Honky Château (1972)
Honky Château unfolds as a vibrant musical kaleidoscope, effortlessly weaving together ballads, country pop-rock, soul, and bluesy rockers into a unique and energetic experience that defies convention. An absolute must-listen for any music listener, this record makes an argument for Elton John's best work, although I find myself leaning slightly towards favoring the thematic cohesiveness of Tumbleweed Connection and perhaps another record or two. Also, Honky Château narrowly misses out on securing a spot on my NSA list, but more on that later.
The album begins with the soulful bounce of Honky Cat, a spirited and toe-tapping introduction that tees up the stage for the eclectic journey that lies ahead. Elton's piano melodies dance harmoniously with his vocals, immersing us in the honky-tonk lifestyle. This infectious track is one of those songs you just can’t get enough of, helped by it’s sense of fun and complexity.
Following the buoyant energy of Honky Cat, we encounter the mellowness of Mellow. The title itself alludes to the song's emotional landscape, with Elton embracing an emotive and dramatic delivery. Musically, vocally, and lyrically intriguing, Mellow shines through encapsulating the album's emotional depth.
Transitioning to the unexpectedly dark tone of I Think I’m Going To Kill Myself, it intriguingly maintains the playful bounce of Honky Cat and we find ourselves engaged in a cynical sing-along. Elton's ability to address a somber topic within an upbeat context is undeniably compelling.
Susie (Dramas), a bluesy rocker, captivates with its rich guitar licks, powerful pounding piano keys, and gravelly vocal performance by Elton. This track stands out and boasts some of his finest blues-infused work, elevating it to be one of his best offerings in this style. And then there's my personal favorite, Rocket Man, which ascends into the stratosphere through its space-themed narrative. Elton's emotive vocals glide effortlessly over lush and intricate orchestration. While my favorites may shuffle depending on my mood, Rocket Man maintains a consistent top-ranking spot, and it is forever perfect.
The album's dynamic shifts persist with the lively Salvation, boasting gospel-infused harmonies that invite audience participation. Infused with a subtle country twang in its guitar arrangements, this track could seamlessly fit into the thematic landscape of Tumbleweed Connection. Slave and Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters further exemplify the album's diverse influences, crafting intricate tales through their musical and lyrical expressions. The former conveys a sense of struggle through its bluesy and country undertones, while the latter I believe to be a heartfelt homage to New York City.
Yet, Honky Château falls just short of making my coveted NSA list due to my reservations about Slave. Interestingly, the 50th Anniversary album revealed an alternate, faster version of Slave, which I believe enhances the original and, when swapped, could secure the album's place on the NSA list for sure.
Amy emerges as a hidden gem, an upbeat pop-rocker that adds a vibrant layer to the record. Meanwhile, Hercules shifts gears once again, embracing a groovy, funk-infused sound that showcases Elton's adaptability and ability spin the roulette wheel of styles and hit a home run each time. This standout track echoes the styles of Honky Cat and I Think I’m Going To Kill Myself, creating a cohesive thread throughout the album.
While Honky Château may experience some abrupt transitions between styles, potentially disrupting the album's flow for certain listeners, these minor concerns pale in comparison to the sheer musicality and captivating performance that Elton brings to the table. This record stands as a testament to Elton's fearless exploration of musical boundaries, presenting a sonic playground where genres converge and melodies take flight. Ultimately, the genuine spirit and artistry behind Honky Château secure its place as an enduring masterpiece within Elton John's illustrious discography.
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Highlight Songs:
Rocket Man
Honkey Cat
Hercules
I Think I’m Going to Kill Myself
Amy
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Own It, Stream it, Forget about it
Without question Honky Château is worth owning. This is a record that should literally be in every record buyers collection and should be saved to every casual music listeners library. Period.
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Overall Rating:
4.5 Stars
