its style". Billboard stated that the song's "sonic impression is still strong and haunting" and the "blending of voices with strings on the bridges is beautiful," although the lyrics are sometimes difficult to understand. Cash Box described the song as "soft, melodic pop that’s going to impress folks all over again as to [John's] performing abilities," going on to say that "Bernie Taupin’s lyrics are again highly poetic and blend perfectly with Elton's music." In 2010, Rolling Stone magazine ranked it No. 390 in their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. In 2018, The Guardian ranked the song number six on their list of the 50 greatest Elton John songs, and in 2022, Billboard ranked the song number four on their list of the 75 greatest Elton John songs. Chart performance In Canada, the single reached No. 1 on the RPM 100 national singles chart on 22 December 1973 and held the position for one week, making it John's third No. 1 in the year 1973 in that country (following "Crocodile Rock" and "Daniel"). On the US Hot 100, it went to No. 2, behind both "Top of the World" by the Carpenters and "The Most Beautiful Girl" by Charlie Rich. On the US Easy Listening chart, it rose to No. 7 and spent 18 weeks on the charts. In Ireland, it reached No. 4; in the UK it peaked at No. 6. B-side The song's flip side was originally titled "Screw You", although the US release re-titled the song "Young Man's Blues" so that it would not offend American record buyers. Live John's One Night Only: The Greatest Hits Live at Madison Square Garden featured this song performed as a duet with Billy Joel. "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" is still regularly included in John's live performances, and John named his farewell tour after the song, naming it the Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour. Personnel Elton John – piano, vocals Davey Johnstone – Leslie electric guitar, backing vocals Dee Murray – bass, backing vocals Nigel Olsson – drums, backing vocals Del Newman – orchestral arrangement Charts and certifications Weekly singles charts Year-end charts Certifications References 1973 songs 1973 singles Elton John songs Songs with music by Elton John Songs with lyrics by Bernie Taupin Song recordings produced by Gus Dudgeon Cashbox number-one singles RPM Top Singles number-one singles Pop ballads Rock ballads 1970s ballads DJM Records singles