Throughout his songs for The Road to El Dorado, Elton John hinted at his classic sound of the early '70s, but it's still a refreshing surprise to find him largely returning to that sound on his 2001 album, Songs From the West Coast. It was easy to think that John wasn't interested in writing like this anymore, given not just his continued success, but the ease with which he was crafting pleasant adult contemporary records. There are still elements of that on Songs From the West Coast -- a few of the ballads are a little too ...
Read More
Throughout his songs for The Road to El Dorado, Elton John hinted at his classic sound of the early '70s, but it's still a refreshing surprise to find him largely returning to that sound on his 2001 album, Songs From the West Coast. It was easy to think that John wasn't interested in writing like this anymore, given not just his continued success, but the ease with which he was crafting pleasant adult contemporary records. There are still elements of that on Songs From the West Coast -- a few of the ballads are a little too even-handed, and since this is a modern recording, it lacks the resonant warmth of such classics as Honky Chateau and Tumbleweed Connection. Still, this is the richest, best record he's released in a long time, an album where it feels like a hit single is secondary to the sheer pleasure of craft, whether it's crafting a song or an album. And this is an album that flows easily and naturally, setting the mood with the story sketch "The Emperor's New Clothes" and then heading in a number of scenic directions. Of these, "American Triangle," his elegy for Matthew Shepard, will likely receive the most attention, but the most interesting are songs like the bluesy "The Wasteland," "Ballad of the Boy in the Red Shoes," which recalls the Tumbleweed epics, the neo-Captain Fantastic tune "Dark Diamond," the soulful closer "This Train Don't Stop There Anymore," and "Birds," a terrific, spare, rolling country-rocker. His songwriting hasn't been this diverse or consistent since the early '80s, and he hasn't made a record better than this in years. No, Songs From the West Coast won't make you forget Tumbleweed Connection, but it often recalls those peaks, which, frankly, is enough. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rovi
Read Less
Add this copy of Songs From the West Coast to cart. $0.99, good condition, Sold by Zoom Books Company rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Lynden, WA, UNITED STATES, published 2001 by Universal Distribution.
Add this copy of Songs From the West Coast to cart. $0.99, Sold by Dream Books Co. rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Denver, CO, UNITED STATES, published 2001 by Universal Distribution.
Add this copy of Songs From the West Coast to cart. $1.46, good condition, Sold by Goodwill of Greater Milwaukee rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Milwaukee, WI, UNITED STATES, published 2001 by Universal Distribution.
Add this copy of Songs From the West Coast to cart. $2.03, like new condition, Sold by Symposia rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Hoboken, NJ, UNITED STATES, published 2001 by VIRGIN RECORDS UK.
Add this copy of Songs from the West Coast to cart. $3.98, very good condition, Sold by Movie Surplus rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Mobile, AL, UNITED STATES, published 2001 by Universal Distribution.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
John/Taupin. Very Good. Used-Very Good Condition. Case and disc(s) is in great condition with no significant scratches or marks. Includes original artwork and liner notes when applicable.
Add this copy of Songs from the West Coast to cart. $3.98, good condition, Sold by Movie Surplus rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Mobile, AL, UNITED STATES, published 2001 by Universal Distribution.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
John/Taupin. Good. Used-Good Condition. Some signs of use, but nothing that should affect playback. Includes case and original artwork and liner notes when applicable.
Add this copy of Songs from the West Coast to cart. $3.98, poor condition, Sold by Movie Surplus rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Mobile, AL, UNITED STATES, published 2001 by Universal Distribution.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
John/Taupin. Poor. Used-Acceptable, withdrawn library disc(s) with liner notes. Disc(s) should play great without any playback issues. Disc(s) & liner notes may contain typical library markings like stickers, protective label covers, & writing. Discs may be repackaged in library style casing. Back artwork & any other promo material not included.
Add this copy of Songs From the West Coast to cart. $4.75, very good condition, Sold by Ezekial Books, LLC rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Manchester, NH, UNITED STATES, published 2001 by Universal Distribution.
Add this copy of Songs From the West Coast to cart. $4.95, good condition, Sold by ARC Foundation Thrift Store rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Ventura, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2001 by Umvd Labels.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. YOUR PURCHASE BENEFITS THOSE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES TO LIVE A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE. scratchesYour purchase benefits those with developmental disabilities to live a better quality of life.
Add this copy of Songs From the West Coast to cart. $6.39, like new condition, Sold by Wonder Book - Member ABAA/ILAB rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Frederick, MD, UNITED STATES, published 2001 by Universal Distribution.
![Elton John [Bonus Tracks]](https://www1.alibris-static.com/elton-john-bonus-tracks/cover/s94335oml08.jpg)
![Honky Chateau [Bonus Track]](https://www2.alibris-static.com/honky-chateau-bonus-track/cover/s47294f80re.jpg)
