Elton John - Greatest Hits 1976-1986

When Elton John left Geffen for MCA, Greatest Hits, 1976-1986 replaced Greatest Hits, Vol. 3 (1979-1987). The newer collection is a better collection than its predecessor, since it trims the failed single "Heartache All Over the World," which was added as an incentive for hardcore collectors, and "Too Low for Zero," replacing them with "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word," "Don't Go Breaking My Heart," and "Who Wears These Shoes?" Those three cuts are added to ten songs that illustrate that John could still craft a killer pop single during the '80s. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide

Name Credits Andy McKaie Compilation, Compilation Producer, Coordination Bill Champain Vocals (Background) Bill Champlin Vocals (Background) Bill Price Engineer Bob Babbitt Bass Bobby Eli Guitar Casey Jones ?, Overdubs, Guitar Charles Collins Drums Charlie Collins Drums Charlie Morgan Drums Chris Thomas Producer Chuck Findley Trumpet, Trombone Clive Franks Producer, Remastering, Remixing Dave Mattacks Drums Davey Johnstone Guitar, Vocals, Vocals (Background), Guitar (Electric) David Bitelli Sax (Baritone), Sax (Tenor), Horn Arrangements, Arranger David Paton Bass Dee Murray Vocals (Background), Bass Elton John ?, Vocals (Background), Remixing, Vocals, Synthesizer Voices, Engineer, Producer, Keyboards, Synthesizer Fred Mandel Synthesizer, Keyboards George Michael Vocals, Vocals (Background) Gus Dudgeon Arranger, Horn Arrangements, Producer James Newton Howard Keyboards, String Arrangements, Synthesizer, Fender Rhodes, Arranger, Strings, Conductor, Accordion, Piano, Brass Arrangement, Piano (Electric), Orchestral Arrangements Jeff Porcaro Drums Jerry Hey Flugelhorn Jim Horn Brass Arrangement, Arranger, Sax (Alto), Piccolo John Coulter Design Katie Kissoon Vocals (Background) Kenny Passarelli Bass Kiki Dee Vocals, Vocals (Background) Larry Washington Percussion Leroy Bell Overdubs, ?, Guitar Max Gronenthal Vocals (Background) MFSB Horn, Strings Nigel Olsson Drums, Vocals (Background), Vocals Nik Kershaw Guitar Onward International Horns Horn Paul Spong Trumpet Paul Westwood Bass Pete Wingfield Vocals (Background) Philip Todd Sax (Alto) Raul d'Oliveira Trumpet Ray Cooper String Arrangements, Accordion, Vibraphone Reggie McBride Bass Renate Engineer Rhymn Ace Rhythm Richard Taylor Trombone Richie Zito Guitar, Guitar (Acoustic) Rick Taylor Trombone Roger Pope Drums Stevie Wonder Harmonica Stuart Epps Engineer The Spinners Vocals (Background) Thom Bell Arranger, Producer, Keyboards, Conductor Tony Bell Guitar Vartan Art Direction