Is Stingray a good place to start with Joe Cocker?

Yes, Stingray is recommended as a starting point for new Joe Cocker listeners. A soulful blend of rock and blues infused with Cocker's gritty, emotive vocal delivery and rich instrumental arrangements. In 1976, Joe Cocker was riding the wave of success from his previous album, 'I Can Stand a Little Rain'. 'Stingray' marked his sixth studio release and showcased a mature artist who had solidified his place in the rock genre. This album followed a period where Cocker sought to refine his sound, emphasizing emotional depth and musical craftsmanship.

Stingray works well if you're into steady mid-tempo reflective moments, emotive storytelling through vocals and soulful tracks for evening unwind.

How many songs are on Stingray?

Stingray has 10 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

Released 50 years ago

Stingray

Joe Cocker · 1976

45 min · 10 tracks · blues

A soulful blend of rock and blues infused with Cocker's gritty, emotive vocal delivery and rich instrumental arrangements.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
You Come Along — This track features an upbeat arrangement paired with an infectious melody that highlights Cocker's ability to convey joy and longing simultaneously.
→
The Jealous Kind Start here — Cocker's rendition of this song showcases his unique vocal style, transforming it into a powerful ballad filled with emotional intensity.
→
A Song for You — This cover reveals Cocker's interpretative prowess, infusing the classic with deep soulfulness that brings new life to the well-known lyrics.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

49 /100

Foothills

Higher than 22% of albums we've rated

The album features strong songwriting and emotive performances but lacks the cohesion of Cocker's work.

What we noticed

The album opens with a mid-tempo track that establishes a soulful groove, followed by a shift to more upbeat songs in the middle.
Several tracks feature prominent horn arrangements that enhance the bluesy feel, particularly on 'You Come Along'.
The final track is a slow ballad that contrasts with the preceding songs, creating a reflective conclusion.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo reflective moments
emotive storytelling through vocals
soulful tracks for evening unwind
intimate sessions with close friends

Maybe skip if you

need for instant gratification
prefer fast-paced, upbeat tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Showcases Cocker's mature sound and received strong critical acclaim.
Themes: soulful longing· emotional balladry· mid-70s rock scene
Career context: In 1976, Joe Cocker was riding the wave of success from his previous album, 'I Can Stand a Little Rain'. 'Stingray' marked his sixth studio release and showcased a mature artist who had solidified his place in the rock genre. This album followed a period where Cocker sought to refine his sound, emphasizing emotional depth and musical craftsmanship.
Stylistic neighbors: Leonard Cohen· Rod Stewart· Paul Rogers