Artist: Elton John Album: Rock of the Westies

Year: 1975
Duration: 44:03

A Critical Review of the Album “Rock of the Westies” by Elton John

Elton John is a legendary musician who has remained relevant for more than five decades. His music covers various genres, including rock, pop, and ballads. One of his most iconic albums is “Rock of the Westies,” released in 1975 under MCA/UNI Records. This album marked the peak of Elton John’s creative talent and proved that he was a force to reckon with in the music industry. In this blog post, we will discuss the brief history of the artist, the music genre of the album, the best songs of the album, the most innovative parts, and a critic of the album.

Elton John was born in 1947 in a London suburb. He developed an interest in music at a young age and began playing the piano when he was only three years old. As a teenager, he formed a band and started playing in local pubs and small venues. In 1969, he released his first album, “Empty Sky,” which received positive reviews. This was followed by the release of his second album, “Elton John,” which catapulted him to international fame.

“Rock of the Westies” is an album that features some of the best rock songs of the 70s. The album is characterized by driving rhythms, soaring guitar solos, and Elton John’s powerful voice. The album was recorded in Colorado and was produced by Gus Dudgeon, who was Elton John’s longtime collaborator. The music on this album is a mix of rock, pop, and blues, making it an excellent representation of the music of that era.

The album has several standout tracks, but one of the best songs is “Island Girl.” This song is a perfect blend of rock and reggae and features Elton John’s iconic piano riffs and an infectious chorus. Another standout track is “Feed Me,” which is a hard rock song that showcases Elton John’s prowess on the piano. “Street Kids” is another great track that features some of the best vocal performances on the album.

One of the most innovative parts of the album is the way Elton John blends different music genres. He seamlessly combines elements of rock, pop, and blues in a way that feels natural and authentic. The album’s quality production also stands out, with clean and crisp instrumentals throughout. Elton John’s voice is another highlight of the album, with his powerful and emotive vocals captivating listeners from start to finish.

However, despite its strengths, “Rock of the Westies” has a few weaknesses. Some of the songs on the album feel repetitive, and some of the lyrics are cheesy and cliched. The album also lacks the cohesion that can be found in some of Elton John’s other albums. That said, these minor issues do not detract significantly from the album’s overall quality.

Overall, “Rock of the Westies” is an excellent album that showcases Elton John’s musical talents and highlights the popular music of the 70s. The album is a mix of different genres that come together to produce a cohesive and enjoyable listening experience. While some of the songs and lyrics may seem dated, the album’s overall quality more than makes up for its minor shortcomings. Fans of classic rock and pop should definitely give this album a listen, and newer fans of Elton John can use this album as a way to explore his vast discography.

Overall, “Rock of the Westies” is an excellent album that showcases Elton John’s musical talents and highlights the popular music of the 70s. The album is a mix of different genres that come together to produce a cohesive and enjoyable listening experience. While some of the songs and lyrics may seem dated, the album’s overall quality more than makes up for its minor shortcomings. Fans of classic rock and pop should definitely give this album a listen, and newer fans of Elton John can use this album as a way to explore his vast discography.