From 1970 to 1977, Elton John released a series of incredible rock and roll pop music albums filled with non-stop top-charting hits and deep tracks. Elton John released a handful of excellent singles on every album that instantly became part of pop culture. Each one of his studio albums would have served as a greatest hit package for today’s pop artists. Albums like Madman Across the Water, Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player, Caribou, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Honkey Château, Captain Fantastic and The Brown Dirt Cowboy were masterpieces of pop perfection. It was incredible how many great songs Elton John and his songwriting partner Bernie Taupin released in seven years. It was like Christmas morning every time Elton John released a new album. The excitement was overwhelming as to what to expect to hear. One was never disappointed, and one was always blown away.
Like The Beatles, Elton John also released singles in between the albums. Many of these singles never appeared on the original records. Of course, they were added to the original albums during the CD era. Nonetheless, in the 1970s, if you wanted those songs, you had to buy the 45 rpm 7-inch records. This article will look at the singles Elton John released that were not included on any albums. These non-album track singles eventually found their way to greatest hits packages. These are not non-album B sides, these are the A sides.
# 10 – The Goaldiggers Song
We open our 10 Elton John non-album track singles list with perhaps the rarest. Even hard-core Elton John fans do not know this one. Composed specifically as a charity piece for The Goaldiggers, a British charity supporting underprivileged children in sports, the song captures both the spirit of the organization and Elton’s commitment to using his talents for social good. With its uplifting tune and lyrics aimed at inspiring hope and community, “The Goaldiggers Song” was never intended for commercial charts but rather served a heartfelt purpose that underscored Elton’s charitable side.
It was not a big hit single or anything like that. It was simply a song written for charity in his native home of England. It’s almost comical when you hear him singing the lyrics he does, but then he hits that chorus, and it’s pure Elton John. There’s a bit of “Ticking” in this one just before he heads into the chorus, but he erases the similarity by going to a major chord instead of a minor chord as he did in“Ticking.”
# 9 – Don’t Go Breaking My Heart
Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s song “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” was a huge hit single for the pair. The song was recorded as a duet between Elton John and Kiki Dee. The song hit number one on the Billboard Top 100 in 1976. It ended the year as the second biggest song of 1976 on the Billboard Hot 100, finishing second to Paul McCartney and Wings “Silly Love Songs.”
# 8 – Ego
“Ego” showcases Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s sharp commentary on the absurdities of fame, capturing the self-indulgent mindset of rock stars with a satirical flair. This 1978 standalone single, written by John and Taupin during the Blue Moves sessions, explores the singer’s humorous reflection on his own fame, underscored by a piano-driven melody punctuated by unique instrumental elements. The track opens with the sound of a train whistle—a whimsical touch by percussionist Ray Cooper—that leads into John’s lively piano, setting an intriguing scene that oscillates between 4/4 time and an upbeat waltz, embellished by synthesizers and organ accents. Recorded in 1978 at The Mill in Berkshire, “Ego” features notable contributions from Tim Renwick on guitars, Clive Franks on bass, Steve Holley on drums, and orchestral arrangements by Paul Buckmaster. Despite Elton John’s enthusiasm for the track, it received moderate chart success, peaking at thirty-four in both the UK and the US.
In “Ego,” Taupin’s lyrics explore the intoxicating allure of fame and the pitfalls of self-obsession. The line “Take a look at me now, and take a taste of the money / I’m not in it for the bread, I’m in it for the gravy, honey” establishes the song’s ironic tone, as the narrator revels in the superficial aspects of stardom. This theme of craving validation appears repeatedly, with phrases like “Inflate my ego gently, tell them heaven sent me,” emphasizing the performer’s desire for both attention and adoration. The song’s lyrics also nod to John’s past, recalling his early days with lines such as “Do you remember acting out your youth / A Romeo resplendent on an orange case,” revealing the contrast between innocent dreams and the jaded reality of fame. The song shares a self-reflective quality with other tracks on this list that explore the cost of stardom, adding layers to its message with a blend of humor and cynicism.
The music video for “Ego,” directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg, adds a visual layer to the song’s critique of fame. Featuring John Emberton as a young Elton, the video dives into scenes of theatrical excess and mirrors the song’s theme of ego-driven ambition. The imagery of Emberton’s character performing “Romeo & Juliet” alludes to the theatricality of John’s public persona, while the surreal scenes underscore the absurdity of celebrity life. Comparatively, “Ego” stands out for its playful approach to the subject, leaning into a campy, exaggerated presentation that complements the biting tone of the lyrics.
