Music Review: Jimi Hendrix – The Cry Of Love

Jimi Hendrix died September 18, 1970. He had been in the studio recording tracks for his next album until about a month before his passing and was as proficient in the recording studio as he was on stage.

He was also a perfectionist and would leave behind multiple takes of many of his songs. He would also write and develop songs while he was recording as there would be tracks of the same song that would be far different from each other. Very few artists left behind as much studio material as did Hendrix. There was also a treasure-trove of live material that had been recorded over the years. In fact, live material and concerts are still being discovered.

The Cry Of Love was issued March 5, 1971 and was the first album to be released after his death. Some of the tracks may have a somewhat unfinished feel but there were also some that were polished and rank with the best that Hendrix ever produced. The tracks, except for one, would find Hendrix recording with former Experience drummer, Mitch Mitchell and Band Of Gypsy’s bassist, Billy Cox. It would be Mitchell and Eddie Kramer who would produce the album.

The Cry Of Love can only give us an incomplete picture of the mind of Jimi Hendrix and the musical direction he was traveling. The ten songs that Mitchell and Kramer chose for the album find Hendrix still experimenting and pushing the limits of the guitar sound to places that had never been traveled but also find a new sophistication of lyrics plus some structured underlying melodies.

The ballads, “Drifting” and “Angel” are probably the strongest tracks. “Drifting” contains some of the best lyrics that Hendrix would write. There is a poetic quality to them and they paint a poignant picture with words. “Angel” features some subtle slow guitar playing that if far from the frenetic style for which he was famous.

“Ezy Rider” and “Up From The Storm” are classic Hendrix rockers. “Ezy Ryder” would appear in a number of incarnations over the years and gives a good look into the various stages of Hendrix’ creative process. “Freedom” combines guitar virtuosity and a melodic structure. “My Friend” was recorded at the Electric Ladyland sessions in 1968 and provides a good counterpoint to the other material contained on the album. “Belly Button Window” was recorded August 22, 1970 and is probably the last studio track that Hendrix ever produced.

The Cry Of Love would be a huge seller and reached number 3 on the national music charts. It may not have been Hendrix’ best album but it is still very good. It has the historical value of providing some of the last material that Hendrix would put on tape. All in all, The Cry Of Love is an essential part of the Jimi Hendrix musical legacy.