Goodbye Yellow Brick Road 40th Anniversary 2LP vs Blue Moves 2LP

By Elton John Official Store - Elton John Official Store | Published: 2026-10-24

Category: Comparisons

Compare two iconic Elton John double LPs: the 40th anniversary edition of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and the remastered Blue Moves. Find out which one suits your collection.

Quick answer

If you want a landmark double album from Elton John's peak commercial and artistic run, the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road 40th Anniversary 2LP is the essential pick. If you prefer a deeper, darker, and more introspective double LP that marked a personal turning point, the Blue Moves Remastered 2LP offers a distinct and rewarding listening experience.

Era and artistic context

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973) capped a period of unstoppable rise, following the chart-topping Don't Shoot Me I'm Only The Piano Player. It's widely considered his crowning commercial and artistic achievement of that era.

Blue Moves (1976) arrived three years later, after John launched his own label, Rocket Records. Its darker tone reflects a shift in his personal and professional life, yet it still reached #3 on the charts thanks to hits like "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word."

Vinyl pressing quality

Both releases are pressed on 180gm vinyl, offering a sturdy, high-quality listening experience. The Goodbye Yellow Brick Road 40th Anniversary edition benefits from a dedicated anniversary remaster, while Blue Moves is a remastered edition that brings clarity to its more layered production.

Trade-offs at a glance

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road 40th Anniversary 2LP: The essential double album from Elton John's golden era. The 40th anniversary edition includes a remaster that highlights the original 1973 production. Priced at $25.19 (compare at $34.99).
Blue Moves Remastered 2LP: A darker, more introspective double album that showcases Elton John's artistic evolution. The remastered 180gm vinyl brings out the nuances of its layered sound. Priced at $25.89 (compare at $34.99).
Key trade-off: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road is the safer, more universally celebrated choice, while Blue Moves offers a unique, less commercial perspective that rewards repeated listening. Consider your mood: celebratory and iconic vs. reflective and deep.

Product facts

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road 40th Anniversary 2LP: Originally released at the end of 1973, this double album was the crowning moment of an upward trajectory marked by hits like 'Your Song' and 'Don't Shoot Me I'm Only The Piano Player'. You get a definitive, career-defining album that captures Elton John at his most commercially and artistically confident.
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road 40th Anniversary 2LP
Blue Moves Remastered 2LP: Released in October 1976, 'Blue Moves' was John's second double album and the first on his own label, Rocket Records, featuring a darker tone and the hit 'Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word'. This pressing offers a deeper, more personal side of Elton John, making it a must-have for fans who want to explore beyond the greatest hits.
Blue Moves Remastered 2LP

Which one should you choose?

Best for

Fans wanting the definitive classic Elton John double album experience
Collectors seeking a 40th anniversary edition of a landmark record

Not for

Listeners who prefer lighter, upbeat pop hits (choose Goodbye Yellow Brick Road instead)
Those seeking the most commercially successful singles (Blue Moves is darker and less hit-heavy)