Here are some customer reviews of
Madman Across the Water
: My first Elton album was "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," and I loved it. I thought nothing could beat it until I heard an old record of my father's, "Madman Across the Water." I was blown away by the first side of the album and immediately went out and bought it on CD. I must say, the sound is amazing on the remaster; but what makes this album so great is the perfect arrangements John puts to Taupin's lyrics. "Tiny Dancer" is most likely their best song. This album is worth listening to many times over.
After I bought Goodbye Yellow Brick Road I went hunting for more EJ albums. My parents gave me a card for Sam Goodies music, for Christmas. As I searched I could only find two Elton albums:Mad Man Across The Water, and Tumble Weed Connection.
I bought them and brought them to my house. The first song on MMATW was Tiny Dancer. It is about Bernie's wife and believe it or not she was a dancer! After that beautiful song I heard Levon. The lyrics were a bit unusual and I suspect Christians would object especially with the words "God is dead and the war's begun" but I ignored that and enjoyed the rest of the song.
Next was Razor face which I didn't understand what the lyrics meant but it is extremely rare to hear an accordian in a EJ song such as that one. The title track was orcestra showcase with strings and kettle drums. Indian Sunset was a fantastic story part instrumental. Shame on fans who flamed that song because EJ made a great story teller. Holiday Inn seemed to venture back into Tumble Weed Connection. Rotton Peaches was great too especially the La La La ending. All the Nasties was a filler but at least it had a great choir and featured Nigle Olson on drums. Goodbye was a short song that was beautiful and emotional but if you recently broke up with someone don't listen to it. It might make you cry. So if you like EJ right before he was a glamor pop star then this will be a refreshing treat. You won't be dissapointed
this cd is almost perfect. The only lowpoint is track 7
 Madman Across the Water is an interesting album. Overlooked by the English charts when originally released, but welcomed by the US charts. In Australia, we supported it too. Even at that time, Elton was releasing albums in quick concession, which may be the reason for it being overlooked in England. I bought it mainly to have the studio recording of 'Tiny Dancer'. A poor live version of it appears on 'Live in Australia' (avoid at all costs, his voice was playing up then). 'Levon' is also here, and is normally the only track lifted for compilations, although in recent times, people are recognising the brilliance of 'Tiny Dancer' - it far outweighs 'Levon'. The remainder of the album prove what a great collaboration Taupe and John are. But ... if anything, buy the album for 'Tiny DAncer'.
All in all, this is my favorite. I have about 20 of Elton's CD's and love them all. The title song,"Madman.." is the most powerful, haunting of his songs ever. A legacy.Judy
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