A Single Man marked a significant turning point in Elton John's recording career. It was the first Elton John album not to feature lyrical contributions from Bernie Taupin and the first since Empty Sky not to be produced by Gus Dudgeon. Unlike previous projects where lyrics were typically provided first, Elton John approached the songs by composing melodies at the piano before lyrics were completed. The album also featured a noticeably lower vocal register than many of his ea