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The Union

by Elton John and Leon Russell

Released: October 19, 2010

Rhythm and Blues, Rock, country rock, blues rock

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Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.

The Album

This album marks John’s second collaboration project, following Duets in 1993, and is notable for being his first studio release without his regular band members since 1979's Victim of Love. "The Union" is a collaborative studio album by Elton John and Leon Russell, released on October 19, 2010, in the US and October 25 in the UK. Featuring contributions from notable artists like Booker T. Jones, Neil Young, Robert Randolph, and Brian Wilson, the album showcases a rich blend of styles.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

It was dedicated to Guy Babylon, John’s keyboard…

It was dedicated to Guy Babylon, John’s keyboard player who passed away a year prior to its release.

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Essential Tracks

Hey Ahab

The track "If It Wasn't for Bad" earned a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals, while "Hey Ahab" became a concert staple for John, further cementing the album's impact.

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Explore the Album

Elton John and Leon Russell - The Union

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Then

Reception

The album debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, making it John's highest-charting studio album since 1976's Blue Moves, and it also represents Russell's highest chart position since 1972's Carney. The track "If It Wasn't for Bad" earned a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals, while "Hey Ahab" became a concert staple for John, further cementing the album's impact. The Union received critical acclaim, landing at No. 3 on Rolling Stone's list of the 30 Best Albums of 2010.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"The Union" is a collaborative studio album by Elton John and Leon Russell, released on October 19, 2010, in the US and October 25 in the UK. This album marks John’s second collaboration project, following Duets in 1993, and is notable for being his first studio release without his regular band members since 1979's Victim of Love.

Featuring contributions from notable artists like Booker T. Jones, Neil Young, Robert Randolph, and Brian Wilson, the album showcases a rich blend of styles. It was dedicated to Guy Babylon, John’s keyboard player who passed away a year prior to its release. The track "If It Wasn't for Bad" earned a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals, while "Hey Ahab" became a concert staple for John, further cementing the album's impact.