Elton John – The Thom Bell Sessions

Catalog: MCA-13921  |  Side A Matrix: MCA 1812 WT-13921-Side A ⧈-G-⧈

About the Artist

Elton John needs little introduction — one of the most celebrated and enduring figures in popular music, with over 300 million records sold worldwide. Born Reginald Kenneth Dwight in Pinner, Middlesex in 1947, his partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin produced some of the most beloved songs of the rock era. By the late 1970s, Elton had conquered stadiums on every continent, and while his commercial fortunes fluctuated through the early 1980s, his artistic curiosity never wavered. The Thom Bell Sessions stands as one of the most intriguing and underappreciated chapters in his catalogue — a deliberate step outside his comfort zone into the world of Philadelphia soul.

About the Album

Recorded in Seattle in 1977 but not released until 1989, The Thom Bell Sessions is a fascinating artifact of a pivotal moment in Elton John’s career. The sessions were produced by Thom Bell — the Philadelphia-based architect of the lush, orchestrated soul sound behind the Stylistics, the Spinners, and Teddy Pendergrass — and represent a genuine creative experiment: what happens when one of rock’s great piano men surrenders to the warm, string-drenched world of Philly soul?

The result is a quietly stunning mini-album. Bell’s production wraps Elton’s voice in layers of orchestration and rhythm that feel both unexpected and entirely natural. The standout “Are You Ready for Love” — later a massive UK #1 hit when remixed and re-released in 2003 — is the centrepiece: a soaring, groove-driven declaration that showcases Elton at his most soulful and uninhibited. “Three Way Love Affair” and “Shooting Star” further demonstrate the chemistry between artist and producer, with Bell’s arrangements giving Elton’s voice a richness and warmth rarely heard in his rock recordings.

The album was originally shelved due to label disputes and contractual complications, which only adds to its mystique. For collectors and Elton devotees, this is a genuinely rare and rewarding find — a window into a road not taken, and proof that Elton John’s voice was always bigger than any single genre.

Record Condition

This copy has been carefully cleaned with a Spin-Clean record washer and stored in a new inner plastic sleeve. The vinyl presents with minor surface scuffs but played flawlessly on a quality turntable with no skips. Minor pops and crackles were noted during playback, consistent with the visual grade.

• Record Grade: VG (Very Good) — plays well, minor surface noise
• Jacket Grade: VG (Very Good) — wear consistent with age (see photos)

Photos show actual item. What you see is what you get.