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The Union
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The Union Image
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 15 Ratings

  • Summary: The two talented singer-songwriters and accomplished pianists pair up to release a duet album of original songs, featuring production by T-Bone Burnett.
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  • Record Label: Decca
  • Genre(s): Singer/Songwriter, Pop/Rock, Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Contemporary Pop/Rock, Album Rock
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Top Track

When Love Is Dying
They say we bruise too easily I don't know if that's the way for me I've seen 'em come, I've seen 'em go I've seen everyone I know Fall in and out of... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  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. 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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  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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  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Austin Chronicle
    Jan 3, 2011
    67
    The Union should've been a Leon Russell album produced by Elton John and titled The Confederacy.
  7. 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.

See all 17 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 5
  3. Negative: 1 out of 5
  1. IgnorantDick
    Oct 22, 2010
    10
    Between 1970 and 1976, Elton John released nine timeless, classic albums. And Rock of the Westies, as well. The Union, with Leon Russell, isBetween 1970 and 1976, Elton John released nine timeless, classic albums. And Rock of the Westies, as well. The Union, with Leon Russell, is easily the best Elton John album since his golden age ended with 1976's Blue Moves. There is a sincerity and grittiness that has been missing for a very long time. If you enjoyed Tumbleweed Connection you will enjoy this.… Expand
  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.… Expand
  4. 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.… Expand
  5. EthanPeter
    Oct 20, 2010
    5
    The album is neither offensive nor engaging nor worth buying nor worth a second listen. It seems to be more for fans of T. Bone, but hisThe album is neither offensive nor engaging nor worth buying nor worth a second listen. It seems to be more for fans of T. Bone, but his pairing this time as interesting as it was with 'Raising Sand.' Maybe this will put an end to his bajillion-Grammy run.… Expand
  6. 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.… Expand