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Many artists have long careers, but it’s rare for anyone to build a catalogue as deep as Elton John’s.
Using his signature Yamaha Grand Piano, he’s inspired countless young musicians who have gone on to lead their own successful careers, such as Lady Gaga and Ed Sheeran.
We’ve picked our favourite Elton John songs that show why his music still fills playlists today, from the hits and cult classics to some of the greatest ballads of all time. We’ll touch on that famous long-standing partnership with Bernie Taupin and the pair’s influence on pop and rock.
Of course, it’s all subjective, but these are what we think are the best Elton John songs.
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In a rush? Here are our top 5
- “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word” (1976)
- “Funeral for a Friend / Love Lies Bleeding” (1973)
- “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” (1973)
- “I’m Still Standing” (1983)
- “Your Song” (1970)
The best Elton John songs of all time
1. “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word” (1976)
We haven’t started the list with a party hit; rather, we’ve chosen a song that shows Elton John at his most restrained and reflective. Released in 1976 on Blue Moves, “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word” centres on a sparse piano arrangement that leaves space for the vocals.
You hear a softer side of his voice here, carrying the lyrics about regret and the difficulty of repairing a relationship. The melody moves slowly and deliberately, giving the song a fragile feel that stands apart from Elton’s more flamboyant hits.
It also highlights the strength of his songwriting partnership with Taupin. Together, they capture a familiar moment that anyone can relate to: wanting to apologise, yet struggling to say the words out loud.
2. “Funeral for a Friend / Love Lies Bleeding” (1973)
“Funeral for a Friend / Love Lies Bleeding” opens Goodbye Yellow Brick Road with a sweeping, multi-section composition. First, we have an instrumental introduction that builds gradually through layered keyboards and synthesiser textures, creating a sense of anticipation. It’s intense and dramatic – and hooks you immediately.
When the second section arrives, the song shifts into a driving rock arrangement led by piano and guitar.
Elton’s vocal then carries the narrative forward, supported by the full band. It’s a beautiful example of Elton and Bernie at their finest.
3. “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” (1973)
“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” is the heart of Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s most celebrated album.
Elton’s piano introduction sets a reflective mood before the arrangement gradually widens with layered instrumentation. The melody moves with quiet confidence, giving the lyrics space to resonate. By the final chorus, the song feels both personal and universal. It remains one of Elton’s defining recordings, representing the songwriting partnership at the peak of its creative strength.
4. “I’m Still Standing” (1983)
Now for something a bit more upbeat. “I’m Still Standing” captures a moment of resilience within Elton John’s career. Released in the early 1980s, the song pairs its lyrics about personal strength with bright synthesiser lines and driving rhythm guitar to create a lively pop arrangement that reflects the sound of the decade.
This is a song full of confidence and determination – and it’s so memorable that it’s hard not to sing along.
5. “Your Song” (1970)
As one of Elton John’s most famous hits, “Your Song” introduced many listeners to Bernie Taupin’s lyricism and Elton John’s gentle piano style.
Elton’s vocal delivery avoids exaggeration, keeping the emotion natural and direct while the melody unfolds calmly, allowing the sentiment to grow with each line. Even decades later, the song remains widely loved and has been covered by artists such as Ellie Goulding and Lady Gaga.
6. “Rocket Man (I Think It’s Going To Be A Long, Long Time” (1972)
“Rocket Man” blends storytelling with a sense of quiet atmosphere. Inspired by science-fiction imagery, the song follows an astronaut reflecting on life away from Earth. Elton’s piano and soft synthesiser textures create a spacious sound that suits the subject perfectly. The melody moves gently, building toward a chorus that captures both wonder and loneliness.
7. “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” (1994)
This tune introduced Elton John’s music to a new generation through The Lion King. Like many of Elton’s tracks, the piano leads while orchestral elements add warmth and depth.
Its success extended far beyond the film, earning major awards and becoming a widely recognised ballad. The track demonstrates how Elton could adapt to storytelling within film while retaining his signature melodic style.
8. “Ego” (1978)
“Ego” pairs a lively groove with a touch of self-aware humour. The lyrics explore the idea of fame and personality with a wink, suggesting that confidence and ego often travel together in the music world. Musically, the track leans on energetic piano rhythms and a tight band arrangement that keeps everything moving.
The chorus arrives quickly and sticks in your mind, a hallmark of Elton and Bernie Taupin’s partnership. It might not be his most widely known single, but the song captures the light-hearted creativity that often appears in his catalogue.
