Elton John (October 16, 1978) – A Single Man Album UK: LP
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 earlier recordings.
Returning members of the Elton John Band included Ray Cooper and Davey Johnstone, although Johnstone appeared on only one track. The album also represented Paul Buckmaster's final involvement with an Elton John album until Made In England in 1995.
RECORDING
Recorded between January and September 1978 at The Mill, Cookham, Berkshire.
The album was produced by Elton John and Clive Franks.
Backing vocals on Big Dipper and Georgia were provided by members of Watford Football Club together with female staff from Rocket Records, credited as The South Audley Street Girls' Choir.
Song For Guy was written as a tribute to Guy Burchett, a young messenger employed by Rocket Records who was killed in a motorcycle accident.
STYLE & THEMES
Combining rock, pop and disco influences, A Single Man saw Elton John exploring new musical directions during the late 1970s.
The album ranged from introspective ballads and orchestral arrangements to upbeat pop and rock material. It also reflected a transitional period in Elton John's career as he moved away from the songwriting partnership that had defined much of his early success.
RELEASE HISTORY
Released on October 27, 1978 by MCA Records in the United States and by Rocket Records in the United Kingdom.
Singles released from the album included Part-Time Love, Song For Guy and Return To Paradise.
A Single Man later became the first Elton John album officially released in the Soviet Union, where it appeared under the title Poyot Elton John following his 1979 concerts in Moscow and Leningrad.
A 1998 remastered edition added five bonus tracks including Ego, Flinstone Boy, I Cry At Night, Lovesick and Strangers.
CHARTS & CERTIFICATIONS
AMERICA
• US Billboard 200: No. 15
EUROPE
• UK Albums Chart: No. 8
• Germany: No. 16
• Netherlands: No. 16
• Italy: No. 13
• Norway: No. 4
• Spain: No. 12
PACIFIC
• Australia: No. 8
• New Zealand: No. 5
• Japan: No. 74
PERSONNEL
Elton John — vocals, piano, keyboards
Tim Renwick — guitars
Davey Johnstone — lead guitar, backing vocals
B.J. Cole — pedal steel guitar
Clive Franks — bass
Herbie Flowers — acoustic bass
Steve Holley — drums
Ray Cooper — percussion
John Crocker — clarinet, tenor saxophone
Jim Shepherd — trombone
Henry Lowther — trumpet
Patrick Halcox — trumpet
Paul Buckmaster — arrangements, synthesizer
Gary Osborne — backing vocals
Vicki Brown — backing vocals
Stevie Lange — backing vocals
Joanne Stone — backing vocals
Chris Thompson — backing vocals
The South Audley Street Girls' Choir — backing vocals
Watford Football Club — backing vocals
PRODUCTION
Produced by Elton John
Produced by Clive Franks
Engineered by Clive Franks
Engineered by Phil Dunne
Engineered by Stuart Epps
Mastered by Ian Cooper
Label: The Rocket Record Company
Catalogue Number: TRAIN 1
Release Date: October 16, 1978
Format: LP
Recorded At: The Mill, Cookham, Berkshire
Length: 48:46
NOTES
• First Elton John album not to feature Bernie Taupin lyrics.
• First Elton John studio album since Empty Sky not produced by Gus Dudgeon.
• Recorded at The Mill in Cookham, Berkshire.
• Features the hit single Song For Guy.
• Gatefold sleeve with inner sleeve.
• First Elton John album officially released in the Soviet Union.
• Cover photograph taken on the Long Walk in Windsor Great Park, Berkshire.
• UK Chart Entry: November 4, 1978.
• Highest UK Chart Position: No. 8.
• Total Weeks on UK Chart: 26.
CERTIFICATIONS
• United States: Platinum
• Canada: Platinum
• United Kingdom: Gold
• France: Gold
• Netherlands: Gold
• New Zealand: Platinum
RELEASE VARIANTS TABLE
Artist | Title | Label | Country | Cat No. | Date | Format |
Elton John | A Single Man | The Rocket Record Company | UK | TRAIN 1 | October 16, 1978 | LP |
TRACKLIST TABLE
LP |
SIDE ONE • Shine On Through • Return To Paradise • I Don't Care • Big Dipper • It Ain't Gonna Be Easy SIDE TWO • Part-Time Love • Georgia • Shooting Star • Madness • Reverie • Song For Guy |
SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts, Prince Vault, Sleeveographia2, RockfilesUK.
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