Elton John (“Rocketman”) released his much anticipated album, “The Lockdown Sessions,” on Oct. 22, and it has something for every music listener.

John’s 32nd studio album, “The Lockdown Sessions” is made up of 16 tracks that feature a different collaboration with other artists on each, including Miley Cyrus (“Wrecking Ball”), Gorillaz (“Feel Good Inc.”), Nicki Minaj (“Starships”), Eddie Vedder, singer and guitarist for Pearl Jam (“Alive”) and Stevie Nicks (“Edge of Seventeen”).

“The Lockdown Sessions” touches many genres of music as John worked with country, rock, modern and pop singers and musicians to create the album and utilizes each of their strengths. 

The album starts off with “Cold Heart – PNAU Remix,” which was previously released as a teaser for “The Lockdown Sessions” featuring Dua Lipa (“Levitating”). The next track, “Always Love You” featuring Young Thug and Nicki Minaj, is a rap song with John on the chorus and Young Thug and Minaj taking the first and second verse, respectively. A rap collaboration may seem out of the ordinary for John, but the mix of his longer drawn out vocals and the more upbeat lyrics in between create an interesting blend that works.

Changing pace immediately, the next song “Learn To Fly” with Surfaces (“Sunday Best”) is a slower tune that has a chill, Saturday in the sun vibe. It is the perfect pick-me-up song after a bad day and makes you want to sway along with the beat and just have a good time. 

“After All” featuring Charlie Puth (“See You Again”) sets the tone for the next two songs, as it slows down and has a more sensual feel focused on long held notes by both John and Puth, and is the perfect transition into “Chosen Family.” 

Clocking in at almost five minutes, this deep and seemingly melancholy song featuring Rina Sawayama (“XS”) is all about one’s “chosen family” and how important those people are. Similar to the previous, it relies on drawn out notes and beautiful piano melodies by John. With an almost gospel feel, John and Sawayama’s voices echo and blend together to form a passionate and raw sound that shows their admiration for each other and their own chosen families. 

There are also a few songs in which John is solely instrumental and showcases his talent on the piano, “Nothing Else Matters,” which was originally written by Metallica (“Enter Sandman”), and now sung by Cyrus, features four other artists including Yo-Yo Ma, a Grammy award winning cellist, and Chad Smith, the drummer for Red Hot Chili Peppers (“Californiacation”) and “One Of Me” by Lil Nas X (“MONTERO”).

“Simple Things” featuring Brandi Carlile (“The Story”) is a country style track with plenty of piano and guitar about enjoying the more mundane parts of life. It shows off a deep and soulful part of John’s voice and the two seem to ring together despite having majority of their works in opposite genres. 

Regardless of music taste, anyone can find something to love about “The Lockdown Sessions.” With 16 different collaborations featuring over 20 artists, this album is not one to skip. Even if you think you will not enjoy every song, they might surprise you.

Image from Elton John via YouTube