Since 1992, if you bought a new Elton John recording your choices were: slow, slower, or a soundtrack. The quality was never lacking, but usually, energy and "life force" were; the music sometimes seemed paint-by-numbers. Having seen Elton live countless times, where nothing but energy and talent filled the room, I knew that the discs weren't giving Elton justice. I am happy to say that this disc finally lays that all to rest.

Peachtree Road effortly combines the two things we've come to expect from Elton over his 35 years in the industry: outstanding lyrics and incomparable musicianship. Here, you'll find songs that are simple yet deep, spiritual yet grounded. Touching on everything from being happy with one's lot in life ("All That I'm Allowed") to love's intoxication ("My Elusive Drug") to the character tale of a transsexual ("They Call Her The Cat"), Bernie Taupin has simultaneously done what he does best: paint scenes, and capture Elton's moods.

With so much on-the-spot material to work with, Elton's work is inspired. He still tends toward ballads, but the ballads here actually have depth and soul. "My Elusive Drug," self-acknolwedged autobiographical track, brings out richness in Elton's voice -- you can FEEL that Elton feels this song, and thhat, folks, is what music is all about.

Most refreshingly, we see the funky Elton of old raise his head with a vengeance. '60s-rock-tinged blues appears in "They Call Her The Cat," complete with a lively horn section. Nashville should aspire to create again such a pure country song as "Turn The Lights Out When You Leave," complete with steel guitar.

Some other items of note: This is the first CD that Elton himself has produced. The disc is dedicated fittingly to Gus Dudgeon and his wife Sheila. It's clear that Elton has learned how to produce an ear-pleasing record thanks to Dudgeon's masterful production of the '70s recordings. Beginning in the 80s, fans had to suffer through years of mind-numbing Chris Thomas productions where everything was flattened into nothingness. Elton's production is clean and crisp, much like Dudgeon's early work, with pianos and vocals returning to the front, their rightful place. This is a treat for the listener and a great tribute to Gus.

And, again, we see Elton working with the original band: Nigel and Dave. You get a sense that recording the CD was a flawless, joyful effort.

And that is the overriding tone here... Peachtree Road is a CD full of looking-back-on-life happiness. The lyrics, songs and production combine to make this a road that you're happy to relax and travel on for a long, long time.

When I first played this CD, I thought, "Oh, great. Another middle-of-the-road effort." But after listening to it over and over, I'm taken by the strength of all of the cuts. This album will grow on you. Elton still has an incredible gift of composition. Many of the melodies in these songs will stick with you. Just give it time.

Some of the songs have the classic 70's Davey/Dee/Nigel backing vocals sound (even though Dee isn't still with us); and the backing vocals on "My Elusive Drug" sounds like those on Partridge Family records. (But then again, this is nothing new. They were also there on "Blues For Baby and Me" from the "Don't Shoot Me..." album some 30+ years ago and they sound good. 1/8/05 note: When I mentioned the Partridge Family sound in this review, I should have said that it was the ORCHESTRATION on "Blues For Baby And Me," not the backing vocals on that song. There were none! -- Sorry.) -- Each song stands on its own and has its unique qualities, but in particular, music-wise, Elton has created another classic with with the closer, "I Can't Keep This From You" -- soaring and inspiring.

The biggest disappointment for me was that the lyrics were not enclosed. One of the biggest thrills of a new Elton John album was in being able to read and savor the poetry of Bernie Taupin. Long-time EJ fans can remember that being able to enjoy the album package was almost as good as hearing the music. And maybe one day Elton will get back to providing instantly recognizable piano intros to many of his songs. That was what made many of his early hits and album cuts loved so much. (Think "Your Song," "Tiny Dancer," "Levon.")

All in all, there really are no negatives. New and long-time fans, don't hesitate to buy this one. It's worth owning and enjoying.

"Peachtree Road" is unique. It's different, and it's definitely something you wouldn't expect to hear from this generations Elton John.. It's full of americana/country/gospel-tinged tracks that are very somber and musical. This is something that Elton hasn't done for quite some time

Following up the amazing (and one of his best albums) "Songs from the West Coast", this album is a complete departure. "Songs" had a dark/rock pop feel to it where "Peachtree" is a lot more laid back and melodic.. That is the one thing I love about Elton, you never know what you'll get! He keeps you guessing AND he doesn't sit comfortable in one genre for too long...

The reason I give this album 3 out of 5 stars is not because of the songwriting or the production, it's completely because of the fact that you are constantly waiting throughout for it to pick up a bit.. It's not a bad album by any standards, it simply stays in one even, slow tempo that tends to wear on you the longer it goes. But if actually you sit and listen to the powerful piano chords and the gospelish vocals on the tracks, it will sweep you away into a different world... Elton really searched for a spiritual sounding vocal on this album, to great effect...

The album starts wonderfully with the albums strongest tracks "Weight of the world" and "Porch Swing In Tupelo". They set the tone of the album completely.. One by one the tracks tend to flow into eachother, though there are a few more scattered highlights throughout like "Freaks In Love" and "My Elusive Drug"...

