Breaking Hearts

Did You Know?

• John has continued performing "Sad Songs (Say So Much)" as of 2023, including it in his Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour setlist.
• Apart from the 1984 Breaking Hearts Tour, no other songs from the album have been performed live except "Restless" and "Passengers" on the following 1985–1986 Ice on Fire World Tour.

Background

Breaking Hearts marked the end of an era: it was the last Elton John studio record where every core member of his classic band played their instruments, though they did reunite for backing vocals on Reg Strikes Back. Bassist Dee Murray appeared here for the final time on a John studio album before his 1992 death from skin cancer, and drummer Nigel Olsson would not appear on another John studio album until Songs from the West Coast in 2001. John handled both piano and keyboards alone in the studio for the last time on this album. It was also the first John album since Victim of Love to have no string or horn section. Ray Cooper, an unofficial band member, sat out this record, making it one of only two classic-band albums without him, alongside 1973’s Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player. After the tour, the band lineup shifted, and former producer Gus Dudgeon took over the next two albums. The RIAA certified Breaking Hearts gold in September 1984 and platinum in August 1998.

Release and reception

Upon release, Breaking Hearts continued the success of its predecessor. Its first single, "Sad Songs (Say So Much)", charted in the UK on May 26 and peaked at number seven, becoming John's third UK top 10 hit in a year. In the US, the single debuted at number 49, John's highest single debut of the decade, reached the top 40 within two weeks, entered the top 10 by July, and peaked at number five on August 11. This was the first time since 1975 that John had two consecutive singles reach the US top 10. Initial reviews were negative. Robin Smith of Record Mirror gave the album one star out of five, calling it a boring record with over-familiar cowboy lyrics and disinterested musicians. Tom Hibbert of Smash Hits described its songs as plodding rockers and tawdry ballads with clichéd arrangements and snoozy singing. Musician noted that John's melodies had lost their effervescence and criticized Taupin's misogynistic lyrics. A more positive review in Cash Box declared the album substantial, hearkening back to the Captain Fantastic era, and highlighted "Sad Songs (Say So Much)", the title track, "Lil Frigerator", and "Passengers". Retrospective reviews are more positive. Lindsey Planer of AllMusic called it one of John's most consistent efforts on Geffen Records, though lamenting that lighter pop tracks under-utilized the band's synergy. Ultimate Classic Rock stated the album captures John happily reunited with his songwriting partner and musicians from his biggest hits, lacking many delirious highlights but avoiding traps that would ensnare him later.