The Cosmic Watchdog

Elton John’s music has defined generations, blending rock, pop, and heartfelt ballads into an iconic career spanning more than five decades.

From the anthemic to the deeply personal, his songs have stood the test of time, racking up billions of streams in the digital age. But which of his tracks are the most popular right now?

Based on current Spotify streaming numbers, here are the ten Elton John songs that listeners right now just can’t get enough of -ranked from 10 to 1.

10. Bennie and the Jets

Few songs capture Elton John’s flair for theatricality quite like Bennie and the Jets. Released in 1974 as part of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, this track introduced listeners to the fictional world of Bennie, a glamorous, futuristic rockstar. The song’s signature stuttering beat, combined with live-audience sound effects, made it a massive hit, especially in the U.S.

Today, it remains a fan favorite, with over 505 million streams on Spotify.

9. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

The title track of Elton’s 1973 album, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, is all about leaving behind illusions of fame and fortune for something more real. Lyrically, it paints a picture of someone longing for a simpler life, rejecting the material excess that often accompanies success. It’s one of those songs that feels just as relevant today as it did decades ago, which is probably why it’s still a streaming favorite, boasting over 491 million plays on Spotify.

8. Hold Me Closer (with Britney Spears)

Elton John has never shied away from reinvention, and Hold Me Closer – his 2022 collaboration with Britney Spears – proves that his magic hasn’t faded. Taking elements from his hit Tiny Dancer and weaving them into a modern electronic beat, the song introduced his music to a whole new generation.

For Spears, it was a long-awaited return to music, and their combined star power shot the track to the top of streaming charts. As of now, it has racked up more than 460 million streams on Spotify.

7. Sacrifice

A soulful ballad with a haunting melody, Sacrifice was released in 1989 as part of Sleeping with the Past. While it didn’t make waves initially, it became a sleeper hit and, in 1990, gave Elton his first solo UK No. 1. The song’s introspective lyrics explore the struggles of love and relationships, and its emotional depth continues to strike a chord with listeners. As of now, it has amassed over 422 million streams on Spotify.

6. Tiny Dancer

There was a time when Tiny Dancer was one of Elton John’s more underrated songs. Though released in 1971 on Madman Across the Water, it wasn’t a major hit at the time. But thanks to its use in films like Almost Famous and TV shows like Friends, it’s since become one of his most beloved tracks. Today, Tiny Dancer has amassed over 833 million streams on Spotify.

5. Don’t Go Breaking My Heart (with Kiki Dee)

This cheerful duet with Kiki Dee became an instant classic when it was released in 1976, topping both the UK and U.S. charts. The song’s playful back-and-forth vocals and infectious energy made it a fan favorite, and it remains one of Elton’s most recognizable hits. Don’t Go Breaking My Heart is a singing-along classic, and its 905 million streams prove its timeless status.

4. Your Song

There’s a reason Your Song is one of Elton John’s most celebrated tracks. Released in 1970, it’s a simple, sincere, and deeply personal love song. Written by Elton’s songwriting partner Bernie Taupin as a teenager, the lyrics capture the wide-eyed wonder of falling in love – perhaps the reason why it’s one of the most popular wedding soundtracks. As of now, it has surpassed 1 billion streams on Spotify.

3. Rocket Man (I Think It’s Going to Be a Long, Long Time)

Arguably one of Elton John’s greatest songs, Rocket Man combines space imagery with a deeper sense of loneliness and longing. Released in 1972, the track follows an astronaut who is physically leaving Earth but emotionally distancing himself from home. It’s a song that has been covered, referenced, and reimagined countless times – including by Elton himself in later collaborations (including one in this list). As of early 2025, Rocket Man has also joined the billion-stream club on Spotify.

2. I’m Still Standing

Released in 1983, I’m Still Standing is all about resilience, bouncing back from setbacks, and refusing to let anything hold you down. The song was originally written as a response to a failing relationship, but over the years, it’s taken on a broader meaning. I’m Still Standing is an intergenerational must-play, racking up over 1.3 billion streams on Spotify.

1. Cold Heart (PNAU Remix) (with Dua Lipa)

Topping the list is Cold Heart, a 2021 collaboration with Dua Lipa that remixes multiple Elton John classics into a fresh, modern track. Blending elements from Rocket Man, Sacrifice, Kiss the Bride, and Where’s the Shoorah?, the song became an instant success. Dua Lipa’s pop princess status, combined with PNAU’s production, made Cold Heart one of Elton’s biggest hits in years and introduced his music to an entirely new audience. It now has a staggering 2.3 billion streams on Spotify, making it Elton’s most-played song on the platform.