This album, Honk Chateau, is Elton John's sixth album. Released in 1972, this album quickly moved its way up the charts to debut at number one for some time. This was the first of a succession of many albums to reach number one for the funky rock pianist.
The first song on the album is respectfully called "Honky Cat" this catching, upbeat; bluesy song is about a man who left his country life for a more urban existence. This song was written by Elton John and his best friend Bernie Taupin. The two over the years have become one of the most famed and dynamic writing duo ever, even rivaling that of Lennon and McCartney and this song proves just that.
The next songs "Mellow", "I Think I'm Going To Kill Myself", and the bluesy rock song "Susie (Dramas)" are all catchy and compelling, but to top them all off as the fifth song is "Rocketman". A lovely, touching song that melts your ears with John's melodic, harmonious voice and the lyrics (if you listen closely) are poetic in all forms, a great song on all levels, an absolute classic.
The last six songs are average, catchy, but nothing to special that compares to the likes of "Rocketman" or "Honky Cat" except for the ode for New York City, "Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters". This song has been over looked by many, passed off as another boring slow song. This is a complete misconception. "Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters" is a great song and of epic proportions in comparison to its sister songs, I personally put it up there with "Rocketman" as one of the best Elton John songs of all time. If you have this album I suggest you throw it in and put it to track nine and prepare to be awed.
Over this entire album is definitely on my top ten favourite albums of all time and if you have neglected to purchase it I personally suggest you do because it is nothing short of a modern masterpiece.
-EY
