The Songs of Summer

The review I posted in 2007 on Amazon.com of "The Fox," Elton John's overlooked gem of an album from 1981:

"The Fox," Elton John's first album for Geffen Records, went largely unnoticed in the summer of 1981. And that is a shame because the set is full of wonderful tunes. The first two tracks, "Breaking Down Barriers" and "Heart In the Right Place" are classic Elton; and the title track could just as easily fit in on 2001's "Songs From the West Coast" or 2006's "The Captain and the Kid" as on this release.

The first single, "Nobody Wins," tells the story of lost love backed by swirling synthesizers and a haunting piano hook. The track took off on radio upon release in 1981 and raced up the lower half of the Hot 100 singles chart before stalling quickly at a disappointing number 21. "Chloe," is a wonderful ballad, yet only managed to make it to number 34 on the chart.

"Fascist Faces" has found its way back into my rotating music library. With the Republicans in control of all three branches of the American government during 6 of the last 7 years, the song takes on new meaning.

"Heels of the Wind" is an uplifting precursor to "I'm Still Standing" yet stands on its own merits. Had it been released as a single, it probably would have done well.

Finally, no review of "The Fox" would be complete without a mention of the superb "Elton's Song." A heart-wrenching ballad of a school boy-on-boy crush. Sir Elton's vocals cut deep and the writing shows early indications of songs he would later write for movies and stage.

The next time a retrospective of Elton's music is released, the producers would do well to include a track or two from "The Fox." This is a wonderful album and I urge you to give it a listen.

Today's song of summer is the title track to this classic album. It's one the best compositions in the Elton John/Bernie Taupin library. Enjoy "The Fox"...