Joe Cocker

1972

Album

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About

The album *Joe Cocker* is the third studio album by Joe Cocker, released in November 1972. In Europe, it was released under the title *Something to Say* on Cube Records, while in the US it was released as *Joe Cocker* on A&M Records. The album contains the hit single "High Time We Went", which had been released in the summer of 1971. *Joe Cocker* signaled a shift towards a more jazzy, blues-influenced style for Cocker. Despite receiving positive reviews, the album only reached number 30 on the US album charts and failed to make an impact on the British and European charts. One of the album's tracks, "Woman to Woman", served as the foundation for Tupac Shakur's hit single "California Love". The album was initially released on CD as *Something to Say* in 1990 by Castle Communications, and a remastered edition was released worldwide on A&M Records in 1998. The album features Alan White, who would soon become the drummer for Yes, alongside Jim Keltner, who had previously played on albums by George Harrison and John Lennon.

Recording Info

The songs were recorded in 1971 and 1972. "High Time We Went" and "Black-Eyed Blues" were recorded in 1971, while "Do Right Woman" and "St. James Infirmary" were recorded live. Denny Cordell produced tracks 1-6 and 9, and Nigel Thomas produced tracks 6-9. The recording sessions took place in London, Memphis, Los Angeles and New York.

Track Highlights

High Time We Went — A hit single released in the summer of 1971
Midnight Rider (Gregg Allman) — Charted on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 27
Woman to Woman — The basis for Tupac Shakur's hit single "California Love"
St. James Infirmary — Recorded live

Personnel

Joe Cocker (Lead vocals, arrangements)
Chris Stainton (Acoustic piano, Hammond organ, arrangements)
Neil Hubbard (Guitars)
Alan Spenner (Bass)
Jim Keltner (Drums)
Alan White (Drums)
Conrad Isidore (Drums)
Felix "Flaco" Falcon (Assorted percussion)
Rebop Kwaku Baah (Congas)
Fred Scerbo (Saxophone)
Milton Sloan (Saxophone)
Jim Horn (Saxophone)

Significance

The album represented a change in direction for Joe Cocker, incorporating more jazz and blues elements. While it garnered positive responses from critics, it did not achieve significant commercial success in the UK or Europe, though it reached number 30 in the US.

One of the album's tracks, "Woman to Woman", was the basis for Tupac Shakur's successful hit single "California Love".