This greatest hits package was recently recorded live at Madison Square Garden in October, 2000. It was also recorded over a two night period thus creating a title ambiguity. I was present at one of the shows & must say that Phil Ramone did an outstanding job producing the sound quality to CD. Though some of Sir Elton's better numbers, like "Funeral For a Friend," "Someone Saved My Life Tonight," and the seldom heard & appreciated "Little Jeannie" were performed in the show they are omitted from the disc. This might have been better served as a double CD to include the entire performance because Elton was at his best. There still are quite a few classic EJ gems included. Elton's energy is very evident on "Crocodile Rock" while his vocal performance on "Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me" shines. There are many guest appearances including a stellar duet on "Sad Songs" with Bryan Adams. Additionally, Mary Blige's vocals on "I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues" is magnificent. There's also a blast from the past as Elton & Kiki Dee reunite for a vibrant "Don't Go Breaking My Heart." Elton's piano playing talents are emphasized on "Bennie and the Jets" and "I'm Still Standing." While there are very poignant moments with Elton dusting off "Daniel" and "Sacrifice." But Elton's greatest talent has always been the powerful ballad which certainly is present with full band versions of "Candle In the Wind," and the tingling "Your Song." Bernie Taupin's lyrics still hit home with warmth and ingenuity. It was also refreshing to witness the return of Nigel Olsson on drums with Davey Johnstone on guitars from the classic EJ years to comprise a very solid band. "One Night Only" is Elton John's fourth official live in- concert album and would be an excellent addition to anyone who appreciates the enormously talented Captain Fantastic.

Those fortunate enough to have been at the two concerts ELton John performed at Madison Square Garden last month will find the new live cd, "One Night Only", an inadequate representation of the stellar performance. As with many live sets and compilations, One Night Only falls short of its potential as a great cd. For any casual or diehard fan of Elton John's music, it is a must have. Elton's voice sounds the best it has in recent years, and his tight band played with the perfect blend of rock-n -roll energy, and polished musicianship, often sounding more full than the studio arrangements. The cd, like the concert, was immaculately mixed, thanks to producer Phil Ramone. The haste in which the cd was recorded and released is evident right from the title. Elton played two concerts at Madison Square Garden from which the selections were taken, yet chose to call the cd, "One Night Only". The ideal recording would have been the full show of the Saturday night concert, which was considered the better show. Live albums are geared towards an artist's fans, so having a double live cd would not make much of a difference in sales. Perhaps the most annoying part of the cd, was the choice of the song order. My favorite part of the show was the opening, where Elton performed the first four songs from his 1973 masterpiece, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. In the live cd, Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding, possibly his best album opener, was cut, and the rest of the songs were scattered randomly throughout the cd. Elton took the time to write a great setlist for the concert, and the cd should have reflected that. While, One Night Only is a welcome addition to my cd collection, it falls short of the amazing concert experience it was.

Riding on the popularly titled "One Night Only" bandwagon, Elton John surpasses his predecessors. With two previous live albums and countless 'live' songs smattered over the years, why this one? To be honest, it contains a nearly seamless performance with a nine person band. Only a few audience transitional applauses seem awkwardly mixed. The items that truly stand out are the number of 'guest' artists Elton has allowed 'on board'. Starting out with, "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" seems an odd choice, but you must realize that this album has been culled from "two" Madison Square Garden performances. The Stats: Kiki Dee joins Elton on "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" with a good but weathered vocal. Next comes "Your Song" with Ronan Keating literally taking over the song with his post lyric gasps. Following on his heals is Bryan Adams doing a duet of "Sad Songs (Say So Much)"; a nice but unremarkable duet. Hold on! Anastacia joins Elton on "Saturday Nights Alright (For Fighting) and does a bang-up job worthy of the entire album! Finishing with "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues", Mary J. Blige steals the show, making this a fine number to close with. What a voice!

There is an ironic moment on this album, as Elton sings "Candle In The Wind", a previously released "live" song single that did terribly poorly until it was redone for Princess Diana, making it the biggest selling single of all time.

Give yourself a treat. Elton has it waiting for you.

This is a solid CD and I recommend it. I was at Madison Square Garden and had seats that gave me a great view of Elton at work. You can hear what a great pianist he is but you had to be there and see him in action to truly appreciate just how good he is. This CD accurately captures the great sound and the fine work that he did in the live show but, some of the electricity is lost on the CD. But then again, that is of necessity true of any live CD .. it can't quite be like actually being there. The CD includes great versions of his rockers like Saturday Night's Alright and Crocodile Rock and I can tell you that at the actual concert, everyone was up and dancing in the aisles. This is an example of what you miss on a live CD. If I hadn't actually been there, I might well have given this 5 stars since Elton's singing is good and his piano playing and backup band are great. However, I have the actual live show to compare it to. Still, a very solid 4 stars to a CD that for the most part, creates the excitement of a fine live performance.

Elton John's One Night Only CD is his first live effort in 14 or 15 years or so. Most of it was well worth the wait. Every song is great and a classic. Elton sings in fine voice and terrific piano playing. The songs Elton does by himself are phenomenal. But, here's the reason this CD doesn't get the full five stars. I can sum it up in two words : Guest Stars. I'm not saying these people aren't good, but they just don't work here. Bryan Adams on "Sad Songs" is okay, but it's kinda silly. Mary J. Blige is a teriffic artist, but she absolutely butchers "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues". That was always one of my top favorite Elton songs, but it is done horribly with her involved. Kiki Dee on "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" was the only exception that was decent. This is definitley a good CD that is worthy to be in anyone's collection. But, be warned : The guest appearances slightly mar an otherwise wonderful live CD from Sir Elton. Here's hoping he puts out another one without any guests. A live album of his and Billy Joel's tour would be incredible!.