csberry

Since this was made as a concept album (the tracks were written in order and conceived as a chronological tale of Elton's and Bernie's late 60's life), I decided to not listen to the tracks added later during CD reissues - “Lucy in the Sky (With Diamonds),” “One Day At a Time,” and “Philadelphia Freedom.”

I came into this expecting to like it but not to love it. After half a dozen listens, I'm very apathetic towards it. I acknowledge there is a lot going on. These are complex pop songs with internal shifts in tempo and sometimes even genre. There is a full band and every member seems to get times to shine. This isn't a solo act recorded here.

I can see how some people call Captain Fantastic... a “grower.” On my first listens, my brain kept going, “Ugh, I don't like that, but overall this isn't bad.” But the last couple of listens seemed to have a lot of “...but this is the part of the song I really like!” Whether or not you enjoy the creation, I don't think one can deny the workmanship, the craftmanship which is on display on this album.

My usual apologies for my lyrical disinterest. I'm certain that may have helped boost my interest in Captain Fantastic since I did enjoy the album more when sporting headphones (where I find it a bit harder to ignore the lyrics).

Songs I Knew I Liked: “Someone Saved My Life Tonight”

Songs I Now Like: “Better Off Dead”

Songs I Don't Want to Ever Hear Again: None