‘Live From the Rainbow Theatre’ is a collection of Elton John songs that could be unfamiliar even to many professed fans – and it’s great.

Released 15 years ago this week, Elton John and Leon Russell’s fiesty collaboration ‘The Union’ was an often-loud record with its share of quiet truths.

Economic and simple, Elton John’s ‘Rock of the Westies’ arrived 50 years ago this month to mixed reviews. In hindsight, however, it’s a fine collection.

Whether you are a casual fan or hardcore collector, Elton John’s sprawling 148-song ‘Jewel Box’ truly sparkles and shines.

Although Elton John was not quite as dominate a force as before, he still parented plenty of worthy moments during this second hit-making era.

‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,’ released on Oct. 5, 1973, illustrates why – and how – Elton John became Elton John.

John Lennon’s 40-year-old ‘Walls and Bridges’ is long overdue for a critical reevaluation.

This arrives looking like every bad thing that sends you back to the old records.

Leon Russell makes a bold return to “Big Lips,” and uncovers something randier, rawer and all together rascally along the way.

Elton John was a star on the rise in 1973, having gained critical and commercial success in the UK and U.S. in just a few years. You May Also Like: Elton John – Greatest Hits 1976-1986 (1992): On Second Thought Elton John – ‘Jewel Box’ (2020)