18 Elton John Songs That Should Have Been Bigger Hits
Sir Elton John has given us countless chart-toppers, from Rocket Man to Tiny Dancer.
But hidden in his massive catalog are gems that never got the spotlight they deserved.
These 18 tracks prove that even a legend can have incredible songs fly under the radar, waiting to be rediscovered by fans old and new.
Disclaimer: This article reflects subjective editorial perspectives on Elton John’s music and should not be interpreted as definitive fact or universal consensus.
1. Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters
Picture this: Bernie Taupin writes about New York City after just one visit, and creates pure magic.
The song paints a stunning portrait of urban loneliness with strings that could make a statue cry.
Released on Honky Château in 1972, it showcases a softer side that deserved way more radio love.
Honestly, those piano chords hit differently every single time.
2. Harmony
What happens when you blend gospel vibes with rock energy?
You get Harmony, a track that practically begs you to sing along at the top of your lungs.
From The One album in 1992, it brought back classic Elton sounds when the world needed them most.
Those backing vocals could power a small city with their sheer joy!
3. Have Mercy On The Criminal
Buckle up for a wild ride through redemption and regret.
This Don’t Shoot Me track from 1973 rocks harder than most people remember Elton could rock.
The guitar work slaps, and the lyrics explore themes deeper than your average pop song dares to go.
Sometimes mercy matters more than justice, just saying.
4. Pinky
Meet the character study that deserved way more attention.
From Caribou, Pinky introduces us to someone unforgettable through Bernie’s vivid lyrical portrait painting.
The bouncy rhythm contrasts beautifully with the deeper themes lurking beneath the surface melody.
How many pop songs create fully realized characters this memorably in under four minutes?
5. I’ve Seen That Movie Too
Ever felt like your relationship was following a predictable script?
Elton captures that feeling perfectly in this Goodbye Yellow Brick Road gem from 1973.
The melody swings between sweet and bitter, just like recognizing patterns you wish you hadn’t noticed.
It deserved to be a massive hit but somehow got overshadowed by bigger siblings.
6. Burn Down The Mission
If epic had a soundtrack, this would be it.
Clocking in at over six minutes, this Tumbleweed Connection track from 1970 builds like a musical avalanche.
The gospel-tinged chorus and soaring vocals create an experience that demands to be played loud.
Seriously, turn it up and let those speakers work overtime on this one!
7. Ticking
Think a pop star can’t tackle serious topics?
Ticking tells the chilling story of a troubled young man spiraling toward violence.
From Caribou in 1974, it showcases Bernie’s storytelling genius and Elton’s ability to deliver heavy material with sensitivity.
8. Elderberry Wine
Country roads meet piano man in this delightful fusion.
From Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player, it blends genres smoother than actual elderberry wine goes down.
The lyrics drip with nostalgia for simpler times and sweeter memories that taste better with age.
Plus, that chorus will stick in your brain for days, guaranteed or your money back!
9. Sweet Painted Lady
Step right up to hear a tale about fleeting connections and painted smiles.
This Goodbye Yellow Brick Road track paints a vivid picture of encounters that fade like morning mist.
The honky-tonk piano styling gives it a carnival feel that perfectly matches the bittersweet storytelling.
Sometimes the deepest songs hide behind the catchiest tunes, you know?
10. Blues For My Baby And Me
When Elton channels his inner blues artist, magic happens.
Featured on Empty Sky from 1969, his debut album, it shows his range extending far beyond pop boundaries.
The raw emotion and soulful delivery prove he could hang with any blues legend out there.
Those early tracks reveal an artist already fully formed and ready to conquer the world.
11. High Flying Bird
Freedom takes flight in this early Elton masterpiece.
Though not written by Bernie Taupin, this traditional song reworked on Don’t Shoot Me showcases Elton’s interpretive skills.
The arrangement lifts higher and higher, much like the bird seeking escape from earthly chains.
Sometimes covering classics reveals just as much artistry as writing original material does, honestly.
12. Tonight
Imagine capturing the electricity of anticipation in musical form.
Tonight does exactly that, pulling from the Blue Moves album of 1976 with sophisticated arrangements.
The lyrics speak to anyone who’s ever counted down minutes until seeing someone special again.
Though it never topped charts, it topped hearts for those lucky enough to discover it.
13. Chameleon
Talk about adapting to survive in the music industry!
This Blue Moves track explores transformation and identity with layers deeper than your average love song.
The instrumentation shifts and morphs, mirroring the chameleon theme in ways that feel almost too clever.
Elton proves once again that concept and execution can blend into something truly spectacular together.
14. The Greatest Discovery
Grab tissues before pressing play on this one.
Empty Sky’s most tender moment captures a child discovering their new sibling with innocence and wonder.
Bernie wrote it about his own brother’s birth, and that personal touch absolutely radiates through.
The gentleness and genuine emotion make it criminally underrated in the Elton John catalog overall.
15. Crazy Water
Hold on tight because this one flows with unstoppable energy.
From Caribou, it rushes forward like its namesake, carrying listeners along for a thrilling ride.
The tempo keeps you moving while the lyrics explore emotional currents that pull us under sometimes.
How radio stations missed this banger remains a mystery worthy of detective work, seriously.
16. One Horse Town
Ever felt stuck in a place that felt too small for your dreams?
Blue Moves delivers this relatable anthem for anyone who’s ever wanted to escape their circumstances.
The melody captures both the comfort and claustrophobia of familiar places that feel limiting.
Sometimes the best songs come from the most universal feelings of restlessness and hope.
17. I Feel Like A Bullet (In The Gun Of Robert Ford)
What a title, right?
This Rock of the Westies track from 1975 uses Wild West imagery to explore being used by others.
The metaphor hits harder than any actual bullet could, with Bernie’s lyrics reaching peak cleverness here.
Meanwhile, Elton’s delivery makes you feel every ounce of betrayal and resignation in the story.
18. Simple Life
Sometimes less really is more, you know?
This track from A Single Man (1978) yearns for uncomplicated existence away from fame’s chaos.
The irony of a superstar singing about simplicity adds layers that make repeated listens even richer.
Those seeking escape through music will find a kindred spirit in every beautifully crafted verse.
