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33 of 36 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reg really strikes back this time..., 5 Oct 2001
A common misconception is that Elton John's post-1970's output is all sentimental schlock, put together with little or no thought. Thats never been entirely fair or true, but 'Songs From The West Coast' certainly reminds this reviewer of what made Elton's music so special in the first place.The album opens with 'The Emperors New Clothes', a track which, in terms of sound, could almost have been taken from the 'Captain Fantastic' album. Slightly corny opening piano chords, but a really lovely number, with Elton's vocals clearer than they've been for years. The best conceivable opening track for any Elton fan. 'Dark Diamond' is just a good pop song, nice rhythm and catchy chorus. 'Look Ma, No Hands' has great lyrics and a slightly more up-tempo sound. The chorus is a bit noisy and confused, but the verses are lovely- a fun track. 'American Triangle' showcases Elton's vocals in some beautifully clear and uncluttered production. 'Original Sin' is fantastic- the first verse, ironically without piano, being impressively stark. Sounds a couple of times like its about to break into 'Blue Avenue' from the 'Sleeping With The Past'album. 'Birds' reminds one of....absolutely nothing Elton has done before. Great chorus, good mid-tempo song. 'I Want Love'- despite what some people have been saying, this is the obvious single from the album. Which is not to say it is the best track, but some sympathetic production and the heartfelt vocals produce a likeable result. 'The Wasteland' is Elton John showing he can still do rock and roll. It blasts out of your speakers from the songs that surround it and, as a point of contrast, is highly effective. 'Ballad Of The Boy In The Red Shoes' recalls 'The Last Song'(from 'The One' album), dealing with a man dying of AIDS. But no, its not dreary, its beautiful. 'Love Her Like Me' is the only song on the album that does not work.Over-produced....'The North Star', from the B-side of the 'I Want Love' single, was much stronger and should have been included instead. 'Mansfield' seems to have left some people cold, and it takes more than one listen, but it is actually a great little track- neat lyrics and a rather more involved arrangement than the rest of the album. The album concludes with the storming 'This Train Don't Stop There Anymore'- a really powerful rendering by Elton of a set of lyrics that could almost be Taupin's farewell to songwriting. I suppose it stays just this side of OTT, but personally I loved it. In all, this is an album in which Taupin has delivered the kind of sharp, personal lyrics so missing from Elton's last album, 'The Big Picture'. It has inspired Elton John to his best work for a very long time. Stunning!
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