Description
Elton John – Rock Of The Westies – 180 Gram Vinyl Record
Rock of the Westies is the tenth studio album by British singer-songwriter Elton John, released on October 24, 1975. Known for its harder rock edge, the album marked a shift from Elton John’s previous sound, with a rawer, more energetic style that leaned heavily into rock and roll. Following the massive success of Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy earlier that same year, Rock of the Westies was another instant hit, debuting at #1 on the Billboard 200. The album features a fresh lineup of musicians and a gritty, guitar-driven sound that contrasts with the more polished, introspective tone of his previous albums.
Rock of the Westies was recorded at Caribou Ranch in Colorado, a familiar studio for John, where he had recorded several of his past albums. The title is a playful reference to “Westies” (Westerners) and reflects both the album’s American recording location and its rock-and-roll attitude. For this project, John introduced a new band lineup, including Caleb Quaye on guitar, James Newton Howard on keyboards, Kenny Passarelli on bass, and Roger Pope on drums. This new ensemble contributed to the album’s dynamic and harder sound, infusing it with rock, blues, and R&B elements.
Bernie Taupin, John’s longtime collaborator, wrote the lyrics, imbuing the songs with a mix of humor, edge, and social commentary. The result is an album that feels raw, spontaneous, and unapologetically fun, balancing Elton John’s gift for melody with a more direct, rock-oriented production style.
Key Tracks
“Medley (Yell Help / Wednesday Night / Ugly)” – This track is a three-part medley that opens the album with an eclectic, high-energy combination of funk, rock, and blues. The medley format is a bold choice that showcases the band’s versatility, with each section moving seamlessly into the next and providing a punchy, rhythm-driven intro.
“Dan Dare (Pilot of the Future)” – Inspired by the British comic book character, this track features a catchy melody and a slightly humorous tone. Its lively beat and upbeat feel make it a standout song, highlighting John’s ability to merge pop with storytelling.
“Island Girl” – The album’s biggest hit, “Island Girl” topped the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of John’s most popular singles. With reggae-inspired rhythms, playful lyrics, and a memorable hook, it offers a bright, sunny contrast to the album’s rockier tracks.
“Grow Some Funk of Your Own” – This hard-rocking track showcases the raw energy of the album’s new lineup, with strong guitar riffs and a bluesy, aggressive style. Its humorous lyrics, which detail a confrontation between an American and a Mexican man over a woman, add a layer of wit to the track.
“I Feel Like a Bullet (In the Gun of Robert Ford)” – One of the album’s more introspective moments, this ballad contrasts with the album’s harder sound. The song, inspired by feelings of guilt and betrayal, is a haunting reflection on love and regret, with John’s vocals conveying deep emotion.
“Street Kids” – A gritty, fast-paced rock song, “Street Kids” captures the spirit of 1970s rock, with dynamic guitar work and a raw edge. The song’s lyrics explore themes of rebellion and survival, showcasing a tougher side of Elton John.
“Hard Luck Story” – Written about a failed relationship, this track is a blend of rock and rhythm and blues, featuring upbeat instrumentation and a catchy chorus. It’s one of the album’s more lighthearted songs, delivering a message of resilience.
“Billy Bones and the White Bird” – The closing track is a bluesy, slower-paced song with a moody feel, capturing a sense of mystery and adventure. Its slightly experimental style adds to the album’s eclectic feel and provides a memorable conclusion.
Rock of the Westies is thematically diverse, covering topics from unrequited love and heartbreak to adventure and humor. The album’s grittier, rock-heavy production style—marked by distorted guitars, bluesy riffs, and powerful drumming—was a departure from John’s usual sound and reflected a desire to experiment and push creative boundaries. Bernie Taupin’s lyrics veer between playful storytelling and more serious themes, offering both levity and introspection.
The production is intentionally raw and unpolished compared to John’s previous albums, capturing the energy of the new band and the spontaneity of the recording sessions. Producer Gus Dudgeon, who had worked with Elton on previous albums, embraced the shift toward a more rugged sound, allowing the musicians to cut loose and bring a rock-and-roll sensibility to John’s compositions.
Rock of the Westies was met with commercial success, debuting at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart, making Elton John one of the few artists at the time to achieve back-to-back #1 debuts. Although the album’s harder edge and experimental tone received mixed reviews from some critics, fans appreciated the fresh energy and departure from Elton’s more polished work. The single “Island Girl” became a major hit, and other tracks like “Grow Some Funk of Your Own” and “I Feel Like a Bullet (In the Gun of Robert Ford)” also received positive attention.
The album’s legacy has grown over time, with many appreciating it as an adventurous chapter in Elton John’s discography. It stands as a testament to his willingness to push beyond his established sound and embrace new styles and themes. For fans of Elton John’s classic rock side, Rock of the Westies remains a fascinating and enjoyable listen, showcasing a harder, grittier side of his music.
Rock of the Westies is a unique entry in Elton John’s catalog, capturing a period of experimentation and creative exploration. It exemplifies his ability to reinvent himself and take musical risks, making it a key album for fans interested in his versatility as an artist. With its mix of rock, funk, and introspective ballads, Rock of the Westies offers a raw, energetic look at Elton John’s artistry, balancing his signature melodic style with a rock-and-roll edge that remains refreshing and dynamic decades later.
Remastered from the original analogue tapes. 180 gram vinyl.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Medley (Yell Help / Wednesday Night / Ugly)
Dan Dare (Pilot Of The Future)
Island Girl
Grow Some Funk Of Your Own
I Feel Like A Bullet (In The Gun Of Robert Ford)
Street Kids
Hard Luck Story
Feed Me
Billy Bones And The White Bird
