Respect Yourself

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Joe Cocker's ability to charge songs with passion, drama, and emotion is legendary. He first gained acclaim for turning the Beatles' sentimental "With a Little Help from My Friends" into a spine-tingling epic. On a good day, he can make a shopping list soar. It's a rare talent that Respect Yourself, his 20th studio album, depends on. The smoldering "Love Not War" and fantastically overblown soul stomper "You Can't Have My Heart" are undeniably brilliant, as Cocker puts his bluesy growl to spectacular use. There are plenty of vague rockers, too, including "This Is Your Life" and "Leave a Light On," which find Cocker working overtime to make them exciting. Invariably, he pulls it off, even managing to make the bluesy "I'm Listening Now" sound brooding and heartfelt. While most of the album's covers--including Randy Newman's blear-eyed "Everytime It Rains" and the swaggering title track--are prime for the Cocker treatment, his exaggerated bluster clumsily tramples the tender beauty of INXS's "Never Tear Us Apart." Still, it's the only must-skip moment in a mixed bag that proves Cocker remains a potent force. --Dan Gennoe

Respect Yourself, Music, Joe Cocker, Adult Contemporary, Pop, Rock, Rock/Pop
Be Altitude: Respect Yourself
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • A great Stax album of the Staple Singers from 1972!!
  • Soulful!
  • The Staple Singers
  • Perfection -- what more can you ask for?
  • Another Stax Classic
 Be Altitude: Respect Yourself
The Staple Singers
Manufacturer: Stax
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
GospelGospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. The Staple Swingers
  2. Be What You Are
  3. Great Day
  4. Let's Do It Again
  5. Freedom Highway

ASIN: B000000ZGU
Release Date: 1989-11-16

Tracks:

  1. This World
  2. Respect Yourself
  3. Name The Missing Word
  4. I'll Take You There
  5. This Old Town (People In This Town)
  6. We The People
  7. Are You Sure
  8. Who Do You Think You Are (Jesus Christ Superstar)?
  9. I'm Just Another Soldier
  10. Who

Amazon.com essential recording

In the 1960s, the Staple Singers began to make music that spoke to a wider audience than their core gospel fans. Gospel had served as the musical backbone for the Civil Rights movement from the beginning, but Pops Staples was spurred on by the inspirational messages of Martin Luther King Jr. to address more explicitly these issues. This 1972 record, an apex of groovy, mellow soul music (thanks to Al Bell's production and the definition-of-funky Muscle Shoals rhythm section), landed the group three Top 10 R&B hits and their first pop chart-topper, the joyous, bouncy "I'll Take You There." The Staples were always a one-of-a-kind gospel group; they managed to be the only one to inhabit the Top 10 without ever diluting their messages of tolerance, respect, and love. Who can fault any great preacher for wanting to spread the word to as many people as possible, especially when it sounds this glorious? --Mike McGonigal

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A great Stax album of the Staple Singers from 1972!!.......2007-02-09

This was the first album of the Staple Singers that I purchased on CD. I mainly got it to find out how their hit Respect Yourself sounds as well as I'll Take You There. I'm sure pleased that I did get this CD. Respect Yourself is almost five minutes long (while the single of it was only three and a half); this song is one of my favorite of theirs, as it tells you that if you disrespect anybody that you run into, you are disrespecting yourself as well. That is a great song. I also love I'll Take You There. The single of it is about three and a half minutes long, but on this album, you get the song in extended form. Love this song too!! I also like: This World, Are You Sure, We the People, I'm Just Another Soldier, and Name the Missing Word. Love this group. I have every one of their Stax album titles on CD. These folks are full of soul!!

5 out of 5 stars Soulful!.......2006-07-10

This happens to be my favorite musical group of all time. Their songs are easy to understand the words to and the words are fantastic. Very spiritual/moving/meaningful but still a great sound!! Was one of my fav record albums in the 70's and now I have it as a fav CD in the 2000's!!

5 out of 5 stars The Staple Singers.......2006-04-27

This is one of the most inspiring, uplifting, moving, and wonderful recordings of all time. Mavis, "Pops", Cleo and Yvonne. I salute all of you.........THANK YOU!!!

5 out of 5 stars Perfection -- what more can you ask for?.......2003-08-30

Ah, the Staple Singers. The soul group that brought me to soul. As an old punk rocker, old Bowie fan, and more, I just LOVE the Staple Singers. The musicianship is par excellence, and the singing is the sound of deep, moving musical moments. You cannont listen to this album and not be moved. Its just soooooo good. So good production, and the remastered version is absolutely fantastic. GET THIS ALBUM. Your life and soul will be greatly improved. I just wish there was more Staple Singers albums to listen to. They are all fantastic. Even live!!!!

5 out of 5 stars Another Stax Classic.......2000-08-08

The Staple Singers get Right here.The Stax Musicianship is in High Gear here.this is When Soul Music was Soul Music.Great Arrangements&So Much Feeling that you can't turn it off.the Music is So Deep&Rich that it will Bring Tears Of Joy To Your Heart&Soul.Genius in front of The Mic&Behind it.
Respect Yourself
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Joe Cocker's Finest In Many Years
  • Far from Cocker's best!
  • Cocker Rocks
  • Independent Joe
  • Still rockin And Soulin After All These Years.
 Respect Yourself
Joe Cocker
Manufacturer: Red Int / Red Ink
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music
Album-Oriented Rock (AOR)Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
Adult ContemporaryAdult Contemporary | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Classic RockClassic Rock | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. One Night of Sin
  2. Heart & Soul
  3. No Ordinary World
  4. Across from Midnight
  5. Cocker

ASIN: B0000695TI
Release Date: 2002-07-16

Tracks:

  1. You Can't Have My Heart
  2. Love Not War
  3. You Took It So Hard
  4. Never Tear Us Apart
  5. This Is Your Life
  6. Respect Yourself
  7. I'm Listening Now
  8. Leave A Light On
  9. It's Only Love
  10. Every Time It Rains
  11. Midnight Without You

Amazon.com

Joe Cocker's ability to charge songs with passion, drama, and emotion is legendary. He first gained acclaim for turning the Beatles' sentimental "With a Little Help from My Friends" into a spine-tingling epic. On a good day, he can make a shopping list soar. It's a rare talent that Respect Yourself, his 20th studio album, depends on. The smoldering "Love Not War" and fantastically overblown soul stomper "You Can't Have My Heart" are undeniably brilliant, as Cocker puts his bluesy growl to spectacular use. There are plenty of vague rockers, too, including "This Is Your Life" and "Leave a Light On," which find Cocker working overtime to make them exciting. Invariably, he pulls it off, even managing to make the bluesy "I'm Listening Now" sound brooding and heartfelt. While most of the album's covers--including Randy Newman's blear-eyed "Everytime It Rains" and the swaggering title track--are prime for the Cocker treatment, his exaggerated bluster clumsily tramples the tender beauty of INXS's "Never Tear Us Apart." Still, it's the only must-skip moment in a mixed bag that proves Cocker remains a potent force. --Dan Gennoe

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Joe Cocker's Finest In Many Years.......2004-08-15

RESPECT YOURSELF is Joe Cocker's finest CD in about 25 years. Most of the songs are great, and, in fact, as for the editor who called his version of INXS' "Never Tear Us Apart" a "must-skip moment", his kids should pay for his sin through a school community service program. This version shows that Cocker is equally at home with new-wave pop songs as he is with the blues/R&B/soul sounds that originated in such areas as Muscle Shoals, Detroit, Texas, St. Louis, Tulsa, Chicago, Memphis, and Kansas City. The absolute highlight of this CD is "This Is Your Life", which has inspired me to increase my resolve not to go back to my old school's Thanksgiving dinner with the line "Gotta give it up, gotta let it go, 'cause hangin' on like this, only breaks the flow." This is a wonderful album that you should get along with his first three, THE ANTHOLOGY, SOMETHING TO SAY, I CAN STAND A LITTLE RAIN, and THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION.

2 out of 5 stars Far from Cocker's best!.......2003-02-10

Joe Cocker is a long time favourite of mine, with his great and characteristic voice. I don't know if Cocker himself is having trouble writing music and lyrics, but the fact is that he choose to work with professional songwriters. If I were Cocker I'd replace a lot of the songs on this album since the lasting impression is that the songs blend together. The only exceptions are "You can't have my heart" (the best song on the album), "Love not war" and "It's only love". The rest is rather mediocre.

To rate this album I need two different scales: one comparing to other bands/artists and one comparing this with Cocker's other work. If I'm rating this effort with contemporary music in mind I give it 3 stars but compared to Cocker's other albums (at least from 1986 and forward) it can't be anything higher than 2 stars. In fact, Cocker's last four albums suffer from the same disease - too many slow numbers and not top quality material, but it usually gets saved by Cocker's amazing voice.

If you're curious about Joe Cocker I strongly suggest you start with the excellent "One night of sin" (1989) and "Have a little faith" (1994). If you like them you can also check out "Night calls" (1991) and "Unchain my heart" (1987). These four albums show Cocker in top form and the songs are much better than they are on more recent albums.

5 out of 5 stars Cocker Rocks.......2002-12-02

Joe Cocker rocks on "Respect Yourself," an excellent and consistently strong set. "You Can't Have My Heart" is a soulful midtempo track that oozes commercial potential. One of my favorite obscure writer/performers, Tom Snow, cowrote "Love Not War" which jolts forward toward a buoyant chorus, "Do you even know what you're fighting for, baby 'cause I can't take it any more, let's make love not war." "You Took It So Hard" is a romantic slow crooner. Patrick Warren's dramatic strings polish Michael Hutchence's diamond "Never Tear Us Apart." "This Is Your Life" a pleasant John Shanks track complete with John Shanks' guitar. The title tune is the second diamond on the CD, pulsing with Paul Bushnell's soulful bass. "I'm Listening Now" is an adequate song passionately sung by Joe with his soulful growl. "Leave A Light On" works its way to a firestorm chorus, "I believe there's a reason why it's meant to be; I believe there's a way that we can love & still be free." "It's Only Love" is another positive midtempo rocker. The CD slows for Randy Newman's "Every Time It Rains" that Joe milks for every drop of lonely emotion. The CD concludes with a jazz-inflected track cowritten by Chris Boti. "Respect Yourself" is great set from this classic rocker, fairly consistent with good quality material, making the most of Cocker's strengths. Enjoy!

5 out of 5 stars Independent Joe.......2002-08-17

Since his career started in the late 1960's, Joe Cocker has made soulful music for years on end. Each album he has made has given us the same old sound and dominating force you'd expect from Joe.

His most recent album, Respect Yourself, is his second release from the independent label, Eagle Records. Sadly, a lot of places aren't able to carry this once in a lifetime album. Still, the tracks range from a variety of styles from R&B to Soul, a dash of Reggae, and a whole sliver of Rock. The songs on this album are also just as exciting. From his cover of INXS Never Tear Us Apart, to the soulful Every Time It Rains, and the Blues-felt song, I'm Listening Now.

Considering that many people would still listen to pop tarts and trashy teen artists and "Corpoarte Pop Performers" like Britney Spears, it is so nice to still have an escape from the heat. When Joe Cocker came out in the late 60's, he already proved that theory that looks aren't everything in the music industry. Now that it is the 21st century, Joe Cocker still shows that the theory is still displayed.

3 out of 5 stars Still rockin And Soulin After All These Years........2002-07-18

Now in his late fifties, Joe Cocker continues to make great music. His latest cd "Respect Yourself" proves that the rock legend can still belt out a tune with the best of them. The highlights here include A cover of the Inxs tune "Never Tear Us Apart", The rocking "This Is Your Life", "Respect Yourself", "It's Only Love"[which could be a top adult contemporary hit if it received some airplay] and the Randy Newman penned ballad "Every Time It Rains". This cd is a vast improvement over his last release "No Ordinary World". After thirty plus years as a recording artist, It is amazing that the oldtimer can still make better than average recordings. Although he is no longer a major act, he remains a rock n roll legend who can still hold his own. Cheers to Joe!
Respect Yourself
Average customer rating: 1 out of 5 stars
  • same reissue at Red Hot and Live, Summer Heat, ect
  • same as Red Hot and Live
 Respect Yourself
Etta James
Manufacturer: Masters Intercontine
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Classic Female Vocal BluesClassic Female Vocal Blues | Blues | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Blues | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music
CDs Under $7CDs Under $7 | Blues General | Blues | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Blues General | Blues | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
CDs Under $7CDs Under $7 | Soul General | Soul | R&B | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Soul General | Soul | R&B | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
ASIN: B000000UT2
Release Date: 1996-02-23

Tracks:

  1. Respect Yourself
  2. I'd Rather Go Blind
  3. Shake Yo' Bottle
  4. Dust Your Broom
  5. Summer Heat
  6. Drown in My Own Tears
  7. Can't Turn You Loose
  8. Rock Me Baby
  9. Stormy Monday
  10. Baby, What You Want Me to Do

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars same reissue at Red Hot and Live, Summer Heat, ect.......2002-05-07

This is another bad reissue with a extra song as Red Hot and Live, Summer Heat, Platinum Collection. Save your money and avoid this poorly recorded concert.

1 out of 5 stars same as Red Hot and Live.......2002-05-07

This appears to be yet another reissue of the same concert recording as Red Hot and Live with a extra song. This is the 3rd or fourth time that I have come across this same strange live recording under a different name or label. This is for hardcore fans only. I would go with Live in San Francisco or Burnin Down the House.
Wattstax: Respect Yourself - The Stax Record Story
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Wattstax: Respect Yourself - The Stax Record Story
    Various Artists
    Manufacturer: Stax
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Pop | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video
    GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video
    ASIN: B000SNUNY2
    Release Date: 2007-08-28
    Respect Yourself
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		Respect Yourself
      The Staple Singers
      Manufacturer: Ace/Stax
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Country | Styles | Music
      GospelGospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | R&B | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music
      Christian & GospelChristian & Gospel | Imports | Stores | Music
      R&BR&B | Imports | Stores | Music
      ASIN: B0000082FE
      Release Date: 1990-06-30

      Tracks:

      1. Heavy Makes You Happy
      2. Long Walk to D.C.
      3. This World
      4. You've Got to Earn It
      5. Love Is Plentiful
      6. Got to Be Some Changes
      7. Respect Yourself
      8. I See It
      9. We'll Get Over
      10. I'll Take You There
      11. Oh la de Da
      12. Are You Sure
      13. Be What You Are
      14. This Old Town (People in This Town)
      15. If You're Ready (Come Go with Me)
      16. Slow Train
      17. Touch a Hand, Make a Friend
      18. My Main Man
      19. City in the Sky
      20. People Come out of Your Shell
      Be Altitude: Respect Yourself
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        		Be Altitude: Respect Yourself
        Staple Singers
        Manufacturer: Wea
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        GospelGospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | R&B | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music
        R&BR&B | Imports | Stores | Music
        ASIN: B000056K5I
        Release Date: 2005-02-15

        Tracks:

        1. This World
        2. Respect Yourself
        3. Name The Missing Word
        4. Ill Take You There
        5. This Old Town (People In This Town)
        6. We The People
        7. Are You Sure
        8. Who Do You Think You Are (Jesus Christ Superstar)
        9. Im Just Another Soilder
        10. Who
        11. (Video)

        Album Description

        Import exclusive 24-bit digitally remastered reissue of 1972 album packaged in a digipak. Includes multimedia track featuring video, biography and pictures. Stax.
        Respect Yourself
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          		Respect Yourself

          Manufacturer: EAMS
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          GeneralGeneral | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
          ASIN: B000E0P7OK

          Product Description

          Import CD single featuring 4 mixes of title track.
          Respect Yourself
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            		Respect Yourself
            Joe Cocker
            Manufacturer: EMI Int'l
            ProductGroup: Music
            Binding: Audio CD

            GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
            Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music
            Album-Oriented Rock (AOR)Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
            Classic RockClassic Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
            PopPop | Imports | Stores | Music
            ASIN: B00006IZLK
            Release Date: 2002-09-16

            Tracks:

            1. You Cant Have My Heart
            2. Love Not Wa
            3. You Took It So Hard
            4. Never Tear Us Apart
            5. This Is Your Life
            6. Respect Yourself
            7. Im Listening Now
            8. Leave A Little Light On
            9. Its Only Love
            10. Every Time It Rains
            11. Midnight Without You
            12. You Are So Beautiful (Live) (Bonus Track)
            13. You Can Leave Your Hat On (Live) (Bonus Track)

            Album Description

            Australian tour edition of 2002 album features 13 tracks, including two bonus live versions of, 'You Are So Beautiful' & You Can Leave Your Hat On'. EMI.

            Album Details

            This Aussie Exclusive Format features Two Bonus Live Recordings "You Are So Beautiful" and "You Can Leave Your Hat On".
            Be Altitude: Respect Yourself
            Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
            • A great Stax album of the Staple Singers from 1972!!
            • Soulful!
            • The Staple Singers
            • Perfection -- what more can you ask for?
            • Another Stax Classic
            		 Be Altitude: Respect Yourself
            The Staple Singers
            Manufacturer: Mobile Fidelity
            ProductGroup: Music
            Binding: Audio CD

            GospelGospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | R&B | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music
            Christian & GospelChristian & Gospel | Imports | Stores | Music
            R&BR&B | Imports | Stores | Music
            Similar Items:
            1. The Staple Swingers
            2. Be What You Are
            3. Great Day
            4. Let's Do It Again
            5. Freedom Highway

            ASIN: B000031W5N

            Tracks:

            1. This World
            2. Respect Yourself
            3. Name the Missing Word
            4. I'll Take You There
            5. This Old Town (People in This Town)
            6. We the People
            7. Are You Sure
            8. Who Do You Think You Are (Jesus Christ the Superstar) ?
            9. I'm Just Another Soldier
            10. Who

            Amazon.com essential recording

            In the 1960s, the Staple Singers began to make music that spoke to a wider audience than their core gospel fans. Gospel had served as the musical backbone for the Civil Rights movement from the beginning, but Pops Staples was spurred on by the inspirational messages of Martin Luther King Jr. to address more explicitly these issues. This 1972 record, an apex of groovy, mellow soul music (thanks to Al Bell's production and the definition-of-funky Muscle Shoals rhythm section), landed the group three Top 10 R&B hits and their first pop chart-topper, the joyous, bouncy "I'll Take You There." The Staples were always a one-of-a-kind gospel group; they managed to be the only one to inhabit the Top 10 without ever diluting their messages of tolerance, respect, and love. Who can fault any great preacher for wanting to spread the word to as many people as possible, especially when it sounds this glorious? --Mike McGonigal

            Customer Reviews:

            5 out of 5 stars A great Stax album of the Staple Singers from 1972!!.......2007-02-09

            This was the first album of the Staple Singers that I purchased on CD. I mainly got it to find out how their hit Respect Yourself sounds as well as I'll Take You There. I'm sure pleased that I did get this CD. Respect Yourself is almost five minutes long (while the single of it was only three and a half); this song is one of my favorite of theirs, as it tells you that if you disrespect anybody that you run into, you are disrespecting yourself as well. That is a great song. I also love I'll Take You There. The single of it is about three and a half minutes long, but on this album, you get the song in extended form. Love this song too!! I also like: This World, Are You Sure, We the People, I'm Just Another Soldier, and Name the Missing Word. Love this group. I have every one of their Stax album titles on CD. These folks are full of soul!!

            5 out of 5 stars Soulful!.......2006-07-10

            This happens to be my favorite musical group of all time. Their songs are easy to understand the words to and the words are fantastic. Very spiritual/moving/meaningful but still a great sound!! Was one of my fav record albums in the 70's and now I have it as a fav CD in the 2000's!!

            5 out of 5 stars The Staple Singers.......2006-04-27

            This is one of the most inspiring, uplifting, moving, and wonderful recordings of all time. Mavis, "Pops", Cleo and Yvonne. I salute all of you.........THANK YOU!!!

            5 out of 5 stars Perfection -- what more can you ask for?.......2003-08-30

            Ah, the Staple Singers. The soul group that brought me to soul. As an old punk rocker, old Bowie fan, and more, I just LOVE the Staple Singers. The musicianship is par excellence, and the singing is the sound of deep, moving musical moments. You cannont listen to this album and not be moved. Its just soooooo good. So good production, and the remastered version is absolutely fantastic. GET THIS ALBUM. Your life and soul will be greatly improved. I just wish there was more Staple Singers albums to listen to. They are all fantastic. Even live!!!!

            5 out of 5 stars Another Stax Classic.......2000-08-08

            The Staple Singers get Right here.The Stax Musicianship is in High Gear here.this is When Soul Music was Soul Music.Great Arrangements&So Much Feeling that you can't turn it off.the Music is So Deep&Rich that it will Bring Tears Of Joy To Your Heart&Soul.Genius in front of The Mic&Behind it.
            Respect Yourself - Part 1
            Average customer rating: Not rated
              		Respect Yourself - Part 1
              Robert Palmer
              Manufacturer: EMI
              ProductGroup: Music
              Binding: Audio CD

              Blue-Eyed SoulBlue-Eyed Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music
              Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
              GeneralGeneral | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music
              ASIN: B000LY3QSS

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