The Diving Board
by Elton John
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Sep 24, 2013
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 26 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 26
  3. Negative: 1 out of 26
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  1. adhamhany
    Feb 1, 2014
    2
    I'm sorry, but this is very boring. It pains me to say such a thing about Elton John's work, but it is. The whole album just feels like one long snooze. Even the 3 'Dream' tracks, which are the only redeeming aspect, are pretty short to make a difference.

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 24
  3. Negative: 1 out of 24
  1. Q Magazine
    Jan 27, 2014
    40
    The Diving Board is less engaging, widescreen lyrics paired with waddling blues and maudlin balladry. [Oct 2013, p.104]
  2. Austin Chronicle
    Nov 21, 2013
    40
    [Elton John] eschews formulaic pop for the stripped barroom noir of "Oscar Wilde Gets Out" and church hymn "A Town Named Jubilee." All too soon, though, "My Quicksand," which would be a perfect Rufus Wainwright vehicle, sinks overwrought while drawing the disc's Maginot Line. Only the Eighties-esque "Can't Stay Alone Tonight" rallies after that.
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  3. Record Collector
    Oct 30, 2013
    80
    It may be too reserved for excitable fans hoping for I’m Still Standing sequels, but the purity and simplicity of this unadorned balladry (Can’t Stay Alone Tonight, The New Fever Waltz) may bring many who fell by the wayside back into the fold.
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