Rock Of The Westies (1975)
Elton John’s Rock of the Westies is a dividing record. It marks the end of Elton’s self proclaimed “Pre-C*nt Era” or PCE for short. Released 4 months after Captain Fantastic, many had high expectations that were seemingly let down. Its big single was Island Girl and despite it being a fun and catchy song, it didn’t live up to the overwhelming hype set by the last record. Personally, I rather enjoy this record. I think it’s the perfect cap off of Elton’s early years and Golden Era. After Rock of the Westies, things start to really change for Elton and his music. Some good, some not so good.
The opening medley, Yell Help / Wednesday Night / Ugly, grabs your attention with its electric guitars and dynamic piano work. The transition between these songs is seamless, highlighting Elton’s ability to fuse different moods within a single composition. You get blues in Yell Help, gospel in Wednesday Night, and some real funk in Ugly. All of them get blended into one another, creating a very unique track.
Dan Dare (Pilot of the Future) propels us into a spacey, futuristic realm with its synths and keyboard playing, and Elton’s soaring vocals match the adventurous theme perfectly. There is some bluesy oomph and grit on this track for sure. Island Girl takes us on a tropical getaway, driven by reggae-inspired rhythms, exotic percussion, and horn sections that make you want to dance. Elton’s piano melodies blend seamlessly with the island groove. Definitely considered a song more on the problematic side nowadays, but in the context of the mid-70’s, it’s a great song. Since first listening to this record long ago, I have rarely been able to get this song out of my head. It’s just fun, plain and simple.
Grow Some Funk of Your Own is a funky gringo rock track, where the wah-wah guitar work and the catchy chorus make you tap your feet. Elton’s piano adds a layer of groove, making it impossible not to nod your head. I Feel Like a Bullet (In the Gun of Robert Ford) brings the energy down with its poignancy and slow tempo. Elton’s vocal are emotional and impressive throughout. The guitar and synth solo are gorgeous, impactful, soft with intent, and memorable.
Street Kids brings back the rock spirit, with gritty guitars and a rebellious vibe. The vocals have a raw, rock ‘n’ roll edge to it that channels classic Elton. It has a similar vibe to it as that of Bad Side of the Moon, but this time with some much more dynamic drumming and guitar accents. The album keeps up the high gear with Hard Luck Story, a soulful boogie that, once again, highlights Elton’s piano playing. There is some serious musicianship on display here from Elton with the speed and unconvention of the song. Filled with bluesy electric guitar, soulful backing vocals and bouncey piano playing, Hard Luck Story is tough to get out of your head.
Feed Me is a darker, almost sultry like track on the album. It’s atmospheric but not empty, it’s full but not an energetic full band number. It has a haunting piano walk down that’s synonymous with the song and off tempo drum fills that scratch the right part of your brain. A tough song to describe, but one you shouldn’t forget. One of the closing tracks, Billy Bones and the White Bird, fits right into the Rock of the Westies bluesy tone that’s established on this record. It is big and grand and it feels like it was meant to be this showstopping finale, but it doesn’t ring as loud as previous album closers from Elton. It’s lacking the dynamism that’s usually embedded in Elton’s music.
The three final tracks end the album much differently than it began. Planes is an acoustic, more Western/Americana-like number that channels the styles of both Tumbleweed Connection and Captain Fantastic. It doesn’t quite fit thematically with the rest of the record, but it’s a much welcomed song. Sugar on the Floor is your traditional Elton John piano ballad. It is a beautiful, somber, and emotionally delivered song with some twangy guitar accompaniment. Out of the popular ballads from Elton, this one doesn’t get enough attention. It is not flying to the top of the rankings, but it is definitely underrated.
Lastly, we get the Don’t Go Breaking My Heart duet with the iconic Kiki Dee! This song screams the mid 1970’s and for those of a certain generation, it screams Ella Enchanted. Anne Hathaway shout out! It’s very difficult to get this song out of your head, and you really shouldn’t try. It’s a great song and a karaoke favorite among many.
Rock of the Westies isn’t the most decorated record in Elton John’s repertoire, but it’s definitely a gem that encapsulates the musical diversity of the ‘70s. With every track, you’re treated to slightly different facets of Elton’s talent, from his piano prowess to his emotive vocals. The PCE ends here with another Elton John No Skip Album. Not the strongest of his NSAs, but certainly a respectable admission to the list.
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Highlight Songs:
Island Girl
Hard Luck Story
Street Kids
Don’t Go Breaking My Heart (ft. Kiki Dee)
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Own It, Stream it, Forget about it
It’s a very good album with a great looking album cover. For sure this is a record worth owning. Grab your bell bottom jeans and run to the store now to grab a copy. Stream it while on your way. If you want Elton’s golden year albums, Rock of the Westies is a great end cap to your collection. Although, there are great things yet to come, so I don’t recommend stopping just yet.
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Overall Rating:
4 Stars
