JOE COCKER (July 14, 1992) – Album: Night Calls, US (5 Women By Prince)

Night Calls is the thirteenth full‑length studio album by British rock/soul singer Joe Cocker. The US edition, released on Jul 14, 1992, features an alternate tracklist and cover compared to the European versions.

This edition includes Five Women, written by Prince, later released by Prince as 5 Women on The Vault... Old Friends 4 Sale.

BACKGROUND

Night Calls was first released in Europe in Oct 1991, followed by a UK edition in Mar 23, 1992. The US release arrived later with a revised running order and different artwork.

Prince contributed Five Women, but did not participate musically in Cocker’s recording.

Cocker hoped Prince would play guitar on the track, but Prince declined, telling him: “It’s your baby now.”

Prince also offered the 1991 version of Old Friends 4 Sale for inclusion, but Cocker chose not to use it.

RECORDING

Five Women was re‑recorded entirely by Joe Cocker’s band.

The album sessions involved multiple producers and engineers, including David Tickle, Chris Lord‑Alge, Jeff Lynne, and Danny Kortchmar. Recording took place across several studios with a large roster of musicians.

STYLE & THEMES

The US edition blends rock, soul, adult contemporary, and blues influences. Prince’s Five Women stands out as a soulful narrative piece reinterpreted through Cocker’s vocal style.

The album mixes covers, ballads, and mid‑tempo rock tracks with polished production.

Five Women gained attention from Prince collectors due to its unique interpretation and Cocker’s anecdote about Prince’s involvement.

and was released as a single in the Netherlands on CD and vinyl.

TRACK‑BY‑TRACK NOTES

(US EDITION)

• Feels Like Forever — Diane Warren / Bryan Adams ballad.

• I Can Hear The River — Atmospheric Don Dixon composition.

• Now That The Magic Has Gone — John Miles ballad.

• Can’t Find My Way Home — Steve Winwood classic.

• Night Calls — Jeff Lynne composition. • Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me — Elton John cover.

• Love Is Alive — Gary Wright cover.

• Five Women — Prince composition; 5:35.

• Please No More — Emotional ballad.

• Out Of The Rain — Tony Joe White composition.

• You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away — Lennon/McCartney cover.

• When A Woman Cries — Joshua Kadison ballad.

RELEASE HISTORY

• European release: Oct 1991  

• UK release: Mar 23, 1992  

• US release: Jul 14, 1992

Five Women was released as a single in Europe in 1992.

Multiple editions exist:

• 1991 European edition

• 1992 US edition

• 1992 second European edition

• 1998 UK DTS edition

CRITICAL RECEPTION

Night Calls reached No. 25 on the UK Gallup Album Chart. The US edition reached No. 111 on the Billboard Top Pop Albums chart (10 weeks).

PERSONNEL (US EDITION)

Joe Cocker — vocals

Steve Holley — drums

Phil Grande — guitar

T.M. Stevens — bass guitar

Greg Phillinganes — keyboards Girls Talk (Michelle Cross, Debra Lewis‑Brown, Geraldine Clarke) — background vocals

Additional musicians include Chris Stainton, John Miles, Rory Kaplan, Jeff Lynne, Benmont Tench, Ian McLagan, David Paich, Mike Campbell, Danny Kortchmar, Neil Stubenhaus, Mike Baird, Jim Keltner, Alex Acuna, Jim Brock, Deric Dyer, Marti Jones, Cydney Davis, Maxine Sharp, The Waters Sisters, New Life Community Choir, and John P. Kee.

PRODUCTION

David Tickle — producer, recording Chris Lord‑Alge — producer, mixing

Jeff Lynne — producer

Danny Kortchmar — producer

Greg Goldman — assistant engineer

Rick Plank — assistant engineer

Tim Smith — artwork

Herb Ritts — photography

Gary Kelley — cover painting

Mastering: Stephen Marcussen Engineering and mixing credits span multiple studios and personnel.

CHARTS & CERTIFICATIONS

USA — Billboard Top Pop Albums  

Entry: Aug 1, 1992  

Peak: 111   Weeks: 10

(USA EDITION)

Artist: Joe Cocker

Title: Night Calls

Label: Capitol / EMI (US configuration) Country: USA

Catalogue: varies by pressing

Date: Jul 14, 1992 Format: CD / Cassette

Tracklist

(US CD):  

1 Feels Like Forever

2 I Can Hear The River

3 Now That The Magic Has Gone

4 Can’t Find My Way Home

5 Night Calls

6 Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me

7 Love Is Alive

8 Five Women (5:35)

9 Please No More

10 Out Of The Rain

11 You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away

12 When A Woman Cries

Notes:  

US edition features alternate artwork and tracklist. Five Women written by Prince.

US Variants:   CD, Cassette, promotional editions.

SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia. BBC Official Charts Prince Vault, Sleeveagraphia2

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