Even though I had this CD since its release in September 1997 tears still come to my eyes whenever I listen to it. I have become addicted to this CD. This is Sir Elton's BEST release so far. It deserves more than five stars.

This is Elton John, one of the best classic rock piano players of all time in my opinion. The 1997 version of "Candle in the Wind" is a piano solo, which puts people in the mood for moments of relaxation. "Something About the Way You Look Tonight" is another Elton John classic that is very pretty and happy as well. Elton refuses to have "Candle in the Wind 1997" put on any other disc nor to ever sing it's lyrics again so all who want this selection legally must buy it and give the proceeds to the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fund. Although I prefer the old version of "Candle in the Wind" this version is worth every penny.

When Princess Diana was killed in that 1997 car accident, the world all but went into convulsions. I have to say it; I was adamantly NOT one of them. But Elton John was close to her (and to Gianni Versace - the infamous video of Elton and Diana at Verscse's memorial service), and his grief carried into this moment. He was so swept up in the time that he recast "Candle In The Wind," one of his strongest melodies, as a tribute and even rewrote the lyric. The result became a number-one song all over the world, and the all-time greatest selling single. That makes it, as a tribute, a monumental achievement.

By that measure, this is certainly a classic. The original A-side, "Something In The Way You Look Tonight," is one of the better songs from the otherwise lackluster "

." Since this single is the only place that "Candle In The Wind '97" is available (he has yet to insert it on any hits collections), its singularity makes this a keeper.

As wonderful as this cd is, It is all I can do to not cry every time I hear the Diana song.

Something About The Way You Look Tonight is one beautiful song. Super piano arrangements coupled with heart felt lyrics. The alternate veersion of Candle In The Wind is OK, as the melody is still stunning even today. However, this version features only Elton on piano so the lack of a good instrumentation support seems to take away from the overall effect of the performance.