evoking the pain of a drifting relationship.

Chart-wise, after a modest start, “Sacrifice” became a huge hit in mid-1990, helped by extensive radio play. It reached number one in the UK and France, marking a major milestone in John’s career. The song remained at the top of the UK charts for five weeks and became one of his most beloved tracks. As a live staple, John has frequently performed “Sacrifice” at concerts, cementing its legacy as one of his most significant works from the late ’80s and a key moment in his enduring career.