The Captain & The Kid
by Elton John
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    This really does pick up where John and lyricist Bernie Taupin left off.
  2. Billboard
    90
    Thanks to organic, piano-driven production, stellar storytelling and Sir's rededication to his vocal craft, this is a triumph.
  3. musicOMH.com
    80
    The world doesn't need another Elton John album, but it's heartwarming to hear an old-timer knock out such an emotional, pathos-filled document of lost loves and ageing friendships.
  5. Observer Music Monthly
    80
    In a musical climate awash with just-above-average singer-songwriters, Elton is still among the brightest exponents of what can be done when you combine piano, voice, melody and heart.
  6. Mojo
    80
    What more than saves the day here is a better-than-good melodic performance from Elton, and an outstanding set of lyrics by Bernie Taupin. [Oct 2006, p.98]
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  7. Rolling Stone
    80
    More than just a gift to fans, it shows Elton's gifts haven't deserted him. [5 Oct 2006, p.68]
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  8. Q Magazine
    80
    This is Elton's best album since, well, Captain Fantastic. [Oct 2006, p.118]
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  9. Los Angeles Times
    75
    John's nimble piano work and supple singing dominate pretty-to-rollicking numbers that flow as effortlessly as the duo's musical/lyrical give-and-take. Yet the basic, smooth pop feels too genteel, with flashes of country, roadhouse rock and funk only hinting at John's legendary versatility. [18 Sep 2006]
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  10. Blender
    70
    A rare case of one step back, two steps forward. [Nov 2006, p.144]
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  11. AllMusic
    70
    It might not quite seem like what a Fantastic sequel should be -- in fact, it seems more like a sequel to its direct predecessor, 2004's Peachtree Road -- but that's hardly a bad thing.
  12. The Guardian
    60
    Almost every tune here sounds hammered and wrought out of the songsmith's forge rather than from a moment's white-hot inspiration.
  13. The A.V. Club
    58
    There are way too many ballads and not nearly enough bounce, although it's nice to hear him really trying again.
  14. E! Online
    50
    Unfortunately, it lacks much of the spark and spunk that made the original disc so memorable.
  15. NOW Magazine
    40
    It's not that The Captain & The Kid is a bad album; it just sounds terribly dated.
  16. PopMatters
    40
    Listening to The Captain & The Kid, the performers’ professional composure never flags. But in seeking to replicate the effect of their classic 1975 album Captain Fantastic & the Brown Dirt Cowboy, John and Taupin have only succeeded in shining a spotlight on their own inadequacies.
  17. Uncut
    40
    A competent, well-intentioned exercise in futility. [Oct 2006, p.110]
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Awards & Rankings

95
#95 Most Discussed Album of 2006
85
#85 Most Shared Album of 2006

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 44 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 44
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 44
  3. Negative: 7 out of 44
  1. Psikolog
    Apr 15, 2016
    9
    Every song is good but Wouldn't Have You Any Other Way and The Bridge are great. Production is neat, sound is creative. I think I can say thatEvery song is good but Wouldn't Have You Any Other Way and The Bridge are great. Production is neat, sound is creative. I think I can say that it's Elton John's one of the best albums.… Full Review »
  2. JohnN.
    May 1, 2007
    1
    Disappointing. This coming from a huge Elton John fan.
  3. DavidC
    Dec 4, 2006
    2
    Not Good...disappointing...too much work and not enough play make Elton a dull boy...."Leather Jackets" the great album/CD that was ahead of Not Good...disappointing...too much work and not enough play make Elton a dull boy...."Leather Jackets" the great album/CD that was ahead of its time...should be put in the KIDS place.....it seems elton needs a break from the music business...then come back strong....Elton Rules....rock on elton!!!… Full Review »
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