Elton John’s legacy as one of the most iconic musicians in history is built on an impressive catalog of timeless hits, but even the Rocket Man himself has his preferences. In a candid appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on December 17, the legendary singer-songwriter shared which of his own songs are his absolute favorites — and which one he wishes would just fade into the background.
When asked by host Stephen Colbert to name his top five Elton John songs, the 77-year-old artist’s reaction was classic Elton. “Oh, for Christ’s sake,” he exclaimed with a chuckle before diving into his list. Without missing a beat, John named several tracks from his critically acclaimed Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy album, a 1975 release that is widely considered one of his finest works.
“I would say anything off the Captain Fantastic album,” he began. ” ‘Someone Saved My Life Tonight,’ ‘We All Fall in Love Sometimes,’ ‘Curtains.’” These songs, he explained, represent pivotal moments in his career, and he has a deep connection to them.
John also took a moment to reflect on Your Song, the song that propelled him into stardom back in 1970. “It’s the first hit I ever had,” he said, his voice softening as he acknowledged the track’s importance in launching his long and successful career.
And for his final favorite, he pointed to “Blessed” from his 1995 album Made in England. “I just love the melody and the sentiment,” he explained, showing that even decades into his career, he still finds meaning in his work.
But when it came time to name a track he wasn’t particularly fond of, Elton didn’t hesitate. He teased, “Not f—— ‘Crocodile Rock.’ I know that,” referring to his chart-topping 1972 hit, which he famously performed on many stages over the years. Though Crocodile Rock is beloved by fans, John has often been vocal about his mixed feelings toward it.
Elton’s honest admission about Crocodile Rock is a testament to his candidness and his evolving relationship with his music. The song, which once catapulted him into mainstream pop culture, has long been a fan favorite, but it seems that the artist himself has grown weary of its overexposure.
During his appearance, Elton also opened up about his creative process and the future of his music. When Colbert inquired about whether the artist was feeling inspired to release new music after his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour concluded in July 2023, Elton’s response was optimistic. “You will be getting some more [music],” he confirmed. “The juices have never dried up. They never want to dry up, because I’m always looking to create things.”
“I’ve got the space now to do it at my own time,” he continued. “Of course, there will be new Elton John music.”
For fans who’ve been eagerly awaiting more of Elton’s musical genius, it seems that the wait won’t be too long. The Rocket Man is still far from finished, and his creative energy is as strong as ever.
Elton John’s latest documentary, Elton John: Never Too Late, is available for streaming on Disney+, offering an in-depth look at the music legend’s life on and off the stage. It’s a must-watch for anyone who wants to understand the depth of his musical journey — and perhaps get a glimpse into his thoughts on songs like Crocodile Rock.
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