Elton John

A good shrink will tell you that to move forward, you have to take a step back. Such is the case with Elton John's Songs From the West Coast, a 2001 release whose gentle country vibe harkens back to his Tumbleweed Connection (1971). Especially touching is the Matthew Shepherd tribute, "American Triangle."

It don't always work when veteran rockers try to conjure their classic albums' old black
magic. Going back to your roots and whatnot sounds good on paper, but your voice and
reflexes change, recording techniques evolve and fashions shift. Maybe you've actually
grown up, even if your audience hasn't. With its backward-looking cameos by Stevie
Wonder, Billy Preston and kindred soul Rufus Wainwright, Songs From the West ... More >