DJM Records Stereo UK Release 1969 Empty Sky is the debut album of British singer/songwriter Elton John, released in 1969. It was finally released in the United States in 1975, with a different cover photograph, well after Elton's fame had been established internationally. Elton plays every keyboard instrument in the studio, which he did not do again until Too Low For Zero. This is the only album in the early part of Elton's career not produced by Gus Dudgeon. While the instrumental accompaniment in Empty Sky could be classified as mildly psychedelic rock, Elton's flair for pop melody is obvious even at this early stage. Elton adds to the unique sound of the album by playing harpsichord on several tracks, including "Skyline Pigeon", which Elton has described as being "the first song Bernie and I ever got excited about. Side 1. 1. Empty Sky – 8:28 2. Val-Hala – 4:12 3. Western Ford Gateway – 3:16 4. Hymn 2000 – 4:29 Side 2. 5. Lady What's Tomorrow – 3:10 6. Sails - 3:45 7. The Scaffold – 3:18 8. Skyline Pigeon – 3:37 9. Gulliver/Hay Chewed/Reprise – 6:59
