The 1986 Listening Post - Joe Cocker - Cocker

Joe Cocker - Cocker

#148/1313

April 18 1986

Joe Cocker

Cocker

Genre: …rrroockkk?

2 out of 5

Highlights:

You Can Leave Your Hat On

Hear those synths!? THAT is the sound of an artist losing the narrative. Somehow, on “Don’t You Love Me Anymore”, Cocker, he of a singularly recognizable voice in pop music, sounds generic and anonymous. It takes some pretzel twisting to make that happen.

Everybody loved “You Can Leave Your Hat On”, sure, but, I submit that 40% of that stems from it’s association with 9 1/2 Weeks. It’s a fine piece of sultry R&B but no sexier than anything Robert Palmer has ever done. 

https://open.spotify.com/album/0YnLeYOGgy0vtxQRbgW7s1?si=2qK-zRYmQ6SO6Q56c7N5Dg

The 1984 Listening Post - Joe Cocker - Civilized Man

Joe Cocker - Civilized Man

#118 

May 25 1984

Joe Cocker

Civilized Man

2 out of 5

Cocker. I have never ever really understood this guy. His voice has always annoyed me. I don’t think he can hold a note. His career, for me, peaked with John Belushi’s impersonation. He’s a vocalist with no vocal chords. I know he sounds like he’s pouring his emotions out in song butI think that’s just him struggling to get notes out. 

This album of covers is an unnecessary entry into the world of pop. His version of “Tempted” is so atrocious he should have to pay double royalties to be allowed to record it.

Civliized Man is for people who love that and miss that 70s soft rock sound. I guess judging by the Boltons of the world that there is a market for it. But Joe sounds like he’s someone’s mildly talented uncle got up at karaoke. 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/civilized-man/1338960507