Honky Cat - Elton John (1972) 11/1/21

Elton John and his lyricist Bernie Taupin were incredibly prolific during the '70s. Between 1969 and 1972 alone, they released 5 albums, and several singles.

1972's "Honky Chateau" (album #5) yielded THREE "Great" songs. The first was "Rocket Man," which we highlighted back on 12/16/20: https://www.facebook.com/page/103016317838491/search/?q=rocket%20man

The third was "Crocodile Rock," which we will definitely highlight in the near future.

The second release is today's pick: "Honky Cat," which was quite different than anything Elton had released up 'til then--and even now!

In fact, in 2019, music critic Justin Kirkland of Esquire Magazine called "Honky Cat" a "funky horn-laden hit with an odd mix of electric piano and wheezing saxophone that's hard to compare to any other song in Elton's songbook."

Spin Magazine has called it Elton's most underrated single.

As different as it was back in 1972, fans and radio listeners embraced it. "Honky Cat" reached #8 on Billboard's Hot 100 and #6 on the Adult Contemporary Chart. In Canada, it peaked at #10 on the Top 40.

"Honky Cat" by Elton John: definitely "Great Song of the '70s!