Rock of the Westies
Elton John's tenth studio album, debuting at number one in the US.
Rock of the Westies is the tenth studio album by British musician Elton John, released on 24 October 1975 through DJM Records in the UK and MCA Records in the US. Produced by Gus Dudgeon, it was recorded at Caribou Ranch in Nederland, Colorado, and became the second consecutive Elton John album to debut at number one on the US Billboard 200. The lead single, "Island Girl", topped the Billboard Hot 100.
Quick Facts
- Artist
- Elton John
- Released
- 24 October 1975
- Studio
- Caribou Ranch (Nederland); Trident (London, UK) (mixing)
- Genre
- Rock
- Length
- 43:39
- Label
- DJM (UK), MCA (US)
- Producer
- Gus Dudgeon
Facts from the source article.
Background
For this album, John dismissed drummer Nigel Olsson and bassist Dee Murray, seeking a change in sound from Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy. Guitarist Davey Johnstone and percussionist Ray Cooper remained, joined by drummer Roger Pope, bassist Kenny Passarelli, second guitarist Caleb Quaye, and synthesizer player James Newton Howard. The title plays on "West of the Rockies," referencing the Caribou Ranch studio. It was the last of six straight US number one studio albums beginning with Honky Chateau. Backing vocalists included Labelle and Kiki Dee.
Critical reception
Stephen Holden of Rolling Stone wrote that the songs "barely accomplish their objective of providing the latest in synthetic boogie" and found the lineup changes only superficially altered John's sound, criticizing "Island Girl" as sexist and racist. Robert Christgau praised the album, calling Taupin's lyrics his best and noting the arrangements of "Island Girl" and "Grow Some Funk of Your Own" elaborate racial ironies, while commending the band's "fiery temper" on "Street Kids" and "Hard Luck Story."
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