Elton & Bernie on 'Gnomeo & Juliet'

Instead of creating an original animated film soundtrack, Elton John teamed with lyricist Bernie Taupin and tapped into the duo's iconic history for the music in "Gnomeo & Juliet."

John, the executive producer, said the idea to infuse the film with hits came from former Disney studio chief Dick Cook.

"He said, 'I want a classic Elton John rock and roll soundtrack,' " John said. "Bernie and I were going to write about five or six songs for the movie, so we only wrote four songs, two of which were used, and the rest of it is classic Elton John. I don't take credit for that. It wasn't me saying, 'Well, it's a great chance for me to get my back catalog out!' "

"Gnomeo & Juliet" composer James Newton Howard, who toured with John as a keyboardist in the 1970s and '80s, wove a score using classic John melodies. For example, as the gnomes spar on their lawn battleground, "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting" riffs in the background, and "Bennie and the Jets" chimes in when Benny hops from key to key on a laptop.

The new songs include "Hello Hello," a rollicking duet with Lady Gaga, and "Love Builds a Garden," a touching tune that plays during a montage about lovelorn plastic lawn flamingos. AP