This classic Elton John album from 1973 was Elton's 6th studio release and 2nd straight #1 album it was also something of a crossroads in terms of style. Prior to this record his music was a little more folk and country oriented where as Don't Shoot me starts his move into rock and pop. This shift in style is most evident in the first single from the album; "Crocodile Rock", this became Elton's 1st of many #1 singles and is a great tongue and cheek ode to 50's rock & roll. The flip side of the single was an equally great infectious piece of pop called "Elderberry Wine". The other great single from this album was the classic "Daniel". The album is worth owning just for these 3 songs alone! Listining on you will find this release is packed with great music. The track "Teacher I Need You" will get stuck in your head immediately as will the rocking "Midnight Creeper". On the softer side, if your a fan of Elton's ballads there is the touching "Blues For My Baby And Me" & the breezy "High Flying Bird" both will easily fall into heavy rotation on your ipod. To round out the album there is the dramatic "Have Mercy On The Criminal" which would have fit well on the Madman Across the Water Album with it's heavy orchestration and serious subject matter. The two tracks that follow lighten things up again "I'm Going To Be A Teenage Idol" a quirky pop song that's pretty relevant today and the humorous "Texan Love Song" (complete with the lyrics "Ki Yi Yippie Yi Yi") the latter would have better been suited on the Tumblweed Connection album. If you get the expanded remastered edition there are 4 extra songs that are not Eltons's best and in my opinion take away from the original release.
This album is one of Elton's best and sometimes most forgotten being overshadowed by his next release "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road". This is a great album to start with if you are a casual fan and not familiar with Elton's great album tracks. I hope this review was helpful, enjoy the music!
