"I never really made a full album in Los Angeles before"

Elton John’s statement, “I never really made a full album in Los Angeles before,” reflects both a personal artistic journey and broader themes within the music industry. For an artist celebrated for innovations and redefining musical boundaries, the recording location carries both practical and symbolic implications. Los Angeles has long been considered an epicenter of the popular music world, home to legendary studios, a vibrant creative community, and a history of genre-defining albums. By acknowledging that he has never completed a full album there prior, Elton suggests both an artistic milestone and a sense of novelty, even at his advanced stage in a prolific career.

Recording an album is more than just the process of laying down tracks; it's a convergence of mood, place, collaboration, and inspiration. For musicians like Elton John, who rose to prominence in the UK and recorded many of his early works in locales such as London’s Trident Studios or Caribou Ranch in Colorado, the physical setting of Los Angeles offers its own distinct energy and influence. LA’s unique blend of glamour, grit, and musical history has often inspired artists to experiment or reinvent themselves. For Elton, embarking on an album project in such an iconic city could signify a conscious embrace of new influences or an effort to tap into the city’s creative pulse.

Moreover, the remark points to Elton’s ongoing willingness to explore, adapt, and push boundaries. Despite his decades-long career, he continues to seek new experiences and collaborations, which is particularly meaningful in an industry so often prone to repetition and routine. Recording an album from start to finish in Los Angeles becomes a symbol of both a fresh creative chapter and Elton’s enduring desire to grow as an artist. It is a subtle reminder that even seasoned legends can find something revitalizing in new surroundings, demonstrating the ever-present possibility of renewal and inspiration, no matter how established one may be.