|
Post by BiteUrLip on Jun 18, 2020 20:39:23 GMT
Music: Elton John
Lyrics: Bernie Taupin
Piano and vocals: Elton John
Tonight
Do we have to fight again
Tonight
I just want to go to sleep
Turn out the light
But you want to carry grudges
Nine times out of ten
I see the storm approaching
Long before the rain starts falling
Tonight
Does it have to be the old thing
Tonight
It's late, too late
To chase the rainbow that you're after
I'd like to find a compromise
And place it in your hands
My eyes are blind, my ears can't hear
And I cannot find the time
Tonight
Just let the curtains close in silence
Tonight
Why not approach with less defiance
The man who'd love to see you smile
Who'd love to see you smile
Tonight
|
|
|
Post by BiteUrLip on Jun 18, 2020 20:40:06 GMT
One of the winners from BM. It sounds epic, but it's not my type of song exactly. It's still great.
5 stars.
|
|
|
Post by dougs on Jun 18, 2020 22:06:34 GMT
"Tonight" from BLUE MOVES:
In 1976 Elton returned to the studio to record what would eventually become a truly diverse and creative album - BLUE MOVES. Elton stepped out of the box musically numerous times during the writing & recording of these new songs. "Tonight" is an epic album track from the record. Apparently "Tonight" had been first attempted during 1975's ROCK OF THE WESTIES sessions but was put aside; The songs selected for the ROCK OF THE WESTIES album tended to be more rocking and raw, so it is understandable that "Tonight" was put aside. Producer Gus Dudgeon said that EJ had "written the whole thing, top to bottom [as] a complete piece." Bernie stated that "Tonight" was "...a very personal song." He added that "the line about not fighting again...was very difficult for me to listen to." Apparently the song was recorded live with the London Symphony Orchestra. James Newton Howard, conductor of the song and EJ band member, was fast becoming a significant talent. Apparently, as the last note of the song was played Elton rested his forehead on the piano and said "Okay...enough." The last song recorded for the BLUE MOVES sessions was "Tonight."
"Tonight" at nearly 8 minutes with a stunning 3 minute instrumental introduction is as good an album track Elton has ever written - a track with a classical music foundation. One writer says that Bernie's lyrics capture "Introspection, Defiance, Anger, and Grief." This was a truly mature effort from Elton. One of pop's greatest stars had just written a sincere 8-minute classical piece supported by the London Symphony Orchestra. "Tonight" remains one of EJ's favourite songs of his.
Elton has played "Tonight" fairly frequently since its release - including; 1976, 1977, 1979, 1985-1986, 1990, 1999-2005, and 2007-2012 It is usually played on tours with musical accompaniment from Ray Cooper but has also been played solo and with the band (85-86). Two very memorable approaches to playing "Tonight" live included combining it with "Funeral For A Friend" with Ray Cooper and combining it with "Carla/Etude" solo. Unbeatable!
A classic album track from Elton. A mature and well crafted effort. I didn't appreciate it as much when I was younger but grew to really appreciate it over time. This one should be in the FAREWELL setlist!
Rating: 5 1/2 stars
Doug
|
|
|
Post by nix on Jun 18, 2020 22:22:31 GMT
5+ one of the best songs ever... I remember hearing it for the first time... I actually think that I heard George Michael version first, but Elton's orchestral version is out of this world.
|
|
|
Post by newloneranger on Jun 21, 2020 6:42:30 GMT
Probably the best song on the album.
5+ stars
|
|
|
Post by rocketman on Jul 3, 2020 19:29:36 GMT
5 stars...Like GBYBR, Blue Moves' Side One contains a lengthy song that anchors the album side and features considerable instrumentation, as does Funeral For A Friend. DougS also discussed several very informative points regarding this song. I heard it played live in 1986, as Elton opened with it, followed by One Horse Town. On the album, it's a one-two punch and an interesting juxtaposition, as an introspective song is followed by an all-out rocker. Elton attempted no doubt to convey a similar feeling in 1986 when he opened with the two songs.
|
|
|
Post by dougs on Jul 3, 2020 22:31:59 GMT
rocketman:
Wasn't it an incredible concert highlight to have "Tonight" and "One Horse Town" played live back-to-back to open those 1986 concerts? It remains an all-time classic concert moment for me.
I may have said this (more than once!) but our concert in Toronto in August of 1986 was an outdoor show. We were the recipients of what became the all-time highest rainfall in Toronto for the date in history; massive rains and thunderstorms. We were sure that the concert was going to be cancelled. It was 1 hour and 20 minutes late starting and EJ came running on without the bizarre head-gear he normally wore on that tour (just a colourful jacket and a Blue Jays baseball cap). He opened with a solo "Your Song" and played a little longer as well. I remember the power of "One Horse Town" - incredible. "Tonight" was sublime.
Doug
|
|