| 21 at 33 | ||||
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| Released | 23 May 1980 | |||
| Recorded | August 1979–March 1980[1] | |||
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| Genre | Rock[2] | |||
| Length | 42:53 | |||
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| Elton John chronology | ||||
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| Singles from 21 at 33 | ||||
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21 at 33 is the fourteenth studio album by British musician Elton John. It was released on 23 May 1980, through MCA Records in the US and The Rocket Record Company in all other territories. The album was co-produced by John and Clive Franks, and was primarily recorded in August 1979 at Super Bear Studios in Nice, France. The record was the first since Blue Moves (1976) to feature lyrics written by Bernie Taupin (who contributed to three songs), while John also continued to experiment with other lyricists, including Gary Osborne and Tom Robinson. Contributors to the album include members of Toto and the Eagles, as well as Dee Murray and Nigel Olsson, marking their first appearance on an Elton John album since Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (1975).
The title 21 at 33 was chosen as it was John's 21st album release and came out when he was 33 years old.[c][6] Upon release, the album was a moderate success, reaching the top 20 on both the US Billboard 200 and the UK Albums Chart and proving far more successful than his previous effort Victim of Love (1979). The record's lead single, "Little Jeannie", peaked at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100, while it stalled at number 33 on the UK singles chart. Critical reception was relatively warm, although some criticized the record as inconsistent and lacking cohesion. To promote the album, John embarked on a tour of North America and Oceania, including a free concert in Central Park. 21 at 33 has since been certified Gold by the RIAA for US sales in excess of 500,000 copies.
- ^ 21 at 33 (liner notes). MCA Records. 13 May 1980.
- ^ Tucker, Ken (23 May 1980). "21 at 33". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 13 August 2024.
- ^ "Billboard Singles Radio Action" (PDF). Billboard. 3 May 1980. p. 20. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
- ^ Rosenthal 2001, p. 184
- ^ Rosenthal 2001, p. 189
- ^ Parkinson 2003, p. 117
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