Joe Cocker has one of the most distinctive gravelly voices in R & B history. He's always stuck to his roots and never gone with temporary fads or novelties. This collection is another classic with great covers from the Beatles, Elton John and Gary Wright. His interpretive voice has always been the focal point of his songs, but in DTS 5.1, you are surrounded (as if in concert) by his presence. The completely adept and intuitive musicians that accompany him add more atmosphere without taking from his performance. Imagine hearing him in live in a theater and you'll know what to expect from this warm and heartfelt album.

Joe Cocker's first studio release of the 90's proves to be an enjoyable listen. "Night Calls" sold over 2 million copies in Germany alone upon it's release. The cd opens with the Bryan Adams tune "Feels Like Forever" which is a fantastic ballad that would have been a monster hit if radio stations in the U.S would have given it some airtime? It's so true that Joe can make a song his own. The majority of his covers usually outshine the originals. Wait till you hear his takes on "Can't Find My Way Home" and "Love Is Alive". They blow the original versions away by Steve Winwood and Gary Wright. The title track has a little ELO overtone thanks to a great production job by Jeff Lynne. Joe also lends his vocal chords to a fantastic gospel feel remake of the Beatles "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away" complete with a church like chorus. Joe is like fine wine that keeps getting better with age. The most disticntive growl in rock n roll never sounded better.

I guess my title can ahve a double meaning. First of all, Joe Cocker offers varying adaptations of blues, ballads, and rock n roll. Secondly, Joe covers artists from Prince to Elton John to Gary Wright and boy does he put some oomph into Love Is Alive. Got to love those background vocals on that track.

Whatever the style of the song, Joe delivers his adaptation with the upmost spirit and professionalism. On the Beatles, You've Got To Hide Your Love Away, Joe makes this song his own changing the arrangements to suit his own style. Feels Like Forever and When A Woman Cries are two more standouts which show case Mr. Cocker at his most passionate. Maybe not quite an all time classic but it sure rates a winner to my ears.

I'm a big Joe Cocker fan.This album is his first in the 90's.This version of the album where released in USA in 1992, but the orginal version where released in europe 1991.The album is not one of his best.I like him better on albums like "Cocker" (1986), "Have a little faith" (1994) and on his new release "Respect yourself" (2002).My favorite songs on this album is "Love is alive", a real rocker, and "Night calls".I like the powerballad "You've got to hide you're love away" too.

I saw him live in Oslo Spektrum in january 1992 on his "Night calls world tour, and he rocked the house down.

If you're not a Cocker-fan, buy the best of-album "Greatest Hits" (1998).