Shrink-wrapped Elton's soulful mix of country, blues and rock and killer tunes like Country Comfort; Son of Your Father , and Ballad of a Well-Known Gun made this concept LP a #5 hit in '71 (bonuses: Into the Old Man's Shoes and the original version of Madman Across the Water )! Tumbleweed Connection is part of the early catalog of Elton John's work that Guns N' Roses singer Axl Rose reportedly once said he would love to own the publishing rights to as a work of art. Indeed, it does contain some of John's most expressive work as an artist, but with the showy stage presence and pop melodicism still under construction. Tumbleweed is characterized by John's balladeer approach, with John at his storyteller best on songs like "Burn Down the Mission." Even if the lyrics were generally written by Bernie Taupin, John's voice and inflection made every song seem deeply personal. The beautiful "Come Down in Time" displays the subtleties and sophistication of his talent, with the piano not yet serving as the instrumental focal point it would later become. The album also features the favorite "Ballad of a Well-Known Gun" and "Where to Now St. Peter?" --Steve Gdula
Elton John is a truly interesting figure in terms of popular music of the last 40 years. He became a household name, a pop culture icon, and a staple of Top 40 radio and the hit single. I will not disagree with other reviewers that perhaps his strongest writing and strongest playing and singing come from before John's greatest commercial success. Both Tumbleweed Connection and Honky Chateau remain two of Elton John's best, most consistent collections..
