Sir Elton John, the living legend, has brought us so many great hits stuck in our heads for decades. But let’s be real; even the greatest musicians have their fair share of flops. In the case of Elton John, even his missteps were sometimes epic and memorable. This article takes you through some of Elton John’s worst songs. Brace yourselves for a ride through this list of cringe-worthy music.

Candle in the Wind 97

First on our list is “Candle in the Wind 97.” The original version is a classic and a lovely tribute to Marilyn Monroe, but the 1997 remake of Princess Diana’s funeral was unnecessary. The lyrics were changed, and it turned into a tribute to Diana.

It may have been well-received by many, but it was too much for some of us. The lyrics felt forced, and the original melody was practically the same. We’re sure Elton had his reasons, but he should have left the classic song alone.

Gemma Peplow/ Sky News | Elton John has recorded a total of 464 songs, most of which are written by him and Bernie Taupin

Nikita (1985)

One of the songs frequently mentioned as one of Elton John’s weakest is “Nikita.” Released in 1985, it tells the story of an impossible love affair during the Cold War era. While the concept is intriguing, the execution falls flat for many listeners.

The song’s repetitive chorus and lackluster melody make it monotonous and uninspired. Despite its initial success on the charts, “Nikita” is often cited as one of Elton John’s least memorable songs.

Slow Rivers

“Slow Rivers” is a song by Elton John and Cliff Richard. While bringing two legends together may seem like a good idea, this song proves otherwise. The song is incredibly dull, and their voices don’t blend well.

It’s not a terrible song, but it’s forgettable and lacks the energy you expect from two great musicians. It’s safe to say that this song was quickly forgotten, and it’s doubtful that anyone ever requested it at a concert.

Jeff Mezydlo/ MSN | The Heart of Every Girl is from the album Mona Lisa Smile

The Heart of Every Girl

“The Heart of Every Girl” is from Elton John’s 2004 album, Peachtree Road. It’s not unusual for musicians to experiment with different sounds and styles, but it doesn’t quite work in this case.

The song tries to capture the essence of country music, but it feels forced and unnatural. The lyrics are cheesy and lack depth. Perhaps it would have been better if Elton John had stuck to his classic rock style. In any case, we recommend you skip this one.

Wrap Her Up (1985)

Another song from 1985 that is often criticized is “Wrap Her Up.” This track, featuring George Michael, attempted to capture the pop sound of the time but ended up sounding dated and formulaic. The lyrics are shallow and objectifying, focusing on the conquest of women rather than meaningful storytelling or emotional depth. “Wrap Her Up” is regarded as one of Elton John’s weakest singles.

Matt Springer/ UCR | Elton John’s unique blend of pop and rock styles turned him into one of the 20th century’s biggest music icons

Act of War

“Act of War” is a song by Elton John and Millie Jackson. If you’ve never heard of this song, count yourself lucky. It’s a cringe-worthy attempt at a duet between Elton John and Jackson, singing about war as a power struggle between men and women. It’s dated and offensive. The song feels like they were trying too hard and fell short of real value. It’s not a song you’ll want to add to your playlist.

Whispers

Last on our list is “Whispers” from the album “The One.” The song starts with a nice melody and promising lyrics, but unfortunately, it’s all downhill from there. The chorus is a painful, ear-splitting chorus that repeats the word “whispers” repeatedly. The song feels disjointed and uninspired. Thankfully, this song can easily be forgotten and skipped on any playlist.