Studio Album · No. 26
Songs from the West Coast Songwriting Credits by Elton John
Produced by Patrick Leonard · Engineered by Joe Chiccarelli, Bill Bottrell
Holds writing credit on 12 of 12 tracks
Authorship Breakdown 12 / 12 documented
Scored across the 12 tracks with documented writers, by whether Elton John carries a lyricist or composer credit.
Share of the 12 tracks where a band member is credited, by role.
By the Numbers
Songs from the West Coast was hailed as Elton John's return to form, a conscious move back to the classic piano-rock sound of his early 1970s peak. John composed the music and Bernie Taupin wrote all the lyrics, produced by Patrick Leonard.
Songs from the West Coast is the twenty-sixth studio album by Elton John, released in October 2001 on Mercury Records and produced by Patrick Leonard. Widely hailed as Elton's finest album since Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, the record was a deliberate return to the piano-driven rock balladry and thoughtful songwriting of his 1970s peak. Bernie Taupin's lyrics are among the most accomplished of his late career, and Elton's voice, fully restored and emotionally rich, delivers performances of genuine depth on songs like 'I Want Love' and 'This Train Don't Stop There Anymore.' The album reached the top ten in the UK and was critically praised as evidence that Elton John remained capable of meaningful artistic work decades after his commercial peak. Songs from the West Coast is the definitive late-career statement of Elton John's enduring artistic relevance.
Track Listing & Credits 12 tracks
| # | Title | Lyricist(s) | Composer(s) | Producer(s) | Performers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
The Emperor's New Clothes
|
Bernie Taupin | Elton John | Patrick Leonard | Elton John (Lead Vocals, Piano) |
| 2 |
Dark Diamond
|
Bernie Taupin | Elton John | Patrick Leonard | Elton John (Lead Vocals, Piano) |
| 3 |
Look Ma, No Hands
|
Bernie Taupin | Elton John | Patrick Leonard | Elton John (Lead Vocals, Piano) |
| 4 |
American Triangle
|
Bernie Taupin | Elton John | Patrick Leonard | Elton John (Lead Vocals, Piano) |
| 5 |
Original Sin
|
Bernie Taupin | Elton John | Patrick Leonard | Elton John (Lead Vocals, Piano) |
| 6 |
Birds
|
Bernie Taupin | Elton John | Patrick Leonard | Elton John (Lead Vocals, Piano) |
| 7 |
I Want Love
|
Bernie Taupin | Elton John | Patrick Leonard | Elton John (Lead Vocals, Piano) |
| 8 |
The Wasteland
|
Bernie Taupin | Elton John | Patrick Leonard | Elton John (Lead Vocals, Piano) |
| 9 |
Ballad of the Boy in the Red Shoes
|
Bernie Taupin | Elton John | Patrick Leonard | Elton John (Lead Vocals, Piano) |
| 10 |
Love Her Like Me
|
Bernie Taupin | Elton John | Patrick Leonard | Elton John (Lead Vocals, Piano) |
| 11 |
Mansfield
|
Bernie Taupin | Elton John | Patrick Leonard | Elton John (Lead Vocals, Piano) |
| 12 |
This Train Don't Stop There Anymore
|
Bernie Taupin | Elton John | Patrick Leonard | Elton John (Lead Vocals, Piano) |