Elton John – One Night Only (The Greatest Hits Live at Madison Square Garden) [VHS]

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Elton John has had too many hits over the last three decades for the 12 songs in this collection to seriously be considered his “greatest,” but that’s hair-splitting. This hourlong concert, performed by John, his band, and several guest singers before a packed house at New York’s Madison Square Garden in October 2000, certainly does contain some of his (and lyricist Bernie Taupin’s) best and most popular tunes, like “Candle in the Wind,” “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,” and “Your Song.” And while Elton is a rather unlikely pop star these days–chubby, middle-aged, far less flamboyant than in his ’70s heyday–he can still put on a good show, and that’s just what he and his band (including longtime cohorts Davey Johnstone on guitar and Nigel Olsson on drums) do.

Some of his choices for guests are a bit puzzling: Bryan Adams adds little excitement to “Sad Songs (Say So Much),” while singer Ronan Keating of the British group Boyzone, a virtual unknown in the United States, is superfluous on “Your Song,” perhaps Elton’s most enduring tune (revived to considerably better effect on the Moulin Rouge soundtrack). On the other hand, Billy Joel is a good foil for Elton on “Yellow Brick Road,” Mary J. Blige adds some soulful fervor to “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues,” Kiki Dee shows up to duet with Elton on “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” for the first time in several eons, and the young American singer Anastacia is a revelation on a hard-rocking “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting.” –Sam Graham

From the Back Cover

One of the greatest musical legends in pop music today, Elton John performs one of his most memorable concerts ever at the world-famous Madison Square Garden in New York City. This visually stunning concert special was filmed over two nights in October 2000, and Elton and his band play some of his greatest hits from over four decades, including “Your Song,” “Crocodile Rock,” “Candle in the Wind,” and “Rocket Man.” Elton also invites special guests to share the microphone on stage with him, among them Billy Joel, Bryan Adams, Kiki Dee, Mary J. Blige, and Anastacia. You’ve never seen Elton like this before… a “must see” and a “must have” for any true Elton fan.

1. I’m Still Standing
2. Candle in the Wind
3. Rocket Man
4. Sad Songs (Say So Much) (with Bryan Adams)
5. Crocodile Rock
6. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (with Billy Joel)
7. I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues (with Mary J. Blige)
8. Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me
9. Your Song (with Ronan Keating)
10. Don’t Go Breaking My Heart (with Kiki Dee)
11. Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting (with Anastacia)
12. The Bitch Is Back