Breaking Hearts

by Elton John

Product Description:

Personnel: Elton John (vocals, keyboards); Davey Johnstone (vocals, guitar); Dee Murray (bass, background vocals); Nigel Olsson (drums, background vocals).

Recorded at Air Studios, Montserrat and 301 Studios, Sydney, Australia.

German import edition.

In the early '80s, Elton John no longer dominated the singles and album charts the way he had during the previous decade. He was still hugely popular, but he was in the process of redefining himself as an artist when he released BREAKING HEARTS in 1984. Gone were the 12-inch platform heels, the outrageous costumes and wild stage antics, but his music hadn't really changed all that much. He still alternated chiefly between piano-based rock songs and melodic, emotional ballads, despite throwing in occasional new wave-sounding keyboards and other slick touches of the era.

"Sad Songs (Say So Much)", the record's high-charting hit, sports a melody that is hard to dislodge from the mind, even after a single listen. The chugging opening track "Restless" has a gritty Rolling Stones feel, while "Who Wears These Shoes" has a soulful, springy backbeat that is reminiscent of Motown groups like the Supremes. On the title track, John demonstrates his ability to write simple, affecting ballads. Alternating between his low and high registers, he is accompanied only by piano and a few high, Beatle-esque background vocals. "Passengers" has a sea-shanty flavor, with its sing-song, call-and-response chorus.