Although he had made a number of re-recordings of popular songs for a budget record label in the late '60s,
Empty Sky was the first true solo album
Elton John recorded after leaving
Bluesology; it also marked the beginning of his long and fruitful collaboration with lyricist
Bernie Taupin.
Empty Sky is quite indicative of the post-
Sgt. Pepper's era. With its ambitious arrangements and lyrics, it's clear that
John and
Taupin intended the album to be a major statement. Though it shows some signs of
John's R&B roots, most of the album alternates between vaguely psychedelic rock and
Taupin and
John's burgeoning pop songcraft, capped off by a bizarre reprise of brief moments of all of the songs on the record. There aren't any forgotten gems on
Empty Sky, but it does suggest
John's potential. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine