The Captain and the Kid

Billboard.com has a review posted: For all the hype that John's "Peachtree Road" was a return to his organic roots (it wasn't), if only the label had waited until now. "The Captain and the Kid" could have been recorded 25 years ago, during El and songwriting partner Bernie Taupin's golden days. Thanks to organic, piano-driven production, stellar storytelling and Sir's rededication to his vocal craft, this is a triumph. The concept album that serves as a bookend to 1975's "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy" is packed with new classics. First single "The Bridge" (his 66th AC chart entry, the highest total of any artist) is a class act, as is the lovely ode to New York, "Wouldn't Have It Any Other Way." Also great: "And the House Fell Down" (reminiscent of "Honky Cat") and the countrified, autobiographical title track. A master at his finest. —Chuck Taylor