NationStates Jolt Archive

I was having this argument with my dad last month. I see a lot of similarities between their careers from the 70s onward (before that they're divergent). Both played music that could loosely be described as soul (Elton less so than Stevie obviously), though both were too eclectic to be pigeonholed into genres. Both made a string of albums in the early-to-mid 70s that still play awesomely today, both went pop in the 80s, both have now become elder-statesman versions of their 70s selves.
So, who's your favourite? For me it's Stevie, no contest. Melody-wise, diversity-wise, innovation-wise, the guy wins hands down. And yet I was unable to dissuade my dad from his support for Elton, even after playing him Honky Chateau and Innervisions back-to-back. So... is there anybody out there willing to argue for Elton over Stevie? Am I the only person on this forum who likes either? Is this thread going to die within 30 minutes of the OP? Let's find out...

Bobby Flay

Their illegitimate love child, Ruffy.

I don't mind Elton John, but I'll go with Stevie Wonder on this one.

Stevie over Elton...

Stevie for first use of the synth in pop.

And Elton needs a kicking for Candle in the fucking Wind jumped up little prima donna twat.

elton john is only famous because he looks like a hamster. probably.

I'd say Stevie. Though it's close.

But, Stevie has more groove. He does what Elton tries to do, and he can't even see. don't get me wrong. Elton has some chops, but Stevie has more soul.

I was having this argument with my dad last month. I see a lot of similarities between their careers from the 70s onward (before that they're divergent). Both played music that could loosely be described as soul (Elton less so than Stevie obviously), though both were too eclectic to be pigeonholed into genres. Both made a string of albums in the early-to-mid 70s that still play awesomely today, both went pop in the 80s, both have now become elder-statesman versions of their 70s selves.
So, who's your favourite? For me it's Stevie, no contest. Melody-wise, diversity-wise, innovation-wise, the guy wins hands down. And yet I was unable to dissuade my dad from his support for Elton, even after playing him Honky Chateau and Innervisions back-to-back. So... is there anybody out there willing to argue for Elton over Stevie? Am I the only person on this forum who likes either? Is this thread going to die within 30 minutes of the OP? Let's find out...

I prefer rock. Black Sabbath FTW!

I prefer rock. Black Sabbath FTW!

Black Sabbath are certainly mightier than Elton, but the mere reflection of the sun on Stevie's soul shades sends them crumbling to dust.

Blind guy vs. faggot? No contest.

*puts on Ann Coulter mask*

Stevie Wonder for his Saturday Night Live appearances! :)

Whilst the unanimity of this thread is rather disappointing, it does at least reassure me that I was obviously right and my dad's a boring old fart who doesn't know shit about music.

Edit: hold the phone, we have a vote for Elton! Who? Why? Do tell!

I feel no need to choose. I can, and do, have the music of both.

Elton John has definitely gone down the road of mediocrity, but I do enjoy his older material. I only know a handful of Stevie songs, while I know a lot of Elton John songs. So I gots ta give it to Elton John, despite his soundtrack-loving modern self.

Elton John has definitely gone down the road of mediocrity, but I do enjoy his older material. I only know a handful of Stevie songs, while I know a lot of Elton John songs. So I gots ta give it to Elton John, despite his soundtrack-loving modern self.

Damn, I can't really argue if you only know a couple of Stevie songs. I will say, though, that Music Of My Mind, Talking Book, Innervisions, Fulfillingness' First Finale and Songs In The Key Of Life constitute a hot streak with few parallels. Those five stone-cold classic albums came out in less than half a decade. Hear them! Hear them all!

Damn, I can't really argue if you only know a couple of Stevie songs. I will say, though, that Music Of My Mind, Talking Book, Innervisions, Fulfillingness' First Finale and Songs In The Key Of Life constitute a hot streak with few parallels. Those five stone-cold classic albums came out in less than half a decade. Hear them! Hear them all!

Yeah, I can only vote what I know. I can't help but think of 'I just called to say I love you' when I think of Stevie Wonder. I guess there's 'Superstions' (or whatever it's called), but I wasn't that crazy about that song either.

So, I gotta give it to the guy who did 'Crocodile Rock'. *shrugs*

Black Sabbath are certainly mightier than Elton, but the mere reflection of the sun on Stevie's soul shades sends them crumbling to dust.

But Dio's voice pierces through all.

Yeah, I can only vote what I know. I can't help but think of 'I just called to say I love you' when I think of Stevie Wonder. I guess there's 'Superstions' (or whatever it's called), but I wasn't that crazy about that song either.

So, I gotta give it to the guy who did 'Crocodile Rock'. *shrugs*
Superstition should be enough.

This rant would be more effective, or even a rant, if I could think of the names of more Stevie Wonder songs...bah...

Superstition should be enough.

This rant would be more effective, or even a rant, if I could think of the names of more Stevie Wonder songs...bah...

Right then. To name but a few...
Higher Ground, Love Having You Around, You Are The Sunshine Of My Life, Livin' For The City, Golden Lady, You Haven't Done Nothin', I Love Every Little Thing About You, Jesus Children Of America, Too Shy To Say, He's Misstra Know It All, Maybe Your Baby, Superwoman, I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever).
All well worth adding to your music collection.