Search - Joe Cocker :: Respect Yourself

Independent Joe

Michael Kerner | Brooklyn, New York U.S.A. | 08/17/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Since his career started in the late 1960's, Joe Cocker has made soulful music for years on end. Each album he has made has given us the same old sound and dominating force you'd expect from Joe. His most recent album, Respect Yourself, is his second release from the independent label, Eagle Records. Sadly, a lot of places aren't able to carry this once in a lifetime album. Still, the tracks range from a variety of styles from R&B to Soul, a dash of Reggae, and a whole sliver of Rock. The songs on this album are also just as exciting. From his cover of INXS Never Tear Us Apart, to the soulful Every Time It Rains, and the Blues-felt song, I'm Listening Now.Considering that many people would still listen to pop tarts and trashy teen artists and "Corpoarte Pop Performers" like Britney Spears, it is so nice to still have an escape from the heat. When Joe Cocker came out in the late 60's, he already proved that theory that looks aren't everything in the music industry. Now that it is the 21st century, Joe Cocker still shows that the theory is still displayed."

Far from Cocker's best!

L. B. Ivarsson | Rock City | 02/10/2003

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Joe Cocker is a long time favourite of mine, with his great and characteristic voice. I don't know if Cocker himself is having trouble writing music and lyrics, but the fact is that he choose to work with professional songwriters. If I were Cocker I'd replace a lot of the songs on this album since the lasting impression is that the songs blend together. The only exceptions are "You can't have my heart" (the best song on the album), "Love not war" and "It's only love". The rest is rather mediocre.To rate this album I need two different scales: one comparing to other bands/artists and one comparing this with Cocker's other work. If I'm rating this effort with contemporary music in mind I give it 3 stars but compared to Cocker's other albums (at least from 1986 and forward) it can't be anything higher than 2 stars. In fact, Cocker's last four albums suffer from the same disease - too many slow numbers and not top quality material, but it usually gets saved by Cocker's amazing voice.If you're curious about Joe Cocker I strongly suggest you start with the excellent "One night of sin" (1989) and "Have a little faith" (1994). If you like them you can also check out "Night calls" (1991) and "Unchain my heart" (1987). These four albums show Cocker in top form and the songs are much better than they are on more recent albums."

Cocker Rocks

Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 12/02/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Joe Cocker rocks on "Respect Yourself," an excellent and consistently strong set. "You Can't Have My Heart" is a soulful midtempo track that oozes commercial potential. One of my favorite obscure writer/performers, Tom Snow, cowrote "Love Not War" which jolts forward toward a buoyant chorus, "Do you even know what you're fighting for, baby 'cause I can't take it any more, let's make love not war." "You Took It So Hard" is a romantic slow crooner. Patrick Warren's dramatic strings polish Michael Hutchence's diamond "Never Tear Us Apart." "This Is Your Life" a pleasant John Shanks track complete with John Shanks' guitar. The title tune is the second diamond on the CD, pulsing with Paul Bushnell's soulful bass. "I'm Listening Now" is an adequate song passionately sung by Joe with his soulful growl. "Leave A Light On" works its way to a firestorm chorus, "I believe there's a reason why it's meant to be; I believe there's a way that we can love & still be free." "It's Only Love" is another positive midtempo rocker. The CD slows for Randy Newman's "Every Time It Rains" that Joe milks for every drop of lonely emotion. The CD concludes with a jazz-inflected track cowritten by Chris Boti. "Respect Yourself" is great set from this classic rocker, fairly consistent with good quality material, making the most of Cocker's strengths. Enjoy!"