Which Elton John album went diamond?
Elton John is one of the most successful pop artists in history. Donning a trusty pair of sunglasses and a healthy dose of glitter, he has entertained audiences for decades with his skilful piano playing and increasingly familiar vocals. His sonic creations, always made in partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin, have earned countless awards, fans worldwide, and millions of sales, but one album seems to have outperformed the rest.
There is only one Elton John album listed on the Recording Industry Association of America’s website as diamond-certified, meaning it has sold over ten million units. And, perhaps unsurprisingly, that album is a collection of his greatest hits released in the mid-1970s. The compilation featured some of the pop star’s biggest hits, including the emotional ‘Your Song’ and the iconic ‘Rocket Man (I Think It’s Going to Be a Long, Long Time)’.
Expectedly, the record full of hits found favour with audiences, earning millions of sales. Even now, the record still stands up as a collection of some of John’s greatest hits. Although Greatest Hits is the only solo John record that appears on the RIAA’s list, it’s not the only album that features contributions from the legendary Rocket Man.
The truly iconic soundtrack for Disney’s 1994 film The Lion King also makes an appearance on the list. John was instrumental in the creation of this soundtrack, composing tracks like ‘Circle of Life’ and ‘Can You Feel The Love Tonight’, lending his voice to both and even earning an Academy Award win for the latter, taking home the title of ‘Best Original Song’.
So, which Elton John song went diamond?
As for songs, the RIAA website notes one John single as having diamond status: ‘Something About the Way You Look Tonight / Candle in the Wind’. The tracks were released in the autumn of 1997 and immediately captured the masses, taking their place as one of the best-selling singles of all time. It also marked the first-ever song to go diamond.
‘Something About the Way You Look Tonight’ was a slow, sombre track led by John’s keys and soft harmonies, while the lyrics depicted the pop star in awe of his lover’s appearance. “And I can’t explain, but it’s something about the way you look tonight,” he sang in the now-iconic chorus, “Takes my breath away; it’s that feeling I get about you deep inside.”
Decades after the song amassed millions of sales, it still remains one of the most well-known songs not just in John’s catalogue but in music history. The same can be said for ‘Candle in the Wind’, which was a re-release in 1997. The track had initially been put out in 1974 and was written about Marilyn Monroe, while the later release was in honour of Princess Diana following her death.
Just like the single it shared a record with, ‘Candle in the Wind’ remains one of the most beloved songs John has ever released, a soft collection of keys and gorgeous vocals. “And it seems to me you lived your life like a candle in the wind,” John sings, “Never knowing who to cling to when the rain set in.”
Between Greatest Hits and his 1997 singles, John’s success as a pop artist is proven in the numbers, but also in his impact. The impact of those songs extends beyond record sales and into the hearts of their listeners for decades.
