BACKGROUND Originally released in October 1975, Rock Of The Westies was Elton John's tenth studio album. Recorded at Caribou Ranch in Colorado and produced by Gus Dudgeon, the album captured Elton and his band at the height of their mid-1970s success. Elton John has since described the album as "the most genuine rock and roll record that I've ever made." Rock Of The Westies made history by entering the US Billboard 200 at No. 1, where it remained for three consecutive weeks.

A Single Man marked a significant turning point in Elton John's recording career. It was the first Elton John album not to feature lyrical contributions from Bernie Taupin and the first since Empty Sky not to be produced by Gus Dudgeon. Unlike previous projects where lyrics were typically provided first, Elton John approached the songs by composing melodies at the piano before lyrics were completed. The album also featured a noticeably lower vocal register than many of his ea