Elton John: Madman Across The Water Album (1971)

Elton John
Nov 5, 1971
4 min read

Updated: Nov 5

A Piano Man's Moody Masterpiece

Elton John’s Madman Across The Water LP, was released in the UK on November 5, 1971, on DJM Records (catalogue: DJLPH 420). This 9-track album, his fourth, featured lush orchestrations and Bernie Taupin’s poetic lyrics, with hits like “Tiny Dancer.” Produced by Gus Dudgeon, it peaked at No. 41 on the UK Albums Chart for 2 weeks. Issued in a gatefold sleeve with a surreal cover, it’s a cornerstone of Elton’s early ‘70s brilliance.

The album, released in 1971, was his third that year, during a time when John was gaining recognition as a popular music artist. It was John's first venture into progressive rock. Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman contributed by playing the Hammond organ on two tracks.

Two singles were released from "Madman Across the Water": "Levon" and "Tiny Dancer." The album achieved gold certification in February 1972, platinum in March 1993, and reached 2× platinum in August 1998, followed by 3× platinum in December 2024, according to the RIAA. It was featured in Robert Dimery's "1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die." On June 10, 2022, a deluxe edition of the album was reissued for its 50th anniversary, including 18 previously unreleased tracks such as demos, outtakes, and alternate takes, along with a 40-page book detailing the album's creation with notes from John and Taupin.

Background

Similar to John's previous studio albums, "Madman" included John's touring band—bassist Dee Murray and drummer Nigel Olsson—on just one track, as producer Gus Dudgeon did not trust the group for studio sessions. Instead, the majority of the songs were supported by studio musicians and string arrangements organized by Paul Buckmaster. Davey Johnstone, who had collaborated with Dudgeon in Magna Carta, was brought in as the primary guitarist.

Johnstone, Murray, and Olsson were prominently featured on John's upcoming album, "Honky Château." Percussionist and future band member Ray Cooper made his debut on this album, which was the last one John recorded at London's Trident Studios, though later albums would still be remixed or overdubbed there. Caleb Quaye and Roger Pope would not collaborate with John again until "Rock of the Westies" in 1975, after Murray and Olsson had left the band.

Title

The title track of the album was originally planned for release on John's prior album, Tumbleweed Connection, with guitarist Mick Ronson. However, that version was shelved, and the song was re-recorded for this album with Johnstone on guitar. The earlier version later appeared on the remastered Tumbleweed Connection CD.

Reception & Impact

"Madman Across the Water" was one of John's albums with the lowest chart performance. It extended a series of lackluster results in the UK for John, reaching only No. 41 on the UK Albums Chart and remaining there for two weeks. However, the album performed significantly better in North America, reaching No. 8 on the US Billboard Top Pop Albums and later securing the No. 10 spot on the year-end list of 1972.

Album Breakdown

Tracklist

Label: DJM Records – DJLPH 420

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo, Gatefold

Side one:

1. Tiny Dancer 6:17

2. Levon 5:22

3. Razor Face 4:42

4. Madman Across the Water 5:57

Side two:

5. Indian Sunset 6:47

6. Holiday Inn 4:17

7. Rotten Peaches 4:58

8. All the Nasties 5:09

9. Goodbye 1:49

Phonographic Copyright ℗ – DJM Records

Recorded At – Trident Studios

Made By – Garrod & Lofthouse

Printed By – Garrod & Lofthouse

Published By – Dick James Music Ltd.

Distributed By – DJM (Distributors) Limited

Distributed By – Pye Records (Sales) Ltd.

Pressed By – Tranco Limited

Arranged By, Conductor – Paul Buckmaster

Art Direction, Design [Sleeve], Photography By [Booklet Cover], Illustration – David Larkham

Composed By – Elton John & Bernie Taupin

Coordinator – Steve Brown

Engineer – Robin Geoffrey Cable

Engineer [Re-mix Engineer] – Ken Scott

Mastered By – Rasputin

Photography By – Ed Caraeff

Photography By [Booklet] – Bob Gruen

Producer – Gus Dudgeon

Gatefold Vinyl with booklet in the centre fold.

"Rasputin" engraved in the run off

Dick James Music Limited.

Made in England.

All tracks are written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin.

Gatefold Vinyl with booklet in the centre fold.

UK Pressing Variations

CLICK HERE

In the UK, nine versions of the vinyl album were released, each with slight variations.

The album was also released on

Cassette Album (ZCDJL 420):

A1 Tiny Dancer

A2 Levon

A3 Razor Face

A4 Madman Across The Water

B1 Indian Sunset

B2 Holiday Inn

B3 Rotten Peaches

B4 All The Nasties

B5 Goodbye

Cartridge Album 8-Track ( 8DJL 420)

A1 Tiny Dancer

A2 Razor Face

B1 Levon

B2 Madman Across The Water

C1 Indian Sunset

C2 Holiday Inn

D1 Rotten Peaches

D2 All The Nasties

D3 Goodbye

Weekly charts

Legacy

Madman Across The Water is an Elton classic, with “Tiny Dancer” a cultural icon (featured in Almost Famous). First pressings with intact gatefold sleeves are valued—verify catalogue DJLPH 420. Streams on Spotify via reissues preserve the analog grandeur. This LP is a must-have for Elton fans and ‘70s rock collectors.

Do you have Madman Across The Water in your vinyl stack? Which track crosses your water? Share in the comments!