The Big Picture

09/23/1997 3:00 AM, LAUNCH
Mike Lipton

If timing is indeed everything, John's latest is destined for the record books. Let's face it, you couldn't buy a better turn of events: the tragic demise of a beloved princess and a performance at her memorial that received worldwide coverage--all just weeks before the release of John's first disc in two years. The release also marks the 30th anniversary of his partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin. If you can get past the opening pair of trademark schmaltzy, melodramatic ballads, and listen through some heavy-handed production, you'll find some of John's strongest material in years. "The End Will Come" counters with one of his better ballads while the soulful, gospel-tinged "If The River Can Bend" is one of his most convincing tunes in years. It's a reminder that, beneath the fanfare and goofy glasses, John has a measure of blue-eyed soul, and when he taps that quality ("Something About The Way You Look Tonight"), he damn near rocks. Unfortunately, the final tally weighs in heavy on the ham and thin on anything of substance.