2017 Remaster Pressed on 180g Double Vinyl

By the Autumn 1976, Elton John's astonishing productivity yielded his eleventh studio album in about seven years. That regime is all the more notable when you add in the endless touring undertaken by the singer-songwriter and his band on an increasingly worldwide basis. Now came an album that many fans still revere as something of a hidden gem in his repertoire, and which remains one of the artist's own favorites. The double LP Blue Moves, produced as usual by Gus Dudgeon, hit the shelves in October 1976 as Elton's first release on his own Rocket label. In a punishing schedule in which he and lyricist Bernie Taupin completed another 18 songs, the band were on the road before the album's release on the summer tour called Louder Than Concorde But Not Quite As Pretty.

Then John made the announcement that, for now at least, he felt there was more to his career, and to life, than such relentless touring. Thus began a period that featured far less road work, a decision which perhaps impacted on the success of Blue Moves. To some, it's remembered mainly for its enduring ballad and first single "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word," but devotees know it as a record absolutely full of lesser-known John-Taupin jewels. Paul Buckmaster oversaw some stunning orchestrations, on such tracks as the stirringly emotional, slow-building "Tonight" and an early excursion onto the disco floor in the near-seven-minute "Bite Your Lip (Get Up And Dance)." That also became a single, as did the splendid "Crazy Water." Listen too for the admirably laid-back "Idol," the delicate "Cage The Songbird" and "If There's A God In Heaven (What's He Waiting For?)."

Blue Moves reached No. 3 in both the UK and US, going gold in the first territory and platinum in the second, and was a Top Ten record in many other countries. Taupin, agreeing that the album had a more downbeat mood than its 1975 predecessor Rock Of The Westies, told Circus magazine: "People are going to read a lot into Blue Moves: 'Who's this about, what made Bernie write this, what put Elton into this frame of mind?' I don't mind people interpreting, but I'd rather that they simply listen and enjoy."