NEW YORK–On Tuesday, December 3rd, 2013, Madison Square Garden was packed. The crowd chanted the lyrics to “Rocket Man” and swayed in time with the music. According to The New York Times, Elton John, aged sixty-six, “poured on the richness of his voice” into his performance.

Tuesday night was Elton John’s 63rd headlining show at the Madison Square Garden. His concert was in honor of his new album called The Diving Board, produced by Capitol Records.

Elton John’s new album is “stripped down and introverted,” says The New York Times. It features a number of acoustic songs with exposed, rich vocals. Elton John delivered a stunning rendition of each of the songs, skipping over the high notes in “Rocket Man” just to play it safe.

The pop artist played everything from his hits during the seventies, many including songs from his 1974 album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road to his newest releases. Elton John serenaded the audience with the hymn-like songs, “Home Again” and “Oceans Away,” from the album The Diving Board.

The audience witnessed a genuine musical performance from Nigel Olssen, Elton John’s first drummer in his band. Lead guitarist Davey Johnstone accompanied Elton John, who sang and played the piano. Davey Johnstone has been in Elton John’s band since 1972. In addition, four gospel sang backup for Mr. John in “I Guess That’s Why They Call it the Blues.”

Elton John closed out the evening by saying, “If the mood tonight has been a little reflective with some of the song choices, then so be it.” He added, “because I’m at the stage in my life where it’s nice to reflect.”