Top 10 Elton John Songs Of The 2010s

Feature Photo: slgckgc, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

In our new series on the top 10 Elton John songs, decade by decade, we’re going to work our way backward, starting with the 2010s. Since the 2020s aren’t over yet, we won’t include this decade in the list. As all true-blue Elton John fans know, as we go further back in time, it will get tougher to pick only 10 songs for each list. But doing it this way should be fun. Elton John released only two solo studio albums of original material in the 2010s: The Diving Board (2013) and Wonderful Crazy Night (2016). However, he also released a collaboration album with Leon Russell, The Union, in 2010, which we will count for this list. There were also some soundtrack recordings, a remix album, and a few duets from this period.

# 10 – Can’t Stay Alone Tonight – The Diving Board

The Diving Board [Deluxe 19 Tracks w/ Exclusive Live Concert DVD ] by ELTON JOHN (2013-01-01)

Opening our list of the Top 10 Elton John Songs of the 2010s is the reflective ballad “Can’t Stay Alone Tonight,” from his 2013 album The Diving Board. This song demonstrates Elton John’s continued ability to craft poignant, heartfelt music even decades into his career. With lyrics by Bernie Taupin, John’s longtime collaborator, the song carries an air of melancholy that resonates deeply, especially with fans who have followed his exploration of love, loss, and loneliness. Recorded during the sessions for The Diving Board at The Village in Los Angeles and produced by T Bone Burnett, the track is anchored by John’s piano and a restrained ensemble that gives the song an intimate, organic feel.

# 9 – Blue Wonderful – Wonderful Crazy Night

“Blue Wonderful,” from Wonderful Crazy Night, brings a sense of warmth and wistfulness that feels both familiar and fresh, echoing the timeless qualities that have defined Elton John’s career. The collaboration between Elton and his long-time lyricist Bernie Taupin is once again in full bloom, as the lyrics offer vivid imagery wrapped in a delicate, dream-like atmosphere. Recorded at The Village in Los Angeles during the 2015 sessions and produced by Elton John and T Bone Burnett, the song benefits from the reunited Elton John Band and its layered harmonies. “Blue Wonderful” stands out for its understated, almost meditative beauty. I love this video. It just makes you feel good. Don’t miss it!

# 8 – Love Builds a Garden – Gnomeo & Juliet (Original Soundtrack)

“Love Builds a Garden” is a heartfelt track from Gnomeo & Juliet (Original Soundtrack), released in February 2011. Composed by Elton John with lyrics by his long-time collaborator Bernie Taupin, the song was one of two new John-Taupin compositions created for the film, alongside “Hello Hello.” Its warm, reflective tone and garden metaphor tell a story of hope, care, loss, and the inevitable passage of time, providing an emotional counterpoint to the movie’s whimsical setting. Though “Love Builds a Garden” was not released as a single, its heart-wrenching message stands on its own as one of the most affecting Elton John compositions of the decade.

# 7 – Gone To Shiloh – The Union

Well, we change the mood dramatically on this one compared to the previous song on this list. “Gone to Shiloh” from The Union is a poignant and haunting track that dives deep into the history of the United States Civil War. Sung by Elton John, Leon Russell, and Neil Young, the song tells the story of soldiers marching off to fight in the Battle of Shiloh, with Bernie Taupin’s lyrics bringing a visceral sense of loss, brotherhood, and uncertainty to the narrative. Recorded as part of the 2010 Elton John and Leon Russell collaboration at The Village in Los Angeles and produced by T Bone Burnett, the mournful cadence and stark historical imagery make “Gone to Shiloh” one of the most powerful songs on The Union.

# 6 – Never Too Late – The Lion King (2019 Soundtrack)

After that last one, we wanted to brighten up the mood a bit, and what better way to do that than to turn to Disney? Yes, I know you want to hurt me right now, don’t you? Just give it a chance, it’s a fun one. “Never Too Late” from The Lion King (2019 soundtrack) reunited Elton John with lyricist Tim Rice, his collaborator on the original 1994 film, for a new song written specifically for the 2019 remake. Produced by Greg Kurstin with additional production by Matt Still, the upbeat track plays over the closing credits and carries an infectious spirit of hope, perseverance, redemption, and personal growth.

# 5 – Hello Hello – Gnomeo & Juliet (Film Version With Lady Gaga)

“Hello Hello” is a joyful Elton John and Bernie Taupin composition created for Gnomeo & Juliet. The duet version with Lady Gaga appears in the film only, while the soundtrack album contains Elton John’s solo version. The film duet was nominated for both a Golden Globe and a Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Song. Its bright, Beatlesque feel, lively orchestration, and sense of awe and wonder fit perfectly within the animated world of Gnomeo & Juliet, while the pairing of John and Gaga gives the film version a memorable fusion of two generations of pop music.

# 4 – If It Wasn’t For Bad – The Union

“If It Wasn’t for Bad” stands out as the opening track of The Union, the collaborative album between Elton John and Leon Russell released in 2010. Written by Leon Russell, the song brings a biting, bluesy edge to the record and blends Russell’s Southern-rooted style with John’s unmistakable musical presence. The Union was recorded at The Village in Los Angeles and produced by T Bone Burnett, with the album built around the chemistry of Elton and Leon playing together in the studio. Released as the first single from the project, “If It Wasn’t for Bad” earned a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals.

# 3 – Home Again – The Diving Board

“Home Again” was the premiere single from Elton John’s 2013 album The Diving Board. Released on June 24, 2013, the song captures the theme of longing for a return to simpler times, a yearning for familiarity, and the comfort of home. The lyrics, penned by Bernie Taupin, evoke a sense of nostalgia and regret, while Elton John’s heartfelt delivery and somber piano melody make this one of the album’s most poignant tracks. The Diving Board was written and recorded during sessions in January 2012 and January 2013 at The Village in Los Angeles and produced by T Bone Burnett, whose restrained approach allows the emotion of “Home Again” to take center stage.

# 2 – Hey Ahab – The Union

“Hey Ahab,” from The Union, is a standout rocker that sees Elton John and Leon Russell playing dual pianos, a collaboration that brings out the best of both legends. The lyrics, written by Bernie Taupin, draw inspiration from Captain Ahab and Moby-Dick, weaving metaphors of perseverance, endurance, and chasing the impossible. Driven by rollicking piano lines, a hard-charging rhythm section, guitars, and gospel-inspired backing vocals, the song became one of the album’s most energetic moments and a concert favorite. Produced by T Bone Burnett, “Hey Ahab” captures the raw, soulful chemistry that made The Union such a distinctive late-career collaboration for John and Russell.

# 1 – Looking Up – Wonderful Crazy Night

We close out our Top 10 Elton John Songs Of The 2010s list with the song entitled “Looking Up,” released in 2015 from Wonderful Crazy Night. Co-written with longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin, the song served as the album’s lead single and marked a return to the energetic, feel-good sound that defined some of John’s earlier work. Recorded at The Village in Los Angeles and produced by Elton John and T Bone Burnett, “Looking Up” features John’s touring band and carries a lively, immediate energy built around piano, guitar, and a driving rhythm section. The song reached No. 12 on the U.S. Adult Contemporary chart, and its optimistic message makes it a fitting choice to close this look at Elton John’s 2010s output.