Cocker (album)
Cocker is the tenth studio album by Joe Cocker, released in April 1986, his second on Capitol label. It features hit singles "You Can Leave Your Hat On" and "Don't You Love Me Anymore", the first made popular after its use in the famous striptease scene in the film 9½ Weeks. Released as a single, Cocker's version of the song peaked at No. 35 on Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks. The album also features rendition of Marvin Gaye's "Inner City Blues", a Motown legend's classic lament to urban decay.
The album is dedicated to Joe Cocker's mother, Marjorie Cocker, who died during the time period of the recording sessions.
Composition
Where Civilized Man, Cocker's previous album, had two producers, Cocker had five. Also, the recording sessions took place in several studios in London, Memphis, Los Angeles and New York. The reason for this was Capitol trying out on Joe Cocker a formula that had brought success for Tina Turner. The album also featured, for the first time since 1976's Stingray, Cocker's touring band, who played on five tracks.The release of Cocker was preceded by a single "Shelter Me", a powerful opener from the album, featuring rousing performances from guitarist Cliff Goodwin and saxophonist Mel Collins.
Track listing
- "Shelter Me" – 5:36
- "A to Z" – 4:21
- "Don't You Love Me Anymore" – 5:25
- "Living Without Your Love" – 4:09
- "Don't Drink The Water" – 3:25
- "You Can Leave Your Hat On" – 4:14
- "Heart of the Matter" – 4:20
- "Inner City Blues" – 5:51
- "Love Is on a Fade" – 4:04
- "Heaven" – 4:32
- "Tell Me There's A Way" – 4:04
Personnel
- Joe Cocker – lead vocals
- Larry Marshall – keyboards, synthesizers, organ
- Carl Marsh – Fairlight programming, Fairlight CMI
- Howie Hersh – keyboards, acoustic piano
- Jeff Lorber – keyboards
- Michael Moran – keyboards, bass
- Jeff Bova – keyboards
- Arthur Barrow – keyboards, bass
- Michael Boddicker – keyboards
- Cliff Goodwin – guitars
- Neal Schon – guitars
- Dann Huff – guitars, additional guitars
- Eddie Martinez – guitars
- Richie Zito – guitars
- Vito Sanfilippo – bass
- Randy Jackson – bass
- Bernard Edwards – bass
- Eric Parker – drums
- Anton Fig – drums
- Mike Baird – drums
- Mel Collins – Selmer Mark VI saxophone
- Joel Peskin – saxophones
- Andrew Love – saxophone
- Dick Hyde – trombone
- Steve Madaio – trumpet
- Bob Ezrin – arrangements
- Maxine Green – backing vocals
- Elesecia Wright – backing vocals
- Albert Hammond – backing vocals
- Leslie Smith – backing vocals
- Joe Turano – backing vocals
- Diane Warren – backing vocals
- Curtis King – backing vocals
- Julia Tillman Waters – backing vocals
- Maxine Waters Willard – backing vocals
Production
- Terry Manning – producer, and "Tell Me There's a Way"
- Albert Hammond – producer
- Diane Warren – producer
- Ron Nevison – producer
- Bernard Edwards – producer
- Richie Zito – producer
- Roy Kohara – art direction
- Peter Shea – design
- Peter Ashworth – photography
- Color Special Effects – cover photo enhancement
- Michael Lang for Better Music, Inc. – management
- Terry Manning – engineer, mixing
- Guy Roche – engineer
- Bob Ezrin – mixing
- Paul Lani – mixing
- Ron Nevison – engineer
- Josh Abbey – engineer
- Jason Corsaro – engineer
- Brian Reeves – engineer
- Stuart Barry – assistant engineer
- Kim Jenkins – assistant engineer
- Paul Mortimer – assistant engineer
- Patrick Stanley – assistant engineer
- Mike Clink – assistant engineer
- Matt Howe – assistant engineer
- Jon Goldberger – assistant engineer