Hard Knocks

Joe Cocker

2010

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About

Joe Cocker's 21st studio album, "Hard Knocks," was released in Europe on October 1, 2010, by Columbia Records and in the USA on January 24, 2012, by 429 Records. The album features nine new songs produced by Matt Serletic and a cover of the Dixie Chicks' "I Hope," produced by Tony Brown. The recording sessions took place at Emblem Studios in Calabasas, California, and Sound Stage Studios in Nashville, Tennessee. "Hard Knocks" blends soul, pop, and rhythm and blues, maintaining Cocker's signature sound while incorporating a contemporary style. Cocker described the album as more pop-oriented than his previous work. A Limited Live Edition (CD/DVD) was released in Europe in December 2010, featuring live tracks recorded at Le Zenith in Paris. The album reached number 1 on Billboard's Independent Albums chart and number 2 on Billboard's European Albums chart.

Recording Info

Recorded in 2009-2010 at Emblem Studios (Calabasas, California) and Sound Stage Studios (Nashville, Tennessee). Produced by Matt Serletic (tracks 1-9) and Tony Brown (track 10). Mixed by Chris Lord-Alge and mastered by Bob Ludwig.

Track Highlights

Hard Knocks — Title track, written by Marc Broussard, Maxwell Aaron Ramsey, and Shannon Sanders.
I Hope (Dixie Chicks) — Cover of the Dixie Chicks song, produced by Tony Brown.
Unforgiven — Brooding epic ballad written by Kara Dioguardi, Mitch Allan, and Nick Lachey.
So It Goes — Soul ballad.
Get On — Cruising fun rocker.

Personnel

Joe Cocker (Vocals)
Matt Serletic (Keyboards, Programming, Producer (tracks 1-9))
Tony Brown (Producer (track 10))
Ray Parker Jr. (Guitar)
Tim Pierce (Guitar)
Joel Shearer (Guitar)
Tom Bukovac (Electric Guitar)
Kenny Greenberg (Electric Guitar)
Chris Chaney (Bass Guitar)
Glenn Worf (Bass Guitar)
Josh Freese (Drums)
Matt Chamberlain (Drums)

Significance

Joe Cocker's "Hard Knocks" is considered a blend of Cocker's classic sound with a modern pop sensibility. Critics have noted the album's mix of hard rockers and ballads, with Cocker's voice remaining a prominent feature. Some reviewers highlighted the album's ballads as standout tracks, praising Cocker's heartfelt delivery. The album was Cocker's first for Columbia Records and featured collaborations with contemporary songwriters and producers. Reviews of "Hard Knocks" were generally positive, with several sources praising the album's freshness and Cocker's vocal performance. One review noted that the album sounds considerably fresher and more independent than anything Joe Cocker has released in the last 20 years. Another described it as a wonderful blend of first-class music, with pop-rock songs and ballads finding a unique harmony.

Joe Cocker stated that the title track, "Hard Knocks", is an autobiographical song about how the "bumps and bruises" of life helped shape him.