The Lockdown Sessions
by Elton John
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. New Musical Express (NME)
    Oct 21, 2021
    80
    All in all, ‘The Lockdown Sessions’’ all-bets-off stylistic game of spin-the-bottle feels attuned to 2021’s post-genre Spotify world, as Elton continues to further his musical universe. The Rocketman remains in orbit.
  2. Mojo
    Oct 21, 2021
    80
    Probably his most varied album. ... The extremes work better still, be it Cyrus's eyebrow-raising raw trawl through Metallica's Nothing Else Matters or the vocal pyrotechnics which course through Young Thug & Nicki Minaj's Always Love You. [Dec 2021, p.87]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. PopMatters
    Oct 21, 2021
    80
    The Lockdown Sessions is an engaging series of snapshots of time well-spent.
  5. Variety
    Oct 22, 2021
    73
    John’s open-hearted vocals and sincerity make “The Lockdown Sessions” a charming listen.
  6. musicOMH.com
    Oct 29, 2021
    70
    An album that could have easily come off as a millionaire’s vanity project with his rich mates is actually a surprising, creatively rich endeavour.
  7. AllMusic
    Nov 1, 2021
    60
    The record is at its best when it's close to an old-fashioned duet album.
  8. The Observer (UK)
    Oct 25, 2021
    60
    It’s all fun, though a little disjointed – and the less said about Elton’s trap song, Always Love You, with Nicki Minaj and Young Thug, the better.
  9. Rolling Stone
    Oct 22, 2021
    60
    Even if this project probably won’t give us any fresh entrants into the large canon of classic Elton songs, The Lockdown Sessions is still a glowing testament to his enduring pop gravitas.
  10. Uncut
    Oct 21, 2021
    60
    A rum selection of Zoom collaborations with everyone from Dua Lipa to Lil Nas X, that old keenness is still there, though only on "It's a Sin," his Brits team-up with Olly Alexander. [Dec 2021, p.29]
    All this publication's reviews
  11. The Independent (UK)
    Oct 21, 2021
    60
    There are a couple of stunning vocal performances. Rina Sawayama sings like a galleon in full sail on the big, bold ballad “Chosen Family”. ... Grim moments include Young Thug’s sleazy sex rap on “I Will Always Love You.” ... In the middle ground are a few hummable collaborations (“Learn to Fly” with Surfaces, “Finish Line” with Stevie Wonder).

Awards & Rankings

32
#32 Most Discussed Album of 2021

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
4.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 92 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 92
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 92
  3. Negative: 52 out of 92
  1. RossW
    Oct 24, 2021
    10
    The Lana stans who are spamming this album with negative reviews are not what Lana and the fandom represent, they’re immature and we know LanaThe Lana stans who are spamming this album with negative reviews are not what Lana and the fandom represent, they’re immature and we know Lana wouldn’t condone their childish behavior for no reason, they’re embarrassing and making us look bad. Anyways, congrats on the new album Elton, such an impressive career and you’re still going strong! Legend… Full Review »
  2. md193
    Oct 24, 2021
    9
    Not everyone will like all this album but nobody can dislike it all as it is so diverse. "Cold Heart" and "It's a Sin" are great songs. ButNot everyone will like all this album but nobody can dislike it all as it is so diverse. "Cold Heart" and "It's a Sin" are great songs. But there are also strong songs with Stevie Wonder and Rina Sawayama as well as Gorillaz. Elton has always been eclectic in his writing style and this series of collaborations takes that further.
    Shame the Lana fans (and I count myself as one) have chosen to hack this account. Elton and Lana are mates after all. Both are great stars and while I don't think she will come close to the sales Elton has achieved she is one of the best artists around. Grow up I suppose I want to say.    … Full Review »
  3. Serialkstan
    Oct 23, 2021
    10
    Why are Lana stans being so immature (I'm a Lana stan myself). This is just embarrassing.
See all user reviews »