Description
Joe Cocker – No Ordinary World – Double Vinyl Record
“No Ordinary World” is the seventeenth studio album by British rock and soul legend Joe Cocker, originally released in Europe in 1999 and later in the United States in 2000. The album marked a mature, reflective chapter in Cocker’s career, balancing his signature raw, gravelly voice with a polished, contemporary adult-rock production. It showcases a blend of soul, pop, and blues-inflected rock, and while it didn’t make major waves commercially in the U.S., it was particularly well-received in Europe, where Cocker continued to enjoy enduring popularity.
By the time No Ordinary World arrived, Joe Cocker was in his mid-50s and well into the “elder statesman” phase of his career. What made this album special wasn’t just the powerful voice that fans had loved since the late 1960s—it was how Cocker used it here. His vocals are warm, weathered, and soulfully restrained, leaning into a deeper emotional register. Rather than belting his way through every song, he offers nuanced, lived-in performances that speak to themes of love, loss, and self-reflection.
The album was produced in part by Steve Power, known for his work with Robbie Williams, and Peter-John Vettese, who brought a modern sheen to the arrangements without burying Cocker’s raw vocal charisma. The result is a record that feels both classic and current (for its time), ideal for fans who appreciate the intersection of heartfelt songwriting and seasoned performance.
Key Tracks & Highlights
“First We Take Manhattan” – A standout track and one of the album’s best-known cuts, this is a brooding, pulsating cover of Leonard Cohen’s song. Cocker’s version adds dramatic synth layers and a driving beat, transforming the dark poetry of the original into a tense, cinematic experience.
“Different Roads” – A mid-tempo, inspirational ballad that became one of the album’s singles. It’s a reflective song about choices and changes, perfectly suited to Cocker’s soulful delivery.
“My Father’s Son” – A poignant and personal track, co-written by Richard Page (of Mr. Mister), exploring themes of legacy, regret, and the search for identity. It’s one of the most emotionally resonant songs on the record.
“While You See a Chance” – A reinterpretation of Steve Winwood’s 1980 hit, with Cocker giving it a heartfelt and more introspective tone.
“She Believes in Me” – A romantic, gospel-tinged ballad, lifted by a subtle organ bed and background harmonies. It’s a deep cut, but a moving one.
“On My Way Home” – A hopeful closer that emphasizes resilience and personal growth, wrapped in a smooth, adult-contemporary sound.
While No Ordinary World didn’t top charts globally, it was a critical success, especially among long-time fans and critics who appreciated Cocker’s dignified artistic evolution. It charted well in countries like Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, going platinum in several European markets. The album represented a solid entry in his later catalog, cementing his reputation not just as a passionate interpreter of songs, but as a resilient performer who continued to evolve stylistically even into the 2000s.
It also arrived at a time when veteran artists were increasingly moving into more reflective, adult-contemporary spaces, and in that regard, No Ordinary World stands alongside works by artists like Eric Clapton (Pilgrim), Tina Turner (Twenty Four Seven), and even late-period Rod Stewart. What distinguishes Cocker here is his emotional honesty and the richness of his voice—always weathered, never worn out.
No Ordinary World is an album that doesn’t shout for attention—it draws you in quietly, on the strength of its soul and sincerity. It’s a compelling listen for anyone looking to experience Joe Cocker at his most introspective, seasoned, and subtly powerful.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
First We Take Manhattan
Different Roads
My Father’s Son
While You See A Chance
She Believes In Me
No Ordinary World
Where Would I Be Now
Ain’t Gonna Cry Again
Soul Rising
Naked Without You
Love To Lean On
On My Way Home
Lie To Me (Bonus Track)
Love Made A Promise (Bonus Track)
