Joe Cocker was an English singer known for his gritty and soulful voice, which earned him a place in the pantheon of rock and blues greats. Over the course of his career, he released numerous albums and collaborated with a variety of talented musicians. From his early days playing pubs in Sheffield, England to his later years as a global superstar, Cocker left an indelible mark on the music world.
In this article, we will explore Joe Cocker’s greatest hits and highlight the top 10 best songs of all time. From his unforgettable renditions of classic tracks like “With a Little Help from My Friends” and “Feelin’ Alright” to his soulful covers of lesser-known songs like “You Are So Beautiful” and “When the Night Comes,” we will take a deep dive into Cocker’s impressive discography. Whether you are a longtime fan or a newcomer to his music, this list will showcase the very best of Joe Cocker and provide insight into his enduring legacy.
1. Feelin’ Alright
“Feelin’ Alright” is a classic rock song originally written and recorded by Traffic in 1968, but it was Joe Cocker’s cover version that truly made it a hit. Released in 1969 on his second album, “With a Little Help from My Friends,” Cocker’s version of “Feelin’ Alright” became an instant favorite among fans and critics alike. With its soulful vocals and bluesy guitar riffs, the song perfectly encapsulates the era’s rebellious spirit and infectious energy.
Cocker’s interpretation of the song highlights his distinctive style, characterized by his gravelly voice and emotive delivery. The song’s driving beat and catchy chorus make it an ideal sing-along track, and it has been covered by countless artists over the years. “Feelin’ Alright” remains one of Cocker’s most enduring hits, and it continues to be a beloved classic rock anthem that embodies the timeless spirit of rock and roll.
2. Up Where We Belong
“Up Where We Belong” is a timeless duet sung by Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes, which was released in 1982 as a soundtrack for the film “An Officer and a Gentleman”. The song won both a Golden Globe and an Academy Award for Best Original Song, and it became an instant hit, topping the charts in multiple countries.
The song’s soaring melody and emotive lyrics speak of hope, perseverance, and the power of love to lift us up to new heights. Cocker’s soulful vocals are perfectly complemented by Warnes’ stunning harmonies, creating a powerful and memorable duet that has stood the test of time. The song’s production, including its soaring strings and anthemic chorus, perfectly captures the mood and themes of the movie it was written for, and it continues to inspire listeners around the world to this day. “Up Where We Belong” is a true classic, and it remains one of Joe Cocker’s most beloved songs, showcasing his range as a performer and his ability to capture the hearts of listeners.
3. She Came In Through the Bathroom Window
“She Came In Through the Bathroom Window” is a classic rock song originally written and recorded by The Beatles for their iconic album “Abbey Road” in 1969. Joe Cocker’s cover version, released in 1970 on his album “Mad Dogs & Englishmen,” transforms the song into a high-energy, soulful rock anthem. Cocker’s gravelly voice and powerful delivery give the lyrics new life, while the driving rhythm section and searing guitar riffs elevate the song to new heights.
The song’s lyrics, which tell the story of a groupie breaking into a musician’s home, are infused with a playful sense of rebellion and a nod to the counterculture of the era. Cocker’s interpretation of the song captures the spirit of the times, with its energetic performance and its raw, unbridled passion. “She Came In Through the Bathroom Window” remains a beloved classic rock song and a testament to Cocker’s ability to transform even the most well-known tracks into something fresh and exciting.
4. Unchain My Heart
“Unchain My Heart” is a soulful and bluesy track originally written by Bobby Sharp and recorded by Ray Charles in 1961. Joe Cocker’s version, released in 1987, became a hit in its own right, with its powerful vocals and infectious rhythm. Cocker’s gravelly voice perfectly suits the song’s lyrics of longing and heartache, while the horn section and piano accompaniment lend an irresistible groove to the track.
Cocker’s interpretation of “Unchain My Heart” showcases his ability to channel the emotion and energy of a song and make it his own. His rendition of the song remains a favorite among fans of soul and blues music, and it is a testament to the enduring power of Cocker’s voice and musical artistry. “Unchain My Heart” is a classic track that continues to resonate with listeners today, and Cocker’s version remains one of the most iconic and memorable renditions of this timeless song.
5. High Time We Went
“High Time We Went” is a rock and blues song released by Joe Cocker in 1971 as a single, which quickly became a fan favorite. The track features a driving rhythm section, with a funky guitar riff and a catchy horn arrangement that complement Cocker’s soulful vocals perfectly. The song’s lyrics speak of a desire for freedom and adventure, and its upbeat tempo and infectious energy make it an irresistible dance floor filler.
