The returning members of the Elton John Band are percussionist Ray Cooper and guitarist Davey Johnstone; the latter played on only one song on the album.

Unlike previous compositions in which lyrics came first, John started writing melodies at a piano, and an album unintentionally came about from this.

The staff and players of Watford Football Club, of which John was chairman at the time, provide backing vocals on "Big Dipper" and "Georgia".

Also featured on these tracks are the backing vocals of the female staff from Rocket Records, credited as 'The South Audley Street Girls' Choir'.

John stopped wearing his trademark glasses in public for a period during the late 1970s, and the album photo reflects this.

All tracks are written by Elton John and Gary Osborne, except where notedTrack numbering refers to CD and digital releases of the album.