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 four months after Captain Fantastic, it carried high expectations that it seemingly let down. Its big single was Island Girl, and as fun and catchy as that song is, it didn’t live up to the overwhelming hype set by the last record. Personally, I rather enjoy this one. I think it’s an excellent cap on Elton’s early years and Golden Era. After Rock of the Westies, things start to really change for Elton and his music. Some good, and… some not so good.

The opening medley, Yell Help / Wednesday Night / Ugly, grabs your attention right out the gate with electric guitars and dynamic piano work. The transitions are 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 blended into one another for a genuinely unique track.

Dan Dare (Pilot of the Future) launches us into a spacey, futuristic realm with its synths and keyboard playing, and Elton’s soaring vocals match the adventurous theme perfectly. There’s some bluesy oomph and grit on this one 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 right into the island groove. It’s considered more of a problematic song nowadays, but in the context of the mid-70s, it’s a great one. Since first hearing this record long ago, I’ve rarely been able to get it 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 and catchy chorus get your feet tapping. Elton’s piano adds a layer of groove that makes it impossible not to nod along. I Feel Like a Bullet (In the Gun of Robert Ford) brings the energy down with its poignancy and slow tempo. Elton’s vocals are emotional and impressive throughout, and the guitar and synth solo is gorgeous, impactful, soft with intent, and memorable.

Street Kids brings back the rock spirit with gritty guitars and a rebellious streak. The vocals carry a raw, rock ‘n’ roll edge that channels classic Elton. It plays in a similar space to Bad Side of the Moon, but with much more dynamic drumming and guitar accents. The album stays in high gear with Hard Luck Story, a soulful boogie that once again leans on Elton’s piano playing. There’s serious musicianship on display here, all speed and unconventional turns. Filled with bluesy electric guitar, soulful backing vocals, and bouncy piano, Hard Luck Story is tough to get out of your head.

Feed Me is a darker, almost sultry track. It’s atmospheric but not empty, 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 one to describe, but one you shouldn’t forget. One of the closing tracks, Billy Bones and the White Bird, fits right into the bluesy tone Rock of the Westies establishes. It’s big and grand and feels like it was meant to be a showstopping finale, but it doesn’t ring as loud as previous Elton album closers. It’s missing the dynamism usually embedded in his music.

The three final tracks end the album much differently than it began. Planes is an acoustic, more Western/Americana 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 welcome song. Sugar on the Floor is your traditional Elton John piano driven ballad, beautiful, somber, and emotionally delivered with some twangy guitar accompaniment. Out of Elton’s popular ballads, this one doesn’t get enough attention. It isn’t flying to the top of the rankings, but it’s definitely underrated.

Lastly, we get the iconic Don’t Go Breaking My Heart duet with the iconic Kiki Dee! This song screams the mid-1970s, 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 a gem that captures the musical diversity of the ‘70s. With every track, you’re treated to a slightly different facet 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 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