Songs From The West Coast - Elton John > Reviews > Elton but not his best

Author's product rating:   

Originality
Lyrics
Quality and consistency of tracks
How does it compare to the artist's other releases
Value for Money

Advantages:	not all bad
Disadvantages:	some tracks need to grow on you

Recommend to potential buyers:

no

Full review

Songs from the west coast is Elton John’s latest offering in the album scene. It is typically Elton with nothing out of the ordinary to grab your attention!

Elton’s new album entered the UK album charts at No 2, while in the same charts he was on another album that entered at number 4. Bob the builder may not be as successful as Elton but together they beat out crocodile rock on Bob’s latest album. (Not that I bought Bob the builders album you understand!)

The album has twelve tracks in total:

1) THE EMPERORS NEW CLOTHES (a slightly upbeat tune which is sing-able –just)
2) DARK DIAMOND (This track has Stevie Wonder on playing the harmonica and the clarinet)
3) Another slightly more catchy upbeat number called “LOOK MAMA NO HANDS”.
4) AMERICAN TRIANGLE. Written around the of a young Wyoming lad.
5) ORIGINAL SIN. This is more of a classical Elton John track.
6) BIRDS. Again an upbeat song with “How come birds don’t fall from the sky when they die?” in.
7) I WANT LOVE, is Elton’s new single from the album and is one of the tracks you have probably heard.
8) THE WASTELAND. A bit of rock creeping into Elton’s album in this track.
9) BALLAD OF THE BOY IN RED SHOES. A slow tempo song portraying the d eath of a man through AIDS.
10) LOVE HER LIKE ME. Another catchy number to sing along to.
11) MANSFIELD. A slow song telling of a torrid courtship, which is unaware of the future change)
12) THIS TRAIN DON’T STOP THERE ANYMORE. The last track has been left to a slower song.

This album has received a mixed review from the critics, although more in favour. However, I feel it lacks that Elton magic. It is undoubtedly Elton John but it lacks something that puts he’s seal on it. The album seems heavy and un-enjoyable, given a couple of tracks.
I bought the album as I do tend to like Elton’s music, but this is one of his albums that will have to grow on me! I bought my CD from CDWOW for £8.99, which includes free delivery. Other sites selling the CD include: Amazon.co.uk £9.99 (plus p&p): Audiostreet.co.uk £12.99 (plus p&p); Musica.co.uk £10.00 (plus p&p): BOL £11.99 (plus p&p). I think I got a good price 9with good service), plus delivery included, unless you know better?

Thanks for reading - Dave

Some tracks are avilable for listening to on www.eltonjohn.com