Jimi Hendrix – The Cry Of Love

Jimi Hendrix – The Cry Of Love

Released in 1971, The Cry Of Love was the first album issued after the untimely death of Jimi Hendrix, bringing together a collection of completed studio recordings from the sessions that were intended for his next studio project. Carefully assembled by Eddie Kramer and Mitch Mitchell, the album captures Hendrix at the height of his creative powers, blending psychedelic rock, blues, soul, funk, and hard rock into one of the most celebrated releases in his catalogue.

Unlike a traditional compilation, The Cry Of Love presents a cohesive set of songs that showcase Hendrix's evolving songwriting and increasingly sophisticated production. The album reveals an artist pushing beyond the boundaries of rock, experimenting with richer arrangements, soulful grooves, and deeply expressive guitar work while retaining the electrifying energy that made him a legend.

The album opens with the uplifting Freedom, a powerful statement driven by Hendrix's unmistakable guitar tone and passionate vocals. Drifting follows with a dreamlike atmosphere before the funky Ezy Ryder and soaring Night Bird Flying demonstrate his growing musical ambition. Side A concludes with the reflective My Friend, offering a rare glimpse into Hendrix's more personal songwriting.

Side B begins with the energetic Straight Ahead, followed by the playful Astro Man. One of Hendrix's most beautiful compositions, Angel, delivers a heartfelt blend of lyrical emotion and exquisite guitar phrasing. In From The Storm provides one of the album's heaviest rock moments before the gentle acoustic closer Belly Button Window brings this remarkable collection to a poignant conclusion.

Regarded as one of the finest posthumous releases in rock history, The Cry Of Love stands alongside Hendrix's classic studio albums as an essential listen. Featuring some of his most accomplished late-period recordings, it remains indispensable for fans of classic rock, psychedelic blues, and one of the greatest guitarists of all time.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Freedom – 3:24
2. Drifting – 3:46
3. Ezy Ryder – 4:09
4. Night Bird Flying – 3:50
5. My Friend – 4:40

Side B

1. Straight Ahead – 4:42
2. Astro Man – 3:37
3. Angel – 4:25
4. In From The Storm – 3:42
5. Belly Button Window – 3:34