Madman Across the Water

The nine tracks were each composed and performed by John and with lyrics written by songwriting partner Bernie Taupin as with his previous material. Like John's other studio albums up to this point, only one song on Madman featured John's touring band (which consisted of bassist Dee Murray and drummer Nigel Olsson), due to producer Gus Dudgeon's lack of faith in the group for studio recordings. Instead, most of the tracks were backed by studio players and string arrangements put together by Paul Buckmaster. Davey Johnstone, who had previously worked with Dudgeon as a part of Magna Carta, was also put on as the main guitarist. Percussionist and later band member Ray Cooper made his first appearance with this album, which was John's last to be recorded at London's Trident Studios, although subsequent albums would be remixed or overdubbed there. Caleb Quaye and Roger Pope would not play with John again until Rock of the Westies in 1975, following Murray and Olsson's departure from the band. Title The album's title song was initially set to be released on John's previous album, Tumbleweed Connection, featuring guitarist Mick Ronson; however, that version was set aside and the song was re-recorded for this album, with Johnstone on guitar. ==Reception==

Madman Across the Water was one of John's lowest-charting album efforts. It continued a streak of mediocre performance in the UK for John, peaking at No. 41 on the UK Albums Chart The album was certified Gold by the RIAA in February 1972, achieving $1 million in sales at wholesale value just in the United States. In 1993, the album was certified Platinum, representing shipments of more than one million units in the US. Penny Valentine in Sounds magazine was more positive, describing John as "a music man of immense feeling and power" and full of unexplored talent. When it was released in The Classic Years collection, it was the first album not to feature any bonus tracks. One known track recorded at the time, "Rock Me When He's Gone", was released on the 1992 compilation Rare Masters. The song was written for and recorded by one of John's long-time friends, Long John Baldry. It was later remastered for the 50th anniversary deluxe edition. Madman was John's first foray into progressive rock, and it did not sell well. Madman was helped in North America by FM radio deejays willing to play the lengthy singles, unlike BBC Radio 1. == Covers ==

Alice in Chains member Jerry Cantrell covered the album's closing track, "Goodbye", for his third solo album, Brighten. He told Wall of Sound that John gave him his approval for his rendition, revealing he said, "Absolutely you should put it on the record. You got my permission. You did a great version." ==Track listing==

Original release Note • The SACD version of the album contained a longer version of "Razor Face", which extended the song-ending jam to 6:42 instead of the early fade on the original album. This extended version can only be heard in the 5.1 surround mix, or on the 50th Anniversary reissue of the album. 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition Note • The live radio broadcast of "Indian Sunset" is from November 17, 1970, and edits out the last verse of the song. The full version of the song (without John's intro) is on the expanded edition of 11-17-70+. ==Personnel==

Track numbers refer to CD and digital releases of the album. • Elton John – vocals, acoustic piano • Brian Dee – harmonium (2) • Rick Wakeman – Hammond organ (3 & 7) • Jack Emblow – accordion (3) • Diana Lewis – ARP synthesizer (4, 7) • Caleb Quaye – electric guitar (1, 2, 3), acoustic guitar (6) • B. J. Cole – steel guitar (1) • Davey Johnstone – acoustic guitar (1, 4, 7), mandolin (6), sitar (6) • Chris Spedding – electric guitar (4), slide guitar (7) • David Glover – bass guitar (1, 3, 6) • Brian Odgers – bass guitar (2) • Herbie Flowers – bass guitar (4, 5, 7) • Chris Laurence – double bass (5) • Dee Murray – bass guitar (8), backing vocals (1, 6, 7) • Roger Pope – drums (1, 3, 6) • Barry Morgan – drums (2) • Terry Cox – drums (4, 5, 7) • Nigel Olsson – drums (8), backing vocals (1, 6, 7) • Ray Cooper – percussion (4), tambourine (7, 8) • Paul Buckmaster – orchestral arrangements and conductor (1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9) • David Katz – orchestra contractor (1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9) • Tony Burrows – backing vocals (1, 6, 7) • Roger Cook – backing vocals (1, 6, 7) • Lesley Duncan – backing vocals (1, 6, 7) • Barry St. John – backing vocals (1, 6, 7) • Terry Steele – backing vocals (1, 6, 7) • Liza Strike – backing vocals (1, 6, 7) • Sue and Sunny – backing vocals (1, 6, 7) • Cantores em Ecclesia Choir – choir (8) • Robert Kirby – choir director (5, 8) Technical • Gus Dudgeon – producer, liner notes • Robin Geoffrey Cable – engineer • Tony Cousins – remastering • Gus Skinas – editing SACD release • Ricky Graham – digital transfers • Greg Penny – surround mix • Crispin Murray – assistant • David Larkham – art direction, design, illustrations, photography, cover photo • Gill – artwork • Yanis – artwork • Bob Gruen – photography • John Tobler – liner notes ==Charts==

Weekly charts Year-end charts ==Certifications==