David Essex October 19, 1974) – David Essex Album Chart Entry

Oct 18, 1974

3 min read

David Essex was released in September 1974 as the second studio album by David Essex. Arriving after the success of Rock On and Essex's starring roles in the films That'll Be The Day and Stardust, the album further established him as one of Britain's most successful singer-songwriters of the mid-1970s.

Produced, arranged and conducted by Jeff Wayne, the album combined pop, rock and glam influences while showcasing Essex's growing confidence as a songwriter. The release generated several hit singles and became one of the biggest-selling albums of his career.

RECORDING

The album was recorded at Advision Studios with Jeff Wayne serving as producer.

All songs were written by David Essex, while the recordings featured a large supporting cast of respected session musicians including Chris Spedding, Herbie Flowers, Ray Cooper and members of The Persuasions.

STYLE & THEMES

The album blends glam rock, pop and soft rock influences.

Its lyrics explore fame, ambition, romance and personal relationships, with songs such as "Gonna Make You A Star" directly reflecting the experience of sudden celebrity. The album balances radio-friendly singles with more reflective material while maintaining Essex's distinctive vocal style.

TRACK-BY-TRACK NOTES

• Gonna Make You A Star — UK chart-topping hit single.

• Window — Melodic album favourite.

• I Know — Reflective Essex composition.

• There's Something About You Baby — Romantic pop-rock track.

• Good Ol' Rock And Roll — Tribute to rock and roll influences.

• America — First single released from the album.

• Dance Little Girl — Up-tempo album cut.

• Ooh Darling — Mid-tempo pop recording.

• Miss Sweetness — One of the album's notable deep cuts.

• Stardust — Hit single associated with the film of the same name.

RELEASE HISTORY

Released by CBS in the United Kingdom during September 1974.

The album entered the UK Albums Chart on October 19, 1974 and eventually reached No. 2, remaining on the chart for a total of 24 weeks.

CHARTS & CERTIFICATIONS

EUROPE

• UK Albums Chart: No. 2

PACIFIC

• Australia: No. 34

CERTIFICATIONS

• United Kingdom: Gold

UK CHART FACTS

Peak Position: No. 2

Label: CBS

Catalogue Number: S 69088

First Chart Date: October 19, 1974

Total Weeks On Chart: 24

PERSONNEL

David Essex — vocals, percussion

Chris Spedding — guitar

Mark Griffiths — guitar

Peter Wood — keyboards

Ken Freeman — synthesizers

Jeff Wayne — synthesizers

Mike Thorn — bass guitar

Herbie Flowers — bass guitar

Barry de Souza — drums

Ray Cooper — percussion

Alan Wakeman — woodwinds

The English Saxophone Consort — woodwinds

BACKING VOCALS

Julie Covington

Doreen Chanter

Irene Chanter

Paul Vigrass

Gary Osborne

Billy Lowrie

The Persuasions

Nathan Dambuza

PRODUCTION

Producer — Jeff Wayne

Arranged By — Jeff Wayne

Conducted By — Jeff Wayne

Recorded At — Advision Studios

Engineer — Gary Martin

Assistant Engineer — Rockette

Photography — Colin Davey

Photography — Brian Aris

Label — CBS

Catalogue Number — S 69088

Country — UK

Format — LP

NOTES

• Released September 1974.

• All songs written by David Essex.

• Entered UK Albums Chart on October 19, 1974.

• Reached No. 2 on the UK Albums Chart.

• Remained on the chart for 24 weeks.

• "Gonna Make You A Star" reached No. 1 in the UK singles chart.

• "America", "Gonna Make You A Star" and "Stardust" were all issued as singles from the album.

• Certified Gold in the United Kingdom.

RELEASE VARIANTS TABLE

Artist	Album	Label	Country	Catalogue	Date	Format
David Essex	David Essex	CBS	UK	S 69088	September 1974	LP

TRACKLIST TABLE (ALL FORMATS)

Format	Catalogue	Tracklisting
LP	S 69088	Side One • Gonna Make You A Star • Window • I Know • There's Something About You Baby • Good Ol' Rock And Roll
LP	S 69088	Side Two • America • Dance Little Girl • Ooh Darling • Miss Sweetness • Stardust

CHART HISTORY

Chart	Peak Position
UK Albums Chart	No. 2
Australian Albums Chart	No. 34

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