Before the world knew him as the glittering, piano-pounding legend of stage and screen, Elton John was a young London musician trying to make his mark. And in June 1969, with his debut album Empty Sky, he quietly launched one of the most remarkable careers in music history.
While Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and Honky Château would catapult him to superstardom just a few years later, Empty Sky is where it all started – a raw, charming, and often surprising record that offers a fascinating glimpse into Elton and Bernie Taupin’s earliest songwriting adventures.
Grab a cup of tea, put the needle down on this lesser-known gem, and let’s take a journey through Empty Sky.
The Sound of a Young Artist Finding His Voice
Listening to Empty Sky is like stepping into a time machine. The album is steeped in late-’60s British psychedelia, with hints of folk, blues, and even a touch of prog-rock experimentation. At this stage, Elton and Bernie were working hard to establish their own style – and the result is a record that sounds quite unlike the polished pop Elton would soon perfect.
There are harpsichords, flute solos, medieval imagery, and plenty of long, winding song structures. It’s an album that wears its influences on its sleeve, but also reveals flickers of the brilliance that was to come.
The Recording: Low Budget but Full of Heart
Empty Sky was recorded on a modest budget at Dick James Studios in London. Elton was still known as Reginald Dwight, and this was his first serious effort as a solo artist. Backed by a small group of session musicians, Elton played both piano and organ, while a young Caleb Quaye provided excellent guitar work throughout.
Bernie Taupin, meanwhile, was just 19 years old – crafting poetic, whimsical lyrics that often drew on fantasy and folklore.
Though the album didn’t chart in the UK, and wouldn’t see a U.S. release until 1975 (by which time Elton was already a megastar), it remains a cult favorite for dedicated fans.
Full Track Listing of Empty Sky
Here’s the complete track list – a varied and intriguing set of songs:
Side One
- Empty Sky (8:30)
A bold opener, clocking in at over eight minutes! Bluesy, sprawling, with psychedelic overtones. - Val-Hala (4:08)
A medieval-themed tune, complete with flute and whimsical lyrics. Think Robin Hood meets London folk clubs. - Western Ford Gateway (3:15)
A slightly jazzy, almost proggy number with punchy rhythms. - Hymn 2000 (4:30)
An anti-war ballad, reflective and beautifully arranged with harpsichord and flute. - Lady What’s Tomorrow (3:09)
A gentle, almost Renaissance-like folk song, showing Elton’s softer side.
Side Two
- Sails (3:44)
One of the groovier tracks – more direct and radio-friendly, with a catchy chorus. - The Scaffold (3:18)
A darker, blues-based number, featuring moody organ and sharp lyrics. - Skyline Pigeon (3:36)
The true standout! Played on harpsichord here – a gorgeous, heartfelt ballad that Elton would revisit in later years with full piano. Many fans (myself included!) consider this one of his most moving early works. - Gulliver / Hay Chewed (6:37)
A fascinating closer – part song, part sound collage – that sums up the experimental spirit of the album.
Early Hints of Greatness
While Empty Sky didn’t produce any hit singles, it gave us the first taste of the signature Elton John–Bernie Taupin magic. You can hear it most clearly on ‘Skyline Pigeon’, which many fans believe is one of their greatest early compositions.
In fact, Elton was so fond of this song that he re-recorded it in 1972 with full piano accompaniment, and it became a staple of his live shows.
Why Empty Sky Deserves a Fresh Listen
What makes Empty Sky so charming is its honesty. There are no grand expectations here – no big-budget production, no push for radio hits. It’s simply the sound of two young artists stretching their wings, experimenting, and learning their craft.
And knowing what came next – Elton John (1970), Tumbleweed Connection (1970), Madman Across the Water (1971) – makes this debut all the more poignant. You can almost hear Elton and Bernie planting the seeds of future greatness.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never given Empty Sky a proper listen, I highly recommend it – especially on a quiet afternoon when you can really soak in the textures and lyrics. It’s not a polished pop album, but a hidden doorway into the creative beginnings of one of the most beloved songwriters of our time.
And if you’re a longtime Elton fan, returning to Empty Sky is like visiting an old friend — one you perhaps didn’t appreciate enough the first time around.
In Summary
- Released: June 1969 (UK), 1975 (US)
- Label: DJM Records (UK), MCA (US)
- Producer: Steve Brown
- Length: 38:47
- Standout track: “Skyline Pigeon”
- Style: Psychedelic folk/rock, early Elton John experimentation
