TOP 200 FAVOURITE ALBUMS This update: #107. More albums next week.

THE CAFFE` LATTE`

200

MOST RECOMMENDED ALBUMS

Some are the best selling, while others may be obscure, but the albums listed here are all worthy of a listen. No compilation/ best of sets. Only exceptional live albums included. This is a personal listing of the albums I enjoy the most to this day.

#107

SONGS FROM THE WEST COAST: 

ELTON JOHN

 [2001] 

By 2001, Elton John's albums had been making the charts for 3 decades. 'Songs From The West Coast" proved that the world's most famous rock pianist was still at the top of his game. The songs featured much of Bernie Taupin's love of Americana, but serious topics were also tackled on this album. There was the hate crime that claimed the life of Matthew Shepard ("American Triangle"), AIDS ("The Ballad of the Boy in the Red Shoes"), love ("I Want Love") and introspection ("This Train Don't Stop There Anymore"). The lyrical imagery is among Taupin's best on many tracks. John's musicianship is of a high standard, befitting a seasoned entertainer of his experience. An oft-overlooked gem is the tender ballad "Original Sin"; up there with John's best songs from his halcyon 1970s period. John's approach on this album is light on the camp and theatrics, choosing instead to amp up the quality musicianship. Patrick Leonard is the producer on this album. Guests include Rufus Wainwright, Stevie Wonder, Billy Preston, Gary Barlow and Tata Vega. Highlight tracks: Original Sin; American Triangle & This Train Don't Stop There Anymore.