Elton John � Songs From the West Coast 
Label: Rocket / Universal
Rating: 
 

Judging by Elton John's last few releases somewhere along the line he lost his way. Who can say what happened? One thing is sure, the Elton we heard over the past decade was trying harder to sound like John Lennon than the Elton John that became an international superstar in the early 70's. 

The good news is after such a long time out wondering aimlessly along the yellow brick road, The Elton John we all know is back! Sure at times on "Songs From the West Coast" he still has a tendency to try and sing like John Lennon but more often then not, Elton sings like well Elton John.  The CD opener "The Emperor's New Cloths" shows us a glimpse of classic Elton John piano styling.  "Dark Diamond" is a funky little tune that rings of Lou Reed and "the B*tch is Back" era Elton John. 

The first real sign that Elton John is back at his best is the piano song "Look Ma, No Hands" filled with patented Elton John hooks. That continues with the slow piano ballad "American Triangle", while it's not "Tiny Dancer" or "Your Song" it's one of Elton's finer moments in the past fifteen years. 

Other standout track here include "Original Sin" with it's James Taylor'esq verses. The rootsy "Birds" and piano driven blues of "The Wasteland" proves Elton can still sing the blues with the best of �em. Ironically, it's the first single from this album, "I Want Love" which is the weakest track featured here, don't take that the wrong way, this is a great song but this is another instance where Elton has the tendency to try and sound like John Lennon instead of himself. Hopefully one of these days Elton will realize that when you're Elton John, you don't need to copy anyone else. 

"Ballad of the Boy in the Red Shoes" is by far the finest track on this album, it shows Elton at his best�waxing poetic at his piano with lush orchestra instrumentation painting a musical backdrop for him to build upon. 

Fans of classic Elton John will find a lot to love here, sure this is Elton John further down the road from his formative years but it is clear he has found his muse once again.