Studio Album · No. 12
A Single Man Songwriting Credits by Elton John
Produced by Elton John, Clive Franks · Engineered by Clive Franks, Stuart Epps
Holds writing credit on 11 of 11 tracks
Authorship Breakdown 11 / 11 documented
Scored across the 11 tracks with documented writers, by whether Elton John carries a lyricist or composer credit.
Share of the 11 tracks where a band member is credited, by role.
By the Numbers
A Single Man is the first Elton John album written without Bernie Taupin, who was replaced as lyricist by Gary Osborne. John composed the music and co-wrote with Osborne throughout, including the instrumental Song for Guy, which John wrote alone.
A Single Man is the twelfth studio album by Elton John, released in October 1978 on Rocket Records and produced by Elton John and Clive Franks. The album was the first Elton John record to feature lyrics by a writer other than Bernie Taupin, with Gary Osborne stepping in following a temporary estrangement between the longtime creative partners. The result is a more introspective and personal record than his earlier work, dealing with loneliness and romantic longing in ways that reflected Elton's own turbulent emotional state at the time. 'Part-Time Love' and 'Song for Guy,' an instrumental tribute to a young messenger who had died, were the album's strongest commercial moments. A Single Man was a modest commercial success that helped Elton maintain his profile during a creatively transitional period.
Track Listing & Credits 11 tracks
| # | Title | Lyricist(s) | Composer(s) | Producer(s) | Performers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Shine on Through
|
Gary Osborne | Elton John | Elton JohnClive Franks | Elton John (Lead Vocals, Piano) |
| 2 |
Return to Paradise
|
Gary Osborne | Elton John | Elton JohnClive Franks | Elton John (Lead Vocals, Piano) |
| 3 |
I Don't Care
|
Gary Osborne | Elton John | Elton JohnClive Franks | Elton John (Lead Vocals, Piano) |
| 4 |
Big Dipper
|
Gary Osborne | Elton John | Elton JohnClive Franks | Elton John (Lead Vocals, Piano) |
| 5 |
It Ain't Gonna Be Easy
|
Gary Osborne | Elton John | Elton JohnClive Franks | Elton John (Lead Vocals, Piano) |
| 6 |
Part-Time Love
#22
|
Gary Osborne | Elton John | Elton JohnClive Franks | Elton John (Lead Vocals, Piano) |
| 7 |
Georgia
|
Gary Osborne | Elton John | Elton JohnClive Franks | Elton John (Lead Vocals, Piano) |
| 8 |
Shooting Star
|
Gary Osborne | Elton John | Elton JohnClive Franks | Elton John (Lead Vocals, Piano) |
| 9 |
Madness
|
Gary Osborne | Elton John | Elton JohnClive Franks | Elton John (Lead Vocals, Piano) |
| 10 |
Reverie
|
Not documented | Elton John | Elton JohnClive Franks | Elton John (Piano) |
| 11 |
Song for Guy
|
Not documented | Elton John | Elton JohnClive Franks | Elton John (Piano) |