Joe Cocker Albums (25)
What The Critics Say
The very title of Joe Cocker's Hymn for My Soul suggests that this, his 2007 studio album, is a gospel affair, or at least something inspired by faith -- something that isn't true to the letter, yet there is something true about the spirit of this sentiment, for these are songs that serve as a tonic to Cocker's soul. He's pulled songs from several familiar sources -- Stevie Wonder, George Harrison, Bob Dylan -- and found other newer songs that share a similar sentiment, offering reassuring thoughts in troubled times. While nobody could ever claim that this album -- produced by Ethan Johns, son of Glyn -- has any grit, it nevertheless is warmer than recent Cocker discs, boasting a soulful heart (even if it has been polished and cleaned until it sparkles). If this isn't enough to bring long-straying Cocker fans back into the fold, it nevertheless is his best record in recent memory, and will satisfy those who have been looking for nothing more than a good, solid album from him, which this surely is. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
When he came to popular attention in the late 1960s, Joe Cocker reinvigorated and to a certain extent reinvented the art of interpretive singing at a time when it seemed to have been put in the shade permanently by the rise of singing songwriters led by Bob Dylan and the Beatles. Just when it seemed that no one but the songwriters themselves had the right to sing their songs, Cocker came along giving a gruff, pleading rendition of the Beatles' "With a Little Help From My Friends" that stood in stark contrast to Ringo Starr's happy-go-lucky version. But on his many albums, Cocker usually made sure to balance his carefully selected covers of well-known material with previously unknown tunes so that he was able to originate some material. On Heart & Soul, which marks the 60-year-old singer's return to major-label status (it was released on EMI internationally in October 2004 and on Universal's New Door imprint in the U.S. in February 2005), he doesn't bother with the new stuff; this one's all standards. The songs date from the 1950s, '60s, '70s, and '90s, and are drawn from R&B, pop/rock, and alternative rock stalwarts ranging from Screamin' Jay Hawkins to former Beatles and contemporary acts U2 and R.E.M.. Producer Jeffrey C.J. Vanston makes a point of referencing the hit versions of the songs in the arrangements, which leave room for the talents of a who's who of guest guitarists including Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, and Steve Lukather. Cocker's familiar growls and cracked crooning make the songs his own, as usual, and as usual he claims the material without any sense of exclusivity. He never makes you forget the accomplished singers who did these songs before (sometimes more than one of them -- "I Keep Forgettin' [Every Time You're Near]" has had seemingly definitive readings by both Chuck Jackson and Michael McDonald, while "Jealous Guy" is associated not only with its author, John Lennon, but also Roxy Music's Bryan Ferry). Nor does he necessarily improve on those singers; could anyone turn in a more memorable version of "What's Going On" than Marvin Gaye? But that isn't really the point. It's not like his version of "With a Little Help From My Friends" was better than the Beatles', either. It was just different, and it made listeners hear the song in a different way. That's what an interpretive singer does, and it's what Cocker successfully does here, too. At a time when McDonald has enjoyed a career resurgence re-singing the Motown songbook, there is clearly a place for Cocker among adult listeners and on the adult contemporary charts, and that's why he's back on the majors. He does not disappoint. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide
'Vance Arnold and the Avenge 1963'
Release Date 6/6/2000
Tracks 7
Label Voiceprint
See Album Tracklist and Review
'No Ordinary World'
Release Date 10/11/1999
Tracks 14
Label Parlophone
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What The Critics Say
For most intents and purposes, No Ordinary World is an ordinary latter-day Joe Cocker album, filled with slick but impassioned ballads, moderately paced rockers, and smooth adult contemporary pop songs. The thing is, this is just a cut above average, thanks to uniformly fine performances from Cocker and a strong set of songs. Yes, at 14 songs, there are inevitably a couple of slow patches, but there are not only good covers here ("First We Take Manhattan," "While You See a Chance") but some good professionally crafted tunes like "Different Roads," the title track, and the Michael McDonald/Tony Joe White composition, "Where Would I Be Now." No Ordinary World may not erase memories of the fiery early Cocker albums, nor is it quite as memorable as the best of his latter-day work, but for longtime fans, it's a nice, satisfying listen. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
'Across from Midnight'
Release Date 9/1/1997
Tracks 12
Label Electrola
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Joe Cocker's brief association with 550 Music failed to generate any interest, so when he moved to CMC International -- the home of all aging artists with slowly decreasing audiences -- he didn't try to make himself current, but settled into the mature adult contemporary demographic. The diminished expectations and goals actually suit Cocker well. Granted, the songs themselves aren't all terrific, but his performances are nice and understated. Ultimately, Across from Midnight is an album that will satisfy dedicated followers and few other listeners, but that's not a bad thing at all. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
After eight years and five studio albums (plus a live album and a best-of album) with Capitol Records, Joe Cocker moved to 550 Music, a new Sony Music imprint, for Have a Little Faith. Produced by Chris Lord-Alge and his manager, Roger Davies, Cocker turned in a label debut full of well-chosen songs sung with authority. The title track, John Hiatt's "Have a Little Faith in Me," was a good choice for Cocker, as it contained that mixture of tenderness and toughness the singer has always brought out so well. Unfortunately, the new label affiliation did nothing for Cocker; Have a Little Faith flopped. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide
