The Union
by Elton John
  • Record Label: Decca
  • Release Date: Oct 19, 2010
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
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  1. Rolling Stone
    Oct 21, 2010
    100
    On The Union, produced by T Bone Burnett, John and Russell share the resurrection. Each goes back to what he first did best. Then they do it together.
  2. American Songwriter
    Dec 21, 2010
    90
    The Union brings up two very good points again and again: No amount of celebrity shenanigans or animated transgressions can eclipse the fact that Elton John is an absolutely amazing musician and there's a never-ending list of reasons why Leon Russell is your favorite musician's favorite musician.
  3. Uncut
    Dec 20, 2010
    80
    The material is designed to showcase the principals' piano playing, and skilled engineer Mike Piersante has set up the mic'ing and mix by putting Russell's piano on one side of the stereo spectrum, Elton's on the other, making the record a particular kick under headphones. [Nov 2010, p.98]
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  5. Mojo
    Dec 20, 2010
    80
    The best tracks see the pair sparring over hymnal slow-burners that feature contributions from Neil Young, Brian Wilson, and Booker T. [Dec 2010, p.108]
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  6. Q Magazine
    Dec 20, 2010
    80
    The Union has pulled off the canny trick of allowing Elton to revisit his past, while still sounding like a songwriter looking and moving confidently towards the future. [Dec 2010, p.106]
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  7. Clash Music
    Oct 26, 2010
    80
    The Union is a mutual display of affection from both sides - Elton and Bernie's nostalgic tales are infused with gospel, rollicking country and rock 'n' roll, while Leon's croaky voice adds southern authenticity.
  8. Boston Globe
    Oct 25, 2010
    80
    While Elton John may be the more famous half of this spirited collaboration, the inspiration was Leon Russell.
  9. The Guardian
    Oct 21, 2010
    80
    The Union is quite a triumph.
  10. Entertainment Weekly
    Oct 21, 2010
    75
    On The Union, Leon Russell's raspy wail makes an apt foil for Sir Elton's still-luxuriant croon, and the duo settles cozily into producer T Bone Burnett's arrangements.
  11. musicOMH.com
    Dec 22, 2010
    70
    Elton and Russell, having come together for The Union, have made an album that delivers as a confident enmeshing of their talents
  12. AllMusic
    Oct 21, 2010
    70
    Surely, it's a revival for Leon Russell, who has spent decades in the wilderness, but it's not a stretch to say The Union revitalizes Elton John just as much as it does his idol: he hasn't sounded this soulful in years.
  13. BBC Music
    Oct 21, 2010
    70
    As it stands, The Union is a blot on neither man's legacy, just a mature bout with flashes of former glory.
  14. Austin Chronicle
    Jan 3, 2011
    67
    The Union should've been a Leon Russell album produced by Elton John and titled The Confederacy.
  15. The A.V. Club
    Oct 22, 2010
    67
    Elton John has said that The Union, his collaboration with rock/pop/R&B legend Leon Russell, is an effort to bring Russell the attention John feels he deserves- including entry to the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
  16. Los Angeles Times
    Oct 21, 2010
    63
    The new stuff will most assuredly get audiences on their feet; whether it leaves them with anything beyond visceral thrill as they exit the arena is another matter.
  17. PopMatters
    Oct 21, 2010
    40
    Given the hype-supposedly this is John's return to his classic Tumbleweed Connection/Honky Chateau sound-and the star power, the bar should be high for these guys. Sadly, they can't reach it.
  18. Slant Magazine
    Oct 21, 2010
    40
    That the album is a failure despite the authentic passion behind it only accentuates its participants' respective ruts. And it's further proof that the most consistent musicians are more pilgrims than they are professionals.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 15
  3. Negative: 2 out of 15
  1. Psikolog
    Apr 15, 2016
    8
    The Union is a pretty decent album, songs have both great vocals. Elton John is so good as always and it's very kind of him that he wanted toThe Union is a pretty decent album, songs have both great vocals. Elton John is so good as always and it's very kind of him that he wanted to make an album with one of his idols. I think Leon Russell finally got the respect that he deserves thanks to him. Album's production is perfect but sometimes sounds are little bit boring but it's not a big deal.… Full Review »
  2. alvin_tostig
    Nov 2, 2010
    10
    Elton's finally back to his first inspiation and to his roots. A wonderful journey thru gospel, rock, blues, country and soul. Elton's bestElton's finally back to his first inspiation and to his roots. A wonderful journey thru gospel, rock, blues, country and soul. Elton's best since med 70s and an unexpected comeback by Leon.… Full Review »
  3. CornfieldCub
    Oct 28, 2010
    3
    Been an EJ fan since the early 70 's and since "Blue Moves" Lp things have never quite been the same. Not to say the music has been bad justBeen an EJ fan since the early 70 's and since "Blue Moves" Lp things have never quite been the same. Not to say the music has been bad just different. The latest offering is again quite different. Two old dogs howling at the moon and riding on their past accomplishments. I just couldn't find the groove and consistency that makes me want to listen again and again. No "Tumbleweed Connection" here just disconnection.… Full Review »
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