Reg Strikes Back


Reg Strikes Back is the twenty-first studio album by English singer-songwriter Elton John. Released in 1988, it was his self-proclaimed comeback album, and his own way of fighting back against bad press. The "Reg" in Reg Strikes Back refers to John's birth name, Reginald Kenneth Dwight.
In the US the album was certified gold in August 1988 by the RIAA.

Background

This was the last album that bassist Dee Murray appeared on prior to his death in 1992. Additionally, Nigel Olsson, the longtime drummer for John's band, appears on backing vocals. The tracks "I Don't Wanna Go On with You Like That" and "A Word in Spanish" peaked at No. 2 and No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100, respectively. John brought back record producer Chris Thomas for the album. This is the first studio album to be recorded and released after John's throat surgery the previous year. The album cover featured costumes from John's collection that he decided to put up for auction.

Track listing

All songs written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, except where noted.

Side one

  1. "Town of Plenty" – 3:40
  2. "A Word in Spanish" – 4:39
  3. "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters " – 4:12
  4. "I Don't Wanna Go On with You Like That" – 4:35
  5. "Japanese Hands" – 4:40

    Side two

  7. "Goodbye Marlon Brando" – 3:30
  8. "The Camera Never Lies" – 4:36
  9. "Heavy Traffic" – 3:30
  10. "Poor Cow" – 3:50
  11. "Since God Invented Girls" – 4:54
  2. "Rope Around a Fool" – 3:48
  3. "I Don't Wanna Go On with You Like That" – 7:16
  4. "I Don't Wanna Go On with You Like That" – 4:37
  5. "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters " – 6:19

    B-sides

'Rope Around a Fool' was recorded during these sessions, as was an unused track, 'Love Is Worth Waiting For', which Elton would perform at an AIDS benefit show in Los Angeles during the summer of 1988, but has yet to see official release on any format.

Personnel

Track numbering refers to CD and digital releases of the album.
;1998 Reissue

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Certifications

certification Table Entry|title=Reg Strikes Back|artist=John E.|type=album|relyear=1988|region=France|recent=false|certyear=1989|award=Gold