3 Elton John Songs That Reveal a Different Side of the Piano-Rock Legend

Elton John’s “Ticking”, “Rotten Peaches” and “A Song for Guy” show sides of the pianist that differ from his more familiar, highly produced rock songs. Together, the tracks illustrate how he could use spare arrangements, country influences and instrumental music to broaden his sound.

“Ticking” centres on a driving piano line with little extra production, while “Rotten Peaches” draws on country rock and an American roots style. “A Song for Guy” is almost entirely instrumental, with only a brief lyric, and was written in memory of Guy Burchett, a young Rocket Records messenger who died in a motorcycle accident.