[2] The song initially appeared on the 1970 album Elton John, and was released in the spring of 1970 as the LP's first single.

A cover by soul icon Aretha Franklin (with "Holy Moses" following the title in parentheses to reflect the repeated phrase in the song) fared better reaching No.

[5] It was included as the closing track of Aretha's 1972 Young, Gifted and Black album as well.

"[11] Cash Box said that "The surface simplicity and material depth of a Randy Newman are reflected in this tremendous top forty/underground shot from Elton John.

The artist's power should give him his first taste of American recognition through this scintillating masterwork.

"Bad Side of the Moon" was also covered by Toe Fat, whose version appears on their self-titled debut album and was also released as a single.