"Other Voices" is the seventh studio album by the Doors, released by Elektra Records in October 1971. This album marked a significant transition for the band as it was the first recorded without their iconic lead singer, Jim Morrison, who passed away in July 1971. Following his death, keyboardist Ray Manzarek and guitarist Robby Krieger took on lead vocal duties, sharing the spotlight in Morrison's absence.
After the success of L.A. Woman, the Doors faced the challenge of continuing as a trio. Reflecting on the experience, Robby Krieger described it as a tough time: "When Jim was gone ... we had kept going. The three of us were practicing all the time, writing new stuff." Although the band had numerous songs ready, they were uncertain about their direction after Morrison's passing. Ultimately, they decided to move forward with recording rather than succumb to grief. Krieger noted that the record company, Elektra, encouraged them to continue, and the band felt compelled to honor their legacy through music.
Upon its release, Other Voices received mixed reviews, with many critics noting the challenges of adjusting to Morrison's absence. It sold around 300,000 copies initially, and the single "Tightrope Ride" was highlighted for showcasing the band's continued ability to rock. While some ratings were low, with Classic Rock giving it a score of 4/10, others found merit in its efforts to adapt.
Other Voices was not released on CD until October 23, 2006, as part of a compilation with the final Doors album, Full Circle. The band had previously overlooked these albums recorded without Morrison, citing a lack of access to the master tapes. However, remastered tracks appeared on various compilations over the years.
In September 2011, Other Voices received its first official digital reissue, confirming the use of the original master tapes. Further, on September 4, 2015, the album was re-released alongside Full Circle on a 2-CD set and on 180-gram vinyl by Rhino Records, including a bonus track, "Treetrunk."
Despite the shadow cast by Jim Morrison's death, Other Voices stands as a testament to the Doors' resilience and their commitment to continuing their musical journey. While it may not have achieved the iconic status of their earlier works, it reflects the band's attempts to navigate a new chapter in their legacy.