# 7- Step Into Christmas
Released in November 1973, this song, written by John and his longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin, marked a standalone holiday single that did not initially appear on any album. Recorded during the same period as Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, “Step into Christmas” combines the classic rock feel of John’s ’70s era with the cheer and spirit of Christmas. The recording took place at The Chateau d’Hérouville in France, a location renowned for its work on Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, under the production guidance of Gus Dudgeon. Alongside John’s spirited piano and vocals, Davey Johnstone contributes guitars, Dee Murray plays bass, and Nigel Olsson handles the drums, creating a sound that’s both robust and unmistakably festive. Upon its release, the song reached number twenty-four on the UK Singles Chart, later reentering the chart and peaking at number eight in 2019, solidifying its place as a holiday classic.
Lyrically, “Step into Christmas” serves as an open invitation to celebrate the season with joy and camaraderie, embodying the warm, communal spirit that defines many Christmas classics. Lines such as “Step into Christmas, let’s join together / We can watch the snow fall forever and ever” reflect a desire for togetherness and celebration, sentiments that resonate throughout the song. John’s lyrics even extend gratitude to his fans, with lines like “I’d like to thank you for the year” and “I’m sendin’ you this Christmas card to say, ‘It’s nice to have you here,'” which position the song as both a festive anthem and a heartfelt message to his audience. This warmth and direct address contribute to the song’s enduring appeal, as it fosters a personal connection with listeners. The song’s repetition of the phrase “step into Christmas” adds to its anthemic quality, encouraging listeners to embrace the season in a memorable and celebratory way.
Musically, “Step into Christmas” features an energetic rock structure with a brisk tempo, aligning it with John’s hits of the era while adding holiday elements. The driving piano and buoyant melody are complemented by holiday-themed production, which makes it a standout among Elton John’s catalog of singles. Comparatively, it shares a celebratory tone with other singles on this list that showcase John’s ability to connect with listeners through themes of gratitude and joy. While it stands apart for its seasonal focus, the song’s catchy hooks and joyous instrumentation give it a timeless quality that continues to resonate across generations. Certified triple platinum in the UK in 2023 and gold in the US in 2021,
# 6 – Rock and Roll Madonna
Elton John’s non-album single, “Rock and Roll Madonna,” was released in the United Kingdom in 1970. Twenty-two years later, it was released on the CD compilation Rare Masters
. It was also issued on the remastered edition of the 1970 Elton John
album in 1995.
# 5 – Lady Samantha
“Lady Samantha” is the oldest Elton John single on this non-album singles list. It was released in 1969, before Elton John’s first album, Empty Sky. It did not appear on the record but eventually made it onto the 1995 Empty Sky CD remaster. Three Dog Night also covered the song in 1969.
# 4 – Pinball Wizard
Not many bands can cover a song by The Who and turn it into a huge hit like Elton John did. The song’s popularity was also fueled by its appearance in the Motion Picture Tommy, in which Elton John played the “Pinball Wizard.” Elton had a huge hit with the song. Elton John’s “Harmony” was the B Side to “Pinball Wizard.” “Harmony” is possibly the most loved Elton John song that was never released as a single.
# 3 – Candle In The Wind (Princess Diana Version)
Elton John, as well as so much of the rest of the world, was heartbroken with the death of Princess Diana. In tribute to Princess Diana Elton John and Bernie Taupin released a rewritten version of “Candle In The Wind,” that was written for Princess Diana. It was released only as a single, with the proceeds going to charity.
# 2 – Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds
Elton John’s cover of “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” stands as a memorable interpretation of the Beatles’ psychedelic classic, infused with John’s distinctive style and bolstered by the unique presence of John Lennon himself. Released as a single on November 15, 1974, and recorded at the Caribou Ranch in Colorado, this version captures the era’s experimental sound while paying homage to its origins. John Lennon, credited under the pseudonym Dr. Winston O’Boogie, contributed backing vocals and guitar, bringing a special authenticity and reverence to this reimagining of his own song. This collaboration would lead to the song topping the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks in January 1975 and staying at number one on Canada’s RPM singles chart for four weeks. The single’s B-side, “One Day (At a Time),” written by Lennon, adds further depth to the release, emphasizing the strong creative bond between the two legendary artists.
