Reg Strikes Back | ||||
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Studio album by Elton John | ||||
Released | 24 June 1988 | |||
Recorded | 1987–1988 | |||
Genre | Pop, rock | |||
Length | 42:06 (Original) 62:06 (1998 Reissue) |
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Label |
MCA (Original Release) Rocket / Mercury (Reissue) |
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Producer | Chris Thomas | |||
Elton John chronology | ||||
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Singles from Reg Strikes Back | ||||
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Professional ratings | |
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Review scores | |
Source | Rating |
AllMusic | |
Chicago Tribune | (mixed) |
Los Angeles Times | |
The New York Times | (not favourable) |
Rolling Stone |
Reg Strikes Back, released in 1988, is the twenty-first official album release for Elton John. 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.
This was the last album that bassist Dee Murray (albeit without bass) appeared on prior to his death in 1992. 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.
All songs written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, except where noted.
'Rope Around a Fool' was recorded during these sessions, as was an unused track, 'Love 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.
*sales figures based on certification alone
^shipments figures based on certification alone