With studio album number six, Elton John took a giant step towards creative independence, topping the charts in both the US and the UK with this album released way back in 1974. His

breakthrough across the Atlantic brought him new fans, but it was this album ‘Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only The Piano Player’, that gave him a No.1 album in his own country in England.

As the follow-up to 'Honky Chateau', this album became his second in a row to top the charts in America. The album is an engaging entertainment package that brought him the much needed success in the rock ‘n’ roll of the Fifties and early Sixties.  

So the toppers you have here have to be the opener of the album’s most moving cut, Daniel. A gem of technical virtuosity, it has Elton doubling on electric piano and “flute” mellotron and Ken Scott on synthesizer, together making as deft use of the new electronic instrumentation. Elton’s melody and vocal are unusually tender and expressive, while collaborating with long time lyricist Bernie Taupin, you have a winner here to a song that tells the story about a man, returning to a small-town after the war, who longs to return to the life he had before.  

The lyrics are touching at the very first listen;

Daniel is traveling tonight on a plane 

I can see the red tail lights heading for Spain 

And I can see Daniel waving goodbye 

Oh it looks like Daniel,

must be the clouds in my eyes..

While the moving ballad plays on Side A, flip over and you have the irresistibly catchy and corny hit, Crocodile Rock a sly take on '50s rock & roll, with lyrics that swing you and make you want to dance.

I remember when rock was young

Me and Susie had so much fun

Holding hands and skimming stones

Had an old gold Chevy and a place of my own…

Though these two hits are remarkable, and the reason being I have a lot of memories connected to both Daniel and Crocodile Rock from my childhood and they immediately take me back to those days. So they are very important songs to me. However, the same don't hold to the other songs, such as Have Mercy on the Criminal, Texas Love Song and High Flying Bird, among a few others.  You could settle for Elderberry Wine and I'm Going To Be a Teenage Idol. Not bad stuff.

On the whole, it is an absolutely magnificent album from the first to the last song, if you don’t mind a bit of implicit commentary in a few songs. It’s a must-have album. I am happy I have this vinyl in my collection. Designed as a mix of soft rock classic sound and contemporary pop styles, the album demonstrates the diversity of the Elton John/Bernie Taupin team. Great album with awesome songs.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira