CAFFE` LATTE` TOP 2000 TRACKS
THE TOP 100
#68 DON'T LET THE SUN GO DOWN ON ME
ELTON JOHN
(1974)
Writers: Elton John & Bernie Taupin
When composing "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me", Elton John drew inspiration from classics recorded by The Beach Boys like "Good Vibrations" and "God Only Knows". Recorded minus the strings that were a feature on many of his early 70s tracks, this new song brought John's piano playing further into the foreground. Producer Gus Dudgeon's touch succeeded in drawing out the best from the musicians and the song's epic structure. In many ways, "Don't Let The Sun..." marked a pivotal shift in gears for the artist's catalogue.
John struggled to capture the right vocal until Dudgeon added background vocals from The Beach Boys' Carl Wilson and Bruce Johnston. The latter arranged tjhe harmony vocals. He was aided by Daryl Dragon (aka "The Captain"), who was in the duo Captain and Tennille. His wife Toni Tennille also contributed backup vocals on the track, as did Billy Hinsche. Like Dragon, the latter was a member of The Beach Boys' backing band. The track was recorded at the Caribou Ranch in the Rocky Mountains, Colorado.
The majestic song was the lead single from John's 1974 album 'Caribou', named after the recording studio. The LP made it to the top in Britain, USA, Australia and Canada. "Don't Let The Sun..." reached #1 on the British, European and Canadian charts. The single peaked at #2 in America and topped the AC Chart there. In Australia, the disc climbed to #3.
"Don't Let the Sun..." has remained a fundamental part of John's live set list. Oleta Adams recorded a remake for the Taupin & John tribute album 'Two Rooms' in 1991. George Michael's cover version, issued in the same year, was a live re-recording with John sharing lead vocals. This new interpretation, returned the song to the chart summits in Canada, Europe and Britain, but also finally became a US #1 single. In Australia, the duet climbed again to a #3 peak position.
John struggled to capture the right vocal until Dudgeon added background vocals from The Beach Boys' Carl Wilson and Bruce Johnston. The latter arranged tjhe harmony vocals. He was aided by Daryl Dragon (aka "The Captain"), who was in the duo Captain and Tennille. His wife Toni Tennille also contributed backup vocals on the track, as did Billy Hinsche. Like Dragon, the latter was a member of The Beach Boys' backing band. The track was recorded at the Caribou Ranch in the Rocky Mountains, Colorado.
The majestic song was the lead single from John's 1974 album 'Caribou', named after the recording studio. The LP made it to the top in Britain, USA, Australia and Canada. "Don't Let The Sun..." reached #1 on the British, European and Canadian charts. The single peaked at #2 in America and topped the AC Chart there. In Australia, the disc climbed to #3.
"Don't Let the Sun..." has remained a fundamental part of John's live set list. Oleta Adams recorded a remake for the Taupin & John tribute album 'Two Rooms' in 1991. George Michael's cover version, issued in the same year, was a live re-recording with John sharing lead vocals. This new interpretation, returned the song to the chart summits in Canada, Europe and Britain, but also finally became a US #1 single. In Australia, the duet climbed again to a #3 peak position.
This
is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I
cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks.
Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have
universal appeal.
They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal
choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a
better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
A
new song from the remaining Top 100 is added each weekday, while another 2 are also
included from positions 1501-2000 daily. Check back here every 12 hours
for
an update of the 2000.
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