David Essex: "David Essex" Album (1974)

David Essex’s David Essex was released as an LP album in the UK by CBS Records (catalog number S 69088) on September 20, 1974.

The album entered the UK chart on week October 13-19, 1974, at number 21 as part of a 23-week run, peaking at number 2 for a four-week run during the last 3 weeks of 1974 and the first week of 1975.

Background and Context: David Essex (born David Albert Cook, July 23, 1947, in Plaistow, London) rose to fame in 1973 with his debut album Rock On, which included the UK #3 and US #5 hit single "Rock On." By 1974, Essex was a prominent figure in the UK glam rock and pop scene, bolstered by his acting roles in the films That’ll Be the Day (1973) and Stardust (1974). The David Essex album was recorded during a period of peak popularity, following his starring role as Jim MacLaine in Stardust. Produced by Jeff Wayne, who also worked on Rock On, the album aimed to capitalize on Essex’s growing fanbase and his reputation as a charismatic performer with a knack for blending pop, rock, and theatrical elements. Unlike his earlier, less successful releases on Decca and Fontana (e.g., the 1969 single "The Day The Earth Stood Still"), this album was a polished, confident effort that showcased his maturing artistry.

Recording and Production: David Essex was recorded in 1974 at Advision Studios and AIR Studios in London, produced and arranged by Jeff Wayne. The album featured a talented ensemble of musicians, including Chris Spedding (guitar), Herbie Flowers (bass), Mike Garson (piano, known for work with David Bowie), and Ken Freeman (synthesizers). Backing vocals were provided by The English Chamber Choir, adding a lush, dramatic quality. The production balanced glam rock’s energy with pop accessibility, incorporating orchestral elements and Essex’s distinctive, emotive vocals. The sessions were collaborative, with Essex writing or co-writing most tracks, reflecting his growing confidence as a songwriter compared to his earlier Decca years.

Track Listing: The original vinyl release of David Essex (CBS S 69088) contains ten tracks:

1. Gonna Make You a Star (3:29)

2. Window (4:03)

3. I Know (3:34)

4. There’s Something About You Baby (3:48)

5. Good Ol’ Rock & Roll (4:28)

6. America (3:20)

7. Dance Little Girl (3:34)

8. Ooh Darling (2:57)

9. Miss Sweetness (4:37)

10. Half Way to Paradise (4:05)

Notable Tracks: Gonna Make You a Star, the album’s lead single, is a glam-pop anthem about fame and ambition, inspired by Essex’s own rise to stardom. America, a reflective track about the allure and challenges of the U.S., showcases his storytelling ability. Good Ol’ Rock & Roll and Half Way to Paradise (a cover of Billy Fury’s 1961 hit) nod to Essex’s rock and roll roots, while tracks like Window and I Know lean into introspective, melodic pop.

Musical Style and Themes: The album blends glam rock, pop, and rock and roll influences with orchestral flourishes, reflecting the era’s theatrical pop trends. Essex’s vocals range from soulful to energetic, complementing Jeff Wayne’s lush production. Lyrically, the album explores themes of fame (Gonna Make You a Star), love (There’s Something About You Baby), and personal reflection (Window, I Know). The inclusion of rock and roll covers and original songs with a nostalgic vibe ties into Essex’s persona as a modern yet retro-inspired artist, appealing to both teen fans and older audiences familiar with his acting roles.

Singles Released:

1. Gonna Make You a Star / Good Ol’ Rock & Roll

Release Date: October 1974 (UK, CBS 2787)

Details: The A-side, written by David Essex, is a catchy, upbeat glam-pop track with a memorable riff and lyrics about the pursuit of fame. It became Essex’s first UK #1 single, topping the UK Singles Chart for three weeks and selling over 500,000 copies, earning a silver disc. It also reached #7 in Ireland

and charted in Australia.

The B-side, Good Ol’ Rock & Roll, is an album track with a lively, retro rock vibe, complementing the A-side’s energy. This single was the album’s biggest hit and a key driver of its commercial success.

2. Stardust / Miss Sweetness

Release Date: January 1975 (UK, CBS 2971)

Details: Stardust, written by Essex, was the theme song for the film Stardust, in which he starred as Jim MacLaine. A melodic, reflective pop-rock track, it reached #7 in the UK and #6 in Ireland, capitalizing on the film’s popularity. The B-side, Miss Sweetness, is an album track with a soulful, romantic tone. While not as commercially dominant as Gonna Make You a Star, it reinforced Essex’s crossover appeal as a musician and actor.

Critical Reception: David Essex received positive reviews upon release, with critics praising its catchy singles and polished production. The album was seen as a strong follow-up to Rock On, solidifying Essex’s status as a leading UK pop star. Publications like Melody Maker noted its accessibility and Essex’s charisma, though some critics found the cover songs less innovative than his originals. Retrospectively, the album is regarded as a highlight of Essex’s 1970s output, with Gonna Make You a Star often cited as a glam rock classic. Reviews on platforms like AllMusic commend its blend of pop and rock, though it’s less experimental than Rock On.

Commercial Performance: The album was a major success, peaking at #2 on the UK Albums Chart and remaining in the charts for 22 weeks. It was certified gold in the UK, reflecting strong sales driven by the success of Gonna Make You a Star and Essex’s high-profile film roles. The album also charted in Australia and New Zealand, benefiting from his international appeal. Its commercial performance marked a peak in Essex’s career, establishing him as a household name alongside contemporaries like Marc Bolan and David Bowie.

Legacy and Influence: David Essex is a defining work in Essex’s discography, capturing his 1970s glam-pop peak. The album’s success, particularly through Gonna Make You a Star, cemented his reputation as a versatile performer who bridged music and acting. Its tracks have been featured in compilations like The David Essex Collection (1980) and His Greatest Hits (1998).

The album was released on compact disc twice.

The 1993 release by Columbia (9829912) featured the original tracklisting without any additional material.

The 2011 release by 7T's Records (GLAMCD 157) was a remastered version of the original tracklisting and included one bonus track: Stardust (7" Version).

Additional Notes:

The album’s cover features a striking portrait of Essex, emphasizing his heartthrob image, with design credits to Roslav Szaybo for CBS.

Released on vinyl, cassette, and 8-track cartridge in 1974, with international pressings in Australia, Canada, and the US (Columbia KC 33241).

The album’s success led to extensive touring, with Essex performing to large audiences in the UK and Europe, often accompanied by elaborate stage productions.

No music videos are documented for the singles, as the format was not yet prevalent, but Essex’s TV appearances on shows like Top of the Pops boosted their visibility.

Sources and Verification: Information is drawn from my knowledge of David Essex’s discography and supplemented by web sources, including Discogs, 45cat, Cherry Red Records, and AllMusic. Chart data and single details are confirmed by Wikipedia and Rate Your Music.