One Night of Sin

Joe Cocker

1989

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About

Joe Cocker's twelfth studio album, *One Night of Sin*, was released in June 1989 by Capitol Records. The album includes a mix of rock, pop, blues rock, country rock and soul. It was a commercial success, surpassing Cocker's previous album, *Unchain My Heart*, in sales. *One Night of Sin* features both original songs and covers, showcasing Cocker's signature raspy vocals and emotive delivery. The album contains Cocker's final Top 40 hit in the U.S., "When the Night Comes," which reached No. 11 and was featured in the end credits of the film *An Innocent Man*. Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance wrote the song, with Adams also playing rhythm guitar on the track. Other notable tracks include a cover of Elvis Presley's hit "One Night" (titled as "One Night of Sin" on the album) and Leonard Cohen's "I'm Your Man". Cocker co-wrote "Another Mind Gone," dedicating it to his former bandmate B. J. Wilson.

Recording Info

The album was recorded in 1988–89 at Atlantic Studios and Sigma Sound Studios in New York City, and House of Music Studios in West Orange, New Jersey. Charlie Midnight produced the album, with John Rollo as associate producer and engineer. Bob Ludwig mastered the album at Masterdisk in New York.

Track Highlights

When the Night Comes — Written by Bryan Adams, Jim Vallance, and Diane Warren, it became Cocker's last US Top 40 hit.
One Night of Sin (Elvis Presley) — A cover of Elvis Presley's "One Night".
I'm Your Man (Leonard Cohen) — A cover of Leonard Cohen's song.
Another Mind Gone — Co-written by Joe Cocker as a dedication to B. J. Wilson.

Personnel

Joe Cocker (Vocals)
Charlie Midnight (Producer)
John Rollo (Associate Producer, Engineer, Mixing)
Jeff Levine (Acoustic Piano, Synthesizers, Percussion, Organ)
Chris Stainton (Organ, Acoustic Piano, Synthesizers, Arrangements)
Phil Grande (Lead Guitar, Guitar Solo)
Bryan Adams (Rhythm Guitar)
Jeff Pevar (Guitars, Lead Guitar, Slide Guitar)
T.M. Stevens (Bass)
David Beal (Drums, Percussion)
Bashiri Johnson (Percussion)
Mario Cruz (Saxophones)

Significance

*One Night of Sin* marked Joe Cocker's attempt to re-establish himself in the music industry during a challenging time for classic rock artists in the late 1980s. The album showcased Cocker's ability to adapt to contemporary sounds while staying true to his roots, demonstrating his resilience and artistry. While it received mixed to positive reviews, with critics acknowledging Cocker's vocal prowess, it solidified his presence in the music scene and was appreciated by fans for its heartfelt performances. The album reached #52 on the Billboard Album Chart in 1989 and remained on the chart for 30 weeks. The collaboration with Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance on "When the Night Comes" brought a fresh perspective to Cocker's music, helping him to connect with a wider audience. Although the album didn't receive major award nominations, it was a commercial success and helped to revitalize Cocker's career.

Bryan Adams played rhythm guitar on "When the Night Comes". The album also features a cover of Elvis Presley's song "One Night", but it is titled "One Night of Sin". Joe Cocker dedicated the song "Another Mind Gone" to his former bandmate B. J. Wilson.