It's not that
Elton John was in need of a comeback in 1978, when he released
A Single Man, because he was still one of pop's biggest stars. But he certainly had hit a creative drought with 1976's
Blue Moves, a turgid double album that found
Elton and his partner
Bernie Taupin barely able to write a side's worth of memorable material.
John took a couple of years off and reemerged with a new lyricist, name of
Gary Osbourne, who was certainly more straightforward than
Taupin, but not as inspired. Even if he lacked
Bernie's endearing incomprehensibility,
Osbourne kick-started
John creatively, spurring him to write his strongest collection of songs since Captain Fantastic. Also,
John left behind
Gus Dudgeon, the other partner of his classic period, choosing to collaborate with
Clive Franks. Now, this didn't result in a blockbuster of an album; even if it was a hit in both the U.K. and U.S., none of the songs, even hits like "Part-Time Love," are considered part of his basic canon, but this is easily one of his most underrated records, a tight collection of pop songs where the craft effortlessly shines. He does contemporary pop, elegant instrumentals like "Song for Guy," and even apes New Orleans R&B effectively on "Big Dipper." This, of course, is a testament to
John's talents, especially because it didn't become a perennial in his catalog -- for most artists, a record this skilled and sophisticated would be a highpoint. Here, it's simply
Elton doing his job as best he can. [A 2008 reissue contained five bonus tracks, extensive liner notes, and restored artwork.] ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine