On September 18, 2014, Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Cry of Love’ album was re-released as a remastered version of the original 1972 vinyl issue. Awesome, because that day also marked my birthday (and sadly, Jimi’s death anniversary). I had pre-ordered the CD and couldn’t wait to get it delivered. Let me tell you, if you are familiar with the original ‘Cry of Love’ album, this new version will blow your mind. The sound is amazing. Since I had also purchased the new release of ‘Rainbow Bridge’, I was in for a double treat that day.
‘Cry of Love’, to me, stands out for a number of reasons. First and foremost, because it is a testament to Jimi’s ridiculous talent as a songwriter. Yes, of course, he also obviously knows a thing or two about playing the guitar, but he had that proven already many times before. The album also is a great platform to showcase his ability to work across a broad spectrum of musical styles. While all the tracks have that typical Jimi vibe, I think some of you would agree that there’s a resemblance – at least to a certain degree – with Axis: Bold as Love. I don’t think it fits the category of a ‘concept album’ but there is a strong underlying cohesiveness that pull the individual tunes together and make it a great ‘product’. I guess where I’m going with this: ‘Cry of Love’ works remarkably well as a whole, even though admittedly it does feature some tracks that just stand out by themselves, such as ‘Freedom’ and ‘In from the Storm’.
I categorically refuse to engage in or entertain any discussions such as “What is XYZ’s best record?”, etc. But some say that they view the ‘Cry of Love’ album as the last real Hendrix record. I can see why. The original was released shortly after Jimi’s death and all other albums thereafter either compilations or live recordings.
Here is the full track-list:
1. Freedom
2. Drifting
3. Ezy Rider
4. Night Bird Flying
5. My Friend
6. Straight Ahead
7. Astro Man
8. Angel
9. In From The Storm
10. Belly Button Window
Find Jimi Hendrix discography, albums and singles on AllMusic. Find Jimi Hendrix discography, albums and singles on AllMusic. Full condensed blue highlight denotes album pick. The Cry of Love: SMG / Sony Legacy / Sony Music / Sony Music Entertainment AllMusic. Features Song Lyrics for Jimi Hendrix's The Cry Of Love album. Includes Album Cover, Release Year, and User Reviews.
Alright, I suppose most of the folks who will end up buying the 2014 version of ‘Cry of Love’ will be familiar with its content already. However, I still strongly recommend that your hands on it, because you will love the clarity of sound, even when you crank up the volume big-time. And yes, this goes for all the hard-core vinyl heads, too – we all love us some good old vinyl, I know, but there is something to be said for a re-mastered CD version of a legendary album if it makes the whole thing sound better and ever before.
Title: The Cry of Love
Artist: Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix Freedom Album Version
Label: Experience Hendrix/Legacy
Formats: CD, LP, MP3
Release date: September 16, 2014
Title: Rainbow Bridge
Artist: Jimi Hendrix
Label: Experience Hendrix/Legacy
Formats: CD, LP, MP3
Release date: September 16, 2014
It’s been a big month for Jimi Hendrix fans, with the release of the biopic Jimi Hendrix: All Is By My Side, which focuses on the year Hendrix (played by Outkast’s André Benjamin) released his first album. Now CD reissues of his first and second posthumous studio releases are also available via Experience Hendrix, LLC in conjunction with Legacy Recordings.
Though neither album contains previously un-heard songs, they do contain major hits of Hendrix. The Cry of Love was a major success when it was originally released in 1971, reaching number three in the United States and number two in the U.K. It includes hits such as “Angel,” “Freedom,” and “Ezy Ryder.” The album also includes appearances from quite a few guest musicians, including Steve Winwood and Buzzy Linhart.
Rainbow Bridge is an original motion picture soundtrack, though Hendrix himself had no role in creating the film. Also released in 1971, this album is fairly short, about 40 minutes, but is full of Hendrix’s typical rock energy and electric guitar skill. One of the most unique tracks is Hendrix’s version of “The Star Spangled Banner,” a pure instrumental, jamming rock ‘n’ roll version.
After Hendrix’s death in September 1970, his manager, Michael Jeffrey, decided to shelve the planned double studio album titled First Rays of the New Rising Sun*, instead using partially completed tracks in the compilation of these two posthumous albums. Both have been remastered by audio engineer Bernie Grundman from the original analog masters. Though the quality of the recordings is not particularly impressive, there is no denying the historical value of these albums by rock legend Jimi Hendrix. He is known as one of the greatest rock guitarists of all time, and through these recent releases both on screen and CD, he will live on through a new generation.
Jimi Hendrix Songs
[*NOTE: The tracks on these CDs have been “reassembled,” reissued and remastered on several occasions, including Legacy’s 2010 CD/DVD set, First Rays of the New Rising Sun. However, this is the first time Rainbow Bridge has been released on CD, and The Cry of Love was last released on CD since 1992.]
Jimi Hendrix Whole Albums
Reviewed by Anna Polovick
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