"The Lockdown Sessions" is a collaborative studio album by English musician Elton John, released on October 22, 2021, through EMI in the UK and Interscope Records in the US. It was recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic after John had to pause his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour due to lockdown. The album features three singles: "Cold Heart (Pnau remix)" with Dua Lipa, "After All" with Charlie Puth, and "Finish Line" with Stevie Wonder. A 2022 reissue includes "Merry Christmas" with Ed Sheeran and "Hold Me Closer" with Britney Spears.
The album includes several previously released tracks, such as "Learn to Fly," "Chosen Family," "The Pink Phantom" by Gorillaz featuring John, "It's a Sin" with Years & Years, and collaborations with Miley Cyrus and Lil Nas X. Additionally, the album features collaborations with artists like Eddie Vedder, Brandi Carlile, Nicki Minaj, Young Thug, Stevie Nicks, and Glen Campbell. John described the project as a return to his roots, reflecting on the unique recording methods required during the pandemic, including remote sessions via Zoom and safety precautions in the studio.
Upon hitting number one in the UK charts on October 29, 2021, John expressed pride in the album and its capacity to connect people through music during challenging times. The lead single, "Cold Heart (Pnau remix)," incorporates elements from several of John's past hits and reached number one on the UK Singles Chart, marking his first UK number one in 16 years. The second single, "After All," was released on September 22, 2021, followed by "Finish Line" on September 30, 2021. While "Finish Line" did not chart on the Official UK Top 100, it debuted on the Official UK Singles Sales Chart. The Lockdown Sessions was noted for its strong physical sales in the UK and debuted at number ten on the Billboard 200 in the US, reflecting John's continued success and connection with fans during the pandemic.
