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Cocker (album)

by Joe Cocker

Released: April 18, 1986

Rock, blues, blue-eyed soul, pop

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Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Chart Success.

The Album

"Cocker" is Joe Cocker's tenth studio album, released in April 1986, marking his second release on Capitol Records. The album blends Cocker's soulful voice with a mix of rock, blues, and R&B influences, continuing the evolution of his sound in the mid-1980s. The album features notable singles such as "You Can Leave Your Hat On" and "Don't You Love Me Anymore," with the former gaining significant attention due to its use in the film 9½ Weeks.

Inside the Recording

The album is distinguished by its diverse production team, with five different producers involved, and recording sessions taking place across multiple studios in London, Memphis, Los Angeles, and New York. Cocker is dedicated to Joe Cocker's mother, Marjorie (Madge) Cocker, who passed away during the recording sessions.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

This approach was part of Capitol Records' strategy…

This approach was part of Capitol Records' strategy, inspired by the success formula used for Tina Turner.

In addition to the varied production, the album…

In addition to the varied production, the album features Cocker's touring band for the first time since Stingray (1976), contributing to five tracks on the album.

The album's opening track, "Shelter Me," is notable…

The album's opening track, "Shelter Me," is notable for its energetic performance by guitarist Cliff Goodwin and saxophonist Mel Collins.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Joe Cocker - Cocker (album)

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Then

Reception

The single "You Can Leave Your Hat On" reached No. 35 on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Cocker" is Joe Cocker's tenth studio album, released in April 1986, marking his second release on Capitol Records. The album features notable singles such as "You Can Leave Your Hat On" and "Don't You Love Me Anymore," with the former gaining significant attention due to its use in the film 9½ Weeks. The single "You Can Leave Your Hat On" reached No. 35 on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.

The album is distinguished by its diverse production team, with five different producers involved, and recording sessions taking place across multiple studios in London, Memphis, Los Angeles, and New York. This approach was part of Capitol Records' strategy, inspired by the success formula used for Tina Turner.

In addition to the varied production, the album features Cocker's touring band for the first time since Stingray (1976), contributing to five tracks on the album. The album's opening track, "Shelter Me," is notable for its energetic performance by guitarist Cliff Goodwin and saxophonist Mel Collins.

Cocker is dedicated to Joe Cocker's mother, Marjorie (Madge) Cocker, who passed away during the recording sessions. The album blends Cocker's soulful voice with a mix of rock, blues, and R&B influences, continuing the evolution of his sound in the mid-1980s.