Elton John: "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" Album (1973)

Elton John’s Goodbye Yellow Brick Road double LP, was released in the UK on October 5, 1973, on DJM Records (catalogue: DJLPD 1001). This sprawling 17-track masterpiece, often hailed as John’s magnum opus, blends glam rock, pop, and progressive flourishes, cementing his global superstardom. Produced by Gus Dudgeon and featuring lyrics by Bernie Taupin, the album’s cinematic scope—from nostalgic ballads to gritty rockers—captured the era’s exuberance. Housed in a lavish gatefold sleeve with artwork by Ian Beck, it soared to No. 1 in the UK and became a landmark of ‘70s music.

Album Overview

Tracklist (Double LP):

Side A:

Funeral for a Friend / Love Lies Bleeding (11:08)

Candle in the Wind (3:50)

Bennie and the Jets (5:23)

Side B:

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (3:14)

This Song Has No Title (2:23)

Grey Seal (4:00)

Jamaica Jerk-Off (3:39)

I’ve Seen That Movie Too (5:59)

Side C:

Sweet Painted Lady (3:52)

The Ballad of Danny Bailey (1909-34) (4:24)

Dirty Little Girl (5:01)

All the Girls Love Alice (5:08)

Side D:

Your Sister Can’t Twist (But She Can Rock ‘n Roll) (2:42)

Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting (4:54)

Roy Rogers (4:08)

Social Disease (3:44)

Harmony (2:46)

Release Details:

Label: DJM Records (UK pressing, stereo).

Format: Double vinyl LP, 33⅓ RPM, in a gatefold sleeve with lyric booklet and Ian Beck’s Wizard of Oz-inspired artwork.

Notes: ℗ 1973 This Record Co. Ltd. Recorded at Château d’Hérouville, France, in May 1973, with overdubs at AIR Studios, London. Initial US pressings on MCA Records (MCA2-10003) included a poster. Matrix numbers (e.g., DJLPD 1001 A1/B1) confirm authenticity.

Production and Context

Produced by Gus Dudgeon, the album was recorded in a two-week burst at Château d’Hérouville, France, after an aborted attempt in Jamaica due to technical issues. The core band featured Elton John (vocals, piano), Dee Murray (bass), Davey Johnstone (guitar), Nigel Olsson (drums), and Ray Cooper (percussion), with Taupin’s lyrics evoking Americana, nostalgia, and cinematic storytelling. Tracks like “Candle in the Wind” (a Marilyn Monroe tribute) and “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting” (a pub-rock anthem) showcased John’s versatility. Released amid the glam rock boom, it competed with Bowie and T. Rex, solidifying John’s place as a pop icon.

Chart Performance

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road was a global triumph:

UK: No. 1 (Official Albums Chart, 2 weeks), charting for 46 weeks, certified Platinum (300,000 copies sold).

US: No. 1 (Billboard 200, 8 weeks), certified 8x Platinum by RIAA (8 million copies sold).

Australia: No. 1 (21 weeks), certified 5x Platinum.

Canada: No. 1, certified Diamond (1 million copies sold).

Germany: No. 41.

Netherlands: No. 5.Singles like “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting” (UK No. 7, US No. 12), “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” (UK No. 6, US No. 2), and “Bennie and the Jets” (US No. 1) drove its success, with “Candle in the Wind” later iconic via its 1997 Diana tribute.

Legacy and Collectibility

Hailed as a ‘70s classic, the album ranks No. 112 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums and earned a Grammy nomination. Its influence spans pop and rock, with covers by artists like Billy Joel and Sara Bareilles. Original UK vinyls fetch £10–£50 on Discogs, with first pressings, lyric booklets, or posters commanding premiums—check matrix numbers for authenticity.

Remastered CDs (1995, 2014 40th Anniversary) and digital versions on Spotify preserve its lush analog sound.

The album’s gatefold art and Taupin’s storytelling remain timeless.

This double LP is a cornerstone of Elton John’s legacy—a must-have for vinyl collectors.

Do you have this Elton John classic in your collection? Which track gets your turntable spinning? Share in the comments!