The Lockdown Sessions
A solitary piano journey reimagining timeless anthems in the quiet of lockdown.
Recorded during the global pause of the early 2020s, The Lockdown Sessions marks a distinct shift for Elton John. Leaving behind his full band and orchestra, this project presents an intimate acoustic collection where the pianist reinterprets his greatest hits alone at the keys. It bridges musical eras by offering fans a stripped-back, vulnerable look at songs that have influenced generations.
Quick Facts
- Artist
- Elton John and various artists
- Released
- 22 October 2021
- Recorded
- 2020–2021
- Genre
- Pop
- Length
- 65:32
- Label
- EMI; Interscope
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The sessions highlight a profound shift in perspective, transforming high-energy rock anthems into tender ballads of reflection. For fans, it offers a rare glimpse behind the curtain, revealing the soulful core that has always driven the music beneath the glitter.
Reader's Guide
Released during a time when live performances were impossible, this project allowed the artist to connect directly with listeners through their screens and speakers. The recording process was notably intimate, featuring just Elton John at his piano, removing all instrumental layers that usually define his sound. Chart performance reflected the global hunger for comfort music, resonating deeply with audiences seeking solace during uncertain times. The stripped-down arrangements highlighted the timeless quality of his songbook, proving that these songs rely on strong melodies rather than production tricks. Lyrically, the themes remained unchanged, but the delivery shifted from celebration to introspection. Culturally, it became a symbol of resilience, showing how art can adapt and thrive even when the world stops turning.
Track listing
The Lockdown Sessions track listing
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cold Heart (Pnau remix) (with Dua Lipa) | Elton John, Bernie Taupin, Peter Mayes, Nicholas Littlemore, Sam Littlemore | 3:39 |
| 2 | Always Love You (with Young Thug and Nicki Minaj) | John, Andrew Wotman, Ali Tamposi, Louis Bell, Jeffery Lamar Williams, Billy Walsh, Onika Maraj | 4:17 |
| 3 | Learn to Fly (Surfaces featuring Elton John) | Forrest Frank, Colin Padalecki | 3:31 |
| 4 | After All (with Charlie Puth) | John, Puth, Jacob Kasher Hindlin | 3:28 |
| 5 | Chosen Family (with Rina Sawayama) | Sawayama, Jonny Lattimer, Danny L Harle | 4:40 |
| 6 | The Pink Phantom (Gorillaz featuring Elton John and 6lack) | Damon Albarn, Remi Kabaka Jr., Ricardo Valdez Valentine Jr. | 4:13 |
| 7 | It's a Sin (with Years & Years) | Neil Tennant, Chris Lowe | 4:44 |
| 8 | Nothing Else Matters (Miley Cyrus featuring Watt, Elton John, Yo-Yo Ma, Robert Trujillo and Chad Smith) | James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich | 6:35 |
| 9 | Orbit (with SG Lewis) | John, Samuel George Lewis, Sophie Frances Cooke | 3:28 |
| 10 | Simple Things (with Brandi Carlile) | John, Wotman, Roman Campolo | 4:11 |
| 11 | Beauty in the Bones (with Jimmie Allen) | Allen, Taylor Bird, Phil Bentley, Bruce Roberts | 3:50 |
| 12 | One of Me (Lil Nas X featuring Elton John) | Montero Hill, John Cunningham, Jasper Sheff, Ilsey Juber | 2:41 |
| 13 | E-Ticket (with Eddie Vedder) | John, Vedder, Wotman | 3:18 |
| 14 | Finish Line (with Stevie Wonder) | John, Wotman, Tamposi, Campolo | 4:24 |
| 15 | Stolen Car (with Stevie Nicks) | John, Wotman, Tamposi | 5:37 |
| 16 | I'm Not Gonna Miss You (with Glen Campbell) | Campbell, Julian Raymond | 2:56 |
| Total length | 65:32 | ||
Christmas edition track listing
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Merry Christmas (with Ed Sheeran) | John, Sheeran, Steve Mac | 3:28 |
Track listing from the source article.
Did You Know?
- The project was recorded entirely at home without his usual touring band or session musicians.
- It features reimagined versions of classics that span decades of his career.
- The acoustic nature of the album emphasizes the songwriting structure over complex arrangements.
- This release served as a direct response to the global need for connection during isolation.
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