Capitol's
Classic Cocker contains 19 original and re-recorded tracks spanning the raspy-voiced singer's eight-year stint with the label. It should be noted that his late-'60s hits "With a Little Help from My Friends," "The Letter," and "Feeling Alright" aren't the definitive versions heard on
Mad Dogs & Englishmen, but later performances taken from the 1990
Joe Cocker Live album (and "Delta Lady" is from 1996). Only "You Are So Beautiful" and his number one 1992 duet with
Jennifer Warnes, "Up Where We Belong," are the original charted versions. This isn't to suggest that
Classic Cocker is second-rate; his rocking version of
Gary Wright's "Love Is Alive" and a relaxed reggae take on
the Animals' "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" are recommended, but fans should be aware that this compilation doesn't encapsulate
Cocker's Woodstock-era peak. ~ Al Campbell, All Music Guide