9. “Candle in the Wind” (1973)
“Candle in the Wind” was written as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe. It reflects on fame, loneliness, and the pressures of public life. The piano arrangement remains simple and direct, allowing the melody to carry the emotional weight.
Bernie Taupin’s lyrics treat the subject with quiet respect, giving the song a reflective tone. Over time, it has taken on additional meaning through later performances and reinterpretations. The track remains one of Elton’s most thoughtful compositions, loved for its sensitivity and timeless melody.
10. “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” (1976)
“Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” captures the playful chemistry between Elton John and Kiki Dee. Built as a classic pop duet, the song moves through a lively call-and-response structure that keeps the performance engaging throughout. The arrangement leans on bright piano, upbeat rhythm guitar, and a rhythm section that maintains a steady bounce.
Both singers trade lines with ease, giving the chorus a joyful lift. Released during the height of Elton’s popularity, the track quickly became an international hit. Its cheerful energy and memorable hook have helped it remain a favourite in his live performances.
11. “Mama Can’t Buy You Love” (1980)
This song reflects Elton John’s brief move toward a smoother soul-influenced sound in the late 1970s. Produced with a polished groove, the song features layered backing vocals and a steady rhythm that draws on classic R&B influences. Elton’s vocal sits comfortably within the arrangement.
When the single reached the top ten in the United States, it confirmed that Elton could successfully adapt his style while still maintaining his distinctive musical identity.
12. “Tiny Dancer” (1971)
A classic! “Tiny Dancer” unfolds gradually, starting with a delicate piano introduction before expanding into a fuller arrangement with guitar, strings, and rhythm section. The lyrics paint detailed images of life on the road in California during the early 1970s.
Over time, the track has grown into one of the most beloved pieces in Elton John’s catalogue.
13. “Step Into Christmas” (1973)
“Step Into Christmas” brings Elton John’s energetic piano style into the world of festive music. Released during the peak of his 1970s success, the track carries a lively rock and roll influence that keeps the song upbeat and bright. The arrangement features punchy piano chords, cheerful backing vocals, and a rhythm that you can’t help but move along to.
14. “Levon” (1971)
“Levon” is like a short story set to music. It introduces a series of characters while the piano forms the backbone of the arrangement, gradually building in intensity as the narrative progresses.
The song has become a favourite among fans who appreciate the detailed songwriting found throughout Elton’s early albums.
15. “Border Song” (1970)
Elton released “Border Song” early in his career. The track blends gospel influences with a strong piano foundation, creating a powerful yet thoughtful arrangement.
The chorus grows gradually, supported by choir-style backing vocals that reinforce the song’s message. Although it wasn’t a major hit at first, the track gained recognition when other artists began performing it. Today, it stands as an important step in Elton’s early musical development.
16. “I Want Love” (2001)
“I Want Love” marked a reflective moment in Elton John’s early-2000s work. The song strips the arrangement back to its essentials, focusing on piano, vocal, and subtle orchestration. This simplicity allows the lyrics to stand clearly.
Elton sings with a restrained delivery that suits the song’s introspective tone. Rather than building toward a dramatic climax, the track maintains a steady emotional pace throughout. It demonstrated that Elton and Bernie’s songwriting still carried weight decades on, connecting with a new generation of listeners.
17. “Daniel” (1973)
“Daniel” describes a returning soldier who chooses a quiet life away from attention, leaving the narrator to reflect on his absence. Elton’s piano leads the arrangement with soft acoustic textures supporting the vocal line.
Its calm atmosphere contrasts with some of the grander productions from the same era. But despite that restraint, this became one of Elton’s most recognisable songs, proving that a simple, thoughtful composition can resonate just as strongly as a larger arrangement.
18. “Crocodile Rock” (1973)
Few songs capture pure nostalgia quite like “Crocodile Rock”. Built around a bright piano riff and a playful falsetto hook, the track affectionately looks back at the early days of rock and roll. Its rhythm and structure nod toward 1950s influences, yet the production keeps everything firmly rooted in the 1970s pop landscape.
The song quickly became one of Elton’s biggest hits, It’s easy to be singing along within seconds.
19. “Are You Ready for Love” (1989)
“Are You Ready for Love” has clear soul and disco influences. The rhythm section carries a steady pulse while the vocal sits comfortably within the layered arrangement.
