Too Low for Zero

Infobox Album |
Name = Too Low for Zero
Type = Album
Artist = Elton John


Released = May 23 1983 (U.S.)
June 1983 (UK)
Recorded = September 1982
Genre = Pop
Length = 44:06
Label = Geffen (U.S.)

Rocket (UK)

Producer = Chris Thomas
Reviews =
*Allmusic Rating|4.5|5 [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:aae67uy0h0ja link]
* "Rolling Stone" Rating|3|5 [http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/eltonjohn/albums/album/128662/review/5946843/too_low_for_zero link] |
Last album = "Jump Up!" (1982)
This album = "Too Low For Zero" (1983)
Next album = "Breaking Hearts" (1984)

"Too Low For Zero" is the seventeenth studio album by British singer/songwriter Elton John, released in 1983. For the first time since Blue Moves in 1976, all lyrics were written by Bernie Taupin, who has continued in this role to the present day. At the insistence of Taupin, Elton decided to go back to basics and returned to working with Taupin full time. Elton also reunited with the core of his backing band of the early 70s: Dee Murray, Nigel Olsson and Davey Johnstone. The album was produced by Chris Thomas and recorded at Air Studios in Montserrat and Sunset Sound Recorders in Hollywood.The original LP issue of the album featured a die-cut cover with a special innersleeve. The four shapes shown on the cover were cut out, with the colors (shown as ink smears on the innersleeve) showing through the holes. No CD release to date has duplicated the die-cuts.

Track listing

All songs by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, except where noted

ide one

#"Cold as Christmas (In the Middle of the Year)" – 4:19
#"I'm Still Standing" – 3:02
#"Too Low for Zero" – 5:46
#"Religion" – 4:05
#"I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues" (Elton John, Bernie Taupin, Davey Johnstone) – 4:41

ide two

#"Crystal" – 5:05
#"Kiss the Bride" – 4:22
#"Whipping Boy" – 3:43
#"Saint" – 5:17
#"One More Arrow" – 3:34

Bonus tracks (1998 CD reissue)

#"Earn While You Learn" (Lord Choc Ice (Elton John)) – 6:46
#"Dreamboat" – 7:34
#"The Retreat" – 4:46

Personnel

**Elton John - Keyboards, Lead Vocals
**Davey Johnstone - Guitars, Vocals
**Dee Murray - Bass, Vocals
**Nigel Olsson - Drums, Vocals
**Ray Cooper - Percussion
**Skaila Kanga - Harp
**Kiki Dee - Vocals
**Stevie Wonder - Harmonica
**James Newton-Howard - String Arrangement
**Richie Zito- Guitar
**Jeff Porcaro -Drums
**David Paich - Keyboards

Credits

*Produced by Chris Thomas
*Recorded by Bill Price
*Mastered by Chris Thomas UK & Greg Fulginiti US