The album was recorded at Townhouse Studios in London and is John's last release to date to be produced by Chris Thomas.

The album has a strong orchestral emphasis with string arrangements written by Anne Dudley and Elton John's then backup keyboardist Guy Babylon.

"Live Like Horses" was originally recorded in 1994 and intended for John's previous studio album, Made in England, but lack of time for the inclusion ruled this out.

The version with Pavarotti was later included on the bonus disc edition of John's compilation Greatest Hits 1970–2002.

"Past Imperfect" and an alternate version of "Recover Your Soul" were completed by John for inclusion on The Big Picture.