The Evolution of Elton John: A Look Back at ‘The Diving Board’
It’s hard to believe that it’s been a few years since Elton John graced us with his first solo studio album in seven years, ‘The Diving Board’. Released by Capitol Records back in September of 2013, the album, produced by T Bone Burnett, featured 12 beautiful tracks co-written with Elton’s long-time lyricist, Bernie Taupin. This album took us back to the basics of Elton’s sound, focusing on piano, bass, and drums. As we reflect on this iconic album, let’s dive back into the music, the memories, and the powerful performances that ‘The Diving Board’ brought to life.
‘The Diving Board’: A Masterpiece
The album was made available in several formats, including Standard, Deluxe, Super-Deluxe, and a 180-gram 2-Disc Vinyl set. Each version offered something unique, with the Deluxe and Super-Deluxe packages including bonus tracks and live recordings from a session at the famed Capitol Records Studios.
Elton described ‘The Diving Board’ as an album he had been waiting to make for decades. He expressed his excitement about every aspect of the album, from the performances to the production, lyrics, and songs they created.
Revisiting the Tracks
The complete track listing of ‘The Diving Board’ included fan favorites like ‘Oceans Away’, ‘Home Again’, and ‘Can’t Stay Alone Tonight’. Each track showcased Elton’s unique sound and songwriting ability, making the album a timeless classic in his discography.
Reflecting on the album, Capitol Music Group Chairman & CEO Steve Barnett described it as a masterpiece, noting that it’s rare for an artist of Elton’s stature to push himself and create one of the strongest albums of his career.
Even years after its release, ‘The Diving Board’ continues to resonate, reminding us all of Elton John’s incredible talent and timeless appeal.
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