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da top40.about.com
30+ years ago in the early and mid-1970's, Elton John
and Bernie Taupin composed emotional songs about difficult
relationships, drugs, parties, and fantasies of cowboys and American
culture. For 2 men thrust into the world of pop superstars in their
early and mid 20's, these would seem understandable topics of concern.
Now, as both men are approaching the age of 60, the topic is of a more
eternal, transcendent nature. "Do you cross the bridge or do you fade
away?"
The philosophical musings in "The Bridge" are set in a simple,
stripped-down proudction focused on Elton John and his solo piano. When
compared with his classic work of the 70's, Elton has acquired an
intentionally more dramatic style of vocalizing which can come off as
somewhat of an affectation in such a simple song as this. At their
best, the inherent lyrical and musical drama of a John-Taupin classic
song eliminates any need for dressing up the vocals.
This is a relatively minor quibble, however, as "The Bridge" is one
of Elton John's finest songs in many years. Frequently, the lyrics and
music both soar leading the target listeners, fans who have aged
alongside Elton John and Bernie Taupin, to moments of reflection and
consideration of the next steps ahead. John and Taupin are pulled, in
the end, by a muse saying "Come risk it all or die trying."
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