Published on Apr 21, 2006
Too Low For Zero had officially brought Elton
John back into the limelight in the mid-80s. The question was if
could he continue that momentum into the next album. Breaking
Hearts may have continued the chart success, but creatively
speaking it started a downward spiral that would plague John until
1987.
Breaking Hearts hit #20 on Billboard, and spun
off three top forty hits. One of those, “Sad Songs (Say So Much),”
reached number 5. While not a brilliant Elton single by any means,
“Sad Songs” is certainly catchy enough to have warranted its
success. Lyrically, the number is a contrast; John sings about how
sad songs can help people out, yet the music for the track
certainly isn’t weepy . The best part of the song to me has always
been the reunited trio of Davey Johnstone, Dee Murray, and Nigel
Olsen, whose harmonies are as good as ever.
The other two hits, “Who Wears These Shoes” and “In
Neon,” differ in terms of quality. “Shoes” is one of John’s
underrated 80s singles, throwing out a R&B vibe with Elton
delivering a unique vocal, pretty much smack dab in the middle of
his 70s and 90′ vocal styles (by that, I mean his higher and lower
ranges). “In Neon” sounds like a prototype for “Love’s Got A lot To
Answer For” from The Big Picture. As far as Elton ballads
go, this track doesn’t do its job, lacking a strong hook though
once again the backing vocals from the trio are excellent.
The rest of Breaking Hearts is remarkably hit
or miss. “Passengers” definitely fits into the former category;
this could have been an outtake from Paul Simon’s Graceland.
It stands out as one of John’s most unique songs, apparently
discussing apartheid in South Africa. “Lil Frigerator” attempts to
cut it loose “Dear John” style, but the definite 80s sounds
detracts from the hard-edged sound lurking beneath the flourishes.
“Restless” falls victim to the same fate; but it fails even more so
because of the turgid pace.
“Breaking Hearts” is a welcome change in sound,
stripped down and lacking the glossy feel most of Breaking
Hearts contains. I just wish it had a stronger melody, though
John’s vocals are some of his best of the album. “Burning
Buildings” rectifies the situation, taking the core elements of
John and the trio and letting them play it out. At times, I was
reminded of the brilliant build up that “Someone Saved My Life
Tonight” had. While “Burning Buildings” isn’t in the same league as
“Someone…” it follows a similar pattern. Johnstone’s electric and
acoustic work are welcome instead of a soulless synth riff.
Breaking Hearts marked the end of John’s
second comeback. It would not be until Live In Australia his
career righted itself. But as far as average Elton John albums go,
Breaking Hearts is a perfect example.