Cocker’s interpretation of “High Time We Went” showcases his ability to blend different genres seamlessly and create a unique sound that is entirely his own. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and Cocker’s ability to capture the spirit of the era. “High Time We Went” remains a beloved classic rock song that continues to inspire and uplift listeners to this day, and it is a testament to Joe Cocker’s enduring legacy in the world of music.
6. Delta Lady
“Delta Lady” is a rock and blues track written by Leon Russell and recorded by Joe Cocker in 1969. The song features a distinctive horn section and a driving rhythm section, with Cocker’s powerful vocals delivering the lyrics with an impassioned intensity. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a woman who lives in the Mississippi Delta and captures the spirit of the region’s unique culture and energy.
Cocker’s rendition of “Delta Lady” showcases his ability to infuse a song with his unique style and personality, creating a track that is both soulful and energetic. The song remains a fan favorite and a testament to Cocker’s enduring popularity among rock and blues audiences. “Delta Lady” is a classic track that perfectly captures the spirit of the era, and it remains a beloved part of Joe Cocker’s musical legacy.
7. With A Little Help From My Friends
“With a Little Help from My Friends” is a rock classic originally written and recorded by The Beatles in 1967, but it was Joe Cocker’s soulful cover version that truly made it a hit. Released in 1969 on his album of the same name, Cocker’s interpretation of the song became an instant favorite among fans and critics alike. The track features Cocker’s distinctive gravelly voice and emotive delivery, backed by a driving rhythm section and a soaring horn arrangement.
Cocker’s version of “With a Little Help from My Friends” perfectly captures the spirit of the era, with its message of friendship and community, and its infectious energy. The song’s iconic opening bars, featuring a distinctive guitar riff, remain instantly recognizable to this day. “With a Little Help from My Friends” is a timeless classic that continues to inspire and uplift listeners, and it remains a beloved part of Joe Cocker’s musical legacy.
8. You Can Leave Your Hat On
“You Can Leave Your Hat On” is a sultry and seductive track originally written by Randy Newman in 1972, but it was Joe Cocker’s cover version that truly made it famous. Released in 1986 on the soundtrack of the film “9 1/2 Weeks,” Cocker’s interpretation of the song became an instant hit, thanks to its sensual lyrics and Cocker’s emotive delivery. The song features a sparse arrangement, with a driving drumbeat and bluesy guitar riff that perfectly complement Cocker’s soulful vocals.
Cocker’s rendition of “You Can Leave Your Hat On” showcases his ability to inject a song with raw emotion and create a mood that is both passionate and intimate. The song remains a favorite among fans of rock and blues music, and it is a testament to Cocker’s enduring popularity and musical artistry. “You Can Leave Your Hat On” is a classic track that continues to inspire and captivate listeners to this day.
9. You Are So Beautiful
“You Are So Beautiful” is a beautiful and heartfelt ballad originally written by Billy Preston and Bruce Fisher in 1974. Joe Cocker’s version, released in 1975 on his album “I Can Stand a Little Rain,” became an instant hit, thanks to its soulful vocals and emotive delivery. The song features a simple arrangement, with a tender piano accompaniment and Cocker’s distinctive gravelly voice.
Cocker’s interpretation of “You Are So Beautiful” showcases his ability to convey deep emotion through his music, creating a track that is both powerful and intimate. The song’s message of love and appreciation has resonated with listeners around the world, making it a timeless classic that continues to inspire and uplift. “You Are So Beautiful” remains a beloved part of Joe Cocker’s musical legacy, and it is a testament to his enduring popularity and musical artistry.
10. When the Night Comes
“When the Night Comes” is a powerful and soulful track written by Bryan Adams, Jim Vallance, and Diane Warren and recorded by Joe Cocker in 1989. The song features a driving rhythm section, with a memorable guitar riff and a soaring saxophone solo that perfectly complement Cocker’s emotive vocals. The lyrics speak of a desire for connection and intimacy, with a message of hope that shines through even in the darkest moments.
Cocker’s interpretation of “When the Night Comes” showcases his ability to capture the mood and emotion of a song and make it his own, creating a track that is both powerful and inspiring. The song remains a favorite among fans of rock and blues music, and it is a testament to Cocker’s enduring legacy in the world of music. “When the Night Comes” is a classic track that continues to resonate with listeners today, and it is a beloved part of Joe Cocker’s musical catalog.