You’d think after fifty years, people would get tired of the same piano riffs. But honestly? They don't. Walk into any record store today, or just scroll through the top of the UK charts as of early 2026, and you’ll see his face. It’s usually that iconic 1974 cover—the one with the white suit and the massive glasses. Or maybe the glittering Diamonds cover. Either way, elton johns greatest hits isn’t just a collection of old songs; it’s a living, breathing part of the music economy that refuses to go away.
The 1974 Phenomenon vs. Modern Streaming
It's kinda wild to think about. In November 1974, Elton released his first-ever compilation. He was only five years into his career. Five years! Most artists today are lucky to get a second single out by then, but Elton already had enough "A-list" material to fill a Diamond-certified record.
That original 1974 release, simply titled Greatest Hits, spent ten weeks at number one on the Billboard 200. In the UK, it stayed on top for eleven weeks. It has sold over 24 million copies worldwide. It was the best-selling album of 1975 in the US. Think about that for a second. In a year that gave us Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here and Led Zeppelin’s Physical Graffiti, a "best of" record by a 27-year-old was the biggest thing on the planet.
But here is what most people get wrong. They think these collections are just relics for Boomers. Wrong.
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Fast forward to 2025 and 2026. His 2017 compilation, Diamonds, has become a total juggernaut. It recently hit a milestone that feels impossible: 400 weeks on the UK Official Albums Chart. In January 2025, it actually climbed all the way back to Number 1. Why? Because the team behind him is smart. They released a limited Blu-ray audio version and a cassette that collectors went nuts for.
What Really Happened with the Tracklists
If you’ve ever bought different versions of these albums, you might have noticed they aren't all the same. It’s sorta annoying, actually.
The original 1974 North American version had "Bennie and the Jets," while the UK version swapped it for "Candle in the Wind." Back then, labels were obsessed with local radio trends.
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- The 1974 Essentials: "Your Song," "Rocket Man," "Daniel," "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road."
- The 1990 Shift: The Very Best of Elton John introduced a whole new generation to "Sacrifice" and "I'm Still Standing."
- The 2017 Overhaul: Diamonds finally brought everything under one roof, including the 2010s hits.
It’s basically a history of pop music condensed into a few discs. You've got the early, soulful "Border Song" sitting right next to the glam-rock stomp of "The Bitch Is Back."
Why We Are Still Talking About This in 2026
Elton isn't touring anymore—his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour wrapped up a while ago—but he hasn't stopped. In fact, he’s been teasing a new "commercial" album for 2026. He recently told Variety that he wants to make something that sounds like "today" rather than "yesterday."
That’s the secret. He stays relevant by leaning into the new while letting the old stuff do the heavy lifting. His collaboration with Brandi Carlile, Who Believes in Angels?, hit Number 1 in April 2025. When people heard that new record, what did they do? They went right back and streamed elton johns greatest hits. It’s a cycle.
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The numbers are staggering. Over 300 million records sold total. But the compilations are the backbone. They are the "entry drug" for every ten-year-old who hears "Tiny Dancer" in a movie and decides they need to know who this guy is.
The "Greatest" Myth
There’s a lot of debate among hardcore fans about whether a "Greatest Hits" album can truly represent Elton. Honestly, it probably can’t. If you only listen to the hits, you miss out on the weird, experimental stuff on Tumbleweed Connection or the deep cuts from Captain Fantastic.
However, as a cultural footprint, you can’t argue with the results. These albums are the reason why "Step Into Christmas" reaches a new peak on the UK singles chart basically every December (it hit No. 7 in late 2025).
Actionable Ways to Experience the Hits Today
- Check the Year: If you want the raw, 70s rock feel, find the 1974 vinyl. It’s mastered differently—more "warmth," less digital sheen.
- Go for Diamonds (2017): If you’re a casual listener, this is the one. It’s the only one consistently updated on streaming services with the highest-quality audio files.
- Watch the Live Versions: Elton’s 2026 plans include a headlining set at Rock in Rio in September. Watch how he rearranges the "hits" for a modern festival crowd. It’s never a note-for-note copy of the record.
The reality is that elton johns greatest hits will likely be in the Top 40 long after we’re all gone. It’s the definitive soundtrack of the last half-century. Whether you’re listening to the 1974 original or the 2026 streaming version, the craftsmanship is undeniable.
If you're looking to dive deeper into his discography, start with the 1970–1975 era. That’s where the "magic" happened. But if you just want to sing along in the car? Grab Diamonds and turn it up. You really can't go wrong.