Elton John is back! Actually, Elton has never been gone. His four decade career continues to roll, especially with the release of the “Rocketman” biopic last year. As one of the most prolific songwriters of his generation, it seems fitting to look at the top Elton John love songs for weddings.
Not all Elton love songs work for weddings
Elton has written a ton of love songs, but not all are a good fit for weddings, like his little-known “Sweetheart on Parade.” On the other hand, he has crafted an eclectic playlist of unique love songs that capture the sweetness and complexity of love.
Elton’s earlier love songs tend towards the sweet; but the older ones become more complex. Here are this blogger’s top ten Elton John love songs for weddings:
Blue Eyes
Perfect for the guy marrying a gal with blue eyes! Are you marrying a ‘brown-eyed girl’? Better check out Van Morrison’s song by the same name!
This features a sophisticated melody by the great Sir Elton, enhanced by a simple, haunting lyric by Gary Osborne.
Believe
“I believe in love it’s all we got.”
This 1995 hit is all about love, as the lyric reveals, but it’s a little unrelenting at nearly five minutes in length.
Come Down in Time
This is a sweet song, one of Elton’s earlier efforts from his 1970 Tumbleweed Connection album:
Love Song
Here’s another very romantic love song from the Tumbleweed Connection album, the only one of this list Elton didn’t actually write. That honor belongs to Leslie Duncan.
Please
Looking for a more uptempo Elton love song? Check out “Please,” from Elton’s 1995 “Made in England” album. It features a strong, very danceable, backbeat.
Michelle’s Song
Looking for a real throwback? This is a tender love song from the 1971 “Friends” album, featured in the movie by the same name.
Something About the Way You Look Tonight
The song features romantic lyrics by Bernie Taupin overlayed with a somewhat tedious melody by Elton:
“And I can’t explain
But it’s something about the way you look tonight
Takes my breath away
It’s that feeling I get about you, deep inside
And I can’t describe
But it’s something about the way you look tonight
Takes my breath away
The way you look tonight.”
This 1997 song was a big hit for Elton and Bernie, but not everyone loved it, best epitomized by a blogger named Alfred Soto who called it Elton’s ‘worst’ love song:
“As stately and mildly pompous as an an old aunt dressed up for Christmas dinner, “Something” offers not a single surprising lyric or chord development, and Elton sings somnolently too, overcome by the love that, in the chorus’ melodic downshift, takes his breath away.”
Setting Mr. Soto’s criticism aside, the song sold a boatload of records (in an era before downloads!).
The One
Another great lyric by Bernie Taupin and a sophisticated melody by Sir Elton:
“And all I ever needed was the one
Like freedom fields, where wild horses run
When stars collide like you and I
No shadows block the sun
You’re all I’ve ever needed
Baby, you’re the one”
Your Song
This is Elton and Bernie’s signature song, memorable because of a fantastic melody and sweet lyrics penned by the-then seventeen year old Bernie Taupin:
“And you can tell everybody this is your song
It may be quite simple but now that it’s done
I hope you don’t mind
I hope you don’t mind
That I put down in words
How wonderful life is while you’re in the world.”
Here is Elton singing it with Taron Egerton who portrayed him in the movie, “Rocketman:”
Can You Feel the Love Tonight?
Elton roared back to the top of the heap with his 1994 monster hit musical, “Lion King.” One of the biggest hits was “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” with lyrics penned by Tim Rice of “Jesus Christ Superstar” fame. Picture your first dance to this song!
When it comes time for your first dance, Columbus Pro DJs will play your favorite Elton song on the best equipment around in a venue that basks in the glow of our awesome decor lighting.