Although originally released in the late 1970s, the track found renewed popularity decades later when it reached number one in the UK. Its success highlights how well the song’s warm melody and danceable rhythm have aged, fitting easily alongside modern interpretations of classic soul.
20. “Philadelphia Freedom” (1975)
With pop hooks and the swagger of 1970s soul, “Philadelphia Freedom” is a tribute to tennis player Billie Jean King and her World Team Tennis squad.
The arrangement leans into sweeping strings and layered backing vocals that keep everything moving forward. The result is a warm, triumphant anthem that reflects both his love of American soul and his knack for writing memorable, crowd-pleasing melodies.
21. “Madman Across the Water” (1971)
“Madman Across the Water” is one of the more atmospheric moments in Elton John’s catalogue. The arrangement begins with a restrained piano and vocal before expanding into a dramatic orchestral section. Strings add a sense of tension that mirrors the mysterious tone of the lyrics.
The writing is open to interpretation, hinting at themes of perception and isolation. Elton’s vocal follows the shifting intensity of the music, moving between quiet reflection and stronger passages.
22. “Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny)” (1982)
This emotional song was written as a heartfelt tribute to John Lennon following his death in 1980. Rather than focusing on grief alone, the song reflects on absence and the quiet space left behind when someone influential disappears. Elton’s vocal carries genuine restraint, supported by a gentle piano arrangement that lets the lyrics take centre stage.
The track became one of Elton’s most moving recordings of the 1980s.
23. “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” (1974)
“Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” is possibly one of Elton’s most powerful vocal performances. It builds beautifully, starting gently and building into the full force of the chorus. This is one of the most memorable ballads in his extensive catalogue.
24. “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters” (1972)
Bernie Taupin’s observations of New York City during his first visit were what inspired this song. Instead of focusing on the city’s glamour, the lyrics reflect on its contrasts and social challenges. Elton’s piano performance sits at the centre of the arrangement, supported by gentle strings and restrained instrumentation.
Its reflective tone stands apart from the more energetic tracks on Honky Château.
25. “Grey Seal” (1973)
“Grey Seal” highlights the imaginative storytelling that often appears in Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s collaborations. The lyrics carry a dreamlike quality, filled with unusual images and shifting perspectives that leave space for interpretation. Musically, the track is energetic, driven by brisk piano lines and a lively rhythm section.
The band moves quickly through the arrangement, giving the song a sense of momentum that keeps listeners engaged. While it may not have reached the same chart heights as some singles from the era, the song remains a strong example of Elton’s adventurous songwriting during the early 1970s.
26. “Born to Lose” (1993)
Elton John’s version of “Born to Lose” shows a different side of his catalogue, trading stadium energy for quiet reflection. Originally written by Ted Daffan, the song carries a long country and pop history, which Elton approaches with clear respect.
His performance is restrained, letting the melody breathe while gentle piano and subtle instrumentation support the vocal. It highlights his ability to interpret classic material thoughtfully, showing that his artistry extends well beyond the songs he wrote himself.
27. “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting” (1973)
This gritty rock number contrasts with Elton John’s more piano-led ballads. The track opens with a sharp guitar riff and rarely lets up, building into a fast, punchy anthem about weekend chaos and youthful rebellion. Davey Johnstone’s guitar work plays a central role, pushing the song firmly into rock territory.
Elton’s piano still drives the rhythm, adding weight beneath the aggressive arrangement. The result is a high-energy performance that captures the rough excitement of a packed pub on a Saturday evening.
28. “Bennie and The Jets” (1973)
This song blends satire and pop spectacle into one of Elton John’s most recognisable recordings. The song introduces a fictional band, using exaggerated crowd noise and live-style production effects to create the illusion of a concert performance. Elton’s electric piano riff drives the track, giving the arrangement a distinctive groove.
Bernie Taupin’s lyrics hint at the strange dynamics of fame and music industry hype. The result feels both playful and sharp.
29. “Nikita” (1985)
“Nikita” came about at a time when Elton John was exploring a more polished 1980s production style. It tells the story of a distant romance shaped by the political barriers of the Cold War, giving the lyrics a sense of longing and separation.
Synth textures and electronic drums define much of the arrangement, yet Elton’s piano and vocals keep the song grounded emotionally. The melody moves gently through each verse before opening into a wide, expressive chorus. It became one of his most recognisable hits of the decade, demonstrating how his songwriting adapted to changing pop sounds.
