Let's talk about Honky Chateau.

Not even the best Elton John album.

Both great albums but I'd probably rank Madman Across the Water higher. Just my preference. Mona Lisas & Mad Hatters has always been one of my favorites and Chateau is pretty solid from start to finish. But Madman has Levon, Tiny Dancer and the title track which to me are on another level.

I was about to say the same thing about Tumbleweed. I never get enough of that one.

Tumbleweed Connection.

For raw, early Elton it's 11/17/70.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road is on my desert island record list. Except for Jamaica Jerk Off.

I don't know about GOAT but his run of:

Tumbleweed Connection
11/17/70
Madman Across the Water
Honky Chateau

was brilliant. I haven't followed him in decades but he had a four album run that very few artists have managed. And the next 2 were solid.