Musically, Elton John’s rendition adds new textures through his use of piano, mellotron, and harpsichord, with Davey Johnstone, Dee Murray, and Nigel Olsson contributing backing vocals and instrumentation that deepen the song’s soundscape. Ray Cooper’s varied percussion—including tubular bells, a gong, and maracas—enriches the production, creating a lush and expansive atmosphere that complements the song’s surreal lyrics. Notably, “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” became part of John’s live repertoire during the mid-1970s, with his performance alongside Lennon at Madison Square Garden on November 28, 1974, standing out as an iconic moment in rock history. This Thanksgiving night concert marked Lennon’s last major live appearance, and together, they performed “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,” “Whatever Gets You Thru the Night,” and “I Saw Her Standing There,” a tribute to the Beatles’ enduring legacy. This live collaboration, later released in multiple formats, underscores the mutual admiration between the two artists and remains a significant moment in music history.
Lyrically, Elton John stays true to the original’s dreamlike imagery, enhancing the song’s otherworldly quality with his vocal delivery and additional instrumentation. Lines like “Picture yourself in a boat on a river, with tangerine trees and marmalade skies” maintain the surrealism that made the song an emblem of the late ’60s, while John’s vocals add a fresh energy that introduces the song to a new generation. While he praised “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” as “one of the best songs ever written,” John eventually retired it from his concert setlist, finding it too evocative of his memories with Lennon. The song’s legacy lives on through its various re-releases, including its appearance on the Here and There live album and the Lennon box set, allowing new audiences to experience this timeless collaboration between two of rock’s most influential figures.
# 1 – Philadelphia Freedom
Elton John’s “Philadelphia Freedom,” was simply a masterpiece in pop music. The song was written during the Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy recording sessions. Released as a standalone single on February 28, 1975, “Philadelphia Freedom” highlights Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s unique ability to capture the spirit of the times, blending musical innovation with a nod to the cultural landscape. The song, dedicated to Billie Jean King and her professional tennis team, the Philadelphia Freedoms, emerged as an anthem of empowerment and pride.
Although written as a tribute to King, the lyrics transcend tennis, with Taupin deliberately avoiding specific references to the sport. Instead, the song resonates with a sense of freedom and resilience that struck a chord with American audiences, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and remaining there for two weeks. John’s backing band, credited as the Elton John Band on the single, recorded the track at Caribou Ranch during the Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy sessions, with the production featuring an orchestral arrangement by Gene Page, who incorporated lush strings, flutes, and horns to add depth and texture.
Musically, “Philadelphia Freedom” offers a blend of rock, soul, and pop, highlighted by John’s distinctive electric piano and a lively rhythm section provided by Dee Murray on bass, Nigel Olsson on drums, and Davey Johnstone on guitars. Page’s orchestration, described by Cash Box as giving the song a “thumping heartbeat” and “big production,” adds grandeur, reflecting the influence of the Philadelphia soul sound, characterized by groups like the Delfonics and the Spinners. The song’s B-side, a live rendition of “I Saw Her Standing There” featuring John Lennon, further enhances the single’s historical significance, marking Lennon’s final concert appearance. This collaboration with Lennon, a close friend of John’s, emphasizes the cultural impact and camaraderie that defined John’s musical journey in the mid-1970s.
Lyrically, “Philadelphia Freedom” speaks to themes of individuality and perseverance. Lines like “I love you, yes I do” and “shine a light, won’t you shine a light” resonate with a broad sense of unity and support, interpreted by many as a patriotic tribute—especially fitting during the lead-up to America’s bicentennial celebration. While Taupin noted that the song wasn’t intended to be overtly patriotic, its uplifting tone and celebratory vibe gave it a broader appeal, positioning it as both a personal homage to King and a reflection of the era’s spirit. Comparatively, “Philadelphia Freedom” shares a celebratory, anthem-like quality with other singles in John’s catalog, embodying a message of resilience and unity that made it one of his most iconic tracks. Its lasting appeal is reflected in its repeated certification milestones, achieving Gold status in 1975 and Platinum in 1995, and continues to serve as a tribute to the enduring impact of Elton John’s music and his friendship with King.
Top 10 Elton John Non-Album Singles article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024
