Elton John – Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only The Piano Player

Review

"Don't Shoot Me I'm Only The Piano Player" is a real treasure trove of Elton John's musical genius. Released in '73, this album catapulted Elton to the top of the charts on both sides of the pond. It's a perfect blend of rock 'n' roll and '70s pop that'll have you tapping your feet and humming along in no time.

Now, let me tell you, the title's got a great story behind it. It's a clever nod to a François Truffaut flick and a funny encounter Elton had with the legendary Groucho Marx. But it's the music that really shines here. "Crocodile Rock" and "Daniel" were massive hits, and for good reason. They're the kind of tunes that stick with you long after the record stops spinning.

What's interesting is how Elton deliberately paid homage to other artists in some of these tracks. "Crocodile Rock" tips its hat to '50s rock, while "High Flying Bird" channels a bit of Van Morrison. It's a testament to Elton's range as an artist and his ability to craft songs that resonate with folks from all walks of life. This album's a real milestone in Elton's career, and it's easy to see why it spent a whopping year and a half on the Billboard charts. - Ralph