Breaking Hearts is the eighteenth studio album by English singer-songwriter Elton John. It features the quartet of John, Davey Johnstone, Dee Murray and Nigel Olsson. There were four top-40 singles from the album: "Sad Songs ", "Who Wears These Shoes", "In Neon", and the UK No. 5 hit "Passengers".
Background
This album would be the last to feature all members of the classic "Elton John Band" lineup playing their instruments. It was the last ever of John's studio albums to feature bass from Murray, who would die in 1992 of skin cancer, and it was the last studio album until 2001's Songs from the West Coast that would feature Olsson on drums. It was also the last in which John played both piano and keyboards in the studio by himself. There would be a backup keyboardist for every album moving forward. Breaking Hearts was also the first album since Victim of Love to not feature a string or horn section on any track. This is one of only two albums with John's classic band to which Ray Cooper did not contribute at all, the other being 1973's Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player. Shortly after the tour, the band line-up would change and Gus Dudgeon, John's former producer, would produce the next two albums. In the US it was certified gold in September 1984 and platinum in August 1998 by the RIAA. John has continued performing "Sad Songs " as of 2017. Apart from the 1984 Breaking Hearts Tour, no other songs from the album have been performed live except "Restless" and "Passengers", on the following 1985–1986 World Tour.
Track listing
All songs written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, except where noted.
Side one
"Restless" – 5:17
"Slow Down Georgie " – 4:10
"Who Wears These Shoes?" – 4:04
"Breaking Hearts " – 3:34
"Li'l 'Frigerator" – 3:37
Side two
"Passengers" – 3:24
"In Neon" – 4:19
"Burning Buildings" – 4:02
"Did He Shoot Her?" – 3:21
"Sad Songs " – 4:55
Personnel
Track numbering refers to CD and digital releases of the album.
Elton John – piano, synthesizer, Hammond organ, harmonium, Fender Rhodes, harpsichord, clavinet, lead and backing vocals
Davey Johnstone – acoustic guitar, electric guitar, sitar, backing vocals
"A Simple Man" was recorded between 1979 and 1980 during the 21 at 33 sessions. In 2003, Mercury Universal and The Rocket Record Company re-released the album, which was remastered by Gary Moore. As did 21 at 33, The Fox and Jump Up!, it contained no bonus tracks.
