"Island Girl" is a song performed by English musician Elton John that went to number one for three weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S.[1] and number 14 in the UK in 1975. In the U.S., it was certified Gold in 1975 and Platinum in 1995 by the RIAA.[2] It was the first single taken from the album Rock of the Westies. The song was written by John and his songwriting collaborator Bernie Taupin.
"Island Girl" | ||||
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![]() Sleeve for UK single | ||||
Single by Elton John | ||||
from the album Rock of the Westies | ||||
B-side | "Sugar on the Floor" | |||
Released | 29 September 1975 | |||
Recorded | June–July 1975 | |||
Length | 3:42 | |||
Label | MCA (US) DJM (UK) | |||
Songwriter(s) | ||||
Producer(s) | Gus Dudgeon | |||
Elton John singles chronology | ||||
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Official audio | ||||
"Island Girl" on YouTube | ||||
The song which "Island Girl" replaced at number one was "Bad Blood," by Neil Sedaka. Elton had provided uncredited backing and duetting vocals on this collaboration.
John has not performed the song in over 30 years. While no official reason has been given, Andy Greene of Rolling Stone surmises it is due in part to controversial lyrics about a Jamaican prostitute in New York City and a Jamaican man who wants to take her back to Jamaica.[3]
The song is atmospheric, featuring gospel-ish piano behind the famous distorted slide-guitar intro. It also features a high-strung Caribbean guitar sound, marimbas, and a heavy bass guitar. Also notable is a shaky synthesizer solo played by James Newton Howard.
The single's B-side was "Sugar on the Floor", which was written by Kiki Dee, who would go on to duet with John on a number of occasions, most notably on their chart-topping 1976 single, "Don't Go Breaking My Heart".
Weekly charts
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Year-end charts
All-time charts
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Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
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Canada (Music Canada)[13] | 2× Gold | 150,000^ |
United States (RIAA)[14] | Platinum | 1,000,000^ |
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone. |
Authority control ![]() |
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