The Pop Idol’s Nod to the Past: A Simple Plea to a Conflicted Heart
The early 1970s saw the spectacular rise of David Essex—a charismatic, multi-talented force who transitioned seamlessly from starring in acclaimed rock musicals and films like Godspell and That’ll Be the Day to becoming a genuine pop sensation. His appeal was electric, bridging the gap between gritty rock and roll heritage and the slick glamour of the new decade. Amidst his self-penned, career-defining hits like “Rock On,” Essex wisely tipped his hat to the classics that preceded him, and one such track—a hidden gem for many listeners—was his 1973 recording of “Tell Him No.”
This song was a deep cut on David Essex’s breakthrough debut album, Rock On, released in November 1973. While the album’s eponymous title track became the colossal international hit—reaching Number 5 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and Number 3 in the UK—“Tell Him No” did not see a single release and therefore did not chart on its own. Its inclusion, however, was a deliberate and fascinating choice, serving as a melodic counterpoint to the album’s moodier, more experimental material. It was a classic piece of doo-wop inspired pop-rock that showcased Essex’s versatility and his appreciation for music history.
The song itself is a cover of a 1959 hit by the American duo Travis and Bob (Travis Pritchett and Bob Weaver), who reached Number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 with their original version. Written by Travis Pritchett, the song is a beautifully simple, cautionary tale set to an insistent, gentle beat. The meaning is direct: the singer sees his former sweetheart being courted by a notorious heartbreaker, a man with a reputation as a “playboy” who will inevitably leave her lonely. The singer, who still carries a torch for her, delivers a passionate plea, urging her to “Tell Him No” before it’s too late, and gently reminding her that he—the safe, devoted option—is still waiting in the wings.
David Essex’s version, nestled on the Rock On album, gives this track a slightly updated, early-70s sheen. His performance retains the innocent urgency of the 1959 original but infuses it with his youthful, compelling delivery. For those of us who bought the album—or perhaps picked up the track years later—it feels like a moment of pure, unadulterated musical pleasure, a charming, rhythmic throwback.
Hearing “Tell Him No” today, especially within the context of Essex’s glam-rock era, is a wonderfully nostalgic experience. It’s a reminder of a time when album tracks were just as cherished as the singles, and when artists weren’t afraid to step back and celebrate the simple elegance of a three-chord plea for love. It captures the universal drama of young romance, the painful struggle between a thrilling, but dangerous, new love and the sweet, reliable comfort of a love that was always true. It’s a quiet gem in a crown of flashier jewels, and a track that deserves to be remembered for its sheer, catchy sincerity.