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This really does pick up where John and lyricist Bernie Taupin left off.
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Thanks to organic, piano-driven production, stellar storytelling and Sir's rededication to his vocal craft, this is a triumph.
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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.
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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.
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MojoWhat 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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Rolling StoneMore than just a gift to fans, it shows Elton's gifts haven't deserted him. [5 Oct 2006, p.68]
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Q MagazineThis is Elton's best album since, well, Captain Fantastic. [Oct 2006, p.118]
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Los Angeles TimesJohn'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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BlenderA rare case of one step back, two steps forward. [Nov 2006, p.144]
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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.
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Almost every tune here sounds hammered and wrought out of the songsmith's forge rather than from a moment's white-hot inspiration.
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There are way too many ballads and not nearly enough bounce, although it's nice to hear him really trying again.
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Unfortunately, it lacks much of the spark and spunk that made the original disc so memorable.
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It's not that The Captain & The Kid is a bad album; it just sounds terribly dated.
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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.
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UncutA competent, well-intentioned exercise in futility. [Oct 2006, p.110]
Awards & Rankings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 35 out of 44
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Mixed: 2 out of 44
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Negative: 7 out of 44
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Apr 15, 2016
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JohnN.May 1, 2007Disappointing. This coming from a huge Elton John fan.
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DavidCDec 4, 2006