DIDN'T Elton vow never to record another album after releasing Songs From The West Coast?

No doubt scoring a number one with the reissue of Are You Ready For Love restored his enthusiasm. Far more consistent than Paul McCartney or Stevie Wonder, Elton John comes up with a true classic every now and then, usually one every second album.

All That I'm Allowed (I'm Thankful) is such a song and is Elton's best new work in ages. On a roll, Peachtree Road is more rounded than any of his late-80s/90s albums. Weight Of The World, Porch Swing In Tupelo and My Elusive Drug are undeniably classy, fused with country and deep southern soul. Only the rock'n'roll pastiche They Call Her The Cat feels out of place.

Updated: 11:27 Thursday, November 18, 2004