If you read the reviews for this and other Elton John albums you will notice a definite split in reviewer's opinions. Many people seem to consider Yellow Brick Road his finest work, while others prefer his earlier albums. I place myself firmly in the latter camp. I was a huge fan of Elton John ever since his first major single, "Your Song". I can remember seeing him performing it live on the Andy Williams Show on TV. Originally his music was entirely serious, with none of the outrageous costumes and clowning that later became a trademark of his work.