Jake’s Take’s Music Bytes: Revamping And Restoring The Songs Of Elton John And Bernie Taupin

 

Welcome to the first installment of Jake’s Take’s Music Bytes. Music Bytes is Jake’s Take’s opinion on some of the most talked about albums and singles from a plethora of musicians that range from newcomers to some of the biggest names in music.

In this edition, I am taking a look at two tribute albums that were put together to celebrate the legacy of the longtime songwriting team of Sir Elton John and Bernie Taupin.

Revamp: The Songs of Elton John & Bernie Taupin

Revamp gives some of Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s timeless treasures to a new generation of hit makers.  There were some spectacular standouts including Sam Smith’s stunning “Daniel,” Lady Gaga’s astonishing “Your Song,” and Florence + The Machine’s otherworldly “Tiny Dancer.” Miley Cyrus also delivered one of the best vocals of her career with her interpretation of “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down on Me.”  However, there were some duds.  Coldplay’s “We All Fell in Love Sometimes” was boring, while Q-Tip and Demi Lovato’s “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” was all over the place. I wished that Sir Elton and the producers of the album showed some love to music veterans such as Cyndi Lauper, Patti LaBelle, Smokey Robinson, Steven Tyler, and Stevie Nicks.  They would have done wonders with songs like “Blessed,” “Burn Down the Mission,” “Candle in the Wind,” and “Saturday’s Night Alright For Fighting.”

 

Restoration: The Songs of Elton John & Bernie Taupin

Restoration let Nashville’s top talent shine on this tribute album. While Revamp curated to Top 40 artists, there was a great combination of current country favorites and music legends. Little Big Town brought a unique twist to “Rocket Man” that would appease the ears, while Maren Morris continued to showcase why she is one of the top rising stars of her generation with “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters.” There were also songs that listeners will get chills when they hear Chris Stapleton’s “I Want Love,” Don Henley and Vince Gill’s unbelievable “Sacrifice,” and Willie Nelson’s haunting “Border Song.”

Final Thoughts & Grades: Despite Revamp having some of the biggest names in popular music today, Restoration had the edge and secured the victory because it embraces both the newcomers and music veterans. Nonetheless, both albums do a stable job of representing why Sir Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s songbook has lasted for over 48 years.

Revamp’s Grade: B-/B

Restoration’s Grade: B+/A-

I do not own the clips that are featured in this article. They belong to Universal Music Group.