🔘 The Bitch Is Back – Single: Aug. 1974

Elton John
Aug 30, 1974
3 min read

Cover art for Elton John's single "The Bitch is Back" and "Cold Highway," released by DJM in the Netherlands, catalog number 6102 333.

A swaggering burst of rock‑and‑roll attitude, “The Bitch Is Back” captures Elton John at his most confident and explosive, pairing sharp horns, driving rhythm, and a defiant vocal performance.

Released on August 30, 1974, “The Bitch Is Back” served as the second UK single from Elton John’s chart‑topping album *Caribou*. Issued by DJM Records under catalogue number DJS 322, the track showcased Elton’s harder‑edged rock instincts, with lyrics by Bernie Taupin inspired by Elton’s own fiery personality. Backed with “Cold Highway,” the single delivered a punchy, brass‑driven arrangement that contrasted with the softer ballads that had dominated his earlier releases. Entering the UK Singles Chart in early September, the track climbed into the Top 20 and reinforced Elton’s status as one of the decade’s most unstoppable hitmakers.

Label: DJM Records

Catalogue Number: DJS 322

Format: 7" Vinyl Single (Solid Centre)

Released: August 30, 1974 (UK)

🔘 Track List

UK 7" Single — DJM Records – DJS 322 — 1974

A. The Bitch Is Back

B. Cold Highway

Written by: Elton John, Bernie Taupin

Produced by: Gus Dudgeon

Recorded: 1974

🔘 Key Highlights

• Released August 30, 1974

• A-side: Rock‑driven single from *Caribou*

• B-side: “Cold Highway” — non‑album UK B‑side

• Chart debut: September 1974

• Performed on: UK and US promotional rotation

• Recorded at: Caribou Ranch, Colorado, 1974

🔘 The Story

By 1974, Elton John was at the height of his global fame, releasing hit after hit with remarkable consistency. “The Bitch Is Back” emerged from this creative peak, offering a bold, guitar‑driven contrast to the softer textures of his earlier singles. Bernie Taupin’s lyrics, inspired by Elton’s fiery moods and larger‑than‑life personality, gave the track a playful yet confrontational edge.

Musically, the single leaned heavily into rock‑and‑roll swagger. Davey Johnstone’s guitar work, Ray Cooper’s percussion, and the punchy horn section created a driving, energetic backdrop for Elton’s commanding vocal performance. The B‑side, “Cold Highway,” provided a blues‑tinged counterpoint and showcased Elton’s versatility during the *Caribou* sessions.

Commercially, the single performed strongly in the UK, entering the charts in early September and climbing into the Top 20. Its success further cemented Elton’s dominance during the mid‑’70s and helped maintain momentum ahead of his next major releases.

🔘 Variants (UK)

• 7", 45 RPM, Single — DJM – DJS 322 — UK — 1974

• 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo — DJM – DJS 322 — UK — 1974

• Issued in standard DJM Records company sleeve

🔘 Chart Performance

UK — Official Singles Chart

25 — September 7, 1974

17 — September 14, 1974

15 — September 21, 1974

18 — September 28, 1974

29 — October 5, 1974

39 — October 12, 1974

Total Weeks: 6

🔘 Context & Notes

• A-side: Rock‑driven single from *Caribou*

• B-side: Non‑album track in the UK

• Production: Gus Dudgeon

• Sleeve notes: Standard DJM Records company sleeve

• Historical placement: One of Elton’s defining mid‑’70s rock singles

• Reissues / compilation appearances: Featured on numerous Elton John anthologies

🔘 Related Material

• *Caribou* (1974)

• “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” (1974)

• “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” (1974)

• “Philadelphia Freedom” (1975)

🔘 Discography

Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me — 1974

The Bitch Is Back — 1974

Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds — 1974

Philadelphia Freedom — 1975

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

✦ 1974 — Recorded at Caribou Ranch

✦ Aug 30, 1974 — UK single released

✦ Sept 7, 1974 — Enters UK Singles Chart

✦ Sept 21, 1974 — Peaks at No. 15

✦ Oct 12, 1974 — Completes 6‑week chart run

🔘 Glam Flashback

A fierce, horn‑driven rock anthem — bold, brash, and Elton at full throttle.

#ReleaseChronicle #EltonJohn #TheBitchIsBack #1974 #DJMRecords #Caribou

🔘 Sources

Primary reference sources: DJM Records, Discogs, Official Charts Company, contemporary music‑press documentation, archival references.

🔘 Copyright Notice

All magazine scans, photographs, and original text excerpts referenced in this entry remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This Chronicle entry is a transformative, non‑commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference. No ownership of the original material is claimed or implied.