Unfortunately, this album is not particularly interesting or well put together.ĭoes she really feel, for example, that a song like “Dealer” (with Miles Kane, no less), which advises against trying to reach her through her dealer, deserves a chapter? in his life story? She said that blue ramps tells her story, which, for someone who has shrouded themselves in mythology from day one, should be an intriguing prospect. Obviously that’s a relative term – a grainy Lana Del Rey is still a pretty fuzzy Lana Del Rey and if you don’t like smooth, reverberated vocals then, yes, she still isn’t for you. But here we are with the 2021 second of California’s most beloved sad girl: she’s back with the most gritty. You could say that one Lana Del Rey album a year could be enough. Stream: Simple Things, Cold Heart, One of Me Lana del rey Whatever reaction it causes, it was worth it.
Maybe you’ll discover a new favorite artist, maybe you’ll discover a new appreciation for Elton John’s particularly robust voice, or maybe you hate the whole company. What this tells me is that there is still life in the old dog: the old dog being the music and John being his master’s voice. Of course, this scattered approach means the record looks more like a sampler of Elton’s record collection than a cohesive whole. Many aren’t even Elton John songs – pop princess Sawayama’s queer power ballad “Chosen Family” might have been overwhelmed by her booming voice, but instead it becomes a testament to a fruitful and seemingly equal relationship.Ĭoldplay, Music of the Spheres, review: big pop that sounds like the leftovers of One Direction You might expect him to find his way into the limelight on most tracks, but in general, he gets left behind by his guests and the songs. The most striking thing about Containment sessions that’s how much of an Elton John he is. is a fantastic way to knit them into something dazzling. John’s album is also revealing there is something very generous about taking precious and loved hits and turning them into something new.ĭie-hard fans may thrill at his combination of “Kiss the Bride”, “Rocketman”, “Where’s the Shoorah” and “Sacrifice” in a dance record with Dua Lipa (“Cold Heart”), but I think it is. He is not the first older artist to hand over part of his catalog to the whippersnappers Paul McCartney has assembled an equally modern cast to re-record his 2020 album McCartney III, which has breathed restless new life into him. His radio show (on Apple Radio Station) featured a number of newcomers and on Containment sessions, the senior statesman of pop puts his money where his mouth is.Ī colorful hit album reinvented by John and a host of guests, it features artists from Rina Sawayama to Dua Lipa alongside Stevie Nicks and Eddie Vedder. Over the past few years, Elton John has solidified his reputation as a person who can spot a future 40-step superstar.