Reg Strikes Back cover

Reg Strikes Back

Elton John · 1988

64 min · 14 tracks · pop rock · R&B · soft rock

A vibrant blend of pop rock and rhythm and blues, infused with Elton John's signature theatrical flair.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo groove throughout
  • vibrant sing-along potential
  • theatrical flair for drama
  • engaging storytelling in lyrics

Maybe skip if you want

  • seek instant gratification tracks
  • prefer experimental soundscapes

Where this album fits

Themes
celebrity nostalgia· chart comeback· theatrical flair
Career context
Released on June 24, 1988, 'Reg Strikes Back' marked Elton John's return to form following a period of commercial decline in the mid-1980s. This album came after his 1986 release 'Leather Jackets', which received mixed reviews, making this a pivotal moment as he sought to reconnect with mainstream audiences.
Stylistic neighbors
David Bowie· Billy Joel· Queen
Sounds like this from elsewhere
Storm Front by Billy Joel — Shares a theatrical pop-rock sound with themes of personal reflection and comeback.
Never Let Me Down by David Bowie — Features a vibrant mix of glam rock and pop, rich in theatricality and self-reinvention.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Town of Plenty 3:40
  • 2 A Word in Spanish 4:39
  • 3 Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters, Part 2 4:12
  • 4 I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That 4:35
  • 5 Japanese Hands 4:40
  • 6 Goodbye Marlon Brando 3:30
  • 7 The Camera Never Lies 4:36
  • 8 Heavy Traffic 3:30
  • 9 Poor Cow 3:50
  • 10 Since God Invented Girls 4:54
  • 11 Rope Around a Fool 3:48
  • 12 I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That (Shep Pettibone mix) 7:16
  • 13 I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That (Just Elton and His Piano mix) 4:37
  • 14 Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters, Part 2 (The Renaissance mix) 6:19

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata