Elton John – Greatest Hits

Label: MCA Records  |  Catalog: MCA-2128  |  Side A Matrix: MCA 586-W11

About the Artist

Born Reginald Kenneth Dwight in Pinner, Middlesex, England, Sir Elton John is one of the most celebrated and commercially successful musicians in history. A classically trained pianist who began performing in pubs as a teenager, he forged one of pop music's most enduring creative partnerships with lyricist Bernie Taupin — a collaboration spanning more than five decades. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 and knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1998, Elton John has sold an estimated 300 million records worldwide. His flamboyant stage presence, virtuosic piano playing, and gift for melody set him apart from the very beginning of his career.

About the Album

Released in November 1974 on MCA Records, Greatest Hits arrived at the absolute peak of Elton John's commercial dominance — a period when he was arguably the biggest rock star on the planet. Drawing from his extraordinary run of albums between 1970 and 1974, the compilation captures the full breadth of his early genius: from tender ballads to stomping glam-rock anthems. It spent 10 weeks at #1 on the Billboard 200 and has since been certified Diamond (16× Platinum) in the United States — one of the best-selling albums in American history. In the UK, it topped the charts for 11 weeks. For many listeners, this record was their first introduction to Elton John, and it remains a definitive entry point into his catalogue.

Track Highlights

The album opens with “Your Song” (1970), the tender piano-driven debut that announced a major new voice in popular music. “Rocket Man” (1972) followed — a wistful, space-age meditation on isolation that became one of his signature songs. The irresistible “Crocodile Rock” (1972) brought nostalgic, foot-stomping energy, while “Daniel” (1973) showcased his gift for emotional storytelling. “Bennie and the Jets” (1973) — with its stuttering piano riff and mock-live crowd noise — became an unlikely R&B crossover hit. The collection also features the epic “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” (1973), widely considered one of the greatest songs ever written, and the soaring “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” (1974), a gospel-tinged plea that demonstrated his full vocal range.

Record Condition

This copy has been carefully cleaned with a Spin-Clean record washer and stored in a new inner plastic sleeve. The vinyl shows minor surface scuffs consistent with age and previous play, but played flawlessly on a quality turntable with no skips. Minor pops and crackles were noted during playback — typical for a record of this vintage. A solid, enjoyable listening copy.

Vinyl Grade: G (Good)
Jacket Grade: G/F (Good/Fair) — wear present as shown in photos

Please refer to all photos for a complete picture of condition. What you see is what you get.