Elton's new album "Peachtree Road" will hit the stores on November 8/9, 2004. Hercules Co-ordinator Stephan Heimbecher provides a quick review for those who cannot wait.

Just recently, I had the chance to listen to Elton's forthcoming album, "Peachtree Road". As with most of Elton's more recent albums, I got the feeling that it will take some more time to grow on me, so I cannot wait for the final copy to arrive in the shops so I can compare my first impressions I will share with you in the following with my thoughts about the tracks after I had the chance to listen to them more carefully.

Another interesting development that I noticed over the past few albums is that almost any of the new songs sounds very familiar even the first time I hear it. I wonder whether that's because Elton is repeating himself or whether I got to know him that good (from a musical point of view) that I can sort of predict his compositions.

In the light of this "forecasting gift", what's strange is the fact that many of the new songs take quite a while to be memorized. I rather re-predict than remember the songs for quite a while. Is it that they are not as distinct as his earlier compositions, or am I just getting old?

As for the following review, please keep in mind that it is very personal and subjective, and it is based on just two back-to-back listening sessions of the new songs. We all know that the opinions of Elton's fans are as diverse as Elton's musical styles. So make sure to form your own opinion once the album is available.

You can click the Amazon link on the right to pre-order the album right away.

1 - The Weight Of The World
The album makes a "wet start" with the sound of light rain merging with what I would call a typical modern Elton John song that sort of reminded me of a last reminiscene of "Songs From The West Coast".

2 - Porch Swing In Tupelo
Elton definitely leaves the west coast with this song, which kind of heralds the new "Peachtree Road" style. I especially like the arrangement of organ and choir on this track.

3 - Answer In The Sky
This song is probably already know to all fans as it has been played up and down US radio in the past few weeks. And it definitely is a very radio compatible song that reminds a little bit of "Philadelphia Freedom". "Answer In The Sky" might not become as classic, but it definitely has hit potential.

4 - Turn The Lights Out When You Leave
Elton goes Country and proves once more that he is home in quite a number of different musical styles. I have to admit that I am not a big Country lover, hence this is not one of my favourites as it also becomes a bit corny towards the end. You can tell that Elton hang out with guys like Ryan Adams to often lately ...

5 - My Elusive Drug
I liked this song from the start and I think this has to be my personal favourite of the album. It has lots of passion and I had the feeling that I was listening to an outtake from "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" that would have been worthwhile to be included in that classic album from 1973. In my opinion, the drum play is a bit too harsh, but apart from that I simply love this song.

6 - They Call Her The Cat
Right next is my least favourite track. It's a feel-good song that isn't bad, but isn't a musical masterpiece either. To my ears, it's a very average ditty that finds its negative climax in the "meouw" background towards the end of the song.

7 - Freaks In Love
This is another song that fans might already know as Elton has already performed it live in concert. To me, this is the first of two boy group style songs on the album. It could be one of those songs which will develop the more often you listen to them. It has a very catchy chorus that stays in your ear for a while.

8 - All That I’m Allowed
Right next is "Elton goes boy group part 2". Another very catchy tune which is going to be Elton's first single and might indeed work as it also has lots of radio potential due to the its juvenile touch (just suppress that there is a 57 year old singing).

9 - I Stop and I Breathe
Lots of Elton and piano and hence another favourite of mine. I like the arrangement and the way it develops over time. It has a bit of a soundtrack feeling and lots of that "Cole Porter style" that so many fans liked about Elton doing.

10 - Too Many Tears
The piano intro to this song sounds too familiar, but I still couldn't figure out what it reminds me of. The interesting melody and the voice effects produce interest, but the song turns into a typical Elton track far too soon. This one may need a few more listenings before I can give a fair judgement.

11 - It’s Getting Dark In Here
This one kicks off like so many Elton John songs, but then it isn't really getting off the ground. Some passages remind me of the opener of the album, which I like better than this one. Maybe I need to hear that one again. So far it sounds unfinished to me.

12 - Can’t Keep This From You
Everybody always expects the "classic Elton ballad" for the grand finale of an album. This track doesn't deliver. It has some nice organ and an interesting chorus, but apart from that it is far too chiselled. I didn't like it at all at first listen, but I liked it a lot more in the second round due to its nice vocal finale.

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