Elton John: Rock of the Westies Album (1975)

Elton John’s Rock of the Westies was released on October 24, 1975, through DJM Records in the UK (DJLPH 464) and MCA Records in the US (MCA-2132), it marked his tenth studio album and a bold shift toward a raw, guitar-driven sound.

Coming off the introspective Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy, this record showcased Elton’s versatility, backed by a revamped band and the ever-reliable songwriting of Bernie Taupin.

The Background:

A New Band, A New Vibe By 1975, Elton John was at the peak of his powers, with seven consecutive US No. 1 albums and a global fanbase captivated by his flamboyant persona. Rock of the Westies was recorded at Caribou Ranch in Colorado (inspiring the “Westies” title, a nod to the western U.S.), under the guidance of longtime producer Gus Dudgeon. The album marked a departure from the orchestral lushness of earlier works, leaning into a harder-edged rock sound influenced by the era’s shifting musical landscape, including the rise of punk and disco.

A significant change was the absence of Elton’s original rhythm section, bassist Dee Murray and drummer Nigel Olsson.

The new lineup featured:

Caleb Quaye (guitar, returning from earlier collaborations)

Kenny Passarelli (bass)

Roger Pope (drums)

James Newton Howard (keyboards)

Ray Cooper (percussion)

Backing vocalists including Kiki Dee and Patti LaBelle of Labelle

This fresh ensemble brought a raw, live-band energy, complementing Elton’s piano virtuosity and Bernie Taupin’s vivid lyrics. The result was a record that balanced raucous rockers with heartfelt ballads, capturing Elton’s ability to evolve while staying true to his roots.

Original Track Listing (1975 Vinyl LP) Rock of the Westies was a compact album, clocking in at approximately 43:58 across nine tracks on its original vinyl release.

All songs were written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin unless otherwise noted, delivering a mix of high-energy rock, soulful grooves, and quirky storytelling.

Side A

Medley: Yell Help / Wednesday Night / Ugly (5:48) – A dynamic, three-part opener bursting with rock energy.

Dan Dare (Pilot of the Future) (3:30) – A glam-rock tribute to the sci-fi comic hero, catchy and playful.

Island Girl (3:43) – The album’s biggest hit, a reggae-inflected story of a Jamaican prostitute in New York.

Grow Some Funk of Your Own (4:57) – Co-written with guitarist Davey Johnstone, a funky, guitar-driven rocker.

Side B

I Feel Like a Bullet (In the Gun of Robert Ford) (4:13) – A melancholic ballad about guilt, inspired by Jesse James’ assassin.

Street Kids (6:49) – A gritty, cinematic track about urban youth, with a pulsing rhythm.

Hard Luck Story (5:10) – A soulful song previously recorded by Kiki Dee, reimagined with a punchy arrangement.

Feed Me (4:00) – Credited to Ann Orson/Carte Blanche (a pseudonym for John/Taupin), a funky plea for connection.

Billy Bones and the White Bird (4:48) – Also credited to Ann Orson/Carte Blanche, a quirky, nautical-themed closer.

Reissue Track Listings

Rock of the Westies has been reissued across multiple formats, including CDs, remastered vinyl, and digital platforms. Most reissues retain the original nine tracks but include bonus material from session outtakes or B-sides.

Below are the key reissue track listings:

1995 Rocket Records CD Remaster (Universal/Island) Original 9 tracks as above.

Bonus track: 10. Planes (3:33) – A session outtake, originally a B-side to “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” (1976).

Total tracks: 10; runtime: ~47:31.

2001 Universal Deluxe Edition CD Original 9 tracks.

Bonus tracks: 10. Planes (3:33) and 11. Sugar on the Floor (4:37) – Another outtake, later covered by Kiki Dee.

Total tracks: 11; runtime: ~52:08.

2017 Vinyl Reissue (Elton John Official Store / 180g Remastered LP) Remastered by Bob Ludwig from original analogue tapes, cut by Sean Magee at Abbey Road.

Original 9 tracks only, no bonus tracks.

Total runtime: ~43:58.

2018 Universal Remastered CD/Digital (Streaming on Apple Music/Spotify) Original 9 tracks.

Bonus tracks: 10. Planes (3:33) and 11. Sugar on the Floor (4:37).

Total tracks: 11; runtime: ~52:08.

This is the standard version available on most streaming platforms today.

Other reissues, such as the 2013 Japanese SHM-CD, follow the 1995 or 2001 track listings with 10 or 11 tracks, respectively. No significant alternate track orders or exclusions have been noted across reissues.