Of all the "two-per-year" albums Elton John's contractual agreement imposed he deliver during his initial 1970's sojourn - considered his finest era as an artist, and most certainly his most fertile and organic creative period - MADMAN ACROSS THE WATER remains, without a doubt, his crown jewel and flawlessly overshadows his entire four decade [ongoing] catalogue. The magnificently haunting and brilliant masterpiece title track alone is worth seeking out and purchasing on the various compact disc original/"remastered"/alternative version(demos; etc.)issues/and most definitely this[sonic wonder]SACD version, for the irressistable sounds within justifies one's curiosity beyond comprehension. This entire album is Elton John's finest moment ever - regardless of the ongoing disputes as to which album from this period is the best. MADMAN ACROSS THE WATER is a rare breathtaking vocal/orchestral/singer-songwriter's[accidentally innocent]life's work[in a panoramic view]realized to utmost perfection. He covers more ground on this disc alone than he does during his entire career! The two majestic standards["Tiny Dancer/Levon"] which initially propelled this incredible recording to stratospheric selling status upon its release are merely surface hints of Elton John's musical genius, which lies within the remainder of this stupendous album's remainding tracks - it's unbelievable that none of these became hit singles in the wake of "MADMAN's" popularity, but still, they have become Classic Rock radio playlist staples in their own right through the ages. MADMAN ACROSS THE WATER has aged genuinely well and remains a mesmerizing classic amongst the most supreme albums in Rock history. Thirty some odd years later, currently in the next millenium, Elton John remains a rarily gifted artist whose current musical creations continue to capture the imagination of unsuspecting listeners' ears and draw new admirers to the circle of his magical allure.