Studio Album · No. 5
Honky Château Songwriting Credits by Elton John
Produced by Gus Dudgeon · Engineered by Ken Scott
Holds writing credit on 10 of 10 tracks
Authorship Breakdown 10 / 10 documented
Scored across the 10 tracks with documented writers, by whether Elton John carries a lyricist or composer credit.
Share of the 10 tracks where a band member is credited, by role.
By the Numbers
Honky Château follows Elton John's standard method, with John composing the music and Bernie Taupin writing all the lyrics. It was his commercial breakthrough in America and the first of seven straight US number-one albums, anchored by Rocket Man and Honky Cat.
Honky Château is the fifth studio album by Elton John, released in May 1972 on DJM Records and produced by Gus Dudgeon. The album was his commercial breakthrough, becoming Elton's first number-one album in the United States and launching his extraordinary run of commercial dominance in the 1970s. Recorded at the Château d'Hérouville in France with his touring band for the first time (a decision that gave the record a looser, more rock-and-roll feel than his orchestrated early work), the album features the hits 'Rocket Man (I Think It's Going to Be a Long, Long Time)' and 'Crocodile Rock.' The shift away from heavy orchestration toward a band-driven sound proved commercially and artistically galvanizing, and Elton would maintain this approach through his commercial peak. Honky Château is the turning point that transformed Elton John from critically acclaimed newcomer into a genuine superstar.
Track Listing & Credits 10 tracks
| # | Title | Lyricist(s) | Composer(s) | Producer(s) | Performers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Honky Cat
#8
|
Bernie Taupin | Elton John | Gus Dudgeon | Elton John (Lead Vocals, Piano) |
| 2 |
Mellow
|
Bernie Taupin | Elton John | Gus Dudgeon | Elton John (Lead Vocals, Piano) |
| 3 |
I Think I'm Going to Kill Myself
|
Bernie Taupin | Elton John | Gus Dudgeon | Elton John (Lead Vocals, Piano) |
| 4 |
Susie (Dramas)
|
Bernie Taupin | Elton John | Gus Dudgeon | Elton John (Lead Vocals, Piano) |
| 5 |
Rocket Man (I Think It's Going to Be a Long, Long Time)
|
Bernie Taupin | Elton John | Gus Dudgeon | Elton John (Lead Vocals, Piano) |
| 6 |
Salvation
|
Bernie Taupin | Elton John | Gus Dudgeon | Elton John (Lead Vocals, Piano) |
| 7 |
Slave
|
Bernie Taupin | Elton John | Gus Dudgeon | Elton John (Lead Vocals, Piano) |
| 8 |
Amy
|
Bernie Taupin | Elton John | Gus Dudgeon | Elton John (Lead Vocals, Piano) |
| 9 |
Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters
|
Bernie Taupin | Elton John | Gus Dudgeon | Elton John (Lead Vocals, Piano) |
| 10 |
Hercules
|
Bernie Taupin | Elton John | Gus Dudgeon | Elton John (Lead Vocals, Piano) |