Matt Springer

Classic 1973 song was inspired by the era and ended up as inspiration for future artists.

Bernie Taupin wrote the lyrics to Elton John's "Rocket Man" while driving. It was all uphill from there.

Even his weakest albums remind us of what a way he has with a melody.

This isn't a bad record by any means, but it remains a product of the time.

Since then, a string of classic rockers have staged outsized extended engagements. It all started right here.

It was part of an amazing run of 11 albums in seven years, all of which reached the Billboard Top 10.

For every 'Father Christmas' or 'Happy Xmas (War Is Over),' there's an awful tune or two (or three) to counter it.

This was one of the first truly complete albums, an exceptional listening experience from start to finish.

It’s not his best album of the '70s; it’s not even the best album he released in 1975.

It was the sound of modern pop music being forcefully willed into existence.