"Madman Across the Water" is the fourth studio album by English musician Elton John, released on 5 November 1971 by DJM and Uni Records. This album was his third release of 1971, coinciding with his rise to prominence as a popular music artist. Considered his first progressive rock album, Madman Across the Water features nine tracks, all composed and performed by John, with lyrics by his songwriting partner Bernie Taupin. Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman contributed Hammond organ on two songs.
Two singles were released from the album: "Levon" and "Tiny Dancer." The album was certified gold in February 1972, platinum in March 1993, and 2× platinum in August 1998 by the RIAA. It was also included in Robert Dimery's 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. On 10 June 2022, a deluxe edition was reissued for its 50th anniversary, featuring 18 unreleased tracks, including demos, outtakes, and alternate takes, along with a 40-page book detailing the album's creation with notes from John and Taupin.
The nine tracks were composed by John with lyrics by Taupin, as with his previous work. Unlike earlier albums, John's touring band—bassist Dee Murray and drummer Nigel Olsson—only played on one song, as producer Gus Dudgeon preferred to use studio musicians. Most of the tracks featured backing by studio players and string arrangements by Paul Buckmaster. Davey Johnstone served as the main guitarist, having previously worked with Dudgeon.
Johnstone, Murray, and Olsson would be fully featured on John's next album, Honky Château. Percussionist Ray Cooper made his first appearance on this album, which was also recorded at London's Trident Studios, marking the last time John would record there, although future albums would be remixed or overdubbed at the studio. Caleb Quaye and Roger Pope would not work with John again until Rock of the Westies in 1975.
The album's title track was originally intended for John's previous album, Tumbleweed Connection, featuring guitarist Mick Ronson. However, that version was set aside and re-recorded for this album, with Johnstone on guitar. The earlier version was later included on the remastered Tumbleweed Connection CD.
Bernie Taupin dispelled rumors that "Madman Across the Water" referred to then US President Richard Nixon, expressing that he found the idea to be brilliant. Alice in Chains member Jerry Cantrell covered the album's closing track, "Goodbye," for his solo album, Brighten, and received approval from John, who praised Cantrell's rendition.
