When I think back to 1983, the music from this album just comes to mind. An album that I played to death and is easily his best work in the 80's. After that he was unable to recapture the magic, in my opinion. 'Cold as Xmas' is one of the most beautiful ballads ever written, but as we all know, Elton was always good at putting a ballad together. The album features some outstanding album tracks including 'Saint' and 'Crystal'. The singles from this album are many including 'Im Still Standing' and 'Kiss the Bride'. The album's greatest highlight is the title track which sends shivers up my spine. This album could be considered a greatest hits package in it's own right, and is worth considering if you want just one of his albums. If you want two, let me suggest the brilliant 'Don't Shoot Me I'm...'

I have been an Elton fan from the very beginning, but this is my favorite! If you're looking for that perfect addition to your EJ collection, look no further.

This 1983 album is definitely one of Elton John's best albums and flows together beautifully.

The melancholy ballad Cold As Christmas (In The Middle Of The Year), the melodic I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues , the inspiring Religion , the upbeat I'm Still Standing and Kiss The Bride , the fast-paced Wipping Boy and the soulful Saint all add up to make this one of the greats of the mid 1980's.

With 1983's highly successful 'Too low for zero' Elton was claimed to have had a come-back. It was probably a relief the one time hazily drawn teen idol had stopped trying to burn up the dance floor in a disco gaze of 'please buy my records' desperation. Well, it was a relief for those allergic to genre anarchy.

For all the hype, 'Too low for zero' is often shallow 80's pop that purveys foppish sentiment. Not that this is a bad thing for Elton John. But it doesn't rock like either 'Jump Up' or 'Breaking Hearts', and is slightly less memorable than both.

However, you can't pass over the strength of the better tracks, such as the warm country power ballad 'I guess that's why they call it the blues' (which may win Guinness world book of records feat for "longest title of song to become a big hit") and the icy yet heart-wrenching 'One more arrow'. Only the distasteful 'Whipping Boy' is a real dud. Rating **1/2 (2.5)

This was the first album I ever bought. I still have it after all these years. For me buying this album was an historic moment... and I felt that at the time. Because since, all I've been doing is buying music 17 years later. The impressions this album leaves on a 10 year old are full on to say the least. I especially loved I Guess that's Why They Call It The Blues, the track I bought the record for. This track is radiating a lot of LOVE. It is ideal for lovers falling in love for the first time. I strongly recommend 2\/4 0