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

“White Lady White Powder” from 21 at 33 opens our list with one of Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s darker songs, using the image of a seductive “white lady” as a direct reference to cocaine addiction. Released in 1980, the track pairs its troubling subject with an upbeat rock arrangement and backing vocals from Eagles members Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and Timothy B. Schmit, giving the song an intentionally uneasy contrast between its polished sound and destructive theme.

# 9 – Chloe – The Fox

“Chloe,” from Elton John’s 1981 album The Fox, is a tender ballad written by John and Gary Osborne. The song focuses on vulnerability, gratitude, and the fear of losing someone whose loyalty has survived repeated disappointment. Its flowing piano, strings, and polished production give it the reflective feel that made it one of the album’s memorable quieter moments and a strong example of John’s early-1980s ballad style.

# 8 – Wrap Her Up – Ice On Fire

“Wrap Her Up” is one of the most playful songs on 1985’s Ice on Fire, pairing Elton John with George Michael on backing vocals. Produced by Gus Dudgeon and written by John, Bernie Taupin, Davey Johnstone, Fred Mandel, Charlie Morgan, and Paul Westwood, the track leans heavily into glossy 1980s pop-rock with brass, synthesizers, and a big chorus. It reached No. 12 in the UK and No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100.

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

“I’m Still Standing,” from 1983’s Too Low for Zero, became one of Elton John’s defining songs of the decade. Written with Bernie Taupin and produced by Chris Thomas, its fast pop-rock rhythm and defiant message of survival were strengthened by Russell Mulcahy’s colorful music video. The single reached No. 4 in the UK, No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, and No. 1 in Canada and Switzerland, becoming a lasting anthem of resilience.

# 6 – Sad Songs (Say So Much) – Breaking Hearts

“Sad Songs (Say So Much)” closes Elton John’s 1984 album Breaking Hearts and turns heartbreak itself into the reason music matters. Written by John and Bernie Taupin and produced by Chris Thomas, the song argues that sad music can provide comfort when nothing else does. Its polished mid-1980s rock sound helped carry it to No. 7 in the UK and No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.

# 5 – Little Jeannie – 21 at 33

“Little Jeannie,” written by Elton John and Gary Osborne for 1980’s 21 at 33, became one of John’s biggest American hits of the early 1980s. The soft-rock ballad combines electric piano, saxophone, and a warm romantic lyric about a woman who has endured disappointment but still inspires devotion. The single reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart, while peaking at No. 33 in the UK.

# 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 1980s ballads, written by John, Bernie Taupin, and Davey Johnstone for Too Low for Zero. Stevie Wonder’s harmonica gives the recording an unmistakable soulful accent, while Taupin’s lyric centers on longing during separation. Produced by Chris Thomas, the song reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 5 in the UK.

# 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 strongest deep cuts on 1983’s Too Low for Zero. Written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, the song contrasts a hot Caribbean setting with a marriage that has gone emotionally cold, giving its title an especially effective irony. Recorded with the classic Elton John band and produced by Chris Thomas, the song was also released as a UK single and reached No. 33.

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

“Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny),” from 1982’s Jump Up!, is Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s moving tribute to John Lennon, who had been murdered in December 1980. Taupin uses the image of an abandoned garden to describe the enormous absence Lennon left behind, while John delivers one of his most heartfelt vocals of the decade. The single reached No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 51 in the UK.

# 1 – Sacrifice – Sleeping with the Past

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

“Sacrifice,” written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin for 1989’s Sleeping with the Past, closes our list with one of John’s most mature ballads about emotional distance inside a failing relationship. Produced by Chris Thomas, the song initially reached only No. 55 in the UK, but a 1990 re-release as a double A-side with “Healing Hands” became John’s first solo UK No. 1 and stayed there for five weeks. Its restrained arrangement and melancholy lyric remain among his finest late-1980s achievements.