Over his unparalleled career, Elton John has cemented himself as one of pop music's greatest icons. With over 50 Top 40 hits, pinpointing top ten elton john songs is no easy feat. Here we revisit some of Elton John's most iconic, influential and beloved songs according to their US chart peaks and lasting cultural impact. These timeless classics exemplify his boundless artistry and talent for crafting clever pop masterpieces.
Top 10 Elton John Songs
Below is a table with top 10 Elton John hits along with their albums
| Sr. No | Song Name | Album |
| 1 | Live in Australia | |
| 2 | Madman Across the Water | |
| 3 | Too Low for Zero | |
| 4 | Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy | |
| 5 | Blue Moves | |
| 6 | Single release | |
| 7 | Goodbye Yellow Brick Road | |
| 8 | Goodbye Yellow Brick Road | |
| 9 | Honky Château | |
| 10 | Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player |
1 - Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me (Live) (1991)
- Album: Live in Australia with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
- Release Date: November 25, 1991
- Genre: Pop
- Songwriter(s): Elton John, Bernie Taupin
Originally recorded in 1974, Elton John's impassioned ballad Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me became a monumental hit again in 1991 as a live duet with George Michael. This soaring, heart-wrenching rendition topped charts worldwide, demonstrating the timelessness of the bittersweet breakup song. Elton John's masterful piano work perfectly complements the raw emotion in his and Michael's vocals.
2 - Levon (1971)
- Album: Madman Across the Water
- Release Date: November 29, 1971
- Genre: Pop rock
- Songwriter(s): Elton John, Bernie Taupin
Released in 1971, Levon showcased songwriting by Elton John and Bernie Taupin at their enigmatic storytelling best. Speculated to be inspired by The Band's Levon Helm, the song features vivid lyrics about the title character alongside Elton John's dynamic piano playing. With its unusual subject matter and catchy chorus, Levon exemplified the duo's knack for unconventional yet engaging songwriting.
3 - I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues (1983)
- Album: Too Low for Zero
- Release Date: April 1983
- Genre: Pop, R&B
- Songwriter(s): Elton John, Bernie Taupin
From Elton John's successful 1983 comeback album Too Low for Zero, I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues became one of his biggest hits and a fan favorite ballad. Elton John's soulful delivery shines against a laid back groove and harmonica accents as he reflects on loneliness post-breakup. The bittersweet lyrics and melody earned the song Grammy nominations for Song and Record of the Year.
4 - Someone Saved My Life Tonight (1975)
- Album: Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy
- Release Date: June 23, 1975
- Genre: Pop rock
- Songwriter(s): Elton John, Bernie Taupin
Elton John delivers a powerhouse piano rock performance on his semi-autobiographical 1975 single Someone Saved My Life Tonight. Lyrically, the song depicts a suicide attempt thwarted by a friend, reflecting Bernie Taupin helping rescue Elton John from an unwanted engagement. Dynamic and emotional, the track demonstrated Elton John's artistic maturation on the acclaimed Captain Fantastic album.
5 - Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word (1976)
- Album: Blue Moves
- Release Date: November 1, 1976
- Genre: Pop
- Songwriter(s): Elton John, Bernie Taupin
Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word featured reflective lyrics by Bernie Taupin and emotive vocals by Elton John. Released on the ambitious 1976 double album Blue Moves, the minimalist ballad builds intensity through Elton John's building pain and soaring delivery. As one of his most vulnerable compositions, the song highlighted his and Taupin's grasp of melancholy songcraft. Its timeless sentiment made Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word a pop standard.
6 - Don't Go Breaking My Heart (1976)
- Album: Single
- Release Date: February 14, 1976
- Genre: Disco
- Songwriter(s): Elton John, Bernie Taupin
Elton John's chart-topping disco duet with Kiki Dee Don't Go Breaking My Heart became his first #1 single in 1976. With catchy give-and-take lyrics and an irresistible groove, the track exemplified Elton John's chameleonic ability to adapt to current pop trends. The flirtatious back-and-forth between John and Dee resulted in an effervescent, joyous love song that captured the dancefloor bliss of the disco era.
7 - Grey Seal (1973)
- Album: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
- Release Date: October 5, 1973
- Genre: Pop rock
- Songwriter(s): Elton John, Bernie Taupin
Opening his 1973 masterpiece Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Grey Seal spotlighted Elton John's virtuosic piano skills and energetic rock delivery. Propelled by heavy reverb and complex time signature shifts, the song demonstrated his eclectic fusion of genres. Lyrically abstract yet musically rich, Grey Seal highlighted Elton John and Bernie Taupin's unique chemistry. Its prog rock elements introduced Elton John's ambitious musical capabilities.
8 - Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting (1973)
- Album: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
- Release Date: June 29, 1973
- Genre: Hard rock
- Songwriter(s): Elton John, Bernie Taupin
Another standout from Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting exemplified Elton John's Hard rock side. His raucous piano riffs and frenetic vocals unleash adolescent rebellion and weekend revelry. Considered one of his most energetic tracks, the song became a concert staple for its electricity and spirit. Elton John's charismatic performance made Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting a glam rock smash.
9 - Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters (1972)
- Album: Honky Château
- Release Date: 1972
- Genre: Soft rock
- Songwriter(s): Elton John, Bernie Taupin
Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters written by Bernie Taupin reflected on his first visit to New York City in the early 1970s. Evoking the city's eccentricity and grit through vivid imagery, the lyrics are given profound depth by Elton John's nuanced vocals and piano. Released on 1972's Honky Château, the subdued yet powerful ballad demonstrated the duo's knack for cinematic storytelling and keen observations.
10 - Crocodile Rock (1972)
- Album: Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player
- Release Date: October 27, 1972
- Genre: Pop rock
- Songwriter(s): Elton John, Bernie Taupin
Blending rock, pop and a retro doo-wop sound, Crocodile Rock encapsulated Elton John's skill for dynamic pastiche compositions. Released in 1972, the uptempo single draws on '50s and '60s styles while remaining contemporary. Propelled by Elton John's energetic delivery, the song's nostalgic lyrics about dancing and rock n' roll became a smash hit. Its mixing of old and new encapsulated his blend of showmanship and songcraft.
Final Verdict
Across five decades, Elton John's artistic journey has yielded an unparalleled songbook of pop classics. Revisiting these 10 gems reminds us of his unmatched talents as a pianist, vocalist and hitmaker. Though just a sampling, each song exemplifies his creative fearlessness and adaptability. We hope Elton John keeps rocking stages with these timeless hits and inspiring new generations with his songwriting for years to come. The rocket man's musical flight continues soaring high.
FAQs
What was Elton John's first big hit?
Elton John's first major hit single was Your Song released in 1970. It was his first single to reach the Top 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #8.
What is Elton John's most famous song?
Candle in the Wind is widely considered Elton John's most famous and iconic song. Originally released in 1973, his rewritten version honoring Princess Diana in 1997 became the best-selling single since pop charts began.
What was the first #1 song Elton John wrote?
The first #1 hit song written by Elton John was Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds by The Beatles in 1974 which he co-wrote with John Lennon. His first #1 as an artist was Crocodile Rock in 1973.
How many top 40 hits has Elton John had?
Elton John has achieved 57 Top 40 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart behind only Elvis Presley and Madonna for the most top 40 hits by a solo artist.
What was Elton John's biggest hit song in the 1980s?
Elton John's biggest hit of the 1980s was That's What Friends Are For in 1986. The all-star charity single with Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder spent 4 weeks at #1.