It is well known, that I enjoy listening to all of Joe Cocker’s albums. Like everyone, I have some favorites, one of which, “I Can Stand A Little Rain”-1974, was not a big commercial success.
The “I Can Stand A Little Rain” album, starts with the Daniel Moore song, “Put Out The Light”. It is fitting as the opening cut, with its horn driven, soulful, yet up tempo feel. The feel switches to dramatic with the second cut, the title song, “I Can Stand A Little Rain”. It was penned by Jim Price as well as the third cut, the rousing, “I get Mad”. “I Get Mad” is a funky, up tune, so different from “I Can Stand A Little Rain”, that it is hard to believe that they were written by the same man. The Third cut, “Sing Me A Song”, is by the Northern Irish guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter, Henry McCulloch. Henry is probably best known for his work with Paul McCartney’s Wings. Listen closely to this song and you can hear the influence of McCartney’s early solo works. Cut Five, “The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress” was written by Jimmy Webb. He has written numerous platinum-selling songs, including “Up, Up and Away”, “By the Time I Get to Phoenix”, and “MacArthur Park”. Joe Cocker’s performance of this song sounds so heartfelt, that it always moves me. Cut Six, “Don’t Forget Me”, was written by the late Harry Nilsson. This arrangement allows Joe to really shine, and thanks to backup singers, Clydie King, Venetta Fields, Sherlie Matthews, Merry Clayton, this song has almost a sweet gospel feel. The Seventh song, “You Are So Beautiful”, has become one of Joe’s signature songs, Written by, Billy Preston, and Bruce Fisher. This song seems to resonate with everyone who has a special person in their life. Track 8, “It’s a Sin (When You Love Somebody)”, is another song by Jimmy Webb. It starts with a Bluesy, Softer sounding, Joe with lush strings behind him. Then the call and answer arrangement with the girls takes on a church like feel. Track Nine is, “Performance” by Allen Toussaint. This song falls right in line with the rest of the feel of this album. It’s soulful and builds to the growling of Joe and ends with sweet backup vocals. The last cut was written by Randy Newman, “Guilty”. I saw him perform this song live. I was two rows from the stage. I swear he looked and sounded like he was about to cry. It floored me then and still does to this day. If you have only heard “You Are So Beautiful”, and not the rest of this album you need to sit down and give this entire album a listen. Thank you for continuing to read my www.cockertribute blogs.
Alan Kaye