Elton John's Greatest Hits Volume II
by Elton John
Released: September 30, 1977
Pop rock
Why This Album Matters
This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.
The Album
It includes a mix of his hit singles from the early to mid-1970s, reflecting his evolution as an artist and showcasing his iconic sound and songwriting. "Elton John's Greatest Hits Volume II" is Elton John's sixteenth official album and second compilation. The album features a variety of hits, including "The Bitch Is Back," "Someone Saved My Life Tonight," "Philadelphia Freedom," "Island Girl," "Grow Some Funk of Your Own," and covers of "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" and "Pinball Wizard." There are notable differences between the US and UK versions.
Interesting Facts
The UK version includes "Bennie and the Jets,"…
The UK version includes "Bennie and the Jets," while the US version features "Levon" in its place.
The US version had to navigate rights issues…
The US version had to navigate rights issues due to the songs' ownership, leading to the inclusion of "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word" and "Don't Go Breaking My Heart," both from his 1976 releases.
In 1992, a new version was released by…
In 1992, a new version was released by PolyGram, which included updated tracks and reflected changes in record label ownership.
This version swapped out some tracks for others…
This version swapped out some tracks for others not featured in the original compilation.
The cover, photographed by Gered Mankowitz, features iconic…
The cover, photographed by Gered Mankowitz, features iconic imagery that complements the album’s classic rock vibe.
Essential Tracks
The Bitch Is Back
The album features a variety of hits, including "The Bitch Is Back," "Someone Saved My Life Tonight," "Philadelphia Freedom," "Island Girl," "Grow Some Funk of Your Own," and covers of "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" and "Pinball Wizard." There are notable differences between the US and UK versions.
Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds
The album features a variety of hits, including "The Bitch Is Back," "Someone Saved My Life Tonight," "Philadelphia Freedom," "Island Girl," "Grow Some Funk of Your Own," and covers of "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" and "Pinball Wizard." There are notable differences between the US and UK versions.
Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
The US version had to navigate rights issues due to the songs' ownership, leading to the inclusion of "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word" and "Don't Go Breaking My Heart," both from his 1976 releases.
Don't Go Breaking My Heart
The US version had to navigate rights issues due to the songs' ownership, leading to the inclusion of "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word" and "Don't Go Breaking My Heart," both from his 1976 releases.
Someone Saved My Life Tonight
The album features a variety of hits, including "The Bitch Is Back," "Someone Saved My Life Tonight," "Philadelphia Freedom," "Island Girl," "Grow Some Funk of Your Own," and covers of "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" and "Pinball Wizard." There are notable differences between the US and UK versions.
Explore the Album
Elton John - Elton John's Greatest Hits Volume II
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Reception
The album achieved significant commercial success, being certified gold in September 1977, platinum in November 1977, 3× platinum in March 1993, 4× platinum in September 1995, and 5× platinum in August 1998.
The Complete Album Story
"Elton John's Greatest Hits Volume II" is Elton John's sixteenth official album and second compilation. It includes a mix of his hit singles from the early to mid-1970s, reflecting his evolution as an artist and showcasing his iconic sound and songwriting.
The album features a variety of hits, including "The Bitch Is Back," "Someone Saved My Life Tonight," "Philadelphia Freedom," "Island Girl," "Grow Some Funk of Your Own," and covers of "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" and "Pinball Wizard."
There are notable differences between the US and UK versions. The UK version includes "Bennie and the Jets," while the US version features "Levon" in its place. The US version had to navigate rights issues due to the songs' ownership, leading to the inclusion of "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word" and "Don't Go Breaking My Heart," both from his 1976 releases.
The album achieved significant commercial success, being certified gold in September 1977, platinum in November 1977, 3× platinum in March 1993, 4× platinum in September 1995, and 5× platinum in August 1998.
In 1992, a new version was released by PolyGram, which included updated tracks and reflected changes in record label ownership. This version swapped out some tracks for others not featured in the original compilation.
The cover, photographed by Gered Mankowitz, features iconic imagery that complements the album’s classic rock vibe.
Greatest Hits Volume II solidified Elton John's status as a leading artist of the era, and the songs remain staples in his live performances. The album continues to be celebrated for its blend of rock, pop, and poignant lyrical themes.
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