"does love really last forever, well it does - Joe Cocker"

In 1975 a song stayed with me right up to this very day...the song was "YOU ARE SO BEAUTIFUL", the Billy Preston/Bruce Fisher tune, the lyrics, melody and the raspy voice performance by Joe Cocker is truly beautiful. Then in 1982 another tune came my way, lovingly remastered on this album, is a must have for seventies rock fans a rare song from "An Officer and a Gentleman", this duet featuring Jennifer Warnes and Cocker is "UP WHERE WE BELONG", a definitive cue from the career of a wonderful performer. A major stand out for blues/gospel fans is "IF I LOVE YOU", has the love of a born again christian theme. Now Joe is mainly known for rock and soul, but listen to "THE JEALOUS KIND", blues beat with a blend of reggae counter beats.

However there are many highlights ~ "A SONG FOR YOU", a Leon Russell song, taps once again Cocker's ability into the world of gospel ~ "SORRY SEEMS TO BE THE HARDEST WORD", opening with Deric Dyer on saxophone, this Elton John song has grit and plenty of it ~ "OUT OF THE BLUE", as we reach into our hearts, this tune pours all the love one has for each other, heartfelt lyrics flow from the Cocker interpretation.

Hip-O Records, Bill Levenson (producer), Pat Lawrence & Dana Smart (executive producers) and the musicians who backed and performed with Joe Cocker...this album is truly a love of people, brought to us through music, gotta love it!

Total Time: 74:34 on 18 Tracks ~ Hip-O Records 440-069-887-2 ~ (1/28/2003)