Elton John's fifth studio album, ‘Honky Chateau’, was released on May 19, 1972, and has since then been a defining moment in pop rock history. The album showcased a new sound for Elton, and marked a turning point in his career as he went on to become one of the most successful and influential artists of all time. ‘Honky Chateau’ not only showcased Elton’s songwriting prowess but also proved his versatility as a musician.
Before ‘Honky Chateau’, Elton had already released four studio albums, which included hits such as "Your Song," and "Tiny Dancer”, however Honky Chateau marked a departure from the piano ballads and rock-heavy tracks that his previous albums were characterized by, into a more upbeat rock n’ roll and blues-inspired sound. This change in sound earned Elton a new legion of fans and many music critics were quick to take notice of the reinvented musician.
The album opens with "Honky Cat" an upbeat, funky track that sets the tone for the rest of the record. Elton’s piano playing is aggressive, with a boogie-woogie sound that perfectly complements the rock instrumentation. This blues-inspired sound is also visible in "Mellow" and "Slave.”
But the standout track on the album is undoubtedly "Rocket Man," which has become an iconic song in music history. The song is a perfect blend of Elton’s pop sensibilities, combined with Bernie Taupin’s lyrics about a lonely astronaut, his family, and his love for them. The track’s enchanting synth intro, over the opening notes of Elton’s piano, is emotionally evocative, setting up a masterclass in contemporary piano pop balladry.
“Rocket Man” was a massive hit in several countries and even to this day, remains one of Elton’s most popular songs. It also marks the start of his collaboration with Gus Dudgeon as a producer, who went on to produce the album, ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’.
It's notable that ‘Honky Chateau’ incorporates multiple genres of music, allowing Elton John to showcase his versatility. "Honky Cat" and "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" highlight his bluesy side, while "Salvation" demonstrates a penchant for stadium-ready pop-rock.
‘Honky Chateau’ is a perfect album. Songs like "I Think I’m Going To Kill Myself” and "Susie (Dramas)" for instance, are maybe not as much standouts as the others, but they act as perfect segways providing the album with rounded feel. Considering the multiple genres Elton explores throughout the record his ability to weave differing style so effortlessly is testament to Elton John’s and his chosen bands musicianship.
And, while the album was recorded at a time when U.K. artist visa restrictions had led to a limited pool of diverse musicians, it's clear that Elton John was aware of the cultural melting pot being cultivated in the U.K. at the time. As a result, he included bassist Dee Murray, drummer Nigel Olsson, and guitarist Davey Johnstone, who would go on to become mainstays in his backing band. Additionally, jazz musician and percussionist Ray Cooper was featured on the record, confirming the album’s willingness to synthesize genres and incorporate a wide range of musical influences.
‘Honky Chateau’ was a commercial and critical success for Elton, confirming that he was a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. The album peaked at number 1 in the US Billboard Chart, giving Elton his first chart-topping album. It was also a significant achievement commercially as all 10 of its tracks received radio airplay, which was a rarity in the early '70s.
Critics unanimously praised the album upon its release, with critics giving it an A- grade and describing it as "the most pleasant and unpretentious of Elton John's recent productions." The album has become a classic and a staple of easy rock, still receiving extensive airplay on radio and charting on streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music.
Honky Chateau is an album that redefined pop-rock music and showcased Elton John's versatility. From the upbeat rock n' roll to the emotional piano balladry the album is a kaleidoscope of sounds and genres. It is a testament to Elton's genius as a songwriter and performer, and is still considered one of the finest albums of the early 1970s.
‘Honky Chateau’ remains one of Elton’s most beloved and influential works. Its diversity and creative breadth have influenced musicians for generations, proving that ‘Honky Chateau’ is without a doubt an album that warrants a place in music history.
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