[2▼ 4 0] -- Forty years ago this week – on May 30, 1983 – Elton John released his seventeenth studio album, Too Low For Zero. The album title was also stylized as 2▽4 0, which also appeared as the album cover graphics as shown in the preview image above. This album featured the triumphant return of lyricist Bernie Taupin, and he wrote all the album's lyrics, something he had not done for Elton John since 1976. Also of note, John reunited with many core members of his early1970s backing band.
That combination was particularly effective in sapping Elton John's critical and commercial stagnation that occurred with his prior four albums – Victim of Love (1979), 21 at 33 (1980), The Fox (1981), and Jump Up! (1982). All four of those records failed to provide his usual slate of international hit singles, and they also sold poorly compared to his early 1970s output. Fortunately, Too Low For Zero turned that around and became his second best selling album of the 1980s. It peaked at #7 and #25 on the UK Albums and US Billboard 200 charts respectively. And it reached the top 10 of several other country's charts: Australian (#2), Germany (#5), New Zealand #2, Norway (#6), and Spain (#7).
This album also yielded several hit singles. First up, "I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues," possibly my fave track on the album, peaked at #4 and #2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and the U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary charts respectively, and also reached the top ten in several other countries. The second single, the rocking "I'm Still Standing," charted well all over the world, even hitting the top 40 or better on four different US charts. "Kiss the Bride" was released as the third single, and while it did not chart as well as the first two singles, it was still a top 40 hit in many countries. Regarding the last two singles – "Cold as Christmas (In the Middle of the Year)" and "Too Low for Zero" – Wikipedia does not have charting info, but I did find that "Cold as Christmas" did well in the UK, peaking at #33.
Too Low For Zero was a roaring success, and a return to form, for Elton John. Do you have a favorite track on this album?
Flashback: Too Low For Zero (May 30, 1983)
And that's all till next week. Dedicated 80s-philes can find more flashbacks in the Prophet or Madman archives or via Bookended's 80s Flashback tag. As always, your comments are welcome on today's, or any other, flashback post. And if you like what I'm doing here, please share the link with your friends. If, however, you don't like the flashback, feel free to share it with your enemies.
I'll see you in seven!
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