The Cry of Love
Jimi Hendrix · 1971
40 min · 10 tracks · hard rock
An exploration of emotional depth and sonic experimentation, blending rock, blues, and psychedelic elements with Hendrix's virtuosic guitar work.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Freedom Start here — The opening track encapsulates the album's themes of liberation and resilience, driven by a powerful rhythm and soaring guitar riffs that highlight Hendrix's dynamic style.
-
→
Angel — This poignant ballad showcases Hendrix's softer side, featuring heartfelt lyrics and an ethereal melody that underscores his emotional depth as a songwriter.
-
→
In From the Storm — Closing the album with a blend of urgency and introspection, this track reflects Hendrix's mastery of tension and release in both lyrics and instrumentation.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Hendrix's innovative guitar work and varied songwriting create a distinct yet cohesive listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track, 'Freedom', which sets a lively tone before transitioning into more reflective pieces like 'Drifting' and 'Angel'.
- Several tracks feature extended guitar solos that showcase Hendrix's improvisational skills, particularly in 'Ezy Ryder' and 'In From the Storm'.
- The use of layered vocals and harmonies is prominent, especially in tracks like 'Night Bird Flying' and 'My Friend', adding depth to the sound.
- The final track, 'Belly Button Window', concludes the album with a softer, more introspective feel, contrasting with the earlier energetic songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
9/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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 groove throughout
- soulful moments of reflection
- vibrant sounds for afternoon drives
- easygoing tracks for social gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant high-energy tracks
- prefer standalone singles over albums
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Represents Hendrix's artistic vision, blending genres and showcasing his guitar skills posthumously.
- Themes
- posthumous reflection· personal liberation
- Career context
- Released on March 5, 1971, The Cry of Love was Jimi Hendrix's first posthumous album and marked a significant moment in his legacy following his untimely death in September 1970. This album featured recordings from the last sessions he completed before his passing, showcasing his continued evolution as an artist during a period of personal turmoil and creative transformation.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Jeff Beck· Eric Clapton· Stevie Ray Vaughan
Tracklist
- 1 Freedom Start here 3:26
- 2 Drifting 3:50
- 3 Ezy Ryder 4:10
- 4 Night Bird Flying 3:52
- 5 My Friend 4:39
- 6 Straight Ahead 4:43
- 7 Astro Man 3:34
- 8 Angel 4:25
- 9 In From the Storm 3:42
- 10 Belly Button Window 3:37
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.