Elton John: "Island Girl" Single (1975)

Elton John
Sep 18, 1975
5 min read

Updated: Sep 23

Elton John’s "Island Girl" backed with "Sugar On The Floor", was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK by DJM Records (catalog number DJS 610) on September 19, 1975.

It was also released in the US by MCA Records (MCA-40461).

The single was a major commercial success, reaching #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks (his fifth US #1) and #3 on the UK Singles Chart. It also hit #1 in Canada and charted in other regions, including #4 in Ireland and #14 in Australia.

Label: DJM

Country: UK

Catalogue: DJS.610

(promotional label showing release date of September 19)

A-Side: "Island Girl" (3:46):

Written by Elton John (music) and Bernie Taupin (lyrics), "Island Girl" is an upbeat, reggae-inflected rock song with a Caribbean vibe, reflecting Taupin’s fascination with exotic locales and storytelling.

Lyrics describe a Jamaican sex worker in New York City, with vivid imagery ("She stands six foot three in her underwear") and a mix of sympathy and curiosity. The song’s narrative sparked some controversy for its depiction of race and prostitution, with modern critiques noting its dated stereotypes, though it was not widely criticized at the time.

Musically, it features a punchy rhythm section, driven by new band members like drummer Roger Pope and bassist Kenny Passarelli, alongside longtime collaborators Davey Johnstone (guitar) and Ray Cooper (percussion). The track’s lively arrangement includes congas, marimbas, and a steel drum-like sound, enhancing its tropical feel.

Produced by Gus Dudgeon, the song marked a shift from the orchestral grandeur of earlier albums like Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973) to the harder-edged rock of Rock of the Westies, recorded at Caribou Ranch in Colorado.

The single’s success helped propel Rock of the Westies to #1 on the US Billboard 200 and #5 in the UK, with global sales exceeding 5 million copies for the album.

Label: DJM

Country: UK

Catalogue: DJS.610

(promotional label showing release date of September 12)

B-Side: "Sugar On The Floor" (4:31):

Written by Kiki Dee (a close collaborator and Rocket Records artist), "Sugar On The Floor" is a soulful, melancholic ballad contrasting the upbeat A-side.

The track, also from Rock of the Westies, features Elton John’s emotive

piano and vocals, with a stripped-down arrangement emphasizing Dee’s songwriting. Lyrics evoke longing and vulnerability, showcasing John’s versatility in handling introspective material.

Backed by the same band as the A-side, it includes subtle contributions from Johnstone’s acoustic guitar and Cooper’s percussion, with a focus on John’s expressive delivery.

While not a chart hit, the B-side is well-regarded by fans and appears on streaming platforms as part of the Rock of the Westies album. It’s also noted for its inclusion in some international single pressings (e.g., US MCA-40461).

Context and Background

Elton John in 1975:

By 1975, Elton John was at the peak of his commercial success, having released a string of hit albums (Honky Château, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Caribou) and singles like "Rocket Man," "Crocodile Rock," and "Bennie and the Jets." He was one of the world’s biggest pop stars, known for his flamboyant stage presence and prolific output.

Rock of the Westies (released October 1975) followed his autobiographical Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (May 1975), both hitting #1 in the US. The album marked a new band lineup after parting ways with bassist Dee Murray and drummer Nigel Olsson, introducing Caleb Quaye (guitar), Roger Pope (drums), and Kenny Passarelli (bass).

The single was released during a busy year: John founded Rocket Records, toured extensively, and made high-profile appearances, including a free concert in Central Park attended by 150,000 people in 1980 (though related to later events, it reflects his 1970s stardom).

Musical and Cultural Significance:

"Island Girl" reflects the mid-1970s trend of rock artists experimenting with reggae and Caribbean influences, seen in songs like Eric Clapton’s "I Shot the Sheriff" (1974). Its catchy hook and danceable rhythm made it a radio staple, though its lyrical content has been re-evaluated in modern contexts for cultural sensitivity.

The B-side, "Sugar On The Floor," highlights John’s support for Kiki Dee, whom he later duetted with on the 1976 hit "Don’t Go Breaking My Heart" (#1 UK/US). It also shows his willingness to showcase other artists’ work, a trait evident in his Rocket Records ventures.

The single’s success solidified John’s dominance in the US market, where he had five #1 singles between 1972 and 1975. However, its #3 UK peak reflects stiffer competition in his home market, where glam rock and emerging punk were gaining traction.

Chart Performance and Reception:

US:

"Island Girl" topped the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks in November 1975, certified Gold by the RIAA, and was a radio and jukebox favorite. It also hit #1 in Canada and charted in New Zealand (#22).

UK:

Peaking at #3, it was a strong performer but didn’t match the UK success of earlier hits like "Don’t Go Breaking My Heart" or later ones like "I’m Still Standing."

Critics praised the single’s energy but noted Rock of the Westies as less cohesive than Captain Fantastic. Some reviews, like those on AllMusic, call "Island Girl" a highlight for its “exotic vibe,” while others critique its lyrical simplicity compared to Taupin’s more poetic work.

Modern fan discussions on platforms like Reddit highlight the song’s nostalgic appeal, though some note its problematic lyrics by today’s standards. The B-side is less discussed but appreciated for its soulful contrast.

Streaming and Compilations:

"Island Girl" is widely available on streaming platforms (e.g., Spotify, Apple Music) as part of Rock of the Westies or compilations like Greatest Hits 1970–2002 and Diamonds (2017).

"Sugar On The Floor" is less prominent but available on Rock of the Westies and select streaming versions of the album.

The single itself is not typically available as a standalone digital release, making vinyl the primary way

to experience it in its original format.

Additional Notes

Musicians and Production:

Produced by Gus Dudgeon, known for his lush production on John’s earlier albums, the single features a tight band: Davey Johnstone (guitar), Caleb Quaye (guitar), Roger Pope (drums), Kenny Passarelli (bass), James Newton Howard (keyboards), and Ray Cooper (percussion). Backing vocals by Kiki Dee and others add depth.

Recorded at Caribou Ranch, Colorado, the sessions captured a raw, live-band energy, contrasting with the orchestral polish of Captain Fantastic.

Cultural Context:

Released in the glam rock era, "Island Girl" fit the 1975 trend of vibrant, theatrical pop-rock, competing with acts like Queen ("Bohemian Rhapsody") and David Bowie. Its reggae elements also aligned with the growing popularity of Bob Marley and reggae in mainstream music.

Elton John’s flamboyant persona—glasses, costumes, and stage antics—was at its peak, reflected in the single’s bold energy and his high-profile 1975 tours.

The B-side’s inclusion of a Kiki Dee composition underscores John’s collaborative spirit, later cemented by their 1976 duet hit.

Legacy:

"Island Girl" remains one of Elton John’s signature 1970s hits, frequently included in retrospectives and live performances (e.g., his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour setlists).

Its chart success and album’s #1 status cemented John’s mid-1970s dominance, though some fans and critics prefer his earlier, more introspective work.

The B-side, "Sugar On The Floor," is a hidden gem, showcasing Kiki Dee’s songwriting and John’s ability to elevate lesser-known tracks.

The single was also released in the picture sleeves below.