CD reviews: Elton John

It might be his 33rd album, but Elton John's latest offered plenty: another record with producer T Bone Burnett, with whom he has worked since the strong 2010 Leon Russell collaboration, The Union; a hook-up with old guitarist mate Davey Johnstone; and, of course, that mix of delicate and muscular keyboard playing.

Alas, there is little wonderful or crazy about this nine-song effort.

Burnett burnishes each track to a polish that subsumes instinct and energy; and the lyricism of longtime friend Bernie Taupin rarely finds focus (with the exception of I've Got Two Wings), leaving John wrestling with platitudes rather than insight.

• Elton John. Wonderful Crazy Night. Island.

• Two stars (out of five)

Single download: Looking Up
For those who like: Billy Joel

- Shane Gilchrist