Check it out, it's very unique and there is a lot to be said for Eltons first crack at being the sole producer. My advice is to DEFINITELY buy "Songs from the West Coast" first, or even purchase them together.. nonetheless, I completely commend one of my hero's for sticking to his guns and trying something unique and different... Thank you Elton for always being unique!

All the best,

-The AndyMan-

It's ironic that on the 30th anniversary of the ground-breaking "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy" Elton John and Bernie Taupin teamed to write "Peachtree Road." It's another theme disc with this musical journey taking place in the South. It's complete with Gospel (Answer In the Sky), Country (Turn the Lights Out When You Leave), Rock (They Call Her the Cat) and Elvis (Porch Swing In Tupelo).

In addition to Elton's playing, he's supported by mainstay Davey Johnstone on guitar and Nigel Olsson on drums, each who also played on Captain Fantastic. Joining in are now regular bandmates Bob Birch on bass, Guy Babylon on keyboards and John Mahon on percussion. But this CD gets and added boost from the "Voice of Atlanta," a group of background singers who performed so well in the recording session that Elton also brought them on tour.

Peachtree Road stands strong on its own -- but this collector's edition also includes three bonus tracks from the hit musical "Billy Elliott." A second disc is a nine-track DVD of a live performance of nine songs from Peachtree Road performed at the Tabernacle in Atlanta.

For Elton fans, this is a must have. For those on the fence, it's a difference maker.

A music critic in the mid-80s once stated that the current release (let's say 1984's Breaking Hearts for example) was "a typical mix of ballads and rock songs...just like the albums before it and certainly to be like his future albums to come." This statement (I don't recall who) could now be easily applied to the Elton John of the 1990s and 2000s, minus the rock part. For some reason, Elton John and maybe even Bernie Taupin these days, seem to shy away from their rock sensibilities. Sure, once in a while an uptempo song will surface, but those type of songs seem far and few between these days. With that said, Elton's Peachtree Road is a more soulful and country-ish effort which, unfortunately for this listener, keeps things at a low boil once again.

His last studio release, Songs From The West Coast in 2001, was a welcome return to the sound and style of his mid-70s heyday. Peachtree Road fails to build on that success mainly because the songs just aren't that strong. Opening with a whisper of a song called "Weight Of The World", the tone is set for a reflective and soul searching experience (albeit, Taupin's sentiments courtesy of John's voice). The song is one of the better tracks here with it's wonderful backing vocals and great piano solo. Things speed up a little bit with the next song, Porch Swing in Tupelo, a tribute to Elvis complete with a back and forth choir on the chorus.

But like most of these songs, a formula becomes evident that each song, for good or bad, follows virtually the some format: same lyric sentiments just repackaged, choir on every song, instrumental break and, worst of all, most of these melodies start and stop too often breaking any momentum the song may have. The best example of this is "Answer In The Sky", just when the song shifts into high gear, Elton and the band bring it right back down losing all energy and spirit the song inspires. "They Call Her The Cat" is the only real uptempo song here and comes across better live than on the the cd. While "All That I'm Allowed", is not so much a lyric as a testament to being thankful for what you have in life but the word "thankful" just goes on and on until you have to hit the skip button on the cd player to make it stop.

The old school country effort "Turn The Lights Out When You Leave" is one of the better crafted songs here and could easily have been a hit for Ray Price in 1974. And on "Too Many Tears", Elton's piano intro is inspired and had an element of surprise in the melody. But most of this is just too slow and tame, when compared to his vast majority of songs in the 1970s or heck, even the 80s for that matter.

Produced by Elton himself, it's obvious that this is the album he wanted to make and good for him. However, it is another mild, mid-tempo release that manages for the most part to bring out the worst elements of previous releases such as "The One" and "The Big Picture". The much heralded return of Nigel Olsson on drums is another disappointment not because of his style however. It's just that the drums are so buried in the mix, that his trademark style is virtually lost.

If you can pick up the UK cd single for "All That I'm Allowed", and "Turn The Lights Out", they have a combined five songs that didn't make the album. Those songs, were surprisingly upbeat and much stronger that half of what made the album. It's just too bad they weren't included on the official release.

After 30 some years in the business, it's fair to give Elton John and Bernie Taupin some slack.

This is not their worst album and it is listenable. However, after many repeated listenings, it's obvious that no chances were going to be taken. Taupin delivers basically the same lyric sentiment and Elton's tries hard to pull as much out of them as he can. Furthermore, Elton is sounding more and more weary as well and all of the touring now seems to be taking it's toll on his voice.

Peachtree Road, has grown on me since my initial first review. It's a more reflective compilation of songs and you'll have to be in the mood for it.

It is probably more suited to a three star rating than two...but I just wish Elton would interpret Taupin's lyrics with a sense of adventure the next time out.

Best Tracks: Weight of the World, Answer In The Sky, Too Many Tears, It's Getting Dark In Here.