Peachtree Road (CD)

For more than 35 years, Elton John has been providing us with music that is both personal and universal. It's been quite a journey, and an entertaining one, at that. Now EJ takes us to Peachtree Road, a disc that in many ways revisits some of his early material but remains distinctly new.

Not surprisingly, his albums have shown a more reflective side as he has matured, something that reflects his own growth but also that of lyricist Bernie Taupin. This duo continues to evolve, and while there are certainly familiar elements of "the old days" on this disc, they are clearly intent on looking forward.

Peachtree Road begins rather low-key with the thoughtful "Weight of the World," then gradually eases into a more up-tempo environment. The disc's third track, "Answer in the Sky," is the first to begin kicking it into gear. This song is joyous and memorable, a spiritual answer to the human condition. It celebrates hope in an eloquent way, and truly comes off as an inspirational track, regardless of one's beliefs.

Much less celebratory is "Turn the Lights Out When You Leave," a country western number that has an impressive amount of twang from the Rocket Man. Complete with steel guitar, this song rivals any tear-in-your-beer song ever recorded in Nashville. It's a top-notch breakup song, with the kicker being that he doesn't really care that she's leaving. Unfortunately, this one will never make it to country radio but, if it did, it would land in the Top 10.

Shades of Elton's older works color the album's liveliest track, "They Call Her the Cat." This lively tune about a man who finds his happiness on stage as a woman is reminiscent of vintage Elton, from the rollicking piano to the background harmonies. It's a side of him that becomes less visible with age, and it's always a delight to see John slip back into his old ways.

The subject of mismatched love is explored on the delightful "Freaks In Love," and it has some incredibly clever turns of phrases in addition to being musically fulfilling. On "All That Im Allowed (Im Thankful)," Elton is reverent and humbled by all that life has given him. This is a moving example of gratitude and of recognizing that all of life is a gamble; when the dice rolls in our favor, the best we can do is be grateful and realize that not everyone is nearly as fortunate.

Other cuts on the album share that sentiment; on "I Stop and I Breathe," he looks at love in the aftermath of a fierce quarrel. After the shouting is through, he realizes his good fortune to be with someone who means so much. "Too Many Tears" looks at the human condition and urges everyone to stop crying "and look into that beautiful blue sky."

Closing out the album is the beautiful "I Can't Keep This From You," a love song that is written as a confession. He is, initially, afraid to confess his secret; afraid he'll be laughed at or simply rejected. (Adding to its nice confessional feel is a church-flavored organ propelling the music.) Ultimately, however, he must confess his secret and ask for the chance to prove his love. The gospel feel is an added bonus to this track, and it makes for the perfect benediction to a truly inspired album.

By Paula Felps