I don't buy many CDs anymore, but I finally took the plunge to grab a lifetime of tracks created by a music maker that I've enjoyed for many years. You can say I've enjoyed him from the very beginning of his career.

With only a couple of of seven-inchers and one twelve-inch 45 RPM vinyl track from this performer among my countless collection, it was time to get Elton John Diamonds at a great price.

Diamonds is a three CD set with all of his hits and heavies. When you think of Elton John and Philadelphia, you might think of "Philadelphia Freedom." I was especially in the hunt for the overlooked Philly gem "Mama Can't Buy You Love."

"Mama," included on the third CD is a very soulful track produced in the spirit of hit maker Thom Bell, the Spinners, and other Philly music stars of the 1970s. Leroy Bell and Casey James produced "Mama Can't Buy You Love" for Elton.

Bell & James had their own solo hit in 1979 "Livin' It Up (Friday Night). Leroy Bell's uncle is Thom Bell.

Here's a quick 56 second sample of "Mama Can't Buy You Love." The full length of the song clocks in at just under four minutes - about 30 seconds too long because of the monotonous yet silky smooth chorus that pads out the song until it ends!

You have to lean into Elton John's ballads for the songs that made him a musical icon. You'll find them all on Diamonds: "Your Song," "Tiny Dancer," "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," etc.

My one disappointment was "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" presented as a live duet. George Michael and Elton John share the mic. This version is good, but I really wanted the solo Elton effort.

I could have consumed more background material from the CD liner notes. There's not much info. You get the track list, writers, and song producers. That's it.

However, if you only care about the songs, they are all here for you to enjoy!

Elton John Diamonds. lapidarians rejoice!

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