30. “Someone Saved My Life Tonight” (1975)
“Someone Saved My Life Tonight” draws directly from Elton John’s personal history, reflecting a difficult period before his rise to global fame.
The song builds gradually across its long running time, starting with gentle piano before expanding into a fuller arrangement. Backing vocals and subtle orchestration help shape the emotional arc of the track. By the final chorus, the story feels both personal and universal, making it one of the most revealing songs on this list.
31. “I’ve Seen the Saucers” (1974)
Written during the sessions for Caribou, “I’ve Seen the Saucers” leans into playful storytelling while still delivering a strong pop melody. The lyrics reference UFO sightings and media fascination with the unknown, giving Bernie Taupin’s writing a humorous edge.
Musically, the song is anchored with bright piano chords and a steady groove that keeps the narrative moving. It’s not one of his biggest singles, yet it shows the creative freedom he enjoyed during the mid-1970s.
32. “Burn Down the Mission” (1970)
This piece demonstrates more experimental and dramatic songwriting structures. “Burn Down the Mission” moves through shifting tempos and moods, building from a reflective opening into a powerful, piano-driven finale. Bernie Taupin’s lyrics carry a sense of tension and unrest, giving the song a narrative edge.
Elton responds with an expressive vocal performance that follows the music’s changing dynamics. The arrangement expands gradually, bringing in fuller instrumentation as the song progresses.
33. “Sad Songs (Say So Much)” (1984)
“Sad Songs” explores the curious comfort people often find in melancholy music.
Elton delivers the melody with warmth, supported by a polished 1980s arrangement that includes bright keyboards and steady percussion. The chorus arrives with an uplifting lift rather than sadness, reinforcing the idea that music can offer reassurance.
34. “Rotten Peaches” (1971)
“Rotten Peaches” brings a looser, roots-influenced sound to Elton John’s early catalogue. The track blends piano, organ, and a rolling rhythm section to create a groove that feels relaxed yet purposeful. Bernie Taupin’s lyrics lean into vivid imagery, drawing on Southern-inspired storytelling that appears throughout the Madman Across the Water era.
35. “Mellow” (1972)
Appearing on Honky Château, “Mellow” blends gospel-influenced backing vocals with a warm piano arrangement that gives the song its easy flow. Rather than building toward a dramatic chorus, the structure unfolds naturally, allowing the melody and groove to carry the listener forward.
36. “Sacrifice” (1989)
This became one of Elton John’s most successful late-career hits, showing how his songwriting continued to resonate decades into his career. “Sacrifice” focuses on the quiet breakdown of a relationship, exploring how distance can grow even when people try to hold things together. When the track reached number one in the UK, it confirmed that Elton’s ability to connect with listeners remained as strong as ever.
37. “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues” (1983)
Released during the early 1980s, this song marked a strong return to form. It blends classic songwriting with polished production, creating a sound that feels both familiar and fresh. Elton’s piano leads the arrangement while Stevie Wonder’s harmonica adds a distinctive touch that lifts the chorus.
Lyrically, Bernie Taupin reflects on longing and distance, themes that many listeners instantly recognise. The melody carries warmth without becoming overly sentimental. Decades later, the track remains one of Elton’s most enduring ballads, proving the lasting strength of their songwriting partnership.
FAQs
What is Elton John’s greatest song?
Elton John’s greatest song is generally regarded as “Your Song”. The 1970 classic helped launch his global career and remains one of his most beloved recordings. However, many fans and critics also highlight “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word” as one of his most powerful and emotionally resonant songs.
What is Elton John’s most listened to song?
According to Spotify streaming numbers, Elton John’s most listened to songs are:
1. “Cold Heart-PNAU Remix” – Over 2.6 billion streams
2. “I’m Still Standing” – Over 1.5 billion streams
3. “Rocket Man” – Over 1.4 billion streams
4. “Your Song” – Over 1.1 billion streams
5. “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” – Over 1 billion streams
What song is Elton John most proud of?
The song Elton John is most proud of is “Your Song”. He has frequently described it as a defining moment in his career. The heartfelt lyrics and simple piano arrangement helped establish his signature style.
Final thoughts
So there we have it – our list of the best Elton John songs, i.e., ones that have defined his career for more than five decades.
From reflective ballads like “Your Song” and “Daniel” to energetic rock tracks such as “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting”, the catalogue shows how easily Elton John moves between styles. He and Bernie Taupin are legends and inspirations to so many new